Changing Seasons
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
BREAST CANCER awareness = PREVENTION strategies by simply reducing exposure.
CONTROL the CONTROLLABLES
"Recent STUDIES have linked environmental exposures to breast cancer. By better understanding the role of risk factors, like lifestyle choices and chemical exposures in the development of breast cancer, prevention strategies can lower the risk of developing cancer.
Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals are known to contribute to the development of breast cancer, and are found in the foods we eat and the products we use every day, like personal care products and household cleaners.
Studies suggest these chemicals can alter DNA and interfere with gene expression, which may cause mutations in breast cells and make tissues more susceptible to cancer.
A healthier lifestyle may help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Here are some ideas for avoiding exposure to endocrine disruptors."
Personal Care Products
Hormone-disrupting chemicals are added to many of the personal care products people use every day. Some common endocrine disruptors include PFAS, parabens, and phthalates. It’s essential to lower overall exposures to these chemicals. Switching to BRANDS/MANUFACTURERS who provide a “NO LIST” is a simple way to reduce exposure.
Cleaning Products
A recent intervention studied 50 Hispanic women and their exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and cyclosiloxanes. The researchers found that household cleaners may be a significant source of exposure to endocrine disruptors. Measuring by air concentrations, they found switching from standard cleaning products to BRANDS/MANUFACTURERS who commit to a “NO LIST”.
World Mental Health Day: TECH and You
World Mental Health Day is October 10th; this day “serves as a global platform to raise awareness and promote mental health education, advocacy, and support” (resource). How does our mental health connect to our use of technology?!
Over 80% of teenagers and young adults check their cell phones within 15 minutes of waking (0% report sleeping with their phones). This ADDICTION to screens IS affecting SLEEP, PRODUCTIVITY, and OVERALL WELLbeing.
TIPS to be mentally and physically WELL in our relationship with technology:
1. Avoid looking at the phone the first 30 minutes of being awake
2. Take a day off to get outside, or meet a friend for a tech free get together; enjoy a coffee, cook a meal, or organize your room without tech
3. Mute or unfollow accounts that bring you down
4. Turn off notifications
5. Use planners or journals for ideas, tasks, goals, and switch to a paper calendar to bring down screen time
6. Use one form of tech at a time- watch TV (instead of watching TV with your phone), do deep work without music, run without a phone
Try 1 or 2 of these tips for 30 days and take inventory of how you feel - physically and mentally.
Digital Flourishing Survey
Thinking about your relationship with technology, it’s important to really understand how it impacts your life. Balancing life with the demands of technology is no easy task, but by taking the intentional time to pause and reflect on what could change, you can begin to understand how to unravel perhaps such a tight grip and dependence to tech.
The Digital Wellness Institute coined the term Digital Flourishing as a way to understand how we can flourish in our relationship with technology.
Take this 6 minute survey to begin your journey to digital flourishing!
Seasonal Recipe: Pumpkin Muffins
Enjoy this perfect fall treat! Whether it is a sweet addition to your breakfast or a delicious afternoon snack with a warm cup of tea, these pumpkin muffins are sure to bring joy to your autumns days!
As always, thank you all for taking the time to engage with this month’s content! Take care and be well.