Breast Cancer Becomes an Important Topic for Moms Today

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and breast cancer has become an important topic for moms out there today. While it used to be known as a disease that hit older women, often those past menopause, women are being diagnosed with this tragic disease at younger and younger ages today. In fact, more than 60,000 women still of childbearing age within the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 alone. From the statistics in 2001, this number was up more than 40%, showing a scary trend for younger moms today. Recently there have been several well known stars, still of childbearing age who have battled this disease, including Maura Tierney from the television show ER, singer Melissa Etheridge, singer Anastacia, and actress Christina Applegate.

This is no longer a topic that moms can ignore! It's time that moms start paying attention to this epidemic among younger women today. National Breast Cancer Month is a time to increase awareness about breast cancer and to raise money for curing and preventing this disease, and what better time to get informed about this topic. Moms owe it to their young children to learn as much as possible about breast cancer, prevention, detection, and ways to help fight this disease and finally find a cure.

What You Can Do to Prevent Breast Cancer

Of course, the best defense for moms today is to work on preventing breast cancer in the first place. Here are some general tips for prevention that you need to start incorporating into your life today. Make sure you check with your health care professional.

Tip #1 – Keep Your Body Weight at a Healthy Level

One of the best things you can do to prevent breast cancer as a mom is to keep your body weight at a healthy level. Studies show that gaining weight and having a BMI that is too high can increase your risk of developing this disease. Stay on top of your weight to minimize your risk as much as possible.

Tip #2 – Exercise on a Regular Basis

Start exercising on a regular basis. There are many studies that show that exercise on a regular basis can lower your risk. Simply 30 minutes 4-5 days a week can be enough to reduce the risk.

Tip #3 – Rarely Drink Alcohol

Only drink alcohol on a rare basis or avoid it altogether if you want to work to prevent breast cancer. There are some studies that show that you can raise your risk of this type of cancer by more than 20% if you drink more than one alcoholic drink each day.

Tip #4 – Avoid Prescription Estrogens if Possible

If possible, avoid prescription estrogens. Estrogen can play a big role in breast cancer development. Avoid the prescription versions and avoid compounds that may be "estrogen like," such as industrial chemicals and pesticides.

Tip #5 – Eat More Fruits and Veggies

Plenty of fruits and veggies can help you prevent breast cancer too. No doubt you're trying to get your kids to eat them, so add plenty to your plate too. Some of the best fruits and veggies to eat to prevent this cancer include tomatoes, berries, citrus, broccoli, leafy greens, carrots, and cabbage.

Tip #6 – Consider a Low Dose Aspirin

Some new studies recently have found that taking a low dose of aspirin on a daily basis can help in the prevention of breast cancer. You can purchase low dose aspirin that is enough to help you prevent the disease without taking too much aspirin.

Breast Cancer Detection – What You Need to Know

Of course, you can take all measures to prevent this disease and sometimes it will occur anyway, especially since genetics have such a big part to play. This is why breast cancer detection becomes so important. You need to maintain breast health and make sure that changes are monitored so any cancer can be found as quickly as possible.

One of the detection tools most often used today is a mammogram. In fact, women over 40 should begin having mammograms every few years. However, if you are at high risk for breast cancer, you may need to start having mammograms at an earlier age. Often this test can help to find lumps before you even would find them, and the earlier you catch the cancer, the more likely it can be successfully treated.

Clinical breast exams are important as well. When you have your yearly gynecological exam, your gynecologist should be performing a clinical breast exam. If you have any concerns or questions, this is a good time to ask them.

Many doctors suggest that women do monthly breast exams as well, although today there is a bit of controversy over this. While many still insist that monthly exams are important for discovering any changes early, other physicians feel that simply being aware of any changes is the better course. Talk to your doctor to find out which option may work the best for you.

Fighting the Disease and Finding a Cure

Whether you end up fighting cancer as a mom, you have a family member or friend who is fighting it, or you just want to help join in the fight, there are a variety of ways that you can help. There are many foundations that provide ways that you can fight breast cancer and work to find a cure. The American Cancer Society website often offers resources on foundations that raise money for breast cancer and they also are behind the Relay for Life event. Many stores sell pink products, the color for breast cancer, where part of the proceeds go to fund breast cancer research. One famous fundraiser is the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, a two day walk to raise money. Probably the most well known fundraiser out there is the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk, which is a 60 mile walk for all people who want to fight this disease and make a difference. Each year they raise millions for support programs and research on breast cancer. To find out more about how you can make a difference, check out www.avonwalk.org , www.relayforlife.org, or www.the3day.org for more information.

