Top 10 ways to prevent breast cancer\Health

Top 10 ways to prevent breast cancer\Health

Breast Cancer Prevention

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed and more than 40,000 women will die of breast cancer in the US this year. Though experts say there is no sure way to prevent the potentially fatal disease, you can do much to reduce your risk of developing it significantly. Here are the top 10 ways to lower your chances of getting breast cancer.

Lose weight

Being overweight or obese has been found to increase breast cancer risk, especially for women after menopause, when -- because the ovaries stop producing estrogen -- most of a woman's estrogen comes from fat tissue. (Elevated estrogen levels may raise the risk of breast cancer.) Research also indicates that women who gain weight as an adult are at a higher risk for breast cancer than women who have been overweight since childhood. Regardless, if you are overweight, talk to your doctor or a registered dietician about dietary changes that can help you shed pounds and achieve a healthy body weight. Incorporating daily physical activity is another effective and healthy way to lose weight.

Eat right

Though studies are at odds on whether or not fat intake is specifically linked to breast cancer, experts do agree that a high-fat diet can lead to weight gain. The American Cancer Society suggests eating a balanced diet that is based on plant foods, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat proteins, while limiting consumption of processed foods and red meats.

Exercise daily

Daily physical activity is not only essential for overall health, it also can reduce the risk of breast cancer. According to a study from the Women's Health Initiative, as little as 1.25 to 2.5 hours of brisk walking per week can reduce a woman's risk of breast cancer by 18 percent, while walking 10 hours per week can reduce the risk even more. You also can run, bike, swim, hike and play sports to mix up your fitness routine and stay motivated. Aim for 45 to 60 minutes of exercise or moderate physical activity at least five days per week.

Limit your alcohol use

Alcohol consumption is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer (as well as other types of cancer), and the risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Compared with non-drinkers, women who consume one alcoholic drink a day have a very small increase in breast cancer risk, while women who have two to five drinks daily have about one-and-a-half times the risk of nondrinkers. If you are going to drink, limit your intake to one drink per day.

Breastfeed your baby

Research suggests that women who breastfeed their babies may have a slightly lower risk of developing breast cancer, especially if they continue breastfeeding for up to two years. Though breastfeeding for this long is uncommon in the United States, breastfeeding for even a few months is recommended. Experts believe that breastfeeding reduces a woman's risk of breast cancer because it also reduces the total number of menstrual cycles a woman experiences, exposing her to lower levels of hormones related to breast cancer risk.

Don't take postmenopausal hormone therapy

Research published in the April 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that the sharp decline in the rate of new breast cancer cases reported in 2003 may be related to a national decline in the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The study looked at the breast cancer incidence rates and HRT prescription rates after research was reported linking HRT to higher risks for breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots and urinary incontinence among women using HRT that contained both estrogen and progestin. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to HRT if you are menopausal or reaching menopause and feeling challenged by the symptoms related to menopausal hormone changes.

Stay away from secondhand smoke

Though research has not shown smokers to be an increased risk for breast cancer, studies have suggested that high concentrations of secondhand smoke can cause breast cancer in rodents. Further, a 2005 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency concludes that there is a causal association between secondhand smoke and breast cancer in younger, primarily premenopausal women. Since smoking and secondhand smoke are related to other types of cancer and medical conditions, kicking the habit will prove beneficial in reducing your risk of breast cancer as well as improving your overall health.

Avoid environmental carcinogens

Scientists are hard at work researching the link between environmental compounds and breast cancer. Of special interest are environmental substances found in lab studies to have estrogen-like properties, which theoretically could increase breast cancer risk. For example, substances found in some plastics, certain cosmetics and personal-care products, pesticides (such as DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) seem to possess estrogen-like properties. A strong link between environmental compounds and breast cancer has not yet been found, but experts suggest avoiding suspect substances to be safe.

See your healthcare provider for a clinical breast exam

In addition to monthly breast self exams, experts recommend that women see their healthcare providers to get clinical breast exams every three years if they're under 40 and every year if they're 40 or older. Healthcare providers can detect changes that women miss when doing breast self exams. They can also provide women with information on breast cancer prevention, taking family history and lifestyle into account. Early detection is crucial in preventing breast cancer from spreading and becoming more challenging to treat successfully.

