10 Things You Can Do To Lower Your Risk Of Being Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
Actress and activist Angelina Jolie has taken drastic and courageous measures to reduce her risk of being diagnosed with cancer. In a New York Times Op Ed piece, she announced that in February she had a voluntary double mastectomy after learning that she was at a risk of developing breast cancer through genetic testing. She chose to do the testing of the BRCA1 gene after her mother lost her life to cancer in 2007 at the age of 56. A BRCA1 mutation increases the breast cancer risk by an average of 67%. Through the testing, doctors estimated that Jolie had an 87% chance of getting breast cancer and a 50 % chance of getting ovarian cancer.
In the piece Jolie writes, “once I knew this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and minimize the risk as much as I could. I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.” She says she decided to share her story in hopes of helping women and spreading awareness of these options. It was indeed a brave thing to do and going public with it is extremely courageous and will no doubt help countless women. I applaud her.
Fortunately, genetic mutations of this sort are very rare accounting for only 5 – 8% of breast cancers. But, if as in Jolie’s case, you have a strong family history and other risk factors it’s a good idea to at least talk to your OBGYN about it and perhaps meet with a genetic counselor like she did.
The World Health Organization estimates that 200,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer next year and it is estimated that 450,000 people around the world will die of breast cancer. The good news is that survival rates are at an all-time high. Early detection, proper screening and a healthy lifestyle will help you beats the odds.
- Exercise. Just 30 minutes of exercise each day reduces your chance of getting breast cancer and exercise boosts t-cells that help your immune system work at full capacity
- Keep your body fat percentage in check. Too much fat on our bodies creates hormones, particularly estrogen, which has been found to stimulate cancer
- Garlic, turmeric and cruciferous vegetables including brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and bok choy are good breast cancer fighters because they bind estrogen in your GI tract
- A recent study showed that drinking 3 cups of green tea a day can reduce risk of breast cancer by 50%
- Steer clear of Bisphenol A. It imitates estrogen so it disrupts our endocrine system and messes with hormones. It’s been associated with many cancers including breast cancer
- Avoid parabens. Use cosmetics and sunscreen that are formulated without them because parabens mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of breast and other cancers
- Pesticides can also affect the way your hormones react so buy organic when possible and use green cleaning products
- Ask your doctor about taking the active form of vitamin D3, 1000iu’s a day may slash your risk of breast cancer up to 50%
- HER-2 is a rare but aggressive form of the disease. Another study found that eating lots of raw salad veggies dropped the risk of developing it by close to 35%
- Curb your alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day. Studies show that over imbibing on a regular basis increases the risk factor
My friend Jamie loves her Victoria’s Secret lotion, it smells so good she gets compliments when she wears it. She happens to be very health conscience and eco savvy so I asked if she was concerned about the parabens and chemicals in it. She had a great point. She said she’s so careful about most things she uses that she’s just not going to worry about it.
That’s my philosophy, my own little 80/20 rule: 80% of the time I live as clean and healthy as possible and about 20% of the time I let things slide a bit. Not to be confused with the original 80/20 Principal suggested by business-management consultant Joseph M. Juran based on Italian Economist Vilfredo Pareto’s theory that in business it’s usually 20 percent of what you do that produces 80 percent of the total result. I’ve often heard nutritionists talk about the 80/20 rule when it comes to diet: eat healthy 80% of the time and relax a little the rest of the time.
I can live with that. It’s doable and makes sense. I eat well but I gotta have some ice cream or frozen yogurt to give my sweet tooth a little satisfaction. Do I make sure my kids eat healthy balanced meals the majority of the time? Absolutely, but do I take them to McDonalds once in a while? Sure. How about you? Are you 80/20, 50/50, 100%?
You know how passionate I am about green, clean chemical free living; most of my personal care products are pure and earth friendly but my favorite perfume isn’t. I love the smell and get loads of compliments when I have it spritzed on, so until I find a suitable eco replacement, it falls under that 20%.
