The Truth about Breast Cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Month and this post is dedicated to increasing your awareness of this disease and educating yourselves on the risk. The more we know and the more we are informed, the more we can make better decisions about our health and our bodies. So please spread the word, talk about breast cancer and take active measures to prevent this disease. Encourage your aunts, cousins, sisters, moms, grandmothers, etc who are over 50 to get a mammogram. (Don't forget that men get breast cancer as well). Most importantly, take active steps to ensure that they do get regular breast screenings by joining them to their doctor's appointment. Be supportive.

 Statistics from the United States show:

• 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

• 39,840 women were expected to die from breast cancer in 2010. This is despite a decrease in breast cancer deaths since 1990.

• the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. Women is breast cancer. 
  
  
• About 20-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer, which means that 70-80% of some women who develop breast cancer, do not have a family history.
  
• The most significant risk factor for developing breast cancer is being a women and age (growing older).

 Source:Komenforthecure

• Women of color, especially African Americans are disproportionately affected by breast cancer. They are more likely to develop this disease and more likely to die from it.

 Good News:

Over the recent years, there has been decreases in breast cancer deaths, as result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness. In fact, in 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. 

  What should you be doing?

• If you are over 50, don't forget to take your yearly mammogram screening. If its time to take one, let the month of October be the month that encourages you to do so.
  
  
• If you're in your 20s or 30s and do not have known breast cancer risk factors, a clinical breast exam by a health professional should be part of your regular health exam once every three years. 
  
  
• If you detect any changes in your breasts, you must contact your health care provider immediately.
• Monthly self breast exams are also important to detect any changes with your breasts. 
  
  
• For those of us who are younger than 50, make sure that you are performing self-breast exams. 
  
  
• Most importantly, take the time to think of other cancers and diseases that are just as deadly to you and others around you and look up the facts about them. Be proactive!

***And remember that screenings and tests won't prevent breast cancer or other forms of cancer from developing, but if it is found in its early stages, the chances of overcoming it can be high.

Sources:

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp

http://www.womenshealth.gov/minority-health/african-americans/breast-cancer.cfm

Stay informed,

An evening with the Phenomenal Dr. Maya Angelou

Hello friends,

This post is not my typical health related posts, but I had to share after an awesome evening with the Phenomenal Dr. Maya Angelou this past weekend. She fed my soul and uplifted my spirit.

Its not everyday that you get to meet the force that is Dr. Angelou in person. So, when I got the opportunity to listen to her speak, I grabbed/pounced/jumped at the opportunity.

Who is Dr. Angelou?

 Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. She is a celebrated poet, novelist, educator, producer, actress, filmmaker, historian, and civil rights activist. Dr. Angelou has served on two presidential committees, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts, the Lincoln Medal and has received three Grammy Awards. In addition, she holds 60 honorary doctorates....Yes 60!. More about this phenomenal educator can be found on her website HERE.

Photo credit: http://mayaangelou.com

  Dr. Angelou's wisdom is awe-inspiring. She said many things, but the one quote that resonated with me was the quote by a former African slave in 160 BC who became one of the most famous playwright in the Roman Empire, Plubius Terrence. The quote reads:

 "I am human, and nothing human can be alien to me"

 According to Dr. Angelou, if we live by this quote, we can master anything that we set ourselves to do. You can be the next CEO of company X, You can open your own business, You can be that A student, You can learn and master another language or several other languages (Dr. Angelou has master French, Italian, Spanish, Arabic & Fanti). Basically, most of what we want to achieve has already been done before by other humans; therefore, You, a human can do it as well. If its not alien to them, then it can't be alien to You. Isn't that great advice...She is full of wisdom.Words have power and the quote above has tremendous power.

Another quote, which recurred throughout her talk was: "Be willing to be someone's rainbow in their clouds." Basically, inspire others to do well, to do better, because, "A good student, can make a mediocre teacher great!" 

Sure enough when I came out of that auditorium, I felt renewed, motivated and in some ways in control of my destiny. I can't really explain it. The night was great, because this woman is Phenomenal!

