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Speak Up: How Have You Been Affected by Breast Cancer?

FitSugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:31:00 -0700

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming to a close, but I know for many of you, you don't stop thinking about breast cancer when the month of October draws to an end. It's disheartening that breast cancer is so prevalent, and I'm sure every one of you knows someone who's been diagnosed, has recovered, or lost the battle against this horrible disease. Many of you have stories to share, and by letting others know it increases awareness about breast cancer and connects us in some way. For me, knowing that I'm not the only one with close friends affected by this disease makes it a little more bearable. So tell me, how have you been touched by breast cancer?

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Why Your Microwave Popcorn May Be Toxic

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Nothing beats the smell of microwave popcorn on a rainy afternoon, but the reasons to avoid this treat are mounting.

First there is the problem of popcorn lung, a respiratory issue caused by a chemical used to create the buttery flavor. Now there seems to be a new chemical-related problem, and this time it is a chemical not used on the popcorn itself, but found in the bag. Most microwave popcorn bags are coated with a perfluorinated chemical (PFC), which is designed to keep the oil from permeating and seeping through the bag. PFCs can break down to form another more hazardous chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which can leak onto the food during the heating process. The EPA has recommend that PFOAs be added to the list of likely carcinogens and has also requested that manufacturers stop using the chemical by 2015. A tenacious chemical compound, some PFOAs never break down and remain in the environment for the long term. This compound has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animal studies, and early epidemiological studies indicate that pregnant women exposed to the compound may have babies with reduced birth weight.

If reading about popcorn has made you crave it, here is a healthy way to make your own popcorn minus all those pesky chemicals.

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The Skinny on: Breast Cancer Diets

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

In case you missed it, it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October is dedicated to highlighting this disease, which will affect one out of eight women. They say you are what you eat, but the connection between diet and breast cancer prevention is confusing to say the least.

An article over at Nutrition Data helped me sort out the topic, although there really is no clear-cut answer. The two most researched dietary links to breast cancer are low fat diets and soy products. Although cultures with high fat diets have a higher incidence of breast cancer, there have been no clear-cut conclusions from clinical trials on this subject. There are two sides of the debate on soy products. Since soy contains phytoestrogens, which act as weak estrogens in the body, it is thought to either stimulate estrogen-related cancers, like breast cancer, or to help prevent them. Once again there is no conclusive evidence either way, and most experts feel that soy products are fine in moderation.

These ambiguous conclusions don't mean that you are completely powerless in trying to prevent breast cancer. To see what you can do, just

Does Wearing a Bra Cause Breast Cancer?

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I know it seems crazy, but there's a rumor buzzing around that wearing a bra regularly can cause breast cancer, and that underwire bras are the worst culprits. Some folks worry that wearing a bra all day compresses the lymphatic system of the breast, resulting in accumulation of toxins that cause breast cancer. Just about every woman I know wears a bra, so are we all at risk? It doesn't make sense because men can get breast cancer too, and they don't wear bras. At least I don't think so.

Here are some comforting words straight from the American Cancer Society: "We do not know of any epidemiologic studies published in scientific journals that suggest bras directly contribute to breast cancer risk or that lymphatic compression by bras might cause breast cancer. "

So there you have it. Good thing too because the idea of going bra-less all the time doesn't sound too comfortable to me. Could you imagine running without a bra? I'm a huge fan of supporting whatever you got, and I'm psyched to pass on the info that wearing any kind of bra doesn't increase your risk of breast cancer.

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DrSugar Answers: Breast Cancer Screenings?

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and answering your questions.

Hello Doc,
My mother is 50 years old and has never had a mammogram. She has lived in Florida for about 26 years now and has not had health insurance since my father passed away seven years ago. However, due to the economy and her low income, she can not afford health insurance and her employer does not offer it to their employees either. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I was hoping to find an affordable way for her to get screened?
Best Regards,
— Worried Daughter in Miami

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought we would answer a breast cancer-related question. To see more on the serious and important topic of screening for breast cancer

Birth Size and Breast Cancer

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

And you thought your relationship to your mother was already complicated. Last year we learned that the size of your mother's hips might affect your risk for breast cancer. Daughters born to mothers with wide hips, according to a Finnish study, are three times as likely to develop breast cancer. New research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine adds more insight to the mother-daughter breast cancer connection. This time, however, the factors putting you at risk are your birth weight and birth length.