Remember, this is no longer a disease of older women. Breast cancer is an important topic for young mothers today.  Educate yourself, help educate others, and do what you can to help fight for a cure.

Hey Dads, this article is for us. I have been brainstorming fun ideas we can do for the women in our lives, and the mothers of our kids. Mother's Day is coming soon, next Sunday in fact, and it's time to start thinking of great ways that we can surprise mom this year. Sure, we could buy her a gift and she'd love it, but why not go the extra mile to make her day extra special. Dad and kids can get together and work to make Mother's Day exciting and relaxing for mom. If you are stumped for some good ideas, here are some great ideas to use. Pick one or combine a couple to show mom your love and appreciation on Mother's Day.

Give Mom a Spa Day

Plan a Picnic for the Whole Family

Keep this a secret, I am planning on this one if the weather is nice Another great way to surprise mom for Mother's Day is to plan out a picnic for the whole family. Just make sure that dad and the kids do the planning. You don't want mom to have to lift a finger to make this happen. Decide on a nice place you can go on a picnic and then get everything together – the food, drinks, blankets, and anything else you'll need. If you can, hide everything in the car and then get mom in the vehicle and keep her guessing as to where you're going. When you stop at the park and pull out everything for a picnic, she'll be surprised and excited. Serve up mom some great picnic food and she'll be sure to have a blast. 

Surprise Her with Homemade Gifts

Plan a Family Getaway for the Day

Treat Mom to a Show

Breakfast in Bed

Clean Up the House

by Maureen LoBue – President of the Mean Moms Club

When your first baby was born, did you look at that perfect little face and say, "I'm going to be the perfect mom for you"? Most of us did. But you know what? There is no such thing. Most of us realize that when we have the second baby. By the third baby, experienced moms look at that perfect little face and say, "I hope I can survive this".

Most of us truly believe we can be perfect moms and want to be with our whole hearts. Unfortunately, it is impossible. There is no such thing, unless you watched Leave it to Beaver. And we know June was really an android that Ward built in his garage.

Three points need to be made about this idea of being the perfect mom.

• First, realize it's impossible and be ok with the fact that you are not, and never will be, the perfect mom. Take a deep breath & say it, " It's ok!"
• Second, once you accept that, life and parenting will get much easier because you get to buy out of the guilt that we are typically so good at. That guilt just wears us down and we don't need anything else to wear us down!
• Third, recognize the fact that this is beyond tough, beyond exhausting, beyond anything else you'll ever do. You must have a support network, whether that is family or friends or playgroups. If you are exhausted or overwhelmed you cannot be there at all for your kids, let alone part of the time.

Now, how do you become the best Imperfect mom you can be? Follow the JUNE acronym.

J - Jolt yourself out of perfection thinking with affirmations to non-perfection

U – Undo the guilt with phrases to encourage yourself

N – Network with people who can support you and use them

E – Energize yourself with realistic goals that you can meet

Jolt yourself out of perfection thinking with affirmations to non-perfection:

Say these to yourself as many times as necessary to believe them:

• I love my kids with my whole heart and will be there for them as much as I can be
• I will forgive myself for the days or moments that I am too tired or frustrated to "do the right thing"
• I will recognize and allow myself to need a break
• I will use my support network when I need that break

Undo the guilt with phrases to encourage yourself when you were not "perfect" in something you said or did. Be sure the phrases or words are natural to you. What do you tell yourself whenever you are trying to encourage yourself? It might be phrases like:

• It's ok to be too tired today
• I'm doing the best I can
• Tomorrow will be a better day

When changing a way of thinking, you need to support and reinforce the change over and over until you believe it. Say the phrases or words you listed every time you feel those guilt pangs start to jab you.       

