Risk Factors For Breast Cancer

A number of studies have identified risk factors that increase the risks for breast cancer.
The studies involved risk factors such as:

• Smoking
• Previous smoker
• Exposure to second hand smoke
• Body mass index
• Physical activity
• Waist and hip circumference

These risk factors are also used to teach people how to  prevent cancers and other non-communicable diseases. CLICK HERE.

One study compared women who never smoked with those who smoked for some time. The highest risks were among:

• Current smokers
• Women who smoked during their teens
• Women who smoked before their first full term pregnancy

The researchers found that those who smoked  for some time and quit had a 9% increased risk for invasive breast cancer, while those who were current smokers had a 16% increased risk.

Among those who quit, the increased risk continued for up to 20 years after.  Compared to those who were not exposed to second hand smoke, those who had extensive exposure had a 32% increased risk.

Another study looked at body mass index and physical activity. The researchers found that in postmenopausal women as the body size increases and physical activity decreases, the risk for breast cancer increases. The participants were 155, 000 women.

Women who have a family history of breast cancer or a history of benign breast tumors must protect their health by avoiding these risk factors.  All women can prevent non-communicable diseases by pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamin D-Things You Should Know

Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin, it is necessary to prevent diabetes, to build strong bones and teeth
 and for general health.

We produce it ourselves through exposure to the sun.

Unfortunately we need a lot more sun than we can get to produce enough vitamin-D for our health.

Due to the harmful effects of the sun we need to protect our health from it.  Actions and products that can do so also prevent us from the exposure necessary to produce vitamin-D.

Certain people are especially vulnerable,they are:

• People who live in regions where there is not enough sunlight
• People with dark skin who are naturally protected from sunburn by their pigment
• People who protect their skin from ultra violet rays with sunscreen

Because of these reasons vitamin-D has to be taken in the diet or by supplements.
 
Adults need 400IU per day, children and teenagers 200IU, babies and infants need 400IUper day.
 
Sources of Vitamin-D

• Milk  
• Eggs,
• Cheese
• Liver
• Salmon, 
• Canned tuna 
• Sardines

Some foods such as Infant formula, milk and fruit juice are fortified with vitamin D.

Breast milk does not provide vitamin-D, so breastfed babies and infants need to get their daily recommended dose through fortified foods or supplements.

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What Can Abdominal Pain Be?

If you have abdominal pain it could be a simple stomachache, it can be due to heartburn, a heart attack, menstrual cramps or even kidney stones.

The two common conditions are: appendicitis and ulcers.

Ulcers: Pain in the upper,central abdomen. It may be a few hours after eating or during the night. It may be relieved by taking antacids. An ulcer can bleed or rupture at which time it is a medical emergency.

Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix starts with pain in the center of the abdomen around the belly button. As the pain becomes worse, it moves to the right lower abdomen.An inflamed appendix can rupture at which time it becomes a medical emergency.

Seek emergency assistance for your pain immediately if:

• You have a fever
• You are vomiting blood
• You are constipated
• You also have chest, neck or shoulder pain
• You are dizzy or light headed
• Your abdomen is rigid and tender to touch

Contact your physician if the pain is accompanied by:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• If you may be pregnant
• Diarrhoea
• Burning or pain when urinating
• If pain becomes worse with antacids
• Nausea
• Bloating for more than two days

Your doctor will ask you specific questions such as:

• When did it start?
• How long does it last?
• What makes it feel better?
• Is the pain sharp or dull
• Is it cramps.
• Does the pain come and go? ____________________________________________________________________________

Workout Tips For Seniors

Physical activity is at the top of the list of healthy habits. When combined with healthy eating, being physically active lays the foundation for health, vitality and longevity.

The two lifestyle habits are also necessary for any weight management. Experts recommend 30 minutes 0f moderate-intensity aerobics exercise 5-7 days per week.

Here are some tips from the American Council on Exercise(ACE) on how seniors can make the best use of exercise and workout.

The tips include:
1-Cardiovascular exercise
2-Flexibility
3-Safety
4-Resistance training
5-Strength training

Click on the ACE link below for more details on how seniors can incorporate these tips into their exercise routine. TheSpec - Five workout tips for seniors.

The Social Side Of Giving For Health

Involving family, friends  and loved ones in health decisions may be more important than you think.

This post has placed an emphasis on giving for health to communicate the social side of managing one's health at home.

Giving for health is important to both the giver and person needing help.

There are many good reasons why giving for health is important.  Firstly, when you give for health, those who give get involved in health decisions that could affect them.

Because persons are connected, their health is also connected.

Other reasons for giving could be:
-For support and encouragement
-To prevent the breakdown of a relationships when lifestyle changes are necessary
-For success in accomplishing  better health outcomes
-For financial support because of related financial needs
-For an improvement in the person's wellbeing.
-For better recovery from illness
-To protect health
- To preserve family life affected by illness

Family and friends can a be a source of health information when they give gifts of health. 
Family and friends can also be a source for health awareness. Family and friends can foster feelings of wellbeing and instill hope instead of despair.

In one study researchers found that patients recovering from a heart attack had poorer quality of life, more likely to suffer from angina and be depressed if their level of support was low.
Read about this study.

Both individuals and their support network can contribute to healthier outcomes. Individuals can do so by asking for their health's sake; family and friends can contribute by giving and supporting in times of  health needs.

Giving for health can be done in many ways, for example by giving:

• Products that promote health and wellbeing 
• Devices and equipment for self care.
• Medical coverage or payment for medical intervention.
• Support not abandonment 
• Encouragement, not redicule
• Help with lifestyle changes
• Monetary help
• Giving for health research
• Giving gifts of health instead of another

An example of a time when  giving is especially valuable is with smoking cessation. Smoking is a major cause of diseases and premature deaths. It is not easy to quit especially without  help.

If a friend's or family's life is already physically challenge, quitting can save it. Help from family and friends makes quitting easier.

Researchers have found that alcohol consumption behaviour within one's social network can affect their own alcohol consmption behaviour. They found that the behaviours of family and friends were significantly associated with a person's drinking.


These are times when giving for health can be especially helpful.

• To improve the person's quality of life
• Elder care
• During temporary ill-health
• For smoking cessation help
• When lifestyle changes are necessary
• Surviving mental illness
• Assistance with daily living at home
• When weight loss is crucial
• To support cancer other health research

Giving for health can be done for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas but one can give each and every day.

Remember when you give for health, your gifts can last all year round and all lifelong, remember family and friends with health needs.