After analyzing data from 32 studies that evaluated more than 22,000 cases of breast cancer among more than 600,000 women, this study found that baby girls born weighing 8.8 pounds or greater had an increased chance of developing breast cancer, by 12 percent. If the baby girl was born long, measuring over 20 inches in length, her chance of developing the disease rose by 17 percent. While those numbers seem high to me, the epidemiologist behind the study feels they are quite modest and should not be a large concern for women that were considered large or long babies.

The connection between birth size and breast cancer is not understood, but could be related to high estrogen levels in the womb. These research findings are interesting, but have not yet affected the medical and screening practices for breast cancer. In other words if you weighed over 8.8 pounds at birth, you need not rush out for a mammogram. However, these findings could be a piece of the ever complicated puzzle of this disease.

For more information, visit the FitSugar Health Guide section on breast cancer.

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Ellen DeGeneres Joins the Anti-Breast Cancer Campaign

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Funny lady Ellen DeGeneres is getting serious about breast cancer. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she's recorded a series of phone messages urging women to help themselves fight this disease, the second most lethal kind of cancer affecting women. You can go online and send phone messages to your friends and family from Ellen that say, "Hi, this is Ellen DeGeneres and (insert your name here) told me to remind you that it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you should schedule a check-up with your doctor."

Vitamin maker One a Day asked Ellen to join their campaign to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Ellen was happy to be on board since she likes to support an anti-breast cancer program each year. This issue is close to her heart since her own mother had a mastectomy 30 years ago. It's touched her family and she's well aware that she could be next. Since Ellen is so vulnerable to breast cancer, she gets a mammogram every year, and she's encouraging fellow women to be proactive about their breast health.

I just sent a message to my sister and it only took a minute!

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October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Today marks the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a yearly international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, and cure. When it comes to breast cancer prevention, early detection through monthly self-breast exams and annual mammograms for women over 40 is key. So take this as your friendly reminder to take charge of your breast health.

Knowledge really is power, and having access to facts and support when dealing with breast cancer is imperative, so check out these helpful links from well-known websites:

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization (NBCAM): Info on early warning signs of breast cancer, male breast cancer, and current news articles about the disease
Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Info on how to prevent breast cancer, different types of treatments, and a list of complimentary therapies

For more helpful links about breast cancer

Still Standing Up to Cancer

FitSugar — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Just over a week ago, all three major networks simultaneously broadcast Stand Up to Cancer. The organization has raised $100 million since its inception and the funds will go directly to funding research programs to fight this deadly disease. Documentary film maker Errol Morris made this three minute video that captures surprising and surprisingly moving moments about how cancer has affected people's lives.

Maybe Lance Armstrong's return to bike racing will help raise even more funds for cancer research, but you can still donate to the cause at the Stand Up to Cancer website. Having friends and family that have succumbed to this disease, I can't watch this clip without crying. How about you? If you feel up to it, please share how cancer has affected your life.

Stand Up to Cancer With the Stars

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Most likely, cancer has affected everybody in one way or another, which is why it's so important that we bind together to find a cure. But it's not just your own efforts to stay healthy that will keep cancer out of your life. You should also think about the greater cause.

Tonight be sure to check out the Stand Up to Cancer telethon. This one-hour, commercial-free event will be broadcast on NBC, ABC, and CBS simultaneously to raise funds for the fight against cancer. Celebs such as Jennifer Aniston, Fergie, Jack Black, Jennifer Garner, Miley Cyrus, America Ferrera, and many more will be on hand to give their support, so it's bound to be just as entertaining as it is a good cause. If you're not going to be around for the event or even if you are, you can still donate now online.

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Speak Up: Does Anti-Hot-Dog Commercial Go Too Far?

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

A new commercial has been released by The Cancer Project that many folks are claiming goes too far. Take a look . . .

OK, so what do you think? Does this ad dramatize the risks associated with kids eating a hot dog every now and then, or is it an eye opener to improve foods in schools and get the government to stop providing processed meats to our kids? Speak up and share your thoughts below.

You Can Help Prevent Cancer

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

During a discussion about cancer, my friend recently said, "There's nothing you can do to stop yourself from getting cancer, so everyone should just enjoy their lives."