I also appreciate a couple of shots of a good tequila or vodka once in a while and I’m not going to feel guilty about enjoying my favorite gluten free chocolate chip cookies with a nice cup of coffee when the craving strikes! Hard core tree huggers might not be happy about this but you can only do what you can do and every little bit helps. About 20% of the time I’m more carefree, loosen up the ‘rules’ and live a little. Striving for perfection isn’t realistic. As my wise mom used to say, “everything in moderation.”
Dramatic events took place in Cleveland on Monday as 3 women and a 6 year old little girl escaped after being held captive for nearly a decade. “I’ve been kidnapped and I’ve been missing for 10 years and I’m, I’m here, I’m free now,” Is what Amanda Berry desperately told the 911 dispatcher after her brave escape.
Reminiscent of the Jaycee Dugard story these women vanished when they were in their teens and early 20s. I love hearing happy endings to such stories but the terror these poor girls went through all those years is unfathomable. I can only imagine how those families are feeling now that they are reunited with their girls who surely they feared were dead by now. It offers hope to those searching for missing loved ones.
Most people do not come out of these situations alive. There is a sick and pervasive problem in the country and it has to end. This outcome was good but the number of people suffering at the hands of these monsters is sickening. It’s an issue I am passionate about because it seriously outrages me. These abductions are horrific and ruin the lives of all involved. Agencies like Protect and the The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children work tirelessly ever day to help prevent abuse and save victims but they can only do so much. They could use our help.
3 brothers, one of which is a former school bus driver, are in custody thanks to the heroic efforts of neighbor Charles Ramsey who helped Amanda Berry get out. Ramsey told reporters that he no idea they were in there but did express concern to a friend shortly after moving to the neighborhood a year ago. He said that he suspected something was wrong in that house after hearing sounds in a home that supposedly only one man inhabited but his friend dissuaded him from exploring the possibility or taking action.
What kind of fucked up upbringing did these men have to all turn out to be demonic pedophiles?! I hope they and all perpetrators of such acts of violence get the full penalty of the law and NEVER get out of prison.
None of the other neighbors were aware the girls were in the house either, however, several are saying that they had called the police on after some alarming activity but nothing was done.
Ramsey said that if he had known about it he’d “have pulled this heroic stuff last year!” He told Anderson Cooper that he doesn’t consider himself a hero and what makes him lose sleep is that he didn’t realize it sooner and do something a year ago. But he can’t blame himself, he did the right thing when he had the chance. It’s a lesson to us all to be aware of what’s going on around us, you never know who might need your help.
Ramsey is certainly a hero but the courage that Amanda Berry displayed in taking that risk to get out is inspiring and impressive. This is a serious and dire situation but with a happy ending as these 3 women and Berry’s daughter are finally free. May more victims be blessed with the strength Berry had and may more people take action the way Ramsey did. Thankfully Mr. Ramsey was there to help and it can’t go unnoticed how animated, full of personality and frankly entertaining he is as he tells the story in this must watch video footage, he’s a growing internet sensation, everyone will know his name by the end of the day:
Last night was smoothie night, it’s popular in our house. I make them on a regular basis, my kids love them & I love how quick, easy & healthy they are. It all started a few years ago. I wanted to come up with a healthier version of what they like at smoothie bars but the kids whined & complained that they’d rather go to Jamba Juice. My husband told them that tonight, it’s mombajuice! Fortunately, they LOVED my smoothies & so did my husband, they’ve been a staple in our house ever since. They’re the holy grail of food: nutritious, delicious & the kids are excited when I make them. That’s a tough combo to come by.
I use all organic ingredients, makes 4 servings:
~Toss about 2 cups of your favorite fresh or frozen fruit in the blender. I usually use the tried and true strawberries, banana and some raspberries, blueberries or blackberries. Try different fruits you like, experiment!
