Be Good to Your “Girls”

Well, I am back! I am not going to make any excuses for why the lapse in my blogging except that my life was turned upside down in April when I took on a new job heading up a non profit organization. Every day I am faced with issues impacting pregnant women, women’s health, and child and infant health that by the time I get home I have no extra energy to blog. It is 6 months later and I am finding some balance. To tell the truth, I need the blog to keep me sane. Writing helps to calm me and keep me grounded.

What a better time to start back up SavvyHealthGirl than in October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a month that is very personal to me. With a family history of breast cancer and my own issues with lumps in my breasts, I am a huge advocate increasing awareness about breast cancer and what women can do to prevent  it from occuring. It is so important that women, even young teen girls are good to their “girls.” Here are a few things I encourage women to start doing this month (if you are not already) and then on a regular basis to ensure you lower your chances for breast cancer:

Conduct a self-breast exam. Get to know your breasts. Are they lumpy? Do you know notice anything different?
Get a mammogram. If you have a family history like me, then you should schedule an exam by the age of 35. Most women get one around 40-45.
Improve your diet if it is filled with soda, sweets and fried foods. These foods have a negative impact on your health in general.
Talk to a young woman about the importance of breast health. Start a discussion with a young woman you know and ask her if she has questions about breast cancer and what it means to her. Encourage her to know her family history.

Live life, live healthy!