February is American Heart Month, which aims at highlighting heart disease....the #1 killer of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, estimates that 1 person dies EVERY 36 SECONDS, from cardiovascular disease. In most all cases, heart disease is preventable by living a healthy lifestyle.
Known risk factors that can be eliminated include, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, elevated cholesterol, controlling blood sugars and uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Some ways to prevent cardiovascular disease:

• 30 minutes of physical activity daily, such as a brisk walk
• Cooking low sodium/low fat meals
• 7-8 hours of sleep each night
• Maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress
• Consistently taking medication for hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes

Almost 300,000 men and women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. Every woman and a small percentage of men are at risk, but some of the highest risk factors include a family history in a relative that is considered first-degree (sibling, parent, child), family history of ovarian, pancreatic or prostate history, gene variations (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, TP53), postmenopausal, dense breast tissue, alcohol consumption, excess body weight and early menarche (<11 yrs). 

​Early detection is key to increase survival rates! Women ages 40 to 44 have the option to get annual mammograms, ages 45 to 54 should get them annually. Women ages 55 and older can have biennial mammograms, if they are at average risk, or may continue to screen annually if they choose. Women with first-degree relatives that have had breast cancer should begin screening at age 25.

Get in the habit of examining your breasts frequently. Know how your breasts look and feel normally. When examining your breasts look for asymmetry, swelling, puckering, dimpling, nipple discharge, change in color, change in nipple appearance, lumps, redness and soreness. 

Remember your breast tissue is shaped like a tear drop and extends into your axilla (arm pit), so be sure to include that tissue in your breast self-examinations. For step-by-step instructions with pictures go to Breastcancer.org
​https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam