October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I chose to write this blog at the end of the month so that I can not only tell you how important breast cancer awareness is this month but every month. My mother, Sarah Lee died of breast cancer when I was 11 years old. I have had to have a mammogram every year since I was the age of 16. Breast cancer runs in my family so I am diligent, but even if it doesn’t run in your family does not mean you are safe. Studies now say you don’t need your first mammogram until the age of 40 and you don’t have to do it every year but every other year. I like to be on the safe side, I do monthly self-breast exams while in the shower. It is really simple and does not take a lot of time. Start by putting your arm over your head and use the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern working from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts feeling for any lumps thickening, or hardened knots (usually feels like a marble). Strangely enough, it is usually the husbands or partners who find the lump for you. To get more ways to do a self breast exam you can get more information at http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam If you or him find something unusual go get checked by your doctor. Again, better safe than sorry, early detection is key.

Another thing you can do to fight breast cancer today is start eating healthy. I eat healthy because research has shown that healthy eating can significantly decrease your chances of getting breast cancer. There are several types of food that fight breast cancer but my top 5 are:

1. Salmon, I love it grilled over Spinach, Kale or even brown rice.
2. Spinach is delicious cooked or raw, it is even great in smoothies.
3. Walnuts are wonderful for snacks, you can grind them into
smoothies or put on top of your salad.
4. Blueberries are great to add in smoothies, oatmeal and even yogurt.
5. Eggs make yummy omelets, and boiled are perfect for a snack or sliced in salads.

I eat all of the above on a regular basis; they all are easy to add to your daily eating regimen. For the top 10 foods that fight breast cancer http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/girlfriends-guide/10-foods-that-fight-breast-cancer?slide=10 I generally start my day fighting breast cancer with my smoothie, easy, quick and I can take it on the go.

I have always been a fighter and when it comes to my health there is no difference. I am not saying that, just because I work out and eat right that I will never get breast cancer. What I am saying is, for breast cancer to catch me it will have to chase me down! I am not going down without a fight. I fight for my health each and every day and so should you. Genetics plays a big part in our health but it doesn’t mean we have to take it lying down.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month but please be aware every day. Eat right, do your self-breast exams monthly and fight, fight fight! You only have one life to live.