Together we can find answers, predict, prevent and help cure or prevent disease.

We have put our money and merchandise on the line for research for cancer. As individuals we should do our best to keep cancer from invading our health and our lives. There are things we can do and there are things we can't do, but intelligence tells us we need to look at the things that could enhance our health. The media, reading material, common sense — and yes, our doctors — can give us tips that may or may not help. Let’s get smart, tough and look at the things that could make a difference.

Look to healthy living. We all know there are things we should or should not do. Bacteria feeds on sugar. Smoking and second-hand smoke does matter. Chemicals from food are chancy; we even need to look at the side effects we may get from the pills we take.

Veggies and other foods can help the immune system keep problems from forming. Many of the same things that are dangerous for our heart or diabetes, etc. are also dangerous in regards to cancer.

If refined foods contain things that may be dangerous, maybe it is time for us to go back to the basics so we know what we are eating.

Voice your opinions about the things you don't like that are in our foods, things like fructose and chemicals. Buy organic. Stop looking at some foods as being "treats" and consider them culprits instead and keep them out of your house so you won't be tempted to eat them. 

Change your eating habits. Let manufactures know what you think about the products that they are making. Read labels and leave foods that have questionable ingredients listed in the first three ingredients on the package that may be dangerous on the shelf. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air, exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. Start using home remedies like vinegar and soda, etc., instead of sprays, and stop using cleaning situation that may be dangerous and hazardous to our health.

It is also important to be aware of the things that we keep our food in. Check plastic and other items that you might store food in for hidden contaminants. Glass is breakable, but it is safer to store food in than plastic. Some metal cans may not always be as safe for most fresh or frozen foods.

The only sugar substitute I know of that is safe is Stevia, but it is super sweet. Most recipes that people make using this product will not need to be changed all that much if you use a little less sugar. Butter is better than substitutes; just use it sensibly.

Two tablespoons of peanut butter is equal to a meat serving, but look for the "real thing" that is just peanuts without all the added items. Lynda Jensen used to say, "I don't want lard in my peanut butter." Real peanut butter may be a little more expensive, but it is far better for you. Try almond butter for a change. It has added benefits.

Let's make 2015 the year we raise our intelligence to look into the causes and cures for healthy eating. Think green, think vegetables. Drink water - lots of it. Learn to eat smaller pieces of meat and other foods. They will taste different.

Use your food chopper to cut up vegetables - like cucumbers, carrots, radishes and celery that you can add to your salad as well as learn to use less dressing. The old adage of dipping your fork in the dressing is still a good way to get a taste without overdoing.

Can't give up these goodies? You can if your life depended on it. Isn't it worth it?

At least go moderate - cut back a little at a time. Smaller plates, smaller helpings, less food - less meat - fewer snacks - and make them healthy snacks.

If you've ever sat in front of a big box store and watched the people who come out with their pendulum stomachs, wide behinds and fat thighs or looked at the content of what's in some of the grocery carts, it may give you reason to think. Where do I want to be in 2015 in the scan of life?

Are you a list maker? Then start there! Also picture the amount of sugar in that can of soda pop. back and add a little bit of club soda in your glass until you break the sugar habit.

Think about how many hours of work or exercise you will need to do in exchange for whatever you eat. No, I am not your doctor - I am just your friend. These are things that I struggle with too.

Try things you didn't think you would like. You might be wrong.

There used to be a gentlemen on television who would go around checking to see what people had in their shopping carts. He was rude to be sure, but not so dumb as it made people aware of what they were buying.

If you view it through the idea that there is a purpose beyond you and what you want, it makes sense.

Life is not just about you! You have family and friends - your health concerns them as well.

It a big commitment to get healthy and it will demand a great deal of patience but it will be worth it in the long run.

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Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements.  In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me. 

  If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405. 

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This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:

• Thursday, January 29th: Molly Jo Wayne, her 7th Jalen Aaseth, Rick Seath, Andrea (Hanson) Carter, George Dettman, his 85th, Kim (Harpel) Johnson, Zenobia Haberman, Stephanie Jensen

• Friday, January 30th: Allison Grunwald, Renae Wallace, Trudy Nelson, Cody Boverhuis, Dennis Jensen, Jeanette Fetterly, Michael Robinson, Scott Morreim, Wally Wobschall, Missy (Wayne) & Sean Engel, their 6th, Paul & Diane Stollard

• Saturday, January 31st: Ethan River Thompson, his 10th; Avery Routh, her 10th; Dana Jensen, Jim Worrell, Keith Hagen, Sue Richards, David Skroch, Jim & Lois Plunkett

• Sunday, February 1st: Grayson Joseph Bickler, his 7th; Richard Grunwald, Brad Hagen, Tom Olson, Shelly Wencl, Sam & Sharon Peterson, Darrin & Michelle Hanson

• Monday, February 2nd: Kia Jayann Buendorf, her 7th; Matt Davis, Addie Farr, Joey Farr, Michael Farr, Butch Otteson, John Fornberg, Robert Hanson, Jim Motz, Karri Bangert, Lillie Fenney

• Tuesday, February 3rd: Avery Jean Blouin, 2014; Bowen Gregory Jensen, his 9th; Lily Neitzel, Julie Hanson, David Johnson, Sherry Misgen, Tara (Stollard) Richards, Francene Pittman, Jeremy Hanson

• Wednesday, February 4th: Aaron Duane Bauers, Tyler Cerney, Tyler Sorenson (1994), Waylen Busho Jr., Billy Glynn, David Newgard, Roy Jensen, John Lent

• Thursday, February 5th: Crystal Simonson, Blanche Kasper, Darrell Howell, Randy Reese, Ericka Johnson, Kylee Jace Wilson, Wesley Schoenrock

• Friday, February 6th: Jean Klocek, Carolyn Hanson, Dean Jensen, David Kelly, Martin Bartness, Colleen Borchert, Troy Haddy, Jean Clausen, Sonja Thompson, Megan Stephoni, Todd Nelson, Brooke Burns, Kay Swenson

May your special day be a happy memory and tomorrow a bright new promise.