Focus on building optimal health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to pause and remind ourselves to take care of not only our breast health, but our whole health as the two are intricately linked. Most of us are well aware of breast cancer and have supported a family member, beloved friend, or even ourselves through the experience of breast cancer. This month, let the pink ribbons remind us to take care of ourselves. Talk to your physician about your personal risk factors for breast cancer and when you should begin screenings if you have not already. Discuss your personal risk factors with your physician to empower yourself with knowledge for prevention and management of your risk.
Most importantly, take time to focus on your overall health- a healthy body, mind, and spirit are a defense against breast cancer. Common sense measures have been shown to be beneficial in reducing overall risk: regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and eating a healthy diet of real foods have all been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Although nothing eliminates risk and none of us are guaranteed perfect health no matter how much we exercise or how much kale we manage to consume, should an unexpected health crisis strike, we can begin treatment from an optimal place of strength and resilience.
The next time you dread your date with the treadmill, consider your workout as a significant, positive step towards cancer prevention. Try a yoga class or a few moments of meditation and deep breathing to manage your stress, again knowing that you are taking positive steps towards staying healthy. Build resiliency and strength. Talk to your physician for additional steps you can take to modify your personal risk factors.