True, some cancers are inevitable, but many of them are preventable. In fact, WebMD has outlined a few simple things you can do in your own life to keep cancer at bay. The tips may not be the end all be all, but they're certainly not going to do any harm either. They are:

Not using cigarettes or other tobacco products
Avoiding second-hand smoke
Not drinking too much alcohol
Avoiding weight gain and maintaining a healthy weight

There are many more simple tips so

What If You Do Find a Lump?

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

A few weeks ago a study stated that self-breast exams didn't save lives, but I am not buying it. Many women I know have caught their breast cancer early because they did monthly exams. So if you're still a believer and continue to check yourself monthly, you should be reassured to know that most lumps you find aren't cancerous. Here's what you may feel according to Living.Health.com:

A soft lump: It's smooth and round (like a grape), and it moves a little when you press on it. This lump may be painful to the touch, and it can range in size from small to large. It could be a cyst or sacs filled with natural fluid, but you should get an ultrasound just to be sure. If it is a cyst, your doctor may recommend that you go on the Pill to lower your chance of developing cysts.

A hard lump: This will feel like a clearly defined smooth, hard, rubbery, round lump. It could be small like a pea, or up to five inches wide. If you can move it around under your skin and it doesn't hurt, then it sounds like it's a fibroadenoma, which is a noncancerous tumor. They're not as common as cysts, but not uncommon for women in their 20s and 30s since they're caused by hormonal changes. Of course, it's best to have your doctor take a look and perform some tests just to make sure.

To find out what else you may feel and what it means

Fight Cancer With Tobacco?

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:30:00 -0700

We all know that using tobacco products is a sure way to be on the road to asthma, emphysema, and lung cancer. New research, putting a kind of reverse engineering twist to that carcinogenic scenario, is using tobacco to fight cancer. Scientists at Stanford University are manipulating the tobacco plant to make as a vaccine to fight a type of lymphatic cancer. Once injected, the personalized vaccine prompts the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. So far the technique has been used on 16 cancer patients. Not only was it safe, but 70 percent of the patients' immune systems responded to this tobacco vaccine.

It's pretty ironic to use tobacco to fight cancer, but apparently vaccines made from plants are far less expensive than those made using animal cells. Let's hope this is a breakthrough in the fight against cancer.

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Five-a-Day Lowers Risk of Lung Cancer

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0700

If you're not already eating your five servings of fruits and vegetables a day then you may want to start, especially if you're a smoker.

New research has found that people who ate three servings of vegetables a day were 1.6 times less likely to develop lung cancer than those who didn't eat three servings. People who ate three or more servings of fruit were one-fold less likely to develop lung cancer. Researchers think that this is due to the fact that fruits and vegetables contain flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that stop the development of blood vessels that feed tumors.

Now that's not to say that if you are a smoker that eating fruits and vegetables can enable you to continue smoking and still be protected against lung cancer. The absolute best defense against lung cancer (not to mention a whole slough of other health risks associated with smoking) is to quit smoking altogether.

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Food Pairings to Fight Cancer

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:30:00 -0700

Looking for a food pairing that does more than just intensifies taste and nutrition? Researchers out of the U.K. are suggesting that combining two food components called sulforaphane and selenium — two naturally occurring cancer fighting components found in foods — make them up to 13 times more powerful in attacking cancer together than if they are alone.

OK, so what foods contain these components? Well, foods high in sulforaphane are broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, watercress, and salad rocket (aka arugula). Foods high in selenium include nuts, poultry, fish, eggs, sunflower seeds, and mushrooms. So while we wait for the scientists to learn more, why not sprinkle some mushrooms and/or sunflower seeds onto your arugula? Not only will it be tasty, but the benefits may be hefty in terms of cancer prevention.

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Fat Worse Than Tobacco?

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:45:00 -0800

Until now, smoking seemed to be one of the most harmful things we could do to our health. However, as smoking rates decrease (yay!) and obesity rates increase (boo!), a new study found that having a high body mass index (BMI), that is 30 or higher, could become the most harmful concern, healthwise.

This is because a high BMI has been linked to an increased risk of disease and the following cancers:

Thyroid, kidney, and colon cancers, cancer of the esophagus, multiple myeloma (a cancer of the blood cells), leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in both sexes.
Rectal cancer and malignant melanoma (a deadly skin cancer) in men.
And gallbladder, pancreas, endometrial, and postmenopausal breast cancers in women.

So if you're really feeling like not going to the gym today, remind yourself that a healthy body weight could be one of your best defenses against disease and cancer.

