💗 October Reflections: StrongHer Together for Breast Health

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As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, it’s time to turn awareness into action — the daily habits, mindful choices, and body awareness that keep us thriving all year long.

At LiBellé Essential Living, we believe in giving women both the science and the soul behind their wellness. Prevention doesn’t begin in a hospital — it begins with how we nourish, move, and connect to our bodies.

🫶 Step-by-Step: Your Monthly Self-Breast Exam

Early awareness is still your most powerful tool. Knowing your normal helps you notice your not-normal.

When:
Do your exam about 3–5 days after your period ends (when breasts are least tender). Postmenopausal? Pick the same day each month.

How:

  1. Look:
    Stand before a mirror with shoulders straight and hands on hips. Look for changes in size, shape, skin texture, or nipple position. Check again with arms raised.

  2. Press:
    While lying down, use the pads of three fingers to move in small circular motions — covering the entire breast from collarbone to top of abdomen, side to side.

    • Use light pressure for surface tissue.

    • Medium for mid-depth.

    • Firm for tissue near the chest wall.

  3. Feel in the shower:
    Many women find it easiest to feel changes when skin is wet. Move fingers in circular motions over each breast and underarm area.

  4. Note & Report:
    If you notice lumps, dimpling, thickened skin, nipple discharge, or persistent pain, call your healthcare provider. Most changes are not cancer — but they deserve attention.

💜 LiBellé Tip: Know your body. Trust your intuition. Awareness is prevention.




🩻 Be Informed Before Any Diagnostic Test

If your doctor recommends a mammogram or ultrasound — ask questions first:

  • What type of imaging is best for my age and breast density?

  • Are there safer, lower-radiation options available (like 3D digital mammography or thermography)?

  • How often should I screen given my personal risk factors?

📋 What to Know:

  • Mammograms use very low-dose radiation — about the same as a few weeks of natural background exposure.

  • Ultrasound and MRI can provide additional insights, especially for dense breast tissue or high-risk patients.

  • Always weigh the benefits of early detection against risks of overdiagnosis or unnecessary treatment.

💬 LiBellé believes: It’s your body. Your choice. Just make it an informed one.

🥗 Foods that Support Breast & Immune Health

Your kitchen is your first line of defense. About 90–95% of cancers are linked to environment and lifestyle — meaning what’s on your plate matters.

Top Breast-Healthy Foods

  • 🥬 Leafy Greens & Cruciferous Veggies: Spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates that help neutralize carcinogens.

  • 🫐 Berries: Blueberries and raspberries provide antioxidants to protect cells from DNA damage.

  • 🌰 Walnuts: Deliver omega-3s that fight inflammation.

  • 🥑 Avocados: Packed with vitamin E and healthy fats that support hormonal balance.

  • 🫘 Legumes: Fiber-rich chickpeas and lentils support estrogen metabolism.

  • 🍠 Sweet Potatoes: Beta-carotene and vitamin C boost immunity.

  • 🌿 Turmeric: Curcumin may suppress cancer cell growth and reduce inflammation.

  • 🍈 Olive Oil: The Mediterranean favorite tied to lower cancer incidence.

💧 Bonus Nutrients:

  • Magnesium: Supports cellular repair and hormonal balance.

  • Vitamin D: Regulates immune function and may lower breast-cancer risk.

  • Selenium & Zinc: Strengthen antioxidant defense and DNA stability.

💜 LiBellé Tip: Eat the rainbow. The more color on your plate, the more protective compounds your body receives.




💪 Movement That Protects

Exercise doesn’t just tone your body — it transforms your biology. Regular activity lowers estrogen levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and strengthens immune defenses.

Best Exercises for Breast & Immune Health:

  • Brisk Walking (30 min daily): Lowers breast cancer risk by up to 25%.

  • Yoga or Pilates: Supports lymphatic flow and stress reduction.

  • Strength Training: Builds lean muscle and boosts metabolism.

  • Lymphatic Drainage Moves: Arm circles, shoulder rolls, and gentle rebounding enhance detoxification.

💜 LiBellé Challenge: Move your body in ways that feel joyful — not forced. Health isn’t punishment; it’s power.




🌸 Final Thoughts

This month — and every month — remember:

  • Awareness is not fear.

  • Screening is not shame.

  • Nourishment is not restriction.

It’s all connection — to your body, your energy, and your healing potential.

At LiBellé Essential Living, we’re here to bring you the truth wrapped in compassion, the science mixed with soul.
Together, we are StrongHer. 💜

#LiBelleLiving #StrongHer #BreastCancerAwareness #HolisticHealth #WomenSupportingWomen #PreventionIsPower #ToxinFreeLiving

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