Network with people who can support you and use them. Make a list of the people who can support you when you need them. Then put this list in a handy place near the phone. Put them on speed dial in your cell phone! Include:

• Family
• Friends
• Play group moms

 Energize yourself with realistic goals that you can meet. Now make a list of the realistic goals you can set to be the best mom possible. They might be things such as:

• I can go to most of the little league games, maybe 75% of them
• I can read bedtime stories 3 times a week
• We can all sit down together for dinner 4 days a week

 By following JUNE rather than being June, you can be a great Imperfect mom and your kids will do just fine. The bottom line is you can't function at 100% all the time. What you can do is the best you can at any given time. Moms are human too.

When my sons were growing up I didn't want to be a "Because I said so" mom. So my response when they had to follow an unpopular rule was "Because it's in the Mom's Rule Book." When they would claim that makes me a mean mom, I would say, "I am so mean, I'm President of the Mean Mom's Club!" Now the "rule book" has been written, combining my MA degree in education and child development with 25 years of professional experience in school system, hospital, and homeless shelter environments to create a common sense foundation to be a take charge parent.

Biography:

by Maureen LoBue – President of the Mean Moms Club

Mean Mom Club: The Moms Rule Book can be found at www.meanmomsclub.com. It can be purchased directly from Amazon by clicking on the book below:

The Mean Moms Coaching Program, a membership program, helps to create a detailed solid plan to raise responsible, compassionate kids. Portions of this article were extracted from the program. More information about creating your own plan can be found at www.meanmomscoach.com.

Many women experience a dip in their level of self confidence once they become a mom. You begin to doubt your ability to be a good mom, you doubt the fact that you are still an attractive vibrant woman, you worry that your husband may find you less attractive… you begin to question exactly who you are a person. This is normal… I know, I say that often in these pregnancy articles. The reason I say that is because it’s true. Wondering why no one ever talks about it then, that is because if you knew all of the changes physically and emotionally that you were going to experience before you got pregnant… you may not want to get pregnant at all. However, most women that have had a baby, once they hear what you are going through will smile in acknowledgement for we have been there too.

• The main cause for loss of confidence relates to being in unfamiliar territory. Change makes most of us anywhere from uncomfortable to feeling distressed.
• Recognize that change can sometimes be a good thing and that with discomfort and upset comes opportunity for growth

• It is really important to figure out where you derive your worth from and then redefine this if necessary. Being a mom is a crucial job – but you need to believe this.
• Redefine what is awesome about yourself.
• Make a list of all the things you feel you do well. Just write everything down, no matter how insignificant – Examples
  • I make sure we never run out of breakfast cereal
  • I keep my baby clean and well fed
  • I am have great taste in wine
  • I am good at juggling the baby and cooking dinner
  • I am good at researching baby products
  • I am good at going for walks even when it is cold.
  • I am a stylish dresser
• Make a list of all your great qualities/attributes – examples
  • I am a great friend
  • I am reliable
  • I am big hearted
  • I am generous
  • I look beautiful in red
  • I have moments when I feel l exude a more vibrant
• Make a list of things that matter the most to you – what do you value the most/what is critical
  • E.g. your husband, your child’s wellbeing, your own health
  • If something was on your list of worries, but not on your list here, just accept that it is not important.

• At first when you have your baby, there isn’t time for much else, nor do you have inclination/energy to worry about your waning confidence, but as time passes it is important to recognize the value that growing our minds has on our sense of wellbeing and confidence.
• Create a project/interest outside of your baby where you learn a new skill– have it be something you are interested in.
• It could be
  • Something you can do in the evenings, or while your baby is awake. Eg listening to audio books.
  • Do it with a friend/life partner/on your own
  • Could be intellectually stimulating (if this is what you need), or mindless (if this is what you feel you need) e.g. formal education versus knitting.
• Many moms agree, unless you engage your mind in learning/useful activities, it will start to grow weeds and you start to feel the ‘mushy brain phenomenon’.

4. CONFIDENCE CAN BE RECREATED

by Joy Burgess

One of the main faults that work at home moms tend to have is not taking out time for themselves. If the last time you had time alone was in the bathroom for 2 minutes, and that was interrupted by the kids bugging you through the door, it's time to change some things in your life. While the life of a work at home mom is always hectic, it's important that you start finding some time for yourself. Although it's often difficult to find the time, this is important and you'll just have to make the time. It's very easy to get busy with your job, the family, and your husband, and you suddenly realize that somewhere along the way you begin to lose a bit of yourself. So, it's time you start changing things a bit and taking out a bit of time for you.

