Even though
October is the official month of Breast Cancer Awareness (and we’re well into
November now), I believe it’s a subject that we can all continue to learn about
anytime of the year. A report published in The Lancet medical journal on
November 1, 2016, reveals that the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer
could (almost) double from 1.7 million in 2015 to 3.2 million a year by 2030.
I personally, am about a decade past midlife, and yet I’ve never had a mammogram. Many doctors and woman might think of this lack of action on my part as highly irresponsible. However, I am diligent about conducting my own manual breast exams and monitoring my overall breast health through an annual, or biannual thermal breast screening called Thermography.
Thermography, which is scientifically known as Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), has been a (FDA) non-invasive viable adjunctive breast screening process since 1982. Then why is it that many people are still totally unaware of its existence? While there are several reasons why I personally have chosen not to have a mammogram, I’d simply like to share my experience in learning about this different approach in managing my breast health.
The best way to describe Thermography (in lay(wo)men terms),
is that it is a process where a picture is taken with a special infrared camera
that captures a thermal image that can identify disruptions to normal
physiology (functions or patterns) in the human body by detecting (what I call)
thermal hot spots. This is not a scientific description by any means. The way I
understand it, the screening process identifies unusual tissue behavior through
heat variances – which are visible on the screen/scan with different colors.
Only a trained professional will be able to accurately read and assess the
colors and image.
In working with Dr. Hillary Smith, D.C., DHM, C.C.T., the
founder of the Breast Thermography Center in Sherman Oaks, CA, I was amazed at
the process. My first visit (years ago) was so educational and very comforting.
She explained the importance of establishing a baseline for ones breast health,
which is done with two subsequent, visits and scans.
During my first visit a thorough health history was taken,
along with a scan of my body from the head to just below the ribcage (full
upper body scan). The picture was taken from across the room as I rotated
around on a round swirly stool as instructed by the doctor – pausing between
each picture, capturing approximately 8-10 different angles around my body in
total. (A breast scan is only 5 images of the mid-neck line area to the bottom
of the rib cage.) There was no physical contact with the camera and no
radiation involved. This full upper body scan option (that I choose) is also
able to offer important and life changing information about hidden inflammation
in the mouth and major arteries in the neck.
The chart above will give you an idea of how this baseline
can be instrumental in assessing ones overall breast health, as it actually
shows how precise and beneficial breast Thermography exams can be in the early
detection of suspicious cell behavior.
For more information about Breast Thermagraphy, or to find a
center near you please visit http://thebreastthermographycenter.com
Other contributing factors in managing ones own breast
health …
Not only is it important to maintain the aforementioned
screening processes, but also critical to pay attention to what you are exposed
to in your environment (products used for cleaning, in the garden, household
pest management protocols, etc.), especially what you are putting in and on
your body (foods, skin, beauty care, etc.). All of these things play a part in
maintaining good health.
The two things that are not often talked about in relation to contributing to breast health are: the toxic chemicals found in your bath and shower water (hitting your torso/breast area), as well as underarm deodorant products (products being slathered on a major lymph area). These exposures can be equally as dangerous for both men and woman. Below are some of my favorite underarm deodorants that are organic, clean, all-natural, and that really work (for me)!
The two things that are not often talked about in relation to contributing to breast health are: the toxic chemicals found in your bath and shower water (hitting your torso/breast area), as well as underarm deodorant products (products being slathered on a major lymph area). These exposures can be equally as dangerous for both men and woman. Below are some of my favorite underarm deodorants that are organic, clean, all-natural, and that really work (for me)!
Deodorant Favorites …
Mary began talking about how important it is to use natural
products (really non-toxic and clean), especially on your underarms because of
the toxicity risk to the lymph system, as well as a discussion about the
connection between breast cancer and bras. One of her big inspirations came
after reading Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras by
Singer and Grismijer.
They gave me a small travel size of their regular Lavender
deodorant to try, which I took home and promptly began using. I was amazed at
how well it worked! Then I tried it in my shoes and slippers and remarkably it
really did refresh them and my feet on those hot summer days.