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Bad News: Red and Processed Meats Can Raise Risk of Lung Cancer

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 02:00:00 -0800

A while back, I told you that eating red meat and processed meats could increase your risk of breast cancer. Well, unfortunately, US researchers discovered that it could increase your risk for developing lung cancer too. They also found a link between eating a lot of red meat and cancers of the liver, esophagus and pancreas.

The study involved 500,000 people ages 50 to 71. The participants of the study followed specific diets, ranging from some meat to a lot of meat. After eight years, 53,396 cases of cancer were diagnosed. Those people eating the highest amount of red meat had a 20 to 60 percent increased risk of developing esophageal, colorectal, liver, and lung cancer.

This study doesn't really mention specific amounts of meat intake, but it does mention that red meat is a high source of saturated fat and iron, both of which have been associated with cancer risk.

Red meat includes all types of beef, pork and lamb. Processed meats include bacon, red meat sausage, poultry sausage, luncheon meats, cold cuts, ham and most types of hot dogs including turkey dogs. This study isn't urging you to become a vegetarian, but it's good to keep in mind moderation when it comes to eating red and processed meats.

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Carrying a Few Extra Pounds May Not Be a Bad Thing

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:30:00 -0800

Well, this news has come in just in time. Now that candy-driven Halloween is over and we're preparing to gorge ourselves on Thanksgiving, a new study shows that being 25 pounds overweight doesn't appear to raise your risk of dying of cancer or heart disease. Having a little extra weight may help you to survive various illnesses such as emphysema, pneumonia and certain injuries. Those between the ages of 25 and 59 benefit the most from being a little chubby.

Researchers aren't sure why extra padding may help. Some say that extra weight may provide “additional nutritional reserves.” University of South Carolina obesity researcher Steven Blair, believes that it's possible to be fat and fit. He feels that Americans have been slapped in the face by fears of the obesity epidemic. While it's true that many Americans are obese, the number of deaths attributed to it has been exaggerated.

There's more to this study though. To hear about it then

Bacon and Cancer

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 02:00:00 -0700

What is the connection between bacon and cancer? You have to avoid the former to avoid the latter. I know many bacon lovers out there will probably shed a few tears when they read the recent report compiled by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). Taking five years to research and using 200 scientists to compile the data, the report states that one third of all cancers are caused by diet and lack of exercise and could be prevented.

The WCRF created a list of ten tips to help prevent a variety of cancers.

Stay as slim as possible, maintaining a BMI between 18.5 to 25. Excess body fat is not only a trigger for endometrial cancer, but also esophagus, pancreatic, bowel, post-menopausal breast, and kidney cancers.
Exercise vigorously everyday for 30 minutes or for 1 hour of moderate exercise daily.
Avoid sugary drinks and fast food.
Eat a predominantly plant based diet of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day and cereals/grains/pulses with every meal.
Eat no more than 500g of red meat a week and no processed meat ever (this is the bit about bacon and ham was singled out as well).
Woman should consume no more than one serving of alcohol a day and no more than two for a man.
No more than 6g a day of salt
Dietary supplements of vitamins and minerals are not recommended (you should be getting all your vitamins and minerals from your food).
Breastfeed babies exclusively for six months.
Cancer survivors also to follow these recommendations.

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Words That Move You...

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Sometimes all it takes are a few good words to get you moving...

"If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell."

—Lance Armstrong

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New Drug Fights Breast Cancer

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Breast cancer is a horrible disease that claims the lives of many daughters, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and sisters. Anyone can get breast cancer, and over 12.6% of women will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives. That's why research that finds medicines and treatments to cure this dreadful epidemic are so vital.

I didn't know this, but breast cancer isn't just one disease, but a family of diseases. That means not all tumors are the same, so they respond to different treatments. A new study has found a drug that can cut the recurrence of one type of tumor by 41%.

The drug called paclitaxel, when used with chemotherapy, can target HER2-positive (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2) tumors. Of course these findings need to be subjected to further research, but this news gives us great hope. We are learning that there isn't a "one size fits all" type of treatment for breast cancer. With more research, new treatments will be discovered to defeat all types of breast cancer.

