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THINK SMART Helpful tips for your everyday life

Best bets against colon cancer

Surprise: The long-held theory that fat causes colon cancer while fiber prevents it has not panned out, says cancer-diet researcher John Baron, M.D., of Dartmouth Medical School. Example: A new Harvard analysis of 726,000 people finds no link between colorectal cancer and a lack of fiber from cereals, fruits and vegetables.

Your best bets are to see your doctor about screening and:

Restrict red meat, especially cooked well-done, Baron says. In a major study of 478,000 people, those who ate 6 ounces of red and/or processed meat daily were one-third more likely to have colon cancer than those who ate less than 1 ounce a day.

Eat fish. On the other hand, people who eat 3 ounces of fish a day have one-third lower risk than those eating less than 2.5 ounces of fish a week. Poultry had no effect on colon cancer.

Go easy on alcohol. Two drinks a day boost colon cancer risk 16%, and three drinks daily raise it 40%, finds Harvard research.

Eat cruciferous vegetables. Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower have anti-carcinogens.

Get calcium and D. Baron found that 1,200mg a day of calcium carbonate cut the recurrence of polyps (tiny growths that can lead to cancer) by 19% in a four-year test. In other research, 1,000 IU of vitamin D a day cut colon cancer risk 50%.

Watch your weight. Obese or overweight men are 2 1/2 times more likely to have colon cancer, according to a new German study.

You may contact Jean Carper at stopagingnow.com.

Scientific sources for this article
Colon cancer and fiber from cereal, fruits, vegetables
Park Y, JAMA 2005 Dec 14:292(22): 2849-57

Colon cancer and red meat, fish, poultry
Journal National Cancer Institute, 2005;97(906-16)

Colon cancer and alcohol
Cho E., Ann Intern Med 2004 Apr 20; 140(8): 155

Colon cancer and crucifers
Interview with John Baron, M.D., Dartmouth Medical School
Van Poppel G, et al. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1999;472:159-168.

Colon cancer and body weight
Rapp K, Br J Cancer 2005 Oct 31;93(9): 1062-7

Colon cancer and calcium
Baron, J. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2003; 95: (1765-1771)

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Men's jewelry gets big

Talk about turnoffs: Gold chains snarled in chest hair and worn with polyester were enough to kill men's jewelry for decades. But now guys bling it on big-time with oversized cocktail rings, pendants and cuffs, many studded with diamonds or threaded with black leather. "Everywhere you turn, you see men's jewelry," says Ken Downing, a Neiman Marcus vice president. "There's nothing girly about it. These pieces bring a little danger -- a rock 'n' roll sensibility -- to a man's wardrobe."

Lenny Kravitz, Brad Pitt and other trinket-covered performers indeed spur men's sales, a quickly growing segment of the industry, according to the Jewelry Information Center. The younger a man is, the more likely he adores such adornments, says Jim Haag, managing director at Manhattan's Jacob & Co., where half of all sales are for men. "Guys are growing up today with the attitude that it's hip to wear jewelry," he says.

Big names in baubles deliver the goods, such as Kay Jewelers with silver necklaces, Nomination with razor-blade-shaped pendants and John Hardy with diamond pavé rings. Where to keep it all? Agresti's mahogany case (available at Neiman Marcus) will hold 15 men's watches. Says Downing: "The sky's the limit."

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Try tai chi -- it's gentle exercise

Tai chi, a 2,000-year-old form of exercise, is non-competitive, gentle and self-paced. Anyone can do it, and the benefits are extensive.

"Tai chi is a combination of biofeedback, visualization and gentle exercise movements that together have a profound impact on mental, physical and emotional health," says Bill Douglas, founder and international director of World Tai Chi and Qigong Day, which takes place April 29 this year. "Tai chi is used as therapy for chronic pain and limited mobility, but its greatest power is preventive."

Studies of tai chi show it reduces blood pressure, episodes of anxiety and depression, and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It also helps give a boost to the immune system, builds bone mass, and improves chronic pain, limited mobility, balance and coordination.

To learn more, find instruction on the basics or discover a class in your area, go online to worldtaichiday.org.

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Lower credit card rates

Is it true that you can possibly lower your credit card interest rate just by asking the card issuer to lower it?
Catherine A. Jarvis, Holly Ridge, N.C.

That's right. Issuers often are willing to cut rates for customers because they don't want to lose the business. But first, be sure you have a leg to stand on: Check your credit report (get a free copy from annualcreditreport.com, or call 877-322-8228). Issuers usually save the lowest rates for those who have the strongest credit histories.

Next, compare rates on your cards. Call the issuer of your higher rate card and say you're thinking of going with a lower rate card unless it matches that lower rate. If the company agrees, make payments on time, or you could wind up paying a higher interest rate again.