Not only is the color pink a favorite of the ladies in my family for it's joyful, pleasant shade, it is a symbol of breast cancer awareness and our family is not immune to the devastation of this disease. The statical reality hit home 2 years ago when my aunt Linda was diagnosed. Her strength is immeasurable and today she is a strong breast cancer survivor! We celebrate, any chance we get, the love of life and our love of being together.
In the spirit of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month I've put together a little Sleep Pink Party to support Estroven as they bring awareness to finding a cure for breast cancer, breast cancer research and prevention. Facts regarding this mega suck-tastic disease: Every three minutes, a women is diagnosed with breast cancer with menopause-age women at significantly greater risk. That's me. 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast Cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. (Lung cancer is the first.)
For years my family has been doing what we can to raise funds for breast cancer research but having a party is a first! With Estroven's guidance I held a little Sleep Pink Party. I found this incredibly fluffy pink robe, which made me feel like a huge pink cotton ball! It was so cozy. We put on some music from the Estroven play list suggestions and started the celebration.
I created a cookie recipe using local favorite Moonstruck chocolate chunks and crushed Hazelnuts, the official nut of the State of Oregon ;->
Helen (L.) and Lily |
My cookies were a hit with my daughter Lily and her sweet friend Helen.
Mom and I did our best to stay away from the cookies and stick to making potholders. Anything to keep our hands busy and away from too many sweets! A healthy diet is key in prevention of breast cancer, but a few treats here and there are just fine :->
Regarding your diet and breast cancer, here's what dietitians suggest:*
- Keep your body weight in a healthy range for your height and frame. Body mass index, though not a perfect measurement, can help you estimate your healthy weight.
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit (more than 5 cups a day).
- Try to limit your fat intake to less than 20% of your total calories per day. This is an extremely small amount of fat to eat (an average amount is about 30 to 35% of total calories per day). Start by eliminating some foods with the highest fat content (like fried foods and margarine) and gradually lower the amount of fat you eat.
- Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Avoid trans fats, red meats, and charred or smoked foods.
Wouldn't it be absolutely lovely for breast cancer to be a memory? To use the term "remember when?" With your help, that is a possibility. Stay healthy my friends!
During the month of October, Estroven is providing women with the necessary tools to host a Sleep Pink-themed party on SleepPink.com. The site will allow party hosts to upload photographs of their events, and for every photo, the company will pledge $100 to benefit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It will also provide information to help organize the Sleep Pink parties including downloadable invitations, menopause-friendly
drink and food recipe suggestions, as well as décor and entertainment ideas.
To find out how to host an Estroven Sleep Pink-themed party and raise funds for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, visit www.SleepPink.com.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Estroven. The opinions and text are all mine.