The Importance of "ME" Time for WAHMs
So, you may be wondering why having "me" time is so important. Well, remember what they say about oxygen masks on the airplane. Before you help anyone else out, get your own mask out. It's the same way in life. If you are going to try to help others, you have to help out yourself first. You can't be everything to your kids, your husband, and your job if you aren't taking care of yourself. Many work at home moms spend time taking care of all the obligations except for the obligations that they have to themselves. In order to stay healthy physically and mentally, there are times when you need to take a "time out" and spend some time doing something you enjoy. Spending some time with yourself for a change.

Time Management Tips to Help You Make More Time for Yourself
Of course sometimes it can be difficult to find the time to take time out for yourself. Well, with the right time management and some organization, you can better manage your time so that you do have the time you need. Here are several great tips that will help you to make more time for yourself, even as a work at home mom.

- Tip #1 – Get Up Early - One great tip that can help you to find more time for yourself is to start getting up earlier. Try getting up before everyone else does. This can definitely be quite difficult, but it can allow you to have some quiet time yourself. When you get up an hour or so earlier before everyone else, you can make it your "me" time. Spend time reading, get in some exercise, enjoy some coffee. Just don't try getting cleaning or work done at this time. Let it be time for yourself.

- Tip #2 – Plan Out Meals - Try planning out your meals ahead of time. Plan out a weeks worth of menus, visit the store once a week for everything you need, and you'll find life is much easier. It will save you money and a whole lot of time. This will provide you with some extra time for yourself.

- Tip #3 – Don't Clean as Much - Don't clean as much. This is a time saving tip that will give you more time to yourself. Sure, cleaning is important. You don't want to live in a disaster zone, but your home doesn't have to be perfect. Start doing just a few cleaning tasks each day, which will save you from taking large sections of time trying to get the cleaning done.

- Tip #4 – Spend Time Preparing at Night - Start spending time at night preparing for the next day. Lay out clothes, get supplies ready, perhaps make lunches if you need to. This is a great way that you can avoid wasting so much time in the morning. You'll be able to find more time to relax if you just prepare some things the night before.

Great Ideas for Your Time
So, once you begin to make some more time available for yourself, what are you going to do with that time? Well, since it is "your" time, you need to spend the time doing something that you really enjoy. Make sure it is something that will relax you, and don't use it for an excuse to do chores. Perhaps spend some time watching a sappy movie, take a long hot bath with candles and music, or spend some time reading a good book or magazine. Other ideas include taking a walk, enjoying a movie at the theater, going window shopping alone, going to have a manicure or pedicure done, or finding time for a favorite hobby.

Make Your Time a Priority Every Day
It is so important that you make your time a priority every day. This is not something that is just a luxury. Time for yourself is a priority that should be at the top of your list. No, you don't have to have hours alone, but finding time every day that is specifically your time will help you out as a work at home mom. You'll end up being a better mom, you'll be more productive on the job, and you'll even feel happier too. So, if you haven't been taking time out for yourself, now is the time to start.

Biography
Joy Burgess is 28 year old wife and step mom, currently living in Arizona. Her family includes her husband, step son, step daughter, and dog, Chewy. Along with being a full time step mom, Joy also works full time as a writer and musician. Hobbies and interests include scrapbooking, gardening, playing the piano, cooking, and finding a few spare moments of quiet time alone. 

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2009 All Rights Reserved 

 by Shayla Taylor

Unfortunately so many people seem to have the idea that a day in the life of a stay at home mom is an easy one and most feel that being a stay at home mom is not a real job. When you’re a mom and you work at home, most people think that “work at home” is code for watch television and take a nap; however, there are so many things a stay at home mom does during the day that no one sees or appreciates. I myself have two step-children, a 13 year old daughter and a 14 year old boy with Down’s syndrome, so life can get a bit hectic in this home. So, the following is a small glimpse into a day in my life as a mom who stays at home and runs a home based business at the same time.