Get a mammogram

Breast self exams are an effective way for you to become familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can be aware of any changes that may indicate breast cancer. Mammograms, however, are the gold standard for detecting breast cancer and are recommended for women starting at age 40, or sooner if a healthcare provider needs to rule out breast cancer due to changes in the breast. Though a mammogram can't prevent breast cancer, it can detect the disease in its earliest stages and prevent it from spreading and becoming a life-threatening condition.

Top 10 Latest Cars That You Wish You Owned

Most people can appreciate a finely-tuned car zipping down the street. There is nothing more American than a car with 500 horses under the hood combined with a slick design. Even though many people are opting for smaller cars with better gas mileage, there are still cars that you yearn to own. Here are 10 that you secretly want the most.

1. Chevrolet Camaro

 

Chevy has been a classic brand for a long time. The Camaro has been one of its signature models. The newest Camaro, the Camaro ZL1, is being projected to be a collectable American car within a few years. While it has a sticker price of over $50,000, it also sports a V8 engine that carries 580 horses under its hood. That’s cool no matter what anybody says.

2. Ford Mustang

 

The Ford Mustang is another classic car that Americans have driven for decades. In fact, it may be the most universally revered car model in America. There are very few people who wouldn’t want to drive the Mustang if they had the chance. Ford is introducing the Mustang Boss 302 Leguna Seca as the latest incarnation of the Mustang. Any car that has boss in the name has to be cool.

 

 

3. Porsche 911

 

When you think expensive cars, you think Porsche. It is the one model that you can mention and everyone knows what you are talking about. The Porsche 911 is a car that will turn heads. Unlike a lot of these other cars, it will also hold its value. Not a bad deal.

 

 

4. Dodge Charger SRT

 

While you might wonder why the grille looks like a large-mouth bass, the rest of the car is a sight to behold. It has a touch screen dashboard as well as 470 horses. You can ignore the looks when it has an engine like that with cool new features to boot.

 

 

5. Bugatti Veyron

 

You will get your money’s worth when you purchase this car. It certainly looks like something that came from the future. Drivers won’t have to worry about getting into an accident. You can be sure that all eyes will be on you on the highway.

 

 

6. Lamborghini Aventador

 

 

Do you have $376,000 to spend? If you do, this is the car for you. It boasts a V12 engine as well as 700 horses. The only downside is that you only get 11 miles to the gallon. However, if you can afford the car, you can probably pay for gas without a problem.

 

7. Jaguar E Type

 

Classic car lovers are probably wishing that they could own this vehicle. While it hasn’t been made since 1974, it is still one of the more popular high-end cars on the market. What makes it unique is that 70,000 units were produced.

8. Pagani Huayra

 

 

This is closer to a jet than a car. While it boasts the same 700 horses that the Aventdor does, it places the air intakes valves are right by the driver. This is how old jet planes were designed. Made from carbon-fiber, it is also quite light and has great performance.

9. Hyundai Genesis

 

Purchase the quality of Lexus for the price of a Hyundai. You get all the features that you want from a luxury car while getting the safety and reliability of a Hyundai. When you are going for your Maryland state inspection, you will be happy that you chose a Hyundai.

 

 

10. Honda Civic

 

It isn’t a flashy car by any means. However, it is a reliable car that will last for a long time. Combined with its resale value, you will be happy with your selection. Considering it is one of the best selling cars in America, you will have a lot of company. If something brakes, you know it won’t cost you several thousand dollars for even a simple repair. Those who are driving a luxury car will wish that they had your car when they get the repair bill.

 

 

The key to driving is to be happy with what you have. There is no need to spend over $20,000 for a car. Increased performance or a stylish look can be achieved for far less than what many auto makers are charging you.

Sonia Gandhi named world's 6th most powerful woman in 2012/News

Sonia Gandhi named world's 6th most powerful woman in 2012/News

 

Congress party president Sonia Gandhi was today ranked the sixth most powerful woman in the world, ahead of US First Lady Michelle Obama, by Forbes magazine in its list of 100 influential women, which was topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Gandhi, 65, is among the five Indian women who have been named in the 'World's 100 Most Powerful Women' list released by Forbes today. The UPA chairperson was ranked 7th last year.

Giving Gandhi company is Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo Indra Nooyi who was ranked at 12th followed by Cisco Systems Chief Technology and Strategy Officer Padmasree Warrior at 58th place, ICICI Bank Managing Director and CEO Chanda Kochhar at 59th and Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw at 80th rank.

