Nutrition and Breast Cancer (Part 1)

There are so many things that have been thought of as causes to breast cancer.  Some of those things we can control, and some of them we cannot. Because diet is one of those risk factors that we have some control over, it warrants our attention.  Our best defense when it comes our health is to be proactive and do whatever we can. The stronger our immune systems are and the healthier we are, the more capable we are of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, and it’s treatments.

This first article will focus on our nutritional choices to promote overall good health, fend off disease, and better deal with any malaise or breakdowns.  There is strong evidence that supports our ability to bolster, and strengthen our immune systems based on our food choices.  I advocate a diet rich with cruciferous vegetables, fresh organic fruit, and if you are a meat eater, farm raised meat protein. When it comes to caloric intake, that is a bit more complicated, and will vary from person-to-person. Your height, current body weight, and  the need, or desire to gain or lose weight, will indicate your Recommended Daily Intake, or RDI.

Why do I advocate these items? Well, first and foremost,  there is sound evidence to support their health and cancer fighting  properties. Cruciferous veggies such as cabbage, broccoli, and brussel sprouts are rich in nutrients and help to deactivate cancer causing agents. Organic fruit provides you with complex sugars, and is void of carcinogenic pesticides and fertilizers. The same is reportedly true of farm raised meat.

I shared a few food items that would be beneficial for you, but on the flip side, I suggest you steer clear of some food products that have ample evidence to support their links to cancer.  Simple sugars, water that is not stored in BPA free bottles, and dairy products. I emphasize that this is a very short list of no no’s. Eliminating these items would be a good start, and certainly promote a healthier body system.

Our best defense when it comes our health is being proactive.. The stronger our immune systems are and the healthier we are, the more capable we are of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, and it’s treatments. Because medical science has not come forth with any conclusive evidence to pinpoint the direct cause of breast cancer, it is important for us to focus on those risk factors, such as dietary intake,  that are within our control.

If you want to get the detailed skinny on the research findings around nutrition and breast cancer visit the National Cancer Institutes Website.

Sports Illustrated India Interview(prelude)

Awareness in India

I have had the pleasant opportunity to do an interview with Sports Illustrated India. Much to my dismay, breast cancer has taken it’s toll on the population there and the numbers are increasing. I attribute that to the presence of companies like Monsanto, and the likes, but more on that later.

This interview is being conducted more or less to inspire the people of their country with hope and to spread awareness. As this interview is being conducted, I sense my interviewer attempting to attach some super-human attributes to survivors. My continued responses are to get her to understand that coming through a diagnosis and getting a clean bill of health are dependent on a number of variables. One of those variables just being fate. It is very humbling to have this correspondence.  I hope that what I share will inspire, and bring a consciousness to the people of India.

There will be 3 parts to this Interview. Each part will consist of 5  questions that have been posed. I have been asked many of these questions a number of times before, but on different occasions. Each time, there is a deeper reflection, and maybe some of the answers even change. I realize that as I dealt with my diagnosis, there are some things that escape my memory. I have simply relied upon others to be my memory, and waited for time to pass to provide the clarity. Traumatic events will do that to you.

Because I am engaging in this interview, I took it upon myself to look up some statistics and see how breast cancer is affecting the Indian population. Sadly enough, the incidence rate is high, and mounting yearly.  One article predicts that the rate will double by 2015.  What is even more tragic is that in India, there are medical professionals that are not oncologist treating and helping those who are diagnosed to make decisions. There is no telling how this type of treatment is affecting outcomes. Read more here

I will begin posting the 3 part interview once the interview is complete, and published. I hope to be able to share an online version. In the meantime, stay tuned, as I share more about the breast cancer situation in lndia.

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Survivor’s Spirit

Here recently, I made the acquaintance of a fellow survivor.  That is not the significance of this share. There are survivors all around us.  The significance of the share are the variations in which this woman took control of her health. She stood before me, more or less because of her proactivity, and faith in something that was not advocated.

She was told that if she did not move forward with the treatment she was prescribed, she would be dead within a year. That was four years ago! As I sat across from this woman, I felt her strength, her conviction, her determination to live, and her overwhelming sense of accomplishment.   I sat there only imagining the pressure that she felt from not only her doctors, but her family.

Although at the time, all she knew was what medical professionals were telling her, she had faith in another way.  Out of the sheer fact that intuitively she did not “feel” chemotherapy and radiation were  best for her, she began to educate herself on her condition and how to manage, or treating herself.  What I am even more impressed with in this story is that my friend was only 28 at the time. What courage!  What faith!