 P.S. Dr. Angelou is so funny. She had us laughing from beginning to end.

UN Summit on NCDs

How does a government change behaviors to promote more healthier ones? Well, according to NYC mayor, Mr. Bloomberg, the government should engage in policy to change the environment in which we live? Do you agree?

Changing the environment in which we live is one way to promote health and decrease illness. NYC is progressive in health policy. For instance, the New York Smoke Free Air Act bans smoking all city parks and beaches. Doing so decreases one's chances of being exposed to second hand smoke (I personally couldn't be happier). Also, there are restrictions on trans fats in all city restaurants and food places.

Mayor Bloomberg was asked to speak at the summit due to his efforts in working to reduce NCDs and their causes thus far. After a summer working with the NYC Department of Health, I have seen first hand, the many projects that the his Health department has been working on to decrease cancers, obesity, asthma etc. By having the mayor speak at the Summit, the UN is hoping that his health projects could be transferred to other countries of the world.  

Is it possible to use the same tactics by the NYC mayor to other countries, such as countries labeled as 'developing' where their people are suffering the most from the devastating effects of NCDs? You tell me?

For more of what the Mayor discussed at the UN Summit, click here.

Don't forget to Follow, Comment and use the Reaction Buttons.

Photo credit: NYC Dept. of Heath & Mental Hygiene.

Stay informed!

Guinness World Record Holder: Largest Natural Afro

 Aevin Dugas is from New Orleans, Louisiana and she currently holds the title of the 'wold's largest natural afro.' Although she experiences issues with her hair (like it being caught in her car door etc.) she LOVES it and wouldn't change a thing. I think it's dope.

What do you think? **Comment and use the reaction buttons below**

Video credit: GuinnessWorldRecords.

Highly Nutritious Foods I love & You should love them too!

These seven food items are highly nutritious and delicious, and make up a big part of my diet.

1. Spinach: A rich source of plant-based omega 3's, which helps reduce one's risk of heart disease, stroke, & osteoporosis.

2. Yogurt: Builds Bone and boots immunity.

3.Tomatoes: They are heart healthy and also boosts the immune system.

4. Carrots: Love them! Are cancer fighting, also build the immune system and enhances eye sight.

5. Blueberries: Also cancer fighting (because antioxidants in found in blueberries fight free radicals)

6. Black beans: Heart healthy, build protein, great source of fiber.

7. Oats: Also heart healthy, builds protein, & a good source of fiber.

**Comments are welcomed. Don't forget to use the reaction buttons below the post. Thanks :o)**


 

Song of the Week: 'Work Hard, Play Hard'

Hello friends,

MUSIC   MISIK   MUSIQUE.

So lately I've been listening to the song titled: 'Work Hard, Play Hard' by Tiesto feat. Kay and I love it. So, I thought that I would share. Here is a link of the song here. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Take care,

 

Little Known Ways to Eat More Fruits & Veggies

SEPTEMBER is 'Fruits & Vegetables- More Matters More Month'  - such a mouth full right!

 www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.com

Well, this post is not desired to bore you about the ever-ending health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables. Here I will provide you with a few tips that may be helpful to you when shopping for fruits & vegetables:

• A great tip when buying fruits and vegetables is to always buy in season . Summer is over & Fall has arrived! I love shopping in the Fall, because one of my favorites is in season...Pumpkins, acorn squash and butternut squash...I love cutting them into bite size pieces for a quick stir fry or mashing and frying them into fritters for a quick and tasty treat (which I tried today). Here is a great list of what you can find in season this Fall (& every Fall)
• I usually opt for whole produce when at the grocery store, but buying frozen is just as nutritious. They're easier to store and take less time to prepare. I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for a quick and easy meals to compliment my busy schedule.
• Don't forget to make a list of what you intend to buy once you get to the grocery store. Stick to you list once you get there. Doing so will help you save time and money. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know by commenting or using the reaction buttons below :o)