Breast Cancer: Live Well. Be Aware. Be Educated.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every month should be an awareness month because every woman should do breast self-exams monthly (BSE). If you’re still menstruating, then a few days after would be ideal and if you’re postmenopausal then pick the first or last day of the month so you’re less likely to forget.

Breast cancer awareness means different things to different people. I think of it as living well, being aware, and being educated.

Live Well

It all starts with how you treat and care for your body physically and emotionally. The saying, “you are what you eat” is almost true. High fat content foods, processed foods and sugar will most likely produce a rotund figure.

Control your weight and starting making healthier food choices. This includes:

– More fresh fruits and vegetables
– Eat fewer high fat foods and sugar
– Limit alcohol intake
– Don’t smoke
– Take a multivitamin
– Take vitamin D and calcium
– Eat lean meats and make the portions smaller
– Whole grains and cereals
– Non-fat milk and dairy products
– Drink water
– Limit salt intake and adding to foods while cooking. Read labels for sodium content
– Limit your intake of smoked and pickled foods
– Consider buying organic

Avoid taking any unnecessary estrogen. Cosmetics, skincare products or other personal or household products have chemicals that act like estrogen. The two common chemicals are paraben and phthalates.

Start a physical activity you enjoy. Walking for 30 minutes each day is highly beneficial. While at times it may be difficult to keep a positive outlook, negative thinking hampers your emotional well-being in drastic ways. Use meditation on God’s Word, prayer or yoga to de-stress.

Be Aware

Being in tune with your body is one of your best defenses against breast cancer. Knowing what is normal for you and being able to detect changes or abnormalities sooner will only increase your chances of getting properly diagnosed and treated.

Read my other article on Breast Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

Be Educated

Breast cancer and many other types of cancers come when people never expect it. Don’t feel there’s only one option when it comes to treatment. Whether someone chooses chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or take the holistic approach, it’s chosen because it’s right for them. It’s important to be educated and up-to-date on the latest technology or treatments.

Breast cancer can be preventable, treatable and curable. Treat your body well and get regular check ups with your healthcare provider.

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