Now, I can here some people mumbling in the background…….”Yeah I had a friend who took an alternative route, and such and such happened.”  or,  I can hear others of your  quipping that “Whatever my doctor tells me, that’s what I’m doing.”  All of these are your choices. You are more than entitled to your choices. This share is an to attempt to open some eyes, and possibly show you that you have more power when you believe when it comes to your health. There is no reason to be pressured, or accept any form of treatment, if it does not resonate with you.  This is in no way shape, or form  advocating that everyone rebuke conventional medicine. It is advocating that we all educate, understand, and act in accordance with what we learn and feel.

If you are willing to put forth the effort. if you are willing to assume some responsibility for your health there are options.  Far too many of us fall prey to a circumstance, or condition, because we blindly accept what is being told to us.

My friend is a glowing example of assuming responsibility.  She radiates, and is full of life!  She represents the leap of faith that many people are fearful of exploring!  Thank you, my  friend.  Your journey is admirable.

You are loved!!!!

WNBA Breast Health Week

First of all, I would like to thank the WNBA for continuing it’s role in generating Breast Health Awareness.  Breast Health Awareness Week has been an important National effort that took place in the WNBA communities.  This effort lends much-needed attention to the fight against breast cancer. The more awareness is promoted the more women are encouraged to do their breast-self exams, and get their clinical exams and mammograms. Ultimately, the WNBA, is encouraging early detection, which could help in save lives.

I don’t believe I felt the impact of Breast Health Awareness Nights until after my personal bout.  What I became in tune with was how being in the stands affected someone who is living past  a diagnosis. The survivors that sit in the stands of WNBA games look on and are charged with energy. They watch young vibrant, athletic women display their talent and they are inspired, and infused with energy and life. On the flip side of that, as a player, I felt, and understood how significant the opportunity to connect and share with those ladies has been.  They too have shared their gifts, and touched my life in an unforgettable way.

For the players who continue to inspire these survivors, I hope you understand the impact you have on a woman who may be fighting for her life. The hug you give, or the pink ball that you sign, may be the highlight of that persons day. Those acts of kindness and love may be the very thing that someone needed to get through a tough day. Hats off, and mad respect for the giving of yourselves in a way that only the recipients of your love and kindness will understand and appreciate.

Nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed annually, and the chances are you know someone, or know of someone who has been diagnosed. The magnitude of the disease is at a proportion that touches all of our lives. Whether you have a relative, friend, or colleague that has been diagnosed, you have felt the rippling effects of that diagnosis. You are probably reading this article because you have had an experience with breast cancer.

If you are near a WNBA city, I encourage you to make your way to a game, support not only Breast Health Awareness, but some amazing athletes who support and encourage women to fight, and live courageously.

Remembering the Harlem Rens

The Harlem Rens

Being that I am a basketball fan, it is hard to allow this bit of information go unmentioned. As we know, history is at times distorted, and even buried. Such is the case with the historical accomplishments of the Harlem Rens.

As I read through the accomplishments of this team, I am mystified that I had not ever heard of them.  It is an admirable feat for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to not only recognize this team, but to give them their well deserved place in history.

I intend to see Kareem’s documentary,  ”On The Shoulders of Giants.”  Click here to find out more.

 

Keep it movin’

Life Experiences

Today’s reflection was that we have our experiences and each experience brings us to pivotal point and causes us to become fully aware. Our senses are heightened at that point , and we are forced to do something that we don’t want to do and that is change. No matter how hard it is to accept, every situation, every circumstance, every relationship must change. We are filtered through that time and space, and inevitably we change as well.  Welcome this transition. it is important for you to evolve, and grow. When resist, we are stagnant.

Eyes wide open

When this heightened awareness occurs, you are viewing yourself through a new set of lenses. You are in tune to a new you, and this new you needs a new situation. it is time to shed the old and embrace the new. This is the Universe’s built-in elimination system. We always know when it is time to eliminate, and evacuate some space for a new journey.  We are meant to be ever-changing and ever-growing!

 

 

Getting Things Done!

Have you ever had a “to do” list that seemed so overwhelming. Have you looked at that “to do” and wondered how you were going to get it all done?????  Well, a friend recommend this book, and I’m telling you……….It get’s it done! Click <a href=”http://http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=brecaninsando-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0142000280&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr
“>here to David Allen’s Getting Things Done!