Forbes said Gandhi the "one-time heir to the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty", successfully underwent a surgery last year and was "back in fighting spirit last month when she publicly reprimanded a fellow parliamentarian during session who had criticised her party's handling of this summer's rioting in Assam."

The longest serving chief in the Congress party's history, Gandhi has had to defend herself and the party after a spate of key assembly elections this year, blaming the drubbing on weak candidates and state party organisations.

"Lauded for overseeing heavy economic growth, she is also criticized for tolerating political corruption and failing to forge connections with India's fastest-growing demographic--younger voters," the publication said.

An avid scholar of the arts, Gandhi holds a degree in oil painting conservation.

Merkel occupied the spot of the world's most powerful woman for the second year in a row. Calling her the "Iron Lady" of Europe, Forbes said she is the lead player in the eurozone economic drama that continues to threaten global markets.

"As Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal have teetered on the brink of an economic collapse, she (Merkel) has vowed to do everything in her power to preserve the 17-country European Union," Forbes said.

Merkel has been the German chancellor since 2005, and her recent public approval ratings soared to near 70 per cent –a good sign leading into the general election in the fall of 2013. Merkel is embracing the Internet, and last fall launched a YouTube channel, Die Bundesregierung, where she directly answers citizens' questions, the publication added.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been ranked second in the list, followed by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff at number three, New York Times Executive Editor Jill Abramson at 5 and Obama at 7.

Pepsi Co's 56-year-old Indian-origin CEO Nooyi has been ranked 12 in the list. Terming her the "superstar CEO", Forbes said Nooyi last year returned USD 5.6 billion to shareholders, when PepsiCo net revenue grew 14 per cent to USD 66 billion.

"But with gain comes pain: Languishing stock at the snack-and-soda giant and diminishing market share to rival Coca-Cola have put Nooyi in the hot seat," Forbes said.

Noting that "big changes are in the works" at Pepsi Co, Forbes said Nooyi cut three per cent of PepsiCo's global workforce to reduce costs and upped the marketing budget for core brands by USD 500 to USD 600 million.

Nooyi also reshuffled management of top executives, a move that may set up her successor.

Forbes said Cisco's 51-year-old Warrior took on the expanded role as Strategy officer in June, after five years as CTO, and "insiders say the move could indicate she's being groomed for the top spot."

Warrior is responsible for all deals activity as one of the most acquisitive firms in technology reconfigures its business strategy.

Kochhar, 50, the first woman to run ICICI Bank, oversees assets of USD 93 billion, more than 2,750 branches in India and the bank's presence in 19 countries. Kocchar joined ICICI in 1984 straight out of business school and is credited with building the bank's retail arm from scratch. In 2009, she became its youngest CEO at age 47.

"Today she's pursuing a new strategy, prioritising day-to-day banking business through its branches rather than big-ticket deals," Forbes said.

Forbes said Shaw, 59 is India's first biotech entrepreneur, who founded Biocon in 1978 when she was just 25-years-old.

Since then Biocon has become only the second Indian firm to list a one billion dollar IPO on its first day of trading and is currently the country's 11th largest pharmaceutical company with a market capitalisation of USD 66.8 billion.

Among the other power women making it to list is Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg at number 10, media mogul Oprah Winfrey at 11, singer Lady Gaga at rank 14, Myanmar's pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi (19), newly appointed Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer (21), UK's Queen Elizabeth (26), Harvard University President Drew Faust (63), actress Angelina Jolie (66) and British author J K Rowling (78).

In the crucial election year, US First Lady Michelle Obama has been more popular than her husband, Forbes said.

Michelle's positive approval ratings register at 66 per cent while her husband's term average has hovered just below 50 per cent.

"The First Lady keeps a high profile with her mission to end childhood obesity, her commitment to military families and her stylish fashion picks," Forbes said.

Sixteen women enter the list for the first time, including singer Jennifer Lopez, former US Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann, Meg Whitman of HP and Marissa Mayer of Yahoo.

"This year's Power Women exert influence in very different ways, and to very different ends, and all with very different impacts on the global community," said Moira Forbes, president of Forbes Woman.

"Whether leading multi-billion-dollar companies, governing countries, shaping the cultural fabric of our lives, or spearheading humanitarian initiatives, collectively these women are changing the planet in profoundly powerful and dynamic ways."