I'm At Risk, Are You?

Hey Y'all:

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I have lost two of my aunts due to the disease and pray for anyone who has also been touched by Breast Cancer. Both my Aunt Ruby and Betty were taken from us much to soon due to the ravages the disease had on their bodies. They were both beautiful, vivacious women who contributed positively to the Bennett family and everyday that I look in the mirror I see their smiles in mine. I miss them more and more each day and honor their lives by making sure I keep mine.

It is important that we educate ourselves about Breast Cancer and the risk factors involved. My friends over at HelloBeautiful have posted a great list of tips that I'm going to borrow and share with you.

Risk Factors:

• Family history
• Early puberty (before 12 years old) or Late menopause (after 55 years old)
• Not having children or Having children after 30 years old
• Obesity and high-fat diets
• 2 to 5 alcoholic drinks daily

Reduce the Risk:

• Exercise or being physically active
• Eat Soy, Broccoli, Red Apples, Red Cabbage or Red Grapes
• Drink green tea
• Regular screening tests
• Avoid hormone replacement therapy if possible
  

Self Examination (from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc):

Breast cancer self-examinations should be done monthly at the same time of the month, and right after your period ends.

In the Shower
Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.

Before a Mirror
Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Then rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do.

Lying Down
Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
Fight Breast Cancer:
Donate, fund raise and/or volunteer. You can also shop at selected stores where the proceeds are donated to the fight. Check out these sites for various ways on how you can help them fight breast cancer.

* National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
* Susan G. Kormen for the Cure
* AVON Walk for Breast Cancer
* Save the Ta Tas
* Yoplait’s Save Lids to Save Lives

Are you or a loved one a survivor of Breast Cancer? If so please share your story in the comments section.

Until next time...
MUAH!