October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time dedicated
to educating and increasing awareness about the importance
of breast self exams and early detection. Breast cancer
is the most common cancer effecting women.
As we age, it seems we know more women who have been affected
by the disease. There is no cure for breast cancer; but
there are actions women can take in defense of this offensive
and sometimes deadly disease.
Physical activity is an important key to prevention and
survival. Accordinng to Kyle Wierda, executive director
of the American Cancer Society in Brandon, certain women
are at a higher risk for the disease.
“There are certain risk factors, such as age, gender and
family history which lead to a prone disposition,” she said.
Being pro-active can make a difference. “Exercise daily,
eat a well-balanced diet and control alcohol intake to a
minimum,” suggests Wierda.
Some women need that extra push off the couch and into the
gym. As added motivation, work out with a partner. This
gives a sense of accountability, reliability, and support.
Whether you commit to a set routine of walking, biking,
or taking a group fitness class together, doing it with
a partner makes you more likely to stick to a fitness program
and achieve results. |
Nutrition plays a vital role in determining your risk for
breast cancer. One of the most essential nutrients for women
is calcium. They should consume at least 1,000 miligrams
each day. Great sources of calcium include low-fat milk,
yogurt, fruit juices and spinach.
Sources such as prevention.com have guidelines listing breast
friendly foods. They encourage us to choose olive oil over
butter and incorporating more leafy greens and vegetables
into out diets. Most greens are high in vitamin B, which
contains Folate, which helps to reduce cancer risk. Consuming
a diet high in soy is recommended. So when you are in your
local Starbucks®, opt for a iced white chocolate soy latte,
instead of regular or non-fat milk. Beans are a healthy
option as well.
The simplicity of movement and balance through exercise
and eating in moderation can be broken down into a simple
acronym.
Balance
Regular
Exercise
Activity
Sports
Thirty...minutes or more
Choose
Awareness
Non-smoking
Check-ups
Eat...less fat
Run or walk for the cure! |
While October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is important
that women are vigilant year round in detecting and preventing
breast cancer and raising awareness of this disease. Get
involved! Here are some tips on getting active in October
and year round.
1. Donate!
2. Volunteer your time. There are various invaluable things
you can do to contribute…Join a Cure event, build a fundraising
team, administrative work, there are so many ways to help!
3. Contact the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation,
visit www..komen.org to find your local chapter. The organization
hosts a three day fundraising event in Tampa Bay from October
13 through October 15. The Susan G. Komen organization has
been bringing survivors and supporters together since 1983.
4. The American Cancer Society has been changing lives since
1993. Their event, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
will be held Saturday, October 28th, 2006 at the St. Pete
Times Forum. For more information or call 1-800--ACS--2345..
5.Do you want to stay involved year round? Check out the
American Cancer Society website and get involved with Relay
for Life events. According to Elizabeth Kylander, a local
volunteer and activist, “It will move you, it will change
you, everyone should be |