Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Lassen’s has changed our signature blue logo water bottle to pink to let everyone know how much we support Breast Cancer Research!  Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sales of our pink logo water will be donated to the American Cancer Society to fund research aimed at curing Breast Cancer.  And the water is delicious!

We are also partnering with Garden of Life to help fund breast cancer research.  For every bottle of their Kind Organics Daily Women’s Once Daily supplement sold, $3 will be donated to the American Cancer Society.  Kind Organics whole food multivitamins are Certified Organic, non-GMO Project Certified, vegan, dairy- and gluten-free.  This multi has 15 important vitamins and minerals in a one per day, easy to swallow tablet.  It has neither fillers nor binders, and is made from real food.

Lassen’s is interested in more than just raising awareness of Breast Cancer.  We want to help fund research and foster education.  That’s why we are working with the American Cancer Society Chapters in Ventura County, the Central Valley, as well as Los Angeles.  Our donations are helping to fund their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.  

There are plenty of things about breast cancer risk that cannot be changed–family history, for example.  Or previous exposure to radiation or other environmental factors.  But we should eliminate or reduce the risk factors that we can.  Here are some of the changes that are recommended for reducing your risk of developing breast cancer:

• Don’t smoke.  This is something that we have known for some time, and breast cancer is not the only health issue that is made worse by smoking.  This is one of the hardest habits to kick, but probably the most important change that can be made for overall health.  If you are trying to kick the habit, come talk to one of our helpful supplement assistants who can give you some advice and help.
• Limit alcohol consumption.  There is also a clear connection between alcohol and breast cancer.  The higher the consumption, the higher the risk.  If you do drink alcohol, limit consumption to no more than one drink per day.  
• Be physically active, and control weight.  So many health problems comes back to this, don’t they?  I’ve read all kinds of recommendations about how much and what kind of exercise is best, but this one sounds reasonable: reach for about 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, plus some strength training twice per week.  
• Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables.  There is no definitive research telling us that certain foods will prevent cancer, but we cannot neglect what we put into our bodies.  It’s all part of being healthy.  Fiber, omega-3s, cruciferous vegetables, red/orange/yellow fruits and vegetables, walnuts, peaches & plums, and folate-rich foods have all been suggested for a healthy, cancer-risk-reducing diet.  
• Breastfeed, and limit hormone therapy.  Breastfeeding provides a lower breast cancer risk.  Hormone therapy may increase the risk, especially if taken longer than 3-5 years.  There are other, natural options to check out, and again, our helpful supplement staff can answer your questions.
• Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental toxins.  Eating organic, reducing unnecessary tests, and advocating for a cleaner environment can help us all.
• Pay attention to changes in your body.  Do breast self-exams and report any changes to your doctor.  

So in October, don’t be afraid of the Pink!

Love,

Lassen’s