Every October marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer charities, such as Susan G. Komen, work together to increase awareness of the disease and raise money for research into the cause, treatment, and cure for the disease that will have affected an estimated 226,870 women in the United States by the end of 2012. There are many factors that put women at risk for breast cancer but being female is the most important risk factor. Although men can develop breast cancer, it’s almost 100 times more common in women. Living a healthy lifestyle is the first step to prevention! Here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Get Physical
Studies show that daily exercise can reduce your risk for breast cancer by 15-25 percent. Try to squeeze in a walk or run into your daily routine. For the more adventurous ones, try Zumba or aerobics!
2. Think Before You Drink
The more women drink alcohol, the more they’re at risk for breast cancer. Steer away from alcohol and more towards healthy drinks. Having a night on the town is always fun, but doing it sober is more fun! If you’re trying to decide what to do on a Friday night, go to the movies or bowling.
3. Eat RightÂ
Minimize your consumption of white flour, white rice, and white potatoes and increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables. Chickpea hummus and fruit salad are healthy and delicious options for healthy eating!
http://ww5.komen.org/recipe-fruitsalad.html
http://ww5.komen.org/recipe-chickpeahummus.html
4. Join the fun!
Eugene Race for the Cure will be taking place on October 21st. Make a team or join; you can participate in the 5k walk or run! New this year is the 8k competitive run. Click here to sign up!Â
For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness, check out these links.
Website: http://ww5.komen.org/
Twitter: @KomenfortheCure
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susangkomenforthecure
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