Answer: You are right on track with consistent physical activity and healthy eating habits, so keep doing what you are doing. A healthy lifestyle, along with regular medical checkups, is the best way to avoid risk factors for many types of cancer.

However, there are a couple things to keep in mind: First, there are many risk factors for cancer that can be avoided, but avoiding those doesn't necessarily mean you won't get the disease. Secondly and on a more positive note, most people have risk factors for various life-threatening illnesses yet most don't contract them.

The variables are endless, but to keep things simple, living a physically active lifestyle without smoking, abusing alcohol/drugs and eating junk food will go a long way in helping you live long and strong.

The three top causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer and stroke, with the majority of all three due to the lifestyle and activity patterns of those afflicted. Stay consistent with your exercise, eat as healthy as possible and get regular checkups. Changing and improving these daily habits is the key.

I recently lost my brother to esophageal cancer, which is directly linked to bad eating habits, alcohol and/or smoking. Because bad habits don't always cause immediate harm, people fool themselves into believing that they won't be affected. Unfortunately, when my brother was diagnosed with cancer, it was too late and he died less than 10 days after being diagnosed.

I recommend that you take things a step further by staying on top of cancer trends and getting screened for the numerous types. Start with the American Cancer Society for basic information.

Contact personal trainer Dave Patania by e-mail: davpatania@aol.com.