All around the world October is recognized as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This newsletter is to not only to recognize those who have experiences this tragic disease, but also to show that awareness may lead to prevention, or at least being able to catch it at an early stage.

Unfortunate Facts:

Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women today. It is also one of the leading causes of death among all women in the United States. Cancer also still remains the second leading cause of death in the United States.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2007, there were 202,694 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,598 women died due to breast cancer.

Powerhouse Nutrients:

There have been many studies completed suggesting that the consumption of antioxidants can help prevent or delay the onset of cancer.

Antioxidants are dietary substances that help repair damage in the body or prevent bodily damage.

So what is the relationship between cancer and antioxidants? Well, antioxidants help enhance the immune system, keeping the body strong. Also, these nutrients help prevent oxidation, and assist in the removal of precancerous cells. Be sure to consume foods high in Vitamin A, C, E, and foods that are deep red, orange, and green.

Controversial Research:

Cancer is a topic that seems to stump most scientists at varying aspects. It has been found that high fat diets leading to the development of breast cancer is quite controversial. But is it recommended to have a well balanced, healthy diet to decrease risk factors.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is very important in order for the body to fight tumor cells. Eat healthy for healthy body.

“A clear protective effect of increased exercise was found specifically for breast and colon cancers.”

Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention:

Get your breasts screened regularly. In case you are diagnosed with breast cancer, the doctors can catch it in the early stages.
Make healthy food choices to control your weight and maintain a consistent physical activity regimen.
Avoid using hormone replacement therapy.
Be aware of your family history.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Drink no more than 1 drink per day.

Benefits of Breastfeeding:

It has been proven that there are many benefits to breastfeeding infants due to the antibodies and immunity cells that are passed from the mother to the baby via breast milk.

It has also been shown that breastfeeding for 1 year or more may be associated with a decreased risk for breast and ovarian cancers.

RECIPE SELECTIONS

Especially, for those of us, who has that sweet tooth but wants to keep their desserts unprocessed,

(Compliments from Hungry Girl)

PUMPKIN SMASH (makes 9 servings)

15-oz. can pure pumpkin
12-oz. can evaporated fat-free milk
½ C Eggwhites

½ cup Truvia or Splenda (granulated)
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a non stick (or use Pam spray) 8” x 8” baking sheet. Bake at 350⁰ for 45 minutes.

65 calories, 0.5g fat, 81mg sodium,

12g carbs, 1g fiber,

7g sugars, 5g protein

ALMOND BUTTER BROWNIES

1 cup almond butter
¾ cup mashed pumpkin

1 egg
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp baking soda

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a non stick (or use Pam spray) 8” x 8” baking sheet. Bake at 350⁰ for 25 minutes. (8 servings)

In a shallow dish, mix all ingredients together, except chicken. Add the chicken, coating all sides. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Grill or broil the chicken for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

While chicken is cooking, transfer marinade to 1-quart saucepan. Boil marinade until reduced by half. Serve as a sauce over the chicken.

HUMOUR FOR BREAST EXAM TIME –

By Julia Napier©

For years and years they told me,

Be careful of your breasts.

Don’t ever squeeze o r bruise them.

And give them monthly tests.
So I heeded all their warnings,

And protected them by law.

Guarded them very carefully,

And I always wore my bra.

After 30 years of astute care,

My gyno, Dr. Pruitt,

Said I should get a Mammogram.

“O.K.” I said, ‘let’s do it.”
“Stand up here real close” she said,

(She got my boob in line),

“And tell me when it hurts,” she said,

“Ah yes! Right there, that’s fine.”

She stepped upon a pedal,

I could not believe my eyes!

A plastic plate came slamming down,

My hooter’s in a vise!
My skin was stretched and mangled,

From underneath my chin.

My poor boob was being squashed,

To Swedish Pancake thin.

Excruciating pain I felt,

Within it’s vise-like grip.

A prisoner in this vicious thing,

My poor defenseless tit!
“Take a deep breath” she said to me,

Who does she think she’s kidding?!?

My chest is mashed in her machine,

And woozy I am getting.

“There, that’s good,” I heard her say,

(The room was slowly swaying.)

“Now, let’s have a go at the other one.”

Have mercy, I was praying.
It squeezed me from both up and down,

It squeezed me from both sides.

I’ll bet SHE’S never had this done,

To HER tender little hide.
Next time that they make me do this,

I will request a blindfold.

I have no wish to see again,

My knockers getting steam rolled.
If I had no problem when I came in,

I surely have one now.

If there had been a cyst in there,

It would have gone “ker-pow!”
This machine was created by a man,

Of this, I have no doubt.

I’d like to stick his balls in there,

And see how THEY come out!