~2 cups organic low fat vanilla greek yogurt (or whatever flavor you prefer)
~4 Tbsp. flaxseed oil or chia seeds & a few sprinkles of wheat germ
~1 – 2 scoops of protein powder & some almonds ~1/4 cup ice
~I even sneak in a little chopped spinach (they don’t even taste it!) and blend it all up until smooth and enjoy!
I keep frozen organic fruit on hand in the freezer and when our bananas start to turn brown I toss them in the freezer so I always have one on hand for smoothie night. I add organic, cold pressed, filtered flaxseed Oil, an excellent source for omega 3 fatty acids and lignans, because of its many health benefits.
Research has shown it may help reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer, helps protect against high blood pressure and lowers cholesterol which plays a part in preventing heart disease and stroke, promotes healthy skin, hair and nails.
Studies also show that it may increase the rate at which fat is burned by stimulating brown fat cells and helps increase energy production in the body, just to name a few! Any of your mommy friends looking for a healthy snack their kids will love? Send this her way.
Today marks the 62nd Annual National Day of Prayer. This year’s theme is, “Pray For America.” Millions all over the nation will gather to pray for our great country. In the wake of all the tragedies that our nation has faced this past year… the shooting at the movie theater in Colorado last summer, the devastating massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut and most recently the horrific bombing at The Boston Marathon, our nation needs prayer more than ever right now.
Matthew 12:21: “In His name the nations will put their hope” is the chosen scripture to highlight the theme this year. Very fitting. Regardless of what your background, religion or beliefs may be, this is a day of prayer for everyone of every faith. “In times of hardship and tragedy, and in periods of peace and prosperity, prayer has provided reassurance, sustenance, and affirmation of common purpose. Prayer brings communities together and can be a wellspring of strength and support. In the aftermath of senseless acts of violence, the prayers of countless Americans signal to grieving families and a suffering community that they are not alone. Their pain is a shared pain, and their hope a shared hope. Regardless of religion or creed, Americans reflect on the sacredness of life and express their sympathy for the wounded, offering comfort and holding up a light in an hour of darkness.” –President Barack Obama
This handmade Hummingbird Feeder by Bambeco is so decorative it will pretty up any garden. 50% off at Living Social right now!
Treat mom to some goodies from Juice Beauty. The whole line is organic, formulated without harmful chemicals
Looking for a romantic way to say Happy Mother’s Day? Take your woman wine tasting! Any mom I know would love an evening of good vino. Wine bars are popping up all over, look online to find one or take her to a winery if you’re lucky enough to live near one. Or make a weekend of it and book a room in Napa!
Does mom like to cook? Have her favorite recipe engraved on this sustainable and earth friendly Bamboo Cutting Board on Etsy, $18
You can always find nice things at Brighton. My 10 year old gave this key chain to me for Christmas, he picked it out himself. The other side has the words teacher, chef, coach, nurse, counselor, gardener, driver, decorator, cheerleader, friend. It’s a gift I cherish
What mom couldn’t use a chic new evening bag? Loli’s Creations on Etsy has dozens to choose from
Finish her gift off with this cute Reusable Gift Wrap also available at Open Sky. No wasting of ribbons and paper and your package still looks pretty!
“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children” -Charles R. Swindoll, The Strong Family
Guest Post by Lee Ann Buttery
From college sorority sisters to centenarians and everything in between, everyone should practice good skin care. With each subsequent decade, we must adjust our skin care regimen accordingly. If we take proper care of our skin (along with eating healthfully and exercising regularly), we can be confident that we’ll age gracefully. Whether you’re 20 or 100, keep reading to learn skin care tips appropriate for your age.
Your skin is still very young but it requires a little more attention than it did in your teen years. Simplicity is still key here, but now is the time to take a small step toward anti-aging for preventive purposes. If acne is an ongoing battle it may be because you are using the wrong skin care products for your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a gel-based cleanser. If you have dry skin, choose a cream-based formula. For acne-prone skin, use a cleanser that contains acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid. After cleansing, apply a toner on the face and neck—well formulated toners can offer amazing benefits to the skin.
