Cancer Prevention – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Cancer awareness is the first step toward cancer prevention. Synthetic chemicals are more pervasive than many people realize and have effects on humans ranging from allergies to cancer and heart disease. It seems like every day a new study warns us against exposing ourselves to a chemical found in every day items. Consider the recent and continuing scare over Bisphenol A (BPA) (used in many plastic cups) being linked to cancer.
Our houses and workspaces contain thousands of chemicals which we inhale every day that could over time be contributing factors to cancer, heart, lung and liver disease. More obvious household items that could negatively impact our health include synthetic pesticides, cigarette smoke, and dry cleaning fluid fumes. Common household items that we don’t usually think of as harmful, though, are air fresheners and mothballs, and there are certainly many more. It should be noted that some chemicals are more toxic than others; however, the length of exposure to any chemical also affects how it may negatively impact your health.
There is no single tactic for cancer prevention, but there are small steps we can take to reduce potential harmful elements in our surroundings that impact our health. First, become aware of the chemicals you and your children are exposed to daily (in food, in clothing, in household cleaners) and reduce these. Buy organic, antibiotic and pesticide free products whenever possible. Use natural household cleaners like vinegar to clean glass, lemon juice as a disinfectant, and baking soda to clean stains and remove odors.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of ventilation. Some amount of indoor air pollution is inevitable. Open windows when possible to increase the flow of air throughout the home. Test your home for radon with a home radon test kit. Consider purchasing a room (or even a whole-house) ventilation system. These are all small steps you can take toward keeping you and yours healthy.
