Liz Thompson
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s get something straight. Awareness for breast cancer, or any type of cancer or disease, is not about buying makeup, t shirts, or cups.
Often these companies are simply looking to cash in on more sales. Even those who are actually behind the awareness movement may not best utilize your dollars in the fight for a cure or better treatment options.
One thing I really hate to see is the hocking of toxin-loaded cosmetics in the name of breast cancer awareness. This junk is part of the problem. If you really want to do yourself and the world at large some good in the name of cancer, purchase cosmetics, foods, cleaning supplies that are free from harmful ingredients. This is not only healthier (and a way to help ward off cancer) but means you are voting for clean products and against the dirty ones with your dollars.
I love Kris Carr’s take on awareness. She touts prevention and is dishing out crazy amounts of great advice this month on ways to cut back on toxic exposure and add some healthy stuff into your lifestyle. Her approach is clear cut and doable. Love it!
Our family recently lost my own Mom to this disease. I began researching and writing on nontoxic cosmetics 8 years ago when she first began treatment for breast cancer. After reading on many of the ingredients we use every day and their potential links to breast cancer I began to clean things up for my Mom’s health, my own health and that of my family, and to share my knowledge with others.
My personal recommendations for Breast Cancer Awareness month are to make some healthy changes in your life, one step at a time. Commit to toxin-free skin care, or even just one skin care item for now. Eat more organic fruits and veggies. Start small or go for big change. It all counts! If you want to give money to the cause forget department store purchases with their pretty pink schmooze and choose an organization that is completely committed to cancer research and prevention. My Mom was very involved with Relay for Life. Make your dollars count for yourself and others by making healthy lifestyle choices and supporting companies and organizations that are genuinely health-focused.
This post is dedicated to my Mom and all other people who are fighting or have fought breast cancer.
[Image by ladybugbkt at Flickr.com, cc]
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