Welcome to Mission Matters for May, 2008. Mission Matters is a blog and conference call learning opportunity. We share information about American Cancer Society programs and service, cancer research and ways you can Fight Back against cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

This month, we will share information about the Great American Health Challenge. We hope you can join us for the Mission Matters conference call at Noon Eastern and 8:30 PM Eastern to learn about this life-saving fight back opportunity. Please visit the Fight Back section here at http://www.relayforlife.org/ or www.cancer.org/greatamericans.

Call in information: 1-800-910-2399/passcode: 487160

Nealry 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices like not smoking or using other tobacco products, maintaining a healthy body weight, getting regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption and getting cancer screening tests. The Great American Health Challenge is an American Cancer Society program designed to educate people on how to reduce their risk of cancer by encouraging them to make a commitment to take the following actions

What can I do to Fight Back with the Great American Health Challenge?

I can get checked. I will find what cancer screening tests are appropriate based on my age and gender, and discuss these with my doctor. Screening can prevent cancer or detect it at its earliest, most treatable stage. I can take the Great American Health Check.

I can get moving. I can commit to becoming physically active at least five days a week, and strive for at least 30 minutes of exercise - over and above my usual activities. I can participate in the Get Active Challenge (www.cancer.org/greatamericans)

I can eat right. I will aim for a healthy body weight and eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. I will limit consumption of red meats, especially high fat and processed meats. In August, I can participate in the Great American Eat Right Challenge.

I can quit smoking and using other tobacco products or encourage someone I love to do so. I can also join the fight against tobacco as an advocate for smoke-free communities. In November, I can participate in the Great American Smokeout.

I can share the Great American Health Challenge information with a friend or loved one. I will take a pledge to get five to ten friends to take the challenge!

I can participate in the Great American Health Challenge Picture of Health prevention campaign (www.cancer.org/greatamericans).

We can use Great American Health Challenge thank you cards and e-cards as a way to thank those who supported our Relay For Life team efforts this year.

We can pledge to participate in the Great American Health Challenge during team and committee meetings each quarter.