To treat blemishes, use a spot treatment that contains salicylic acid and/or colloidal sulfur. The last step is to apply a moisturizer with a built-in broad spectrum sunscreen for daytime. Choose one with a physical barrier like zinc so you don’t absorb harmful chemicals. For nighttime, choose a formula without sunscreen. It is crucial to take proper care of your skin now, because you’ll reap the benefits (or lack thereof) in your 30s and beyond—especially when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun; sunscreen is the top anti-aging product. When you approach your early 20s, you can incorporate an eye cream into your regimen to slow the formation of crow’s feet.
You may start to notice your complexion is not as vibrant as it used to be in your 20s. Also, you may notice a few fine lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Now is the time to really address signs of aging. Aside from basic cleansing, toning and moisturizing, it would be wise to include a serum in your skin care routine. Choose an antioxidant-packed serum such as a vitamin c serum to help address discoloration and dullness.
Moreover, now is the time to be a little more aggressive with exfoliation—use a cleanser that contains an alpha hydroxy acid such as Glycolic Acid. Exfoliating two to three times a week will instantly slough away dead surface cells to reveal a fresher, more youthful-looking complexion. It will also help increase cellular turnover, which slows down as we age. Cellular turnover is the speed at which skin cells die and are replaced by new ones. The process of cellular turnover is what determines the youthfulness of our skin. For instance, a child’s skin has very fast cellular turnover, which is why their skin looks so young and smooth. At this stage of the game, you should be using an eye cream to nourish the delicate eye area, especially since it gets more fragile and thin as we get older.
40s & Beyond
When you reach your 40s and beyond, hydration is more important than ever before. Continue the basic regimen suggested for those in their 30s but step it up a bit. Your skin care products—from cleanser to eye cream should contain hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Lactic Acid. Retinols work wonders too. Furthermore, continue to exfoliate two to three times a week with a product formulated with an alpha hydroxy acid (Glycolic Acid), for higher grade resurfacing.
Regardless of your age, there are universal skin practices that everyone should abide by. Aside from the basics such as cleansing, toning and moisturizing, everyone should wear sunscreen on a daily basis, moisturize and exfoliate regularly. Be careful of the products you use, most skin care lines contain harmful chemicals. Beauty comes with every age and good skin care will yield the healthiest skin possible.
Lee Ann Buttery is a Licensed Esthetician and Professional Makeup Artist who works for Mario Badescu. She is passionate about all things beauty-related and has a particular obsession with anti-aging.
Thursday, April 26th is Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day. This year’s theme is “Work In Progress”. The Foundation started this program 20 years ago to help kids learn about the workplace, give them a taste of what their parent actually does in a day’s work and give them a glimpse into what their future might hold and what opportunities are out there.
It gives children a look into the working world and shows them how adults balance work with family and other aspects of their life. Whether you work in or outside the home, it’s a chance to share an important part of your life. Kids love going to work with their parents! It’s out of the ordinary and they get a kick out of seeing us in their ‘alternate environment’. They have a blast and they certainly benefit from the enriching learning experience. It’s special for mom and dad too. So have your child or grandchild, niece, the child of a friend spend the day with you at your workplace to learn about what you do, you might just inspire a future career. And you’re sure to have some fun!
The first Earth Day was during the height of the flower child era in 1970 when 20 million Americans held demonstrations across the country rallying for a healthy, sustainable environment. The devastation of the oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 gave Earth Day founder, Gaylord Nelson, the inspiration. The Earth Day Network works all year with over 22,000 partners and organizations to fight for a cleaner environment.
Celebrate this beautiful planet we inhabit… the flowers, trees, lakes, deep seas, billowy clouds, rolling green hills, the Seven Wonders and everything in between by making a few changes that will help keep it clean.
Shut the lights off when you leave a room
- Don’t leave the water running when you brush your teeth
- Purchase local food
- Use reusable bags when you shop
- Recycle. It’s one of the easiest things that a person can do to be more earth friendly