`EATING OF THE GREENS' THEME OF CANCER EVENT

"Eating of the Greens" is this year's theme for the Great American Food Fight sponsored by the Cape Girardeau County unit of the American Cancer Society.

This week's food fight week coincides with the St. Patrick's Day holiday.

The annual event is a lighthearted attempt to deliver a serious message: eating the right foods may lower the risks of certain cancers.

The American Cancer Society wants people to choose foods rich in vitamins A and C, low in fat and high in fiber, as well as cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

"Diet is suspected as an important cause of as much as 35 percent of all cancer deaths," said Trish Volp, chairwoman of the local public education committee of the American Cancer Society.

"If we can get people to understand that eating right helps prevent cancer, we've been successful. This is one week to try healthy alternatives," she said.

Southeast Missouri State University dining services plans several special activities to focus attention on healthy eating. An "Eat Your Greens" vegetable bar will be available in all dining centers today during the dinner meal.

Information tables will be staffed by students to provide follow-up details for fighting cancer through healthy food choices. Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center also are sponsoring informational activities.

Educational activities will be conducted Friday at Schnucks. Debbie Leoni, director of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Wellness Center, and Nancy Mattingly, cancer program coordinator at Southeast Hospital, will be available to discuss and answer questions.