Healthy Living

 

Be Healthy: Take the First Step 

There are no known causes for breast cancer but there are many factors that are highly associated with the disease, like obesity after menopause and drinking too much alcohol. These two examples are lifestyle related and although adopting a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean you won't develop breast cancer, many studies show that it does reduce the risk. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise is recommended by all breast health professionals. Although there is no specific diet, eating a diet low in animal fat and high in whole grains, vegetable and fruits will ensure the best results. 

Diet and Exercise: 

Dr Natasha Zajmalowski ND, a board certified Naturopathic Doctor of Proactive Health Care recommends a proactive strategy of eating a balanced diet that creates stable glucose, insulin and IGF-1 levels. Consume a more vegetarian/vegan diet and avoid high fat foods, alcohol and growth hormone treated dairy. 

See Dr Zajmalowski's "Proactive Breast Health Diet" for a list of proactive choices.

Health Canada also offers advice on healthy eating  and physical activity as ways of reducing your risk. Research shows that 30 to 35% of all cancers can be prevented by eating well, being active, and maintaining a healthy body weight.

 

The Environment: Environmental factors are also associated with breast cancer. Protect yourself by knowing what they are.

Did you know that a new born baby starts life with 230 industrial chemicals in its blood? 180 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer in humans or animals.* 

For most of us, the cost of making extreme modifications to our homes or changing careers in order to live completely "green" is not feasible. However there are many things that can be done in your daily life and if you integrate these changes gradually in the areas where you are most vulnerable, you’ll be living green before you know it.

What occupation increases your chances of developing breast cancer? Farm Workers

Follow the warnings and handling procedures in material safety data sheets (MSDSs) that are available for most chemicals. Work with your employer to ensure that your workplace has good air quality and that chemicals are properly handled.

How many chemicals do you come in contact with every day?

PCBs, dioxin, pesticides, phthalates, BPA, PVC, fire retardants and cosmetic ingredients have all been linked with breast cancer. Here is an alphabetized list of carcinogens that was compiled by Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/occup-travail/whmis-simdut/carcinogenesis-carcinogenese-eng.php#a1

How safe are your skin care products?  

"Skin Deep" is a cosmetic database where you can verify how safe your brands are.  Compare today at http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

Books:

"Cancer 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic" Authors: Liz Armstron, Guy Dauncey and Anne Wordsworth

"Life’s Delicate Balance: Causes and Prevention of Breast Cancer" Author: Janette Sherman, MD,

 *source- Canadian Cancer Statistics 2004