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Want to Run a Marathon? Team in Training Can Help

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Have you always wanted to run, cycle, or walk to help fight or raise awareness about a deadly disease? Not only is it a powerful feeling to cross the finish line, but it makes it even more worthwhile if you know your efforts are going to support a cause. Your accomplishments will give you the sense that you did something more important than just get in good shape.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program will help you get there. They offer training from certified coaches for four to five months, training clinics, your own website for fundraising, lodging and airfare to the event, and they'll connect you with a patient so you know who all your hard work is going to benefit.

In exchange for their training and support, the money you raise will go towards finding cures to help beat blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

To get started, all you have to do is type in your zip code here. You can train with the largest endurance sports training program that's been saving lives for 20 years, and has raised over $700 million. It's a great way to help make a difference.

Weight Gain Inevitable? Not So Fast

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:00:00 -0700

For most of us the idea of gaining a few pounds as we age is an assumed fate.

Turns out that while adult weight gain is common, it should not be considered normal or healthy. A recent story on CalorieLab.com outlines why you should combat adult weight gain and how to go about it.

Here are highlights:

Middle-age weight gain increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
When normal-weight young adults become overweight, their risk of developing a form of arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the knees requiring surgery rises three-fold.
The worst consequence of being overweight may be the greater risk of several cancers, especially colon cancer and post-menopausal breast cancer. A gain of more than 45 pounds during adulthood doubles the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer, while smaller weight gains can raise the risk by 20 percent.
Changing your balance of calories by 100 fewer calories a day–by consuming less or exercising more–would probably be enough to prevent any gradual yearly weight gain.
To prevent weight gain altogether, another study suggests that 45 to 60 minutes a day of walking, yard work or similar activity may be needed.

Yikes. So if you think that weight gain is inevitable as you age, it's time to change your thinking and your lifestyle. The less weight you gain as you age, the less at risk you are for serious problems later in life.

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Hair Dye and Pregnancy

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Being pregnant has its pros and cons. Topping the list on the positive side, in my opinion, is the bundle of joy you get at the end of the process. The cons...well, my list is too long to go into here, but one concern from many women is hair dye. Is it something to avoid when prego?

According to The Mayo Clinic there really is no definitive answer. While it is likely the skin absorbs a small amount of dye, it isn't really clear how much if any reaches the fetus. However, some recent studies suggest an association between dying your hair when pregnant and some childhood cancers, but the evidence is weak. The best bet is to talk to your obstetrician, since he or she will likely have an opinion on the matter.

For me, I went the "better safe than sorry" route and avoided hair dye while I was prego, but there are ways to minimize the amount of hair dye that may be absorbed through your skin. Here are a few tips from the FDA:

Don't leave dye on your hair any longer than needed.
Rinse your scalp thoroughly with water after use of hair dye.
Wear gloves when applying hair dye.

Fit's Tip: The texture and thickness of a woman's hair can change drastically during pregnancy, so you might want to skip the process for this reason too.

I am wondering what you all think on this matter - would you dye or have you dyed your hair when pregnant? Let me know in the comment section below.

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Yoga Helping Cancer Patients

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

A while back I told you about yogaHOPE, a non-profit organization that offers yoga classes to women in recovery. They believe that yoga can produce positive motivational change in people by helping them to regain their personal strength, and I completely agree.

Doctors at the MD Anderson Cancer Center also feel that it can help patients battling cancer. Dr. Maria Jorgenson and yoga instructor Michael Moritz are working on researching the benefits of Tibetan yoga in helping patients to relieve the side effects of cancer treatments.

Cancer patients who suffer from severe pain, fatigue, and mental stress can use yoga to calm their nerves and empower their souls. In their weekly classes, they practice breathing exercises that can help them get though times when they are suffering great pain or feelings of discomfort. Patients try to eliminate the negative thoughts they have about cancer and being sick, so they can then concentrate their energy on healing.

We can all benefits from the calming effects of yoga, from both the poses and the breath work. Yoga - it encompasses so much more than just the physical body - it's a way to heal, stretch, and strengthen your emotional self too.

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Camel No. 9: What's Your Opinion?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I am totally amazed that while all the positive developments in banning smoking in restaurants, bars, entire cities and even entire states are moving forward, something so entirely counterproductive in these efforts slips through the cracks. Introducing Camel No. 9, a new cigarette marketed towards women. Though it's meant to mimic Chanel No. 19 and Love Potion No. 9, I can't imagine these cigarettes will make you smell good or fall in love. But hey, who am I to judge?There have been Camel No. 9 parties promoting the launch of the cigarette. Ladies only nights are being held in bars across the country, offering women facials, manicures, makeup and hair styling; all to be enjoyed while smoking a free pack of Camel No. 9s. You'll even get a goody bags full of treats like chocolates and coupons for drinks and the spa treatments oh, and possibly cancer. Am I missing something here? Smoking and spa treatments never went hand in hand in my book. Did I mention that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer among women? Personally, I think Camel No. 9 is a monstrosity and I can only hope they pull them from the shelves before my own daughters are teenagers, but what do you think about it all?

