Take Care of the Earth, and It Will Help Take Care of You

Recent research shows that spending time in nature not only feels good; it has measurable effects on our health. This Earth Day, take some time to enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate how nature supports our good health. You don’t even have to head out of town. Simply spending time in urban parks and with the greenery that lines our streets can provide important health benefits.

Although it’s important to be aware of changes in your body—particularly if they may indicate cancer—it’s also important to realize that our bodies go through plenty of normal, healthy changes throughout our lives. For women, these often include changes in breast shape and texture.

What is thermography?

Also known as digital infrared imaging, thermography is a procedure that uses an infrared camera to produce images that show patterns of heat, including blood flow, at or near the skin’s surface. These images are often used to locate potential sources of disease, such as infections, tumors, and cardiovascular issues.

Each year since 1996, the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives promotes Brain Awareness Week. The initiative brings together people from academia, government, and professional and advocacy groups to celebrate the brain and promote brain research that supports prevention, treatment, and cures for brain disorders.

March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and is expected to claim more than 50,000 lives this year. Enhanced screening and treatment have helped to lower colorectal cancer’s overall mortality rate during the past several decades; however, it’s been gradually rising among people under age 55. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, learn what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from the potentially devastating effects of colorectal cancer.

In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly declared February 11 the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In doing so, they promoted the understanding that the participation of women and girls is essential to meeting global goals for sustainable development and scientific achievement and also that barriers to their full participation persist around the globe. In fact, a study comprising 14 countries found that women are only about half as likely as men to earn bachelors’ or masters’ degrees in the sciences and one third as likely to earn science-related doctorates.

Because 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime, it’s important to understand the basics about breast health. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S., claiming more than 40,000 lives annually. Although genetics can play a role in the development of breast cancer, approximately 85% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history of the illness. Here’s what you should know to protect yourself. 

February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and responsible for approximately 25% of deaths nationwide.[1] Although most people think of heart disease as a condition that mainly affects older people, it can occur at any age, and risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure among young people puts them at risk for heart disease earlier in life. Learn what you can do to increase your heart health and help protect yourself and your loved ones from heart disease.

Mammography has come a long way since a few radiologists began using it to identify breast cancer in the 1950s.[1] From the development and refinement of screen film technology through the 1980s to digital mammography at the turn of the century and modern low-dose 3-D imaging, the steady march of technological improvements has enabled doctors to identify and treat breast cancer at earlier stages and facilitate better outcomes.[2]

You followed your doctor’s advice and got your annual screening mammogram. You left the imaging clinic feeling good about keeping on top of your preventive health care. A couple of days later, however, you were surprised to get a call from your doctor’s office asking you to come in for follow up. You had assumed you’d get a letter a week later saying everything is fine, but now, you are worried about the possibility of breast cancer. What should you expect?