Anna the Public Health Nurse blogging today, reminding you that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
One of my relatives in Thailand came home one day and her dog jumped up on her, scratching her breast. She went to her doctor and while treating the scratch he discovered she had breast cancer. She was lucky. Thanks to her dog her cancer was found early and she responded well to treatment.
Not everyone is so lucky. Early detection is your best defense against breast cancer but as Americans like to say, sometimes the best defense is a good offense.
You are less likely to get breast cancer if you:
- don't smoke or use any kind of tobacco products
- limit your alcohol intake
- maintain a physically active lifestyle
- watch your weight
- avoid menopausal hormone therapy
- avoid certain foods
Thai dishes have lots of ingredients that are thought to help fight cancer. Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, chili peppers, kale, garlic, mushrooms, nuts, oranges, papayas, tofu, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes are all thought to be helpful. Turmeric, which is found in most kinds of curry, has also gained a reputation for its cancer-fighting qualities.
Anna could have opened a hot dog stand or a pizza parlor, but why? Why go to the trouble of preparing unhealthy food when there are so many healthy dishes that taste good and are good for you?
Once people have Thai food, it seems they are hooked for life. And, if they keep eating Thai food, that might be a very long life indeed. Don't forget that Anna's great grandmother Mai lived to be 107 years old! In Thailand, even our desserts are healthy!
Share the secret to long life with all your friends, especially the ones who eat hot dogs.
