ginghamandgrace

Happy (almost) fourth of July weekend

I love the fourth of July. I am not American, although I have lived in America for eighteen years. I feel a strong surge of patriotism on this weekend every year. The fireworks, the red white and blue everything… Ray Charles singing “America the Beautiful” – it gets me every time.

 

Last week I was lucky enough to spend some time on the west coast. I was blown away by the beauty of the coastline and the inherent “coolness” of the cities. It seems that Californians place a high priority on health and wellness, which is great (because I’m kind of in to that at the moment)! There are juice bars and yoga studios everywhere as well as plenty of healthy options on the menu in most restaurants. Maybe there’s an emphasis on health because the weather is so lovely and everyone wears bathing suits year round. Hmmmmm

While I was away (childless) I found time to read. A lot. One book that I find fascinating is Anti-Cancer – A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PHD. David is a brilliant doctor/scientist, who was at the start of his career when he discovered (by accident) that he had a brain tumor. This book is a culmination of fifteen years of research – as a doctor and a patient. “Drawing on conventional and alternative approaches, Servan-Schreiber concisely explains what makes cancer cells thrive and what inhibits them and offers empowering strategies to prevent their growth.” The research and exposition on the roles that environment, lifestyle and trauma play in our health is stunning.

 

Sometimes as a cancer patient/survivor I feel helpless to defend myself. And, maybe some cancer-less people feel that way too. How do I know if I will someday be given a cancer diagnosis? What are my odds? Cancer is this huge and mysterious opponent, powerful beyond human comprehension. The name itself evokes fear.

What if we can do things to reduce our risk? Easy things, like drinking green tea or eating more garlic? What if I avoided microwaving my leftovers in plastic containers and used skincare products without parabans and ate organic animal products? Would these simple changes keep my cancer at bay?

Servan-Schreiber cites a November 2008 research article in the journal Cancer regarding a study that followed two groups of breast cancer survivors for eleven years after they had had conventional treatment (chemo, radiation and surgery). Over the years, the group who followed (in addition to medical treatment) a program of nutritional education, physical activity and better stress management saw their risk of dying decrease by 68 percent compared to those who received conventional treatment only.

You can imagine I read that one twice. The ever-skeptic in me says, “It’s one study, probably small and very flawed. Don’t get your hopes up, girlfriend.” But, the believer in me feels empowered. I see that big, ol’ mysterious, faceless cancer monster and I stand up a little taller. I am getting stronger and I am getting wiser. I (me, little old me) I am a worthy opponent.

 

little changes that make a big difference     – from anti-cancer

avoid products containing industrial chemicals whenever possible

*air out dry cleaned clothing

*avoid chemical cleaning products

*avoid parabans and phthalates in cosmetic products

*avoid skin care products that contain estrogen or placental by-products

*avoid foods and liquids that have been in contact with hot plastic

diet

*eat grass-fed and organic animal products (I have been told this MANY times, includes butter, eggs, yogurt, cheese etc.)

*reduce your intake of sugar, white flour, products containing omega-6s (sunflower, soybean, safflower oil, trans fat and non-organic animal fat)

*increase your Omega 3 intake (fish, flaxseed)

*increase your intake of anticancer products (turmeric, green tea, specific anti-cancer vegetables and fruits such as garlic, kale, brussel sprouts, blueberries, cherries and raspberries)

activity

*spend 20-30 minutes doing physical activity per day

*expose yourself to sunlight for 20 minutes each day (creates vitamin D)

meditation

*practice a method of relaxation or self-centering

 

I am going to try and feature a new, safe product each blog post. It will be a product that I have tried and like and want to share with all of you. The first product I’ll share is called Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser. It is a make-up remover that performs like non-other. I use it mainly for eye makeup; the thick, salve-like texture may be too oily for the entire face. If your skin tends to run dry, you may want to use it all over. I simply rub a little over my eye and wipe clean with a cloth. I am telling you, it’s fantastic and it’s available at Walgreens. Oh, and it’s a one on the EWG toxic product list! So feel free to use liberally!

 

 

I wish you all a happy, healthy holiday weekend xoxo