Camel No. 9: What's Your Opinion?

A great idea - Can't wait to see if Camel No. 9 is hosting a party in my city!

A horrible idea - I'm absolutely disgusted.

Undecided - Why should cigarette companies be scolded for doing what other major companies already do?

Other. Tell us below!

Yet Another Reason to Exercise and Eat Right

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

A new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found that if a woman, who has survived breast cancer, eats at least five servings of vegetables and fruits a day and walks briskly for 30 minutes, six days a week, her risk of death from breast cancer, goes down by 50 percent. Those who were both physically active and had a healthy diet were much more likely to survive through the follow-up period than the rest of the study group. Moral of the story? Both exercise and eating healthfully are key components to living longer, period. So if you don't do both, then you probably should start.

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For More Benefits, Don't Peel That Apple

FitSugar — Thu, 24 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Are you an apple peeler? Maybe your kids refuse to eat the apple peel and you give in to them? Well, looks like it's time to think about changing your ways...

A new study shows the bulk of apples’ anticancer properties lie in the peel. Researchers identified a group of phytochemicals in the peel that proved potent against at least three different types of human cancer cells: breast, colon and liver. So step away from the peeler and grow to love the skin your apple is in.

By the way, ironically, I am eating an apple (peel included) as I write this -- Check ya later cancer.

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5 Things: Cayenne Pepper

FitSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Oooohh...It is getting hot in here. Red hot. Red hot pepper that is. I am talking about cayenne pepper. This spice is hot right now for so many reasons - here are just five.

Cayenne is made from ground dried pods of chili peppers. It has hardly any aroma, but makes up for its lack of smell with a powerfully hot taste. The active ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin and it this component that created the heat in peppers.
Recent studies indicate that capsaicin, the chili pepper derived compound, kills cancer cells but doesn't injure healthy cells. It is too soon to recommend capsaicin as a cancer cure, it is promising to think it could someday replace current cancer therapies which indiscriminately kill all cells, healthy or damaged.
Cayenne has proven to be an affective topical pain reliever for sore back muscles as well as joint pain caused by arthritis. You can make a treatment at home using this recipe.
Cayenne may also help to regulate blood sugar levels by affecting the breakdown of carbohydrates after a meal. Based on these studies, capsaicin is being investigated to see if it would be useful in treating obesity. These studies, however, are still ongoing.
A principal ingredient in the Master Cleanse and in other food based detox diets, cayenne helps stimulate the body's self cleaning process and breaks up mucous that is clogging the body. And I mean mucous all over the body.

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Today is LIVESTRONG Day

FitSugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 11:45:00 -0700

In case you haven't heard of him, Lance Armstrong is the amazing cyclist who won the Tour de France 7 times in a row, and he beat Stage IV testicular cancer. Armstrong's athletic successes and dramatic recovery from cancer inspired him to establish the Lance Armstrong Foundation in 1997 known as LIVESTRONG. Lance is a symbol of hope for cancer survival and today is LIVESTRONG Day.

LIVESTRONG is taking bold steps to make cancer research and awareness a national priority. Today Armstrong and 200 advocates from all 50 states, will walk the halls of Congress demanding that our Senators and Representatives do more to support the fight against cancer.

They are urging Congress to support The Cancer Screening, Treatment, and Survivorship Act of 2007 introduced today. This bill is aimed at offering early detection and treatment services, reducing cancer mortality rates, and improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer.

