October is breast cancer awareness month, so there’s no better time than now to set the record straight about some myths surrounding this disease. It’s time to scratch these off your cancer-prevention plan.
October is breast cancer awareness month, so there’s no better time than now to set the record straight about some myths surrounding this disease. It’s time to scratch these off your cancer-prevention plan.
1 Avoiding underwire bras
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center recently debunked this old wives’ tale. In a study of more than 1,000 women, they found no association between wearing an underwire and being diagnosed with the disease. The study also ruled out related factors, including the number of hours a day you wear a bra, as possible breast cancer causes.
2 Eating organic foods
They have plenty of health benefits, including higher antioxidant levels and fewer toxins. But, unfortunately, women who eat organic have the same likelihood of developing breast cancer as those who purchase conventionally grown foods, according to a study in the British Journal of Cancer. “The most important thing is to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, regardless of whether they’re organic,” says Dr Therese Bevers, the medical director of the Cancer Prevention Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
3 Getting additional screenings if you have dense breasts
Women with dense breast tissue may have difficulty detecting cancer with a mammogram. So, many doctors recommend additional screening, such as a breast ultrasound. But a new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that breast density alone is not enough to justify having an extra test. Instead, Dr Bevers advises, ask about getting a 3D mammogram, which may be more likely to show abnormalities than a traditional mammogram.
Come clean
Rid your body of harmful toxins and waste with Cheryl W Flush Dark Plum Natural Cleanse ($128 for 15 sachets). This tasty drink is made with ingredients like plum powder, senna tea and honey to aid digestion and promote healthy bowel movement. We also like that it’s rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to give your body a nutrient hit. For more information, visit www.cherylw.com.sg.
Sweet dreams
Having trouble dozing off at night? Let the day’s worries melt away by taking PNT200 ($38 for 30 tablets, www. funggohpharma.com.sg), a natural supplement made from organic milk extract. This stress buster is proven to be as effective as benzodiazepines – a type of sleeping pill – but without any negative side effects. Best of all, it’s also suitable for those with sensitive stomachs, as it’s made lactose-free.
How much more likely women who experience PMS are to develop high blood pressure compared with those who don’t have the condition. “The same things that may cause PMS – hormonal dysfunction, chronic inflammation and deficiencies in certain micronutrients – also contribute to hypertension,” explains lead researcher Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson. The good news: Her research shows that women with a higher intake of the B vitamins thiamine and riboflavin are less likely to develop PMS and hypertension. Find them in foods such as legumes, nuts, fish, leafy greens and fortified cereals.
SOURCE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
ASK THE EXPERT
Sometimes after I climax, I’m still aroused. Why?
Here’s where the innate difference between men and women comes in to play. Men get turned on quickly, and after they orgasm, their drive plummets, explains Nikki Goldstein, a relationship expert and sexologist in Australia. “Female arousal is a slow burn. It builds gradually, and it tapers off gradually as well.” So, essentially, men and women are out of sync sexually. Even though you both had a great orgasm, he might be ready to fall asleep immediately, while you’re ready to go for round two. The most obvious solution is to have sex again or, if he’s not up for that, to pleasure yourself. However, if this happens to you often, Nikki says, a better strategy may be for him to give you an orgasm before intercourse. That increases the likelihood that you’ll both feel satisfied after sex, so you can bask in the glow together.
