Dr Andrew Dweil
Answer (Published 4/22/2008)

1. No pesticides: We know that conventionally grown foods consistently contain residues of pesticides that may be harmful. Some 865 pesticide active ingredients are now registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and thousands of products containing them singly or in combination are used in conventional farming to kill insects and other agricultural pests. Many of these chemicals have been implicated in human and animal cancers, nervous system disorders, and other serious diseases.

2. More antioxidants: Organically grown fruits and vegetables appear to have higher antioxidant levels than conventionally grown foods. A study published in the Feb. 26, 2003 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that levels of antioxidants in organic corn were 58.5 percent higher than those in conventionally grown corn and that antioxidant levels in organically grown strawberries were about 19 percent higher than they were in conventionally grown strawberries. Data released in 2005 by the Organic Consumers Association showed that on average, the organic crops studied contained about one-third higher antioxidant content than comparable conventional produce. It also noted that levels of specific vitamins, flavonoids, and other health-protective compounds in organic foods were two or three times those found in matched samples of conventional foods.
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3. Better for the earth: A 22-year study at Cornell University found that raising crops organically produces the same yields of corn and soybeans as does conventional farming, but uses 30 percent less energy, less water, and no toxic chemicals. The study also found that organic farming conserved more water in the soil, caused less erosion, maintained soil quality, and conserved more biological resources than conventional farming. The study is a review of the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial, the longest running comparison of organic vs. conventional farming in the United States.

4. Efficient: Contrary to arguments that only conventional farming methods can meet the world’s need for food, a series of studies has shown that organic farming is just as productive, if not more so. A study reported in the March-April 2008 issue of Agronomy Journal showed that organic methods produced as much wheat and alfalfa and 90 percent of the amount of corn, soybeans and winter wheat as yielded by conventional methods, and organic farming methods build up soil instead of depleting it.

To which I would add, in my experience, organic food simply tastes better! Making a commitment to buy, or better yet grow, your own organic food is one of the best Earth Day resolutions you can make.

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Prevention of Lung Cancer

The study found that physical activity is linked with a lower risk of developing lung cancer. And the benefit extends to everyone; men and women, as well as those who were smokers, former smokers, or had never touched a cigarette, all benefited from exercise. And, the activities evaluated did not require hours a day or a pricey health club membership. Even gardening two times a week was associated with a reduced risk.

Improved Survival for Those Who Have Lung Cancer

For both sexes, exercise reduced the risk of death from lung cancer, although the benefits seem greater in women.

Improved Quality of Life

Physical activity appears to improve quality of life for those with cancer in general. It also has been found to decrease cancer-related fatigue, one of the most distressing symptoms for many with cancer.

Tips for Adding Physical Activity to Your Day

As noted, the amount of physical activity needed to reduce the risk of lung cancer, and improve survival and quality of life in those with cancer, can be as simple as gardening a few times per week. Too many of us fail in our intentions to exercise because we set our goals too high. This can be harder yet for those dealing with the fatigue of cancer.

What are a few simple things we can do to add physical activity to our days?

• Plant a garden
• Dance to the radio
• Sign up for a yoga class. Yoga also appears to increase natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell) that feast on cancer cells.
• Purchase a pedometer, and set a goal of a certain number of steps daily
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Park as far as possible from your destination
• Walk around an art gallery or museum