It’s no surprise to every woman out there that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And while seeing pink everywhere and feeling the love and support women get during this month (and what a great reminder it is to check those tatas).
October isn’t the only month you should be thinking about your breast health. Just like a 30-minute workout won’t change your life, what you do the other 23.5 hours of the day has the bigger impact. We should all be thinking about our breasts and overall health 12 months out of the year.
One great way to prioritize your breast health is by engaging in regular physical activity all year. By doing so, moms are benefiting in several different ways.
Reduced Risk
Regular physical activity has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer. Exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduces the levels of certain hormones in the body that are associated with breast cancer risk.
Improved Overall Health
Regular exercise offers health benefits that go beyond just looking good: improved cardiovascular health, better mental well-being, and enhanced immunity. Moms prioritizing physical activity are likelier to enjoy better overall health and resilience.
Positive Role Modeling
When a mom prioritizes exercise, she will set a positive example for her children. Teaching kids the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity, can instill lifelong habits that reduce the risk of various health issues, including breast cancer.
Stress Reduction
We all know that motherhood can be stressful. Exercise is an easy and effective way to reduce stress levels. Lower stress can contribute to better mental health and a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast Health Awareness
Call it a positive side effect of exercise, but moving your body regularly can make you more attuned to your body. This awareness can lead to early detection of any breast changes. Women who exercise may also be more likely to perform regular breast self-exams.
So here is my challenge to all moms: let’s think of our overall health (especially breast health) all year long. Not just October.
Making time for yourself and prioritizing regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer, fosters a healthy lifestyle, sets a positive example for your children, and can be a major stress reducer. So get up, mamas, and move that body all year long. And don’t forget to check those tatas!
