Tuesday, September 13, 2011

How To Keep Your Breasts Healthy And Prevent Breast Cancer


The words "breast cancer" will strike a note of fear for many women. This is not surprising given the statistics that 99% of breast cancers occur in women and in Australia 1:10 women will receive this diagnosis. It appears that the risk and likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age with 50% of incidences occurring in women between the 50-69 years old.

The exact causes of breast cancer are not known, but many factors such as genetics, lifestyle and the environment have been implicated and various risk factors have been identified. Unfortunately most of the research and activity relates to the treatment of breast cancer and there is far less attention paid to addressing and minimizing the risk factors. So called preventative health measures such as undergoing a mammogram every two years after the age of 50 years [as recommended by Breastscreen Australia] focuses on early detection and not prevention.

So ladies it's time for us to take back our breast health into our own hands. To help you do this I have provided you with some dietary and lifestyle tips to help you keep your breasts healthy and prevent breast cancer:

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Easing Period Pain


Many women experience pain just before and /or with the onset of their period. The pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. This could be felt as an ache and dullness in the lower abdomen and also in the lower back region. The aching and heaviness may also extend down into the groin and thighs. This can be accompanied with episodes of spasmodic cramping and for some women they can literally be doubled up in pain.

Although pain associated with menstrual blood flow is common, this does not make it normal. Unfortunately, the trend and message has been that "it is just part of being a women" and something you "just have to learn to live with." Not so, any pain is a sign that something is out of balance and period pain is no different from any other type of pain in this regard.