Think Pink All Year

One out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lives.  That number scares me, because I have a lot of friends and according to those numbers a few of us will end up with cancer.  We all care for our friends and family, we worry about their well being.  We do our best to make them happy and help out when we can.  We support them through difficulty and listen when they are hurt. We come together to do good and spread knowledge. October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, presents us with many opportunities for growth and volunteerism.

With our loved ones we wear pink, attend fundraiser and pray; some of us may even attend walks, rallies, 5ks and marathons.  During our endeavors to raise awareness about breast cancer we learn about the risk factors some of which we have no control over but others we have a choice. Alcohol consumption increases a women’s risk of breast cancer as does excess weight and obesity but regular exercise and healthy eating reduces ones risk.  We live that day-in and day-out all through October but when November comes around we become distracted by Thanksgiving, then Christmas and finally the New Years with all it’s resolutions, plans and bills.  Breast cancer prevention gets put on the back burner while we run to keep up with life.  But that’s the thing with prevention, it has to be a continuous effort, not a one month a year practice.  It is also important to remember these same practices not only prevent breast cancer, but an anomaly of other diseases as well.

This October let’s take the time to make a real difference in our lives and the lives of our loved ones.  Sit down with your friends and family and explain to them how to prevent breast cancer then devise a healthy eating plan for yourselves and your families.  Brainstorm on ways to continuously eat healthy and exercise 5 times a week.  Another project to work on is advocating for Healthy Holidays. Encourage schools, workplaces and families to serve more healthy salads, soups  and whole grains during holiday celebrations. Support each other during difficult times reminding yourselves of your goals and encourage one another to get to gym.

Health promotion and disease prevention is a life long commitment but it is worth it.  Spread awareness this October about breast cancer but do not stop on November first. Make a difference in those around you and do something to really stop breast cancer in its track.