Pure Prevention

Everyone has a message these days; advice on how to do things better, faster, more efficiently, and with consciousness. But really, how can one person be all things to all people? What if you're just a simple gal who gets love advice from Dr. Phil, who's trying to pay the bills, look pretty, and spend time with friends? Apart from sending a check to a friend's fundraiser, where does consciousness come into it? Luckily, there is a new website that can help.

Pure Prevention is a website brought to you by the Breast Cancer Fund and LUNA, challenging women everywhere to "Ask. Act. Live. To reduce breast cancer." Pure Prevention offers five, (now that's a manageable number!) simple ways that you can live a more healthy lifestyle and prevent breast cancer. Why would I need that, you ask? Well, did you know that 71% of women do not know that a full THIRD of their personal care products contain at least one chemical linked to cancer? Yes, that's you and me sunshine...so read on!

Just how simple are these tips? Try these on for size:

1. Create a Healthy Home - Many household items contain cancer-causing chemicals. Learn which products put you at risk and discover safer, non-toxic alternatives.
2. Eat Smart - Some pesticides and hormones in foods increase the risk for breast cancer. Read labels, ask for organic produce and hormone-free meats and dairy products.
3. Choose Safe Cosmetics - Cosmetics and personal care products often contain chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects. Learn which toxins put you at risk and how you can make smarter purchases.
4. Get Outside - Take a walk with your family. Ride a bike. Hit the gym. Discover the health benefits of exercise, beyond weight loss.
5. Join the Campaign - Help spread the word about breast cancer prevention.

In the "Eat Smart" category, LUNA bars have developed an extra-special bar in honor of the Breast Cancer Fund called "Berry Almond" loaded with rich antioxidants such as red berries, blueberries, and almonds. Delicious! As if LUNA bars weren't addictive enough!

Don't you love it when someone comes up with a simple way to live better?  

Comments

[Lynne Eldridge M.D.]

Thanks for this great post that reminds us that there are things we can do to lower our risk that are both simple, and aesthetically pleasing as well! For those who are trying to sort out what is safe and what is not in regards to cosmetics, I love the environmental working groups site, www.savecosmetics.org. This site lists thousand of personal care products, lists carcinogens, and gives them a grade of one to ten. With regards to household products, many pose a risk. Shop for household cleaners at your local health food store, or do what we did and ask your grandmother. Most households can be cleaned with a few simple products from olive oil to lemon juice to baking soda. And, if you just can't find time to hit the gym, wash a few windows. A recent study showed that "domestic exercise" had the greatest benefit in breast cancer prevention!

Lynne Eldridge MD
Author, "Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time"
www.avoidcancernow.com

[Genevieve]

The site that Lynne talks about above is called Skin Deep (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com), and it's an online database that provides the safety rankings of more than 20,000 cosmetics and personal care products. You can ALWAYS get to this site at the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics' site at www.safecosmetics.org. Just look for the woman's eyes on the far right column of the home page.

Think of Skin Deep like a mini Google for cosmetics. You type in a product you use, hit "Search" and you get an immediate feedback score. For example, Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin ranks a 6 on a scale of 0-10, with 0 as the best score and 10 as the worst. It's a great tool.

For me, I've swapped out the things I use a lot, like shampoo, face cleanser and lip balm, and have found safe alternatives. It's up to you--you can still use the fun stuff, just in moderation!