Want to know how you can help? Then

5 Foods to Try to Avoid

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 10:15:00 -0700

We all know that certain foods are bad for you but what about certain foods that could be linked to cancer? The key to avoiding cancer-causing foods is knowing which ingredients are carcinogens and then reading food labels to permanently avoid consuming those ingredients (specifically hydrogenated oil, sodium nitrate, and acrylamides). Here's the top five potentially cancer causing foods you should avoid from NewTarget.com:

Processed meats and bacon: These meats almost always contain the same sodium nitrite found in hot dogs. You can find some without nitrites, but you'll have to look for them in natural grocers or health food stores. Bacon is also high in saturated fat, which contributes to the risk of cancers, including breast cancer. Limiting your consumption of processed meats and saturated fats also benefits the heart.
Hot dogs: The Cancer Prevention Coalition recommends that children should not eat more than 12 hot dogs per month because of the risk of cancer. If you must have your hot dog fix, look for those without sodium nitrite listed among the ingredients.
Doughnuts: Doughnuts contain hydrogenated oils, white flour, sugar, and acrylamides. Essentially, they're one of the worst cancer foods you can possibly eat. Reader's Digest calls doughnuts "disastrous" as a breakfast food, and many experts agree it's probably one of the worst ways to start the day.
French fries: Fries are made with hydrogenated oil and fried at high temperatures. Some chains even add sugar to their fry recipe to make them even more irresistible. Not only do they clog your arteries with saturated fat and trans fat, they also contain acrylamides. They should be called "cancer fries," not French fries.
Chips / crackers / cookies: These generally contain white flour and sugar as well as trans fats, but it's not enough to simply look for these ingredients on the label; you have to actually "decode" the ingredients list that food manufacturers use to deceive consumers. They do this by hiding ingredients (such as hiding MSG in yeast extract, or by fiddling with serving sizes so they can claim the food is trans fat free, even when it contains trans fats (the new Girl Scout cookies use this trick).

Source

Cancer More Likely for Minorities?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:45:00 -0700

It's a sad truth that for the most part, minorities tend to lack health insurance and access to good medical care because of poverty and cultural differences. This means that minorities are more likely to develop and die from cancer because they can't afford to get treated.

Now new research is discovering that money isn't the only cause. Genetics may also have something to do with minorities developing and dying from cancer.

Researchers examined healthy breast tissue samples from 26 black women and 22 white women. One gene involved in cell division and growth, and another gene involved in cellular energy production. Both genes were more active in African American women.

These two genes found in normal breast tissue of African American women may predispose them to developing a more aggressive breast cancer than white women. They'll also develop it at a younger age so they have a higher risk of dying from it. This is sad news for women considering that eating red meat can also increase a woman's chance of developing breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among U.S women after lung cancer. About 400,000 women die from it each year.

Fit's Tips: If you want to do something to support breast cancer patients and survivors, check out Avon's Walk for Breast Cancer.

Source

Get in Gear: LIVESTRONG with Nike Gear

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Lance Armstrong, the most famous cyclist EVER, created the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) after battling and beating Stage IV testicular cancer - he was diagnosed at age 25. His amazing story offers hope and inspiration to everyone; he is fast becoming the face of cancer survival.

In May 2004, we all started seeing these yellow LIVESTRONG wristbands everywhere. The LIVESTRONG wristbands must be one of the most successful fund raising/awareness raising products ever, since now over 55 million people around the world sport them.

You can now show your support for the LAF with a wide variety of LIVESTRONG gear made for women. Purchasing this Nike fitness apparel with the LIVESTRONG logo will not only support cancer programs but also inspire you to abide by the message yourself and "Live Strong."

The list of LAF gear includes: short and long-sleeve shirts, pants, and capris that are made with dri-Fit wicking fabric. Plus you can get track jackets, running shorts, socks, and polo shirts.

All proceeds go directly to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and knowing that 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, you can feel good about buying LIVESTRONG gear.

Want to look at all the gear? Then

Do Bras Cause Breast Cancer?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:00:00 -0800

So recently I heard an astonishing statement from someone in my yoga class. "Wearing a bra causes breast cancer. And under-wires are the worst."

What? This can't be true. Every woman I know wears a bra. And what about men who get breast cancer? I'm sure they don't wear bras. As soon as I got home, I searched for some facts to back this up.

I did find a lot of info "claiming" the same statement, but none of these sites could back it up with science.

I was happy to find this tidbit from the Canadian Cancer Society that said, "At this time, there is no reliable, scientific evidence that shows a link between wearing a bra and developing breast cancer."

Want to know what else I found? Then

Microwave Myths Busted

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 03:00:00 -0800

Here are some myths about your microwave that need clearing up:

1. Microwaving your food kills all the nutrients. FALSE. A microwave works by emitting radio waves called, you guessed it, micro waves. These waves aggravate the food particles, making them vibrate, which causes heat. Cooking food in a microwave heats it faster than on a stove, so it should retain more nutrients.

2. Microwaves leak radiation, putting you at risk for developing cancer. This could be TRUE, but if your microwave is working properly, it doesn't leak enough to cause cancer.

3. Microwaving food in plastic containers releases toxic chemicals called dioxins into your food. FALSE. According to the FDA, plastic containers and plastic wraps don't contain dioxins.

Also be aware that when you heat something in the microwave, it can get really hot very quickly. So do be careful when taking food out because it could burn you.

Yet Another Reason Not to Smoke

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:30:00 -0800

Ever feel like big tobacco is lying to you about what is really in those cigarettes? Well that is because they are.

It is being reported that U.S. tobacco companies increased the level of addictive nicotine in their cigarettes by 11 percent from 1998 to 2005. A study done by Harvard School of Public Health claims that:

...tobacco companies accomplished the increase not only be intensifying the concentration of nicotine in the tobacco but also by modifying several design features of cigarettes to increase the number of puffs per cigarette taken by smokers.

These findings definitely make you wonder if the tobacco industry has changed at all (in terms of getting people addicted) since signing the Master Settlement Agreement of 1998 with the State Attorneys General. Who, by the way, is not going to be happy with these findings.

So don't smoke and if you do, try and quit. By getting people more and more addicted, the tobacco industry is only looking out for themselves.

Locks of Love

FitSugar — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 11:35:00 -0800

Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides wigs to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 with long-term medical hair-loss.

The hair pieces are made from real hair that people donate - from men, women, and children too.

If you're interested in donating your hair, it must be a minimum of 10 inches (tip to tip). The hair can be permed or dyed, but not bleached or chemically damaged. It must be clean and dry.

Just put your hair in a ponytail or braid, place it in a plastic bag, and mail it to Locks of Love - 2925 10th Avenue North, Suite 102 – Lake Worth, FL 33461.

If your hair isn't long enough, you can also donate money. Some hairdressers will donate their time and give you a free hair-cut, if they know you're donating it to Locks of Love.

Your hair can always grow back, so why not give it to a child for a new beginning, so they can restore their self-esteem and confidence.

Cancer: June 23 – July 22

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Home and family are very important to the Cancer sign. Setting up a workout room at home, with a jump rope, treadmill and dumbbells, is a great way to blend fitness and family. And it allows you to exercise whenever you get the urge—no driving required! As a Water sign, getting back to the beach is the dream vacation for you. If you can’t take a tropical holiday, visit your local swimming pool and plunge in. You’re a natural in the water, so try snorkeling, water-skiing or cliff diving if you’re feeling extra adventurous. At the very least, soak in the hot tub as often as possible.

via SparkPeople

Coffee: The New Health Drink?

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 02:30:00 -0800

Think there's an over the counter drug that could lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and colon cancer?

Well, there is, but you won't find it at the pharmacy. Try going to your local coffee shop counter to get a hold of this wonder drug.

As if you weren't already convinced that coffee belonged on a pedestal, this dark and dreamy beverage is beloved for its ability to wake you up, cure your headaches, and keep you regular.

And now, studies show that downing 1-3 cups of caffeinated coffee a day could reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes by less than 10%. But having 6 cups a day cut a woman's risk by 30%. Talk about overtime at Starbucks.

On the same note, the more java you drink, the less likely you are to develop Parkinson's disease.

So feel good about brewing up a cup (or 2 or 12) because overall, research shows that coffee is far more healthy for you than it is harmful.

Fit's Tips: Sipping hot coffee throughout your day can cause small fractures in your teeth called crazes. They happen when your teeth expand and contract from exposure to hot foods or liquids. Try sipping your cup of joe all at one sitting to prevent this from happening.

What's the Deal with: Microwaving Plastic

FitSugar — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 14:30:00 -0800

You've all probably heard from someone by now that "You shouldn't microwave plastic containers," but are those rumors really true? Are harmful toxins really being released into your nuked food?

Here's the deal. The American Cancer Society basically says that when you heat something up in the microwave, some of the chemicals can seep into your food, but not enough that would be considered harmful. If that possible seepage weirds you out too much, use heat-resistant glass or ceramics for microwave cooking, like pyrex, just to be safe. Pyrex is great because it's not only microwave safe but it's also durable and cleans easily without staining your containers nasty shades of orange and brown. Get it here.