mammogram

I went for my three-month follow-up mammogram on Monday and received a good report that there were no new areas of concern. What a relief!

I continue to read and reflect on my approach to well-being without taking an aromatase inhibitor drug. More and more I feel most comfortable in maintaining a healthy life style through diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy sense of equilibrium.

I recently read in the December 2012 issue of HEALTH NEWS a short article titled “The Best Cancer Fighters” by Dr. Margaret I. Cuomo, MD.  Her three “top tips” are:

Get enough Vitamin D. About 3000 unbiased studies have found that higher blood levels of vitamin D are associated with a lower risk of many types of cancer. Before beginning supplementation, it is recommended that blood work be done to monitor levels which should be 40-60 ng/ml to address cancer prevention.  When my doctors reviewed my pre-surgery blood work, all of them said I was low in vitamin D and recommended I begin supplementation, which I did.

Avoid bisphenol-A — also known as BPA. This chemical is mostly found in the inside coating of canned foods and plastic bottles. Recent unbiased research links BPA to various cancers. Choose products that say BPA-free on the label as often as you can.

Eat mostly foods that come from plants — fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains are high in antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer growth. Meals should be two-thirds vegetables and/or whole grains, one-third lean protein such as turkey, chicken, or fish. Red meat is OK but should be limited to once a week.

Top cancer-stopping foods:    Tomato juice or sauce (the antioxidants are more potent when the tomatoes are cooked; Berries, especially blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries (my favorite!); Broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, romaine lettuce, and other leafy green vegetables.

Happy Daylight Savings — don’t forget to set your clocks forward tonight!

and so it is. . .