There are certain things we can all do to lessen our chances of getting breast cancer. Since it’s one of the ugliest of all monsters, we should take every precaution we possibly can to keep from ever having to stare it squarely in the eye. Can it be stared down and defeated? You betcha, strong-willed individuals with a zest for life do it every day – including my own beloved aunt who has been cancer free for 6 years. But if there are things we can do to lessen our odds of ever having to suit up for a fight we don’t want to be in, we’re going to do them, right? Because that’s just how we roll.
- Irregardless of your age, begin frequent self breast exams. Don’t perform one in May, then another one in November. Make a date with yourself to examine your breasts once a month.
- Get clinical breast exams. If you are in your 20s or 30s, have a medical professional examine your breasts at least every three years. If you are over 40, you should be examined every year AND have a yearly mammogram.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a “Plant Based” diet lowers your chances for getting quite a few types of cancer. From Health.com: “National Cancer Institute has for many years recommended that members of the general population eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, but Dr. McTiernan points out that most experts on cancer and diet recommend at least double that amount. Focus especially on eating a variety of brightly colored vegetables and fruits, as these contain the highest concentrations of vitamins.”
- Drink non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol use increases your odds for getting breast cancer.
- Be physically active. Exercising three to four hours per week can reduce your risk of breast cancer by about 20%. Whether you walk, bike, dance, or jog, you’ll want to keep your heart rate above its baseline level for at least 20 minutes at a time.
- Eat less red meat. Limit your intake of red meat to 4 ounces per day, on average, and cut out meats such as sausages and bologna. The chemicals that are used to process these meats have been found to cause several kinds of cancers.
Be smart. Be prepared. Be careful. Be proactive. Be safe. Be here for everyone you love.
by joi on June 8, 2009
in Health
Do your daily habits carry you further away from cancer’s danger zone or push you closer?
When it comes to things that lead to cancer, we all know the dangers of smoking. Smoking kills. It is linked to at least 15 different types of cancer.
Fifteen! If anyone has any sense whatsoever, one of their goals in life is to guard themselves from as many dangers as possible. Not JUST for themselves – but for their loved ones as well. Anyone who has a deadly habit such as smoking and doesn’t take every measure they can to quit is, in many ways, being selfish. No one gets cancer, suffers, or even dies alone. The victim’s loved ones walk through hell with them.
However, smoker’s aren’t the only ones who are putting themselves (and by extension, their families) at risk. Did you know that obesity is a known cause of cancer? We all know that being overweight leads to heart problems and increases one’s risk for diabetes – but cancer?
So how many cancers would you guess that obesity is linked to? One? Four? Seven?
Being overweight is linked to at least a dozen types of cancer, including breast and pancreatic cancers. The American Cancer Society stresses the need to get, and keep, your weight in check by eating right and getting enough exercise. Adults should be physically active for at least 30 minutes on five or more days a week.
Get that body moving and keep it moving. When it isn’t moving, feed it the kinds of food it craves for good health: lots of fruits and vegetables! Fortunately one of the perks of exercising is often an automatic desire for the right kinds of food. My oldest daughter, Emily, and I walked for an hour this morning. When we dragged back in the house, we were both hungry for fruits. I honestly would have crawled across glass for a slice of watermelon or a dish of peaches and cottage cheese.
They actually still sound pretty darn good. I know a couple of things I’ll be getting at the store tomorrow.
Think of some healthier things you can start doing. Think of some unhealthy habits you can get rid of. Then, act on each. The kicker is this: You have to keep on keeping on, even when you don’t want to whatsoever. That’s when you have to dig deep and say, “I don’t want to walk, but I’m going to do it anyway.” OR “I want a Big Mac and fries, but I’ll have a salad and fruit yogurt parfait instead.” You’ll feel so much better afterward.