The LifeStinks™ deodorants come in two essential oil scents
(lavender/cedarwood), regular and extra strength travel sizes, as well as in a
one-year supply for a refillable stainless steel canister. They also make an
all-natural bug repellant. For more info visit: www.duggansisters.com
Primal Pit Paste – Amy Cazin is a mom, Certified CrossFit®
trainer and athlete. After the birth of her daughters, her instincts became
increasingly
more astute as to how chemicals in our environment and body care
products would potentially impact not only her own health, but the health of
her daughters (and her loved ones and friends).
While
training for several racing events, Amy noticed that many of the big sponsors
were promoting their products by giving out samples of deodorants containing
toxic chemicals. As an educated mom (wanting to protect her daughters), this
concerned her greatly, knowing that parabens and aluminum in deodorant had
become increasingly suspect with regard to being a contributing factor in
creating cancer (breast cancer more specifically) and Alzheimer’s disease, and
that was just unacceptable.
That’s
when Amy went to work on finding a solution. As with many people trying to make
the transition from traditional products to healthier versions, Amy was having
trouble finding an all-natural deodorant for her active lifestyle that actually worked. When
she couldn’t find one, that’s when she tapped into her primal energy, doing
in-depth research into clean ingredients that would help her develop a formula
for an all-natural organic deodorant that works … Primal Pit Paste!
Today
the company also offers a Tough Teeth powder, as well as bath and body
products. For more info visit: http://primalpitpaste.com
Zatik Natural – Ovsanna and her husband Garik Mkrtumyan started
Zatik beauty essentials in 2005 –
a sustainable organic beauty care line with one
basic premise: what you put on your skin should be just as healthy as the
food you put in your body.
Zatik means ladybug, an insect that symbolizes beauty and
good fortune. Through its natural activity the tiny ladybug protects plants
from harm, allowing them to thrive organically. Zatik products strive to
emulate the ladybug’s gentle power. Their beauty products are created in
Glendale, California without mass production; using fresh raw botanicals
cultivated along the pacific coast, on USDA-certified organic farms without the
use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
EFN’s reviewed Zatik’s natural organic skin care products back
in 2009, however, over the years they have grown their line to include a
beautifully crafted natural deodorant definitely worth mentioning – both in a roll on (Orange and Vetiver
or Herbal Refresh scents), or misty spray option (Mountain Flowers or Santé
Herbal Organic). Their Santé Herbal Organic even has a #1 rating on the Environmental
Working Group’s (EWG) skin deep website.
Zatik’s full line of all-natural organic products includes
skin, body and hair care products, nourishing oils and soaps, as well as their
most recent addition, a nutritional supplement in a cold pressed oil
(ingestible), or vegan capsules – Organic
Egyptian Black Cumin Seed Oil. For more info visit: www.zatiknatural.com
Organic Essence – I also reviewed this company's Organic Essence’s shea
creams years ago after
finding them at Expo West in 2009 (which I love). Since
then, owners Gail and Ellery West have created their Organic Confidence line of
relentless all-day natural deodorants. Their seven different scents include
Lavender, Lemon/Tea Tree Mint, Natural, Rose Petal, Coconut/Vanilla, Jasmine
blossom and Wood Spice. They are made with organic nut and essential oils,
beewax, baking soda (aluminum free) and root powder, and housed in the
company’s innovative compostable packaging, which makes application easy. Plain
and simple, pure organic … soothes your skin, and it works!
finding them at Expo West in 2009 (which I love). Since
then, owners Gail and Ellery West have created their Organic Confidence line of
relentless all-day natural deodorants. Their seven different scents include
Lavender, Lemon/Tea Tree Mint, Natural, Rose Petal, Coconut/Vanilla, Jasmine
blossom and Wood Spice. They are made with organic nut and essential oils,
beewax, baking soda (aluminum free) and root powder, and housed in the
company’s innovative compostable packaging, which makes application easy. Plain
and simple, pure organic … soothes your skin, and it works! 
Honeybee
Gardens was created in 1995 by author and herbalist Melissa J. Buckley. Years
of herbal study prompted Ms. Buckley to create natural personal care products
for her and her family. What began as kitchen cosmetics, quickly turned into an
enterprising business. You will find Honeybee Garden products in health food
stores, pharmacies, on-line stores, herb shops, specialty and gift stores
worldwide. For more information visit: http://honeybeegardens.com
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