Through illegal poaching and habitat loss, the future looks bleak for the African and Asian elephant, yet what if these animals held the secret to finding the cure for cancer?

As I have alluded to in previous blogs, environmental health should be included with our daily fitness and health plans and even our sports training programs.  Imagine if elephants did, in fact, hold the cure to cancer, but due to habitat loss and poaching, they no longer existed to help scientists come up with a cure? What if there are other animals or plants or microorganisms that offer the secrets to unlocking the cancer mystery or perhaps the Alzheimer dilemma.

While I am not sure what each of us could do to stop the loss of elephant habitat and poaching which together are leading to their demise, we can at the very least do our best for the environment and ecology in which we live. For example, what are we putting down our drains? Do our roads really need more Winter salt, or should we just drive slower and use proper tires? 

By the way, as it relates to the human body in most cases excess dietary salt is unhealthy as is running with old worn out shoes. High levels of salt, can negatively impact blood pressure and our cardiovascular health and training in old worn out shoes can negatively impact joint health or cause slipping and falling.

Our bodies need to be treated properly in order to thrive and to live a long life and so do our surroundings. The living system that we call the ecosystem encompasses every living creature, including humans. As we strive to reach the goal of improved health or the highest levels of sport our environment must also remain healthy. 

Some ways to make a difference and to preserve your local species and environment are to stop purchasing plastic bottles filled with water or your favorite sports drink. Whenever possible, buy your sports drinks in glass bottles and use tap water.  Carpool to the gym or ski area. When running or cycling in a nature preserve, respect the trails and stay on the designated path.

[Are Elephant Populations Stable These Days? - Scientific American](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-elephant-populations-stable/)

https://www.nature.com/news/how-elephants-avoid-cancer-1.18534

[Cancer research: Zombie genes and elephants](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322736.php)