Breast Cancer: 7 facts you need to know about how to protect your breasts

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As this is a cause I feel strongly committed to, I decided it’s time to pitch in and write about it. From the moment I wake up, there is so little time to reflect on anything. But after talking to many women - those who are working in offices and those who are at home, one thing is clear: women get no rest or "Me" time. It is your life, your body and your happiness. Make time for your health no matter what.

[Image Credit: Unsplash]

Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Exercise and Detecting Breast Density

Here are seven facts you need to know about your breasts – and what you can do to protect them [Source: Prevention Magazine, October 2014]

Doctors say that early detection of breast cancer can improve the chances of survival by a whopping 99%. Start yearly breast check ups and mammograms. It is not enough to get cleared. Remember to follow up with your doctor on a regular basis.

2. This is one of the newest recommendations from oncologists: Find out how dense your breasts are. How do you find out? Ask the radiologist who is taking your mammogram to check your breast density. If the density is low, follow up regularly. If it’s high, consult your doctor at once.

3. Exercise alters oestrogen metabolism and lowers a woman’s breast cancer risk. To protect yourself from breast cancer and all cancers, doctors recommend 30 minutes of exercise for five days a week.

4. Women who consistently breast-feed for the first six months have a reduced 10% risk of death from cancer. Why? Breast feeding lowers the levels of oestrogen and progestin in a woman’s blood and increases the level of oxytocin. After a substantial period of breast feeding – 6 months to one year – the hormones together reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

5. Harvard researchers found that women who had the highest cartenoid levels in their blood had a 19% lower risk of blood cancer than those with the lowest levels. You can find cartenoids in fruits and vegetables such as carrots, leafy greens and red bell peppers.

6. According to Ayurveda, turmeric has many medicinal benefits. Recent studies show that its key compound curcumin can kill cancer cells. So, add more of this powerful spice to your daily meals.

7. Surround yourself with positive energy or practice being quiet so that you can listen to your inner self. Find ways to improve whatever you like to do. Show love to yourself more than before. Find joy in little things – a walk in the park, singing a song you love, being with the people who care about you and don’t make you feel bad about yourself.

If you are contemplating breast cancer treatment, check my earlier post on 'How to choose your doctor and get your body confidence back.'

Don’t let cancer make you bitter. Make it a learning experience to feel better, wise and happier. [Medical inputs: Prevention Magazine October 2014]

Comments

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences. [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste. You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is. The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra and never once hesitate once you decide to do it. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it. . Also read: The Power of OM Chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly: Pause Five Times Here a...

How do you light Deepam at home?

How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of incense sticks and flowers added depth to the experience. In many Hindu homes nowadays, the lighting of the lamp (or the nilavilakku, as Malayalis refer to the traditional lamp in their homes) is not a regular practice. A lot of people have many questions around how to light deepam at home and which oil to use and so on. An important point to keep in mind - Maintain physical cleanliness and hygiene while lighting the lamp. Wear clean clothes while lighting the lamp. Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting Deepam at Home Collating most queries related to how to light the deepam at home, I'v...

Aye Auto Malayalam film directed by Venu Nagavally: Mohanlal at his best!

Mohanlal starrer Aye Auto: Another super hit movie that Venu Nagavally is famous for is, Aye Auto, the first commercial entertaining movie of its kind that delved into the lives, conversations and relationships of auto rickshaw drivers in Kerala. [Source: TMdB] Mohanlal's heartwarming portrayal in Aye Auto Malayalam movie Once again, it is Mohan Lal’s exceptional acting abilities coupled with humorous dialogues that made the movie so popular in Kerala. The story is about a poor auto rickshaw driver who meets a girl called Meenakshi from a rich, well known family and begins to fall in love with her. She teaches him English and dreams of seeing him as someone who can speak the language with confidence while he dreams of her as someone as beautiful and priceless to his life just like the auto that he calls ‘S...

How to never ever give up on the spiritual path

The Upanishads have compared a spiritual aspirant's journey to a razor's edge. From the age of 9, I have been walking on that razor's edge. No matter how hard I try, how sincerely I aspire, the fall is always a gut-wrenching one, filled with mind-numbing pain. Then I chant the name of Lord Sai in my heart and I start my baby steps all over again, stumbling, sometimes falling but always knowing that my God is there , protectively watching over me. Being human, sometimes I forget that my nature is essentially divine. And on such days, I turn to Baba in despair, wanting to understand the cause of these inner struggles and consequent pain. I forget that my real Self is untouched by suffering. One such day, this was His message through the book 'Life is a dream; Realize it' by Joy Thomas: "Many quail before the impossible demands of Sadhana. When confronted by calamity, you must attach yourself to this sadhana even more firmly , in...

Petals!

Search This Blog