As time flies by, more and more progress is made in the fight against cancer. Over the years, new and better screening methods have emerged, cutting-edge technologies have surfaced, successful treatments have saved lives that may have otherwise been lost, and awareness has been raised about all sorts of cancer-related issues. It's amazing really, because in so many areas, we are not making progress.

According to research published in the March/April 2007 issue of WebMD: the Magazine, the per capita consumption of corn sweeteners in 2004 was 78.1 pounds in the United States -- up from 35.3 pounds in 1980. In 2005, the per capita consumption of candy by Americans was 25.7 pounds. We are pumping our bodies full of junk -- our rates of obesity in this country prove it.

When I think about our trend of over-eating and over-indulging, I gain a better appreciation of how far we've come medically. Not only have researchers, scientists, and medical experts made strides in the prevention and treatment of disease, they've done it against the odds. Just think how much more progress we'd make if we all did a little better at living healthy lives. Why not start now?

The local chapter of the New York City American Cancer Society is asking that candy-flavored cigarettes be banned from sale because they feel it is a tobacco industry marketing ploy to appeal to teens. During a City Council meeting, the bill introduced would prohibit the sale of cigarettes with fruity flavors, like Twista Lime, and Midnight Berry; candy flavors like Warm Winter Toffee; and any cigarettes with flavors resembling chocolate, vanilla, honey, candy, mint, cocoa, dessert, or an alcoholic beverage.

But is this the way to go? According to the Epoch Times, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, an anti-smoking advocate, who has not shown support of the ban, is concerned that banning fruit and candy-flavored cigarettes will make them more popular with kids they are trying to protect, and end up having a reverse effect of what the bill intends. Bloomberg has raised taxes on cigarettes, banned smoking in restaurants and bars, and donated $125 million of his own money in campaigns and programs to stop smoking. We have not contacted Bloomberg for a direct comment on the ban and are merely sharing what the Epoch Times has published about his position.

Forty states have addressed the issue of candy and fruit-flavored cigarettes after frustration that the federal government has not take a stand against R.J. Reynolds marketing of cigarettes to young people. R.J. Reynolds has agreed to a settlement with the attorney generals of 40 states to stop selling candy, fruit and alcohol-flavored cigarettes in the United States.

Along with the ban on Camel Exotic Blends including Mandarin Mint, Dark Mint, Crema, Izmir Stinger, Twist, Cinnzabar, Mandalay Lime, Aegean Spice, Bayou Blast, Beach Breezer, Margarita Mixer, Midnight Madness, Back Alley Blend, Kauai Kolada, Twista Lime, Winter MochaMint, Warm Winter Toffee, Blackjack Gin, Screwdriver Slots and SnakeEyes Scotch; Salem Silver including Dark Currents, Fire & Ice, Deep Freeze and Cool Myst; and Kool Smooth Fusions including Mintrigue, Mocha Taboo, Midnight Berry and Caribbean Chill, the tobacco company agreed to stop promotional materials that suggest candy, fruit or alcoholic beverages.

What do you think the best solution is to the problem of cigarettes that appear to be marketed to appeal to our youth? A ban? Increased taxing on cigarettes? Or do you have a more creative solution?

Health ministers will be taking a look at current food industry advertising rules, and if they are strict enough to protect the health of its country's children. The Cancer Council NSW does not think so, based on a study they conducted regarding snack and fast food companies advertising aimed at children.

Based on the study, Cancer Council NSW's nutrition manager, Kathy Chapman, accuses the junk food and fast food segment of the food industry of ignoring regulations and a voluntary industry code on how targeted the advertising is for children, when giveaway toys and movie tie-ins with fast food meals and similar products were central to many ads to which children are exposed. According to the research, nearly a third of all television advertising aimed at children is for unhealthy or nutrient-deficient foods.

The television advertising aimed at children is called pester power, and with the continuing rise in childhood obesity, the Cancer Council NSW wants food industry regulations enforced and the offenders penalized.

My little boys love candy -- and sometimes I think they eat healthy food only to earn sweets. Their constant badgering about candy has led to a recent ban on artificially-sweetened stuff in our house. If it's not in the house, they can't have it. No arguments. That's it. Fortunately, they also love fruit. So what we lack in candy we now make up for with fruit -- apples and bananas and grapes and peaches and strawberries are favorites. And just today at lunch, three-year-old Danny cleared his plate of strawberries and then proclaimed, "I love strawberries!" And I love that Danny loves strawberries -- especially in light of the news that hit papers today.

It seems that candy lovers are more likely than salt lovers to eat fruit. A study published in the journal Appetite found that people who eat candy, cakes, and other sweet snacks eat more fruit than people who prefer salty snacks like chips and nuts. Maybe that's the reason for my boys' equal affection for both candy and fruit -- and their indifference about salty treats. Apparently, the craving for something sweet is satisfied by both candy and fruit -- which is hopeful for kids whose parents might now steer them in the direction of the more healthy option. And for dieters who might incorporate more fruits into their menus in an effort to cut calories. And for anyone really who is concerned that a diet rich in candy, cookies, and cakes might contribute to illness and disease while fruits and vegetables encourage healthful living.