6:30 am – It’s 6:30 in the morning and the alarm is going off incessantly and I’m contemplating throwing the thing across the room; however, I go ahead and roll out of bed, wishing for a few more hours of sleep. Time to wake up the kids, a challenge in itself, and once their sleepy heads are actually moving, it’s shower time for me.

7:30 am – The kids are clothed and possibly in their right minds and it’s time to drive them to school. Hopefully we’ll miss the train and be on time today. First Tyler (my daughter) gets dropped off at middle school and then we’re off to drop of Ty (my son) at the high school.

8:00 am – As I’m on my way home, I realize that we need toilet paper and something for dinner, so I’m off to the Wal-Mart Supermarket for a quick shopping trip. Fifty dollars later, I head out of the store back home to get started working.

9:00 am – I’m finally back home and it’s time to get to work. Today I’ve got a huge amount of work to get done before the kids get home, which is a tall task.

11:00 am – Now that I’ve been working a couple hours, I suddenly remember that I never got a chance to grab anything to eat this morning, so I set about making an early lunch. However, halfway through I get a call from my son’s school saying he isn’t feeling well, so I abandon my half made lunch mournfully and rush off to get my son.

11:45 am – Finally I’m back home with a sick kid working to meet the deadlines that just seem to be flying up on me. Today is Wednesday, so a bit of house cleaning needs to be done too, so between answering business emails and dealing with writing deadlines, I attempt to get the living room straightened up and get the floors mopped as well. Walking by the bedroom I look longingly at the inviting bed; however, a nap is not in the agenda for today.

2:25 pm – I wrap up a final article in a hurry and then it’s off to pick up my daughter from school. On my way out the door I lay out some chicken to thaw out for dinner. Remembering I have my son at home too, I get him ready to go and we pile in the car and rush off to pick up Tyler.

3:00 pm – By 3pm we’re back home with Tyler in tow and the house begins to get loud. With a Barney DVD going in one room and the Suite Life of Zach and Cody blaring in the living room, I realize it’s time to bring out the headphones to my computer if I’m going to get any work done. So, I turn up the music, get focused and start back to work again until the kids come out looking for drinks and a snack.

4:30 pm – Suddenly I realize it’s almost 4:30 and I haven’t even started on dinner yet, so I jump up from the computer and start on a nice dinner of baked chicken, roasted potatoes, and broccoli. Once I get everything in the oven, I peek in on the kids, make sure my daughter has started working on her math homework, and then set down to try to get a bit more work done.

6:00 pm – My husband is walking through the door after taking care of some business and I realize the time and scurry to get dinner finished up after a quick kiss. Putting the finishing touch on dinner, I close up my laptop and stash it for now so I can set the table.

6:30 pm – We’re finally all gathered around the table eating, and if I do say so myself, dinner turned out great. As I look around at the happy faces all happily munching on dinner, I smile, knowing it was worth the work to keep them all well fed. After dinner is offer I put away the leftovers and get my daughter started on the dishes, which she lets me know is not really on her top 10 list of things to do.

7:30 pm – After spending a few minutes with my husband, I pull out my laptop again for a bit more work. In between helping my daughter with her homework and keeping my sick son happy, I manage to get a bit more work done before it’s time to get the kids in bed.

10:00 pm – It’s time to get the kids headed for bed, and after showers are complete and they are ready for bed, we give them their good night kisses and happily send them to the land of “nod.” However, before my daughter drifts off, she tells me that she has no clean school uniforms for tomorrow, so it’s off to throw in a load of laundry.

12:30 am – Finally the laundry is done, and the clothes are folded or hung up. I’m so looking forward to jumping in bed tonight. I get myself ready for bed and finally fall into bed with a good night kiss to my “honey,” and within minutes I’m out like a light. However, it seems like only a short time later, I’m waking up to the alarm again…

As you can see, the days are long, busy, and hectic. Do I regret it? No! I love being a stay at home mom with a business I can do right at home. My family is my life and I love doing for them…it’s just that I wish that blasted alarm would wait a few more hours before it goes off again.

Biography
Shayla Taylor is a stepmother to two teenagers and lives in Arizona with her husband Tim. She runs her own home business as a successful freelance writer and truly enjoys the opportunity to work from home. In her spare time she enjoys writing music, playing the piano, photography, and spending time with the family and the family dog, Chewy.

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2007 All Rights Reserved