Life gave you lemons...

 It seems like we know all we need to know about breast cancer.  October rolls around and our social media pages are bursting with information.   Regardless of how much we hear about Breast Cancer Awareness month, do we really take the time to educate ourselves on the subject or do we just shrink away from the topic, hoping it's something that happens to someone else? 

Whether we want to recognize it or not, breast cancer has touched each of our lives in one way or another.  Like everything, we may not be able to prevent it 100%, but we can certainly take healthy measures to give ourselves the best fighting chance. 

The number one thing, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a woman can do to survive breast cancer is to detect it early.  99% of women who find breast cancer early have a 5 year survival rate! 

Here is what is involved in early detection...

• Monthly self-breast exam.  It's important you know your own body.  It's great to have this done at a yearly exam but your healthcare provider doesn't know your body the way you know your body.  When doing exams on a monthly basis, you come to realize what is normal for you, and what is not.
• Yearly clinical exam.  While it's easy to put off a mammogram every year, along with a yearly clinical exam, it's not a wise practice if you are a woman over 45.  Mammograms have really evolved and their specificity can locate even the smallest start of cancer. 
• Keep yourself in the best possible health.  When we are swallowed up in stress, poor diet and no exercise, our immunity drops and we become susceptible to all sorts of health problems.  A strong and healthy body at any age, can be a great cancer deterrent. 
• Be educated about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.  You can't be on the lookout for something you know nothing about.  The internet has more information than you could ever need but so does your doctor!  Rely on a source of truth you can trust.  Not everything on the internet is reliable and trusted. 

Breast Cancer is just one of those things we all have to face.  Even when we do all the right things, it can not be 100% prevented but catching it early will give you a fighting chance and it really can be managed and cured.   It isn't something we like to think about but ignorance is not bliss...education is.  The more you know, the more you know!  

Throughout the month, we will be posting more information on our social media, so stay tuned. 

A Well Balanced Pregnancy

Eat this not that...One of the surprising things you soon discover when you become pregnant are the list of foods to avoid.  Of course, you're eating for two, but you still need to be aware of the food you put in your mouth. 

Why?

Pregnancy puts quite a strain on a woman's body and part of that strain can lower the immune system.  This leaves you vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, as well as food borne illnesses such as Salmonella, E-Coli and Listeria, to name a few.

Your healthcare provider will suggest certain diet restrictions in order to protect you and your baby from preventable illnesses.   Some of the foods you will be urged to avoid are as follows:

• Shellfish
• Uncooked seafood
• Undercooked meat and eggs
• Unpasteurized milk or cheeses
• Deli Meats- hot dogs, cured meats
• Sushi

Life is all about balance right?.  Even though the list of food no-no's might be a little longer than you wish, there are many healthy foods you should consume while pregnant in order to have a well balanced pregnancy.  You'll want to make sure you getting plenty of calcium, protein, fiber, and fatty acids, just to name a few.  There are so many amazing sources of these vitamins that will support your hormones, your overall immunity and help your baby grow strong and healthy. 

• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Domestic Crab
• Poultry- Chicken and Turkey
• Legumes
• Beans
• Dark leafy greens
• Nuts and seeds...did you know Chia seeds can be one of the best sources of calcium?
• Spices- don't forget the nutritional value in spices.  Cinnamon is one the top spices for utilizing the use of insulin.  If sugar issues are a problem for you when you get pregnant, add more cinnamon to your diet.  It will support your pancreas and liver. 
• Berries

The list is lengthy of all the ways you can strengthen your immune system when you get pregnant.  One of the best tricks out there, is to ask yourself one question when you choose what to eat...

Is this the most nutrient dense food I could choose right now?  Stopping to ask yourself this simple question helps you pause for the moment rather than eating mindlessly through the day.  It allows the chance to make a better choice.  

Still not sure how to feed yourself and your baby?  Let us know what questions you have at your next Madison Women's Clinic appointment and we can help you get on track!