An apple a day.

The 2006 York Tour de Pink, a cycling tour fundraiser for the Young Survival Coalition, sponsored by York Peppermint Patties and The Hershey Company, is looking for riders to join the celebrity lineup for this year's event. Departing from Times Square in New York City, participants of the tour will be joining four of North America's top cyclists -- Kristin Armstrong of TEAm Lipton, Mari Holden of T-Mobile Women's Team, Dede Barry of World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist and Michael Barry of Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team for a four-day ride to the Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

According to the 2006 York Tour de Pink rider's page, it will be a picturesque yet challenging route across central New Jersey and southern Pennsylvania with professional support, including SAG vans, mechanics and medical personnel, rest stops every fifteen miles and catered meals. And I think this is important because it is followed by an exclamation mark -- there will be hotel lodging and no camping out. First thing I thought was -- ahh, hot shower soft bed -- deserving of an exclamation mark.

The 2006 York Tour de Pink benefits the Young Survival Coalition, the only international network of breast cancer survivors, medical professionals and supporters dedicated to young women affected by breast cancer. They are looking for 100 riders to join the tour.

Fast food and junk food snacks are not good for health. Smoking is not good for health. Little sleep and non-existent periods of relaxation are not good for health. Lack of exercise and weight gain from stress eating are not good for health. But according to researchers, women who work long hours are prone to some or all these habits, and that is not a good thing for their health. Smoking, damage to the immune system due to unrelenting levels of stress, lack of exercise and weight gain all increase cancer risks.

Leeds University conducted a study that showed women typically respond to the stress of working long hours by engaging in negative habits that are detrimental to their immediate and long-term health. According to researchers, the reaction to stress can manifest in choosing unhealthy high fat and high sugar snacks before choosing healthier food.

The study compared how men and women respond to stress, and if there was a difference. Some experts stated that men are less likely to be affected by working long hours because they are not expected to multi-task when they get home from work in the same way women are expected to do. Researchers said most women agree to their take on the matter.

Knowing that some women alleviate stress in unhealthy ways, gives women an opportunity to step back and assess how they might choose better strategies for dealing with stress -- or in minimizing some of the causes of stress in their life. Aside from these research findings, I think both men and women in modern society are under enormous daily stress and we all need to step back and evaluate how much of our health we are willing to compromise.

Cigarettes remain the only legal product that kills half of its regular users when consumed as intended by the manufacturer. -- World Health Organization

Tobacco: deadly in any form or disguise is the theme of the World Health Organization, WHO, World No Tobacco Day. According to WHO, the variety of tobacco products manufactured and marketed worldwide continues to expand. For example, new types of flavored, natural or organic and roll-your-own cigarettes are often advertised and marketed with names and packaging that might mislead consumers into believing that they are less dangerous than conventional cigarettes.

The youth continue to be targeted by advertising and products that are deceptive and meant to conceal the fact that tobacco is being used. Some tobacco products are being made to look like candy. One of the products contains compressed tobacco powder along with sweeteners, mint and other flavorings, and resembles a brand of popular breath mints. While the tobacco industry continues to deny their intent is to target the young, anti-tobacco activists point to tobacco products that are flavored with sweeteners to taste like candy and come in chewing gum-style packaging. You know, it is a common tactic of the guilty to proclaim innocence. But just saying it isn't so doesn't work because the eyes don't lie. If it looks like a duck -- and walks like a duck -- it's a duck. Deception is the tobacco industry's duck. For more information, visit WHO's World No Tobacco Day.

According to Jean Thompson, CEO and Chief Chick of Chick Chocolates, eating chocolate is an experience that can elevate a woman into a spiritual dimension of complete bliss. Thompson suggests that chocolate is more about a relationship that nurtures and satisfies -- much like the feeling of being in love -- than simply the enjoyment of a sweet treat. At Chick Chocolates, chocolates have distinct personalities too, just like women do. Thompson, who waxes poetic in all things chocolate-related -- sells chocolate -- that's true -- but she is not merely in the business of making a profit. In the case of her Survivor Chick chocolate product line, she is also helping support organizations dedicated to women's cancers.

The Survivor Chick chocolates reflect women who are compassionate, nurturing, and strong fighters. The personality product profile for Survivor Chick chocolates states that it is vibrant, enthusiastic and full of life -- embracing everyone and everything as a wonderful gift. A smooth white chocolate flavored with the sweet taste of fresh raspberries all wrapped up in a delicious coat of rich, dark chocolate. 100 percent of the profit from Survivor Chick chocolate sales goes to organizations that are fighting women's cancers. Chick Chocolates is part of Seattle Chocolate Company, a company that specializes in all-natural gourmet chocolates. Thanks to Chick Chocolates, you can indulge your passion for chocolate with Survivor Chick chocolates, and know you are supporting a good cause. Taking a fun approach in contribution to a campaign designed to make a difference in the life of someone else is the best of all worlds. And who doesn't like chocolate? Well, I bet your mother does -- and Mother's Day is only two weeks from now.