Take steps to help prevent breast cancer
With all the publicity about when women should begin routine mammography, little attention has focused upon natural ways to prevent or treat breast cancer.
"Nutrition Concepts and Controversies," a popular nutritional science college textbook, discusses breast cancer risks from hormone replacement therapy and suggests a diet high in soy foods may offer bone protection rivaling that of HRT. The textbook summarizes various studies that suggest breast cancer is associated with "high intakes of food energy, alcohol intake, low vitamin A intake, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, probably high saturated fat intake, possibly high sucrose intake."
"Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer," a Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine publication, makes similar observations and recommends low-fat, plant-based diets rich in grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables and avoidance of obesity, alcohol and HRT to help prevent breast cancer. Such a regimen remains an essential aspect of treatment if breast cancer develops.
If you use chemical herbicides to destroy dandelions and other lawn weeds, be aware that these chemicals have been linked to the development of breast cancers (as well as other cancers, Parkinson's disease, reproduction and respiratory disorders).
This is why the Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition joined dozens of other organizations that have urged the governor to order all state agencies to switch to safer weed control alternatives on SUNY campuses, athletics fields and state parks.
I hope this letter will prompt women to do their own research and to ask their doctors for specified dietary and holistic health information about preventing and treating breast cancer.
Joel Freedman
Canandaigua
Freedman is a retired medical social worker.
Warming 'concerns' out of control
I've said for years that if government could find a way to tax the air we breath, it would do it. It was supposed to be a joke. No joke. It finally found a way to do this by making carbon dioxide a hazardous gas. You will be all right if you only inhale; do not exhale! Can you spell ludicrous?
There's nothing wrong with trying to be careful with our environment, but this global warming thing has gotten out of hand, much like the impending ice age of 1972. That whole work is not on the fictional shelf. It didn't last long because Congress couldn't find a way to tax it. Anyone who still insists we are in charge of weather should, in my humble opinion, be given a warm glass of milk and put to bed early.
Wake up, America. Take back your government! It works for you! It's up to you to remind them.
I am 72 years old and I did not work my whole life to support those who didn't. This includes my elected officials who have never held a job, run a business or balanced a checkbook.
W. A. James
Oneonta
