Every October there is a national campaign to bring awareness about the risks and effects of breast cancer. While this is typically diagnosed in women more than men, it is possible for anyone to have breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder that taking care of your health isn’t just a once-a-year thing; it is something you should be doing all year round. There are many preventative measures and lifestyle choices that minimize your chances of being affected by this disease. These include scheduling regular checkups with your doctor, getting proper nutrition, and prioritizing physical activity and rest. Let’s check out how these will keep you healthy for a long time.
Get Annual Physicals with Your Doctor
One of the ways to stay ahead in caring for your health is by scheduling an annual physical with your doctor. These appointments help you and your doctor understand your baseline needs over time and identify any potential new or unusual symptoms.
These appointments are important for the prevention, early detection, and intervention of many diseases and illnesses. During these visits, they perform screenings and tests that help determine treatment. Plus, they give you tools, habits, and resources so you can live your best life as long as possible.
Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods
One of the best ways to take care of your well-being is by eating a nutrient-dense diet. These types of foods give you the most nutritional bang for your calorie buck. You want to include a variety of whole foods that have essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats.
Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and low-fat dairy are all considered nutrient-dense. Examples of lean proteins are fish, poultry, tofu, and beans. Whole grains include complex carbohydrates, like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal. A good rule of thumb is to try to get a mix of lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs in each meal, and have a variety of colors of the rainbow on your plate.
Other tips to keep in mind are to avoid fast food and anything overly processed. Anything fresh is great, but frozen can work in a pinch – just check the ingredients to make sure it’s all good stuff. The more ingredients you see on the label means the more processed, so try to stick to whole foods as much as possible. When possible, buy organic produce that is in season. During the fall, apples, squash, sweet potatoes, and brussels sprouts are where it’s at!
Get Enough Sleep and Exercise
Partaking in physical exercise daily and getting enough sleep are key for longevity. Get your body moving with a variety of activities that offer cardiovascular, strength, and mental benefits. A regime that has all three of these requirements includes walking, lifting weights, and yoga.
Getting enough sleep is one of the most impactful things you can do for short- and long-term benefits. Sleep helps your body repair tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens your immune system. It also helps improve your memory, learning, decision-making, and regulating your mood. Plus, it helps you to maintain a healthy body weight. For the most benefits (and wake up feeling like you really got your beauty rest), aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t the only time of year you need to prioritize taking care of yourself. Do you have the protection you need throughout the year If you are considering switching coverage, Freeway Insurance reviews may be a good option. They have a variety of plans that are offered throughout the country. To learn more, visit their website or call them.
Lifestyle Tweaks for Cancer Prevention
It is important to take care of yourself everyday – not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For your well-being to be at its best, visit your doctor every year, eat a diet full of nutrient-rich foods, and get enough sleep and exercise. It is never too late to start making any of these changes to feel good now – and later!