“Any body type is beautiful. It’s all about loving what you got and rocking it.”
A Step Ahead
Just about every woman in the Triangle has heard she’s supposed to take 10,000 steps a day. Many of us use activity trackers so we can aim for that target. But is it the right goal for each of us?
Turns out, it depends on your current fitness level and what you want to accomplish.
Start by determining your daily strides so you have a starting point. (The average American walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day or approximately 1.5 to 2 miles.) Then, build up to 10,000 by adding 1,000 steps every two weeks.
Already strolling more than 10,000 steps a day? Trying to get even more fit or lose weight? If so, you may want to reach even higher – either in terms of the number of steps or the briskness with which you take them.
Who’s at Greatest Risk?
About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime, so the bitter truth is that we’re all at risk. How great is the danger for you?
In addition to raising buckets of money for research and programs, the Susan G. Komen organization provides helpful information, such as risk factors, on its website, komen.org. (Carolina Woman has been a proud sponsor of its Race for the Cure since its launch in the Triangle almost three decades ago.)
The Risk-factors Table identifies established and probable vulnerability points that are linked to breast cancer, including:
- Older age
- Older age at first childbirth
- Younger age at first period
- Older age at menopause
- Alcohol use
- Current or recent use of birth control
- Higher body weight after menopause
- High bone density
- High breast density
- Night-shift work
- Smoking
Eat Your Water
You don't have to rely on beverages alone to meet your hydration needs. Food can provide a significant portion.
For example, watermelon and spinach are almost 100 percent water by weight. There are many other fruits and veggies rich in H20, including cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, cantaloupe and pear.
In addition, yogurt, soup and tomato sauce have high liquid content. And don’t forget the popsicles!