It’s Not Enough Self-Care To Light A Candle And Avoid Breast Cancer
We’re moving into October, a month for celebrating Halloween, but this is also an important month for talking about self-care – this is breast cancer awareness month. And, this is not a message just for women. Breast cancer may occur primarily in females, but the effects of a loved one with cancer affect everyone involved. This is a message for all:
Take care of yourself
That may seem simple and straightforward, but we know that too often, we put ourselves last. Likely, you make appointments for everyone who relies on you and then make your own. Check-ups are preventive and lifesaving because they catch issues early. Routine check-ups should not be delayed, but we often put ourselves last and make the call late.
How To Practice Self Care
Stop thinking of yourself last and start making time for yourself. We have all heard about self-care, and for a while, it was trendy to light a candle while eating a bon-bon in the name of taking a break; sure, rest and relaxation matter to self-care, but truly caring for yourself means moving the dial forward on your health. Are you making healthy meals for yourself? Are you getting enough physical movement? Do you make appointments for routine screenings?
If you feel harried and stressed, that is the typical experience of most people today, but the hard truth is that life will always contain stress and it’s rare to find ourselves in a pleasant oasis where we feel at ease. We strive for ease, but we live in a state of barely controlled chaos, right? This means we need to dig deeper to work within the flow of stress to take back time for self-care, real self-care that moves the dial forward.
What You Can Do Against Breast Cancer
This month, for those whose body parts include breasts, begin self-care of your breast health. Here are just three steps for you to accomplish this month toward true self-care:
Self-Exams. If you do not perform breast self-exams, learn more about the ways to include these in your routine or even the best methods for conducting one. Maybe it feels uncomfortable or weird, but it may be the front line against cancer and save your life.
Mammogram. Next, schedule your mammogram. If you need to dig out the number, go do that; if you need to leave a message and get a call back, start that process; and even if you need to get the appointment far out on the calendar because of scheduling, at least it’s on there.
Movement. Finally, begin a healthier lifestyle that includes movement. Ward off disease with full-body movement and better food choices. Yes, diet and exercise; but these two words don’t need to be off-putting. Think small, simple changes. We can figure out a way to ease you into getting more movement or continuing to advance your routine while you eat better.
For those who love someone with breasts, help them. Ask them when is their appointment for their mammogram, or if that feels too personal, ask them if they need help to schedule any healthcare appointments this month. Time can be a gift for someone who needs to put themselves first.
Be Aware Of Your Health
For breast cancer awareness month, hopefully, we boosted the signal and increased awareness.
Please, put yourself first by attending to your health.
