Hello all!
I don’t usually do long  entries like this one but this is an article I wrote and wanted to include in my blog.   Hope you enjoy!
Be WELL!
Breast Health~A Natural Approach
by Leslie Shew, ND,CNC,CTN

Breast health continues to be a hot topic among women of all ages as the incidence of breast cancer continues to rise.  The American Cancer Society reports that an estimate of 185,000 American women will develop breast cancer this year.(based on 2009 report) An average of 46,000 women will die from this form of cancer making it the leading cause of death in women between ages 40-55.  They estimate that one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
Mammography~is it safe?
Mammography has been the number one choice in the medical community for breast cancer detection, but is it safe?  Research findings point in both directions leaving many confused and unsure of what approach is right for them.  A recent article by Natural News reported findings from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) which concluded that “low-dose radiation from annual mammography screenings significantly increases the risk of breast cancer in women with genetic or familial predisposition to the disease” (Health Keepers,2010, Vol 11, Issue 4). This is one of many recent studies currently happening around the globe today. In fact, news reports talk of the possibility of bumping the current recommendation of age 40 screenings to age 50 in the near future due to the growing concern of excessive radiation exposure.
My challenge to you is to do your own research and make the decision that feels right for you.  For me, the fact that I was going each year to have radiation directed into my cystic breasts while being smashed between two metal plates seemed to go against everything in my belief system. Why would I want to take a chance of exposing these cysts to radiation year after year?
After much research and talking to people in the field with views from both sides, my approach has become focused on prevention, in addition to using a safer form of screening called Thermography.
Prevention
Many question why breast cancer continues to rise, while those of us in the natural health field believe we know why.  Besides the fact that women today are under enormous amounts of stress rearing families and some working full time jobs to top it off, we are also bombarded by an increased amount of toxins in our environment releasing chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body. These toxins are known as xenoestrogens.  When xenoestrogens enter the body, they attach themselves to estrogen receptors and overstimulate them. This can cause serious problems for women and even men. Among women we see health problems such as breast cancer, cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, as well as heavy bleeding and PMS.  There is an increase of  men with low testosterone levels at much earlier ages as well as an increase in prostate enlargement, cancers and a decline in male fertility.  No wonder Viagra is the top selling drug for men and they now have one coming out for women.
Xenoestrogens can be found in almost every aspect of modern life in America today.  Sources include pesticides, plastic containers for food and beverages, meat and dairy products, shampoos, cosmetics and cleaning supplies. To help reduce the intake of these harmful chemicals- store food in glass containers, drink from non-leaching bottles, glass or stainless steel, buy organic meats and dairy products and use natural organic cleaners and cosmetics. In addition, work with a health practitioner in balancing your hormones such as progesterone which has been proven to balance the estrogen levels in the body and help lower the risk of breast cancer, as well as osteoporosis. Iodine is another key in the prevention of breast cancer. While it’s main use in the body is supporting thyroid health, the breasts are the next biggest user of iodine. It can be found in seaweeds like Kelp and Dulse, as well as Black Walnut. There are wonderful herbal and nutritional supplements to help reduce the amount of xenoestrogens in the body, as well as support healthy breast.  
In addition to eating a better diet, women should address the stress in their lives.  Many women who come into my office struggle with adrenal fatigue, anxiety, auto-immune diseases and low thyroid function.  It is important to address these issues as prolonged stress and fatigue are the leading cause of all dis-ease in the body.  Women tend to focus on taking care of everyone else and ignoring their own health until it’s too late.  If you give everything you have to give (while ignoring your own body) in order to be there for your loved ones today, you may not be able to be there for them in the future. Prevention and self-care is key to a healthier and happier life.
Thermography
Thermography, also known as thermal imaging, is a safe and non-invasive procedure for detecting and monitoring disease in the body.  The growing use of thermography today is in breast cancer screening. These thermal images show areas of “hot spots” where possible cancer cells or tumors may be present. In addition to screening for cancerous cysts, thermography is capable of the early detection for Inflammatory Breast Disease which is often undetectable by mammograms, especially in early stages.  No radiation is used and the procedure only takes about twenty minutes.
My first breast thermography image was taken last year and I had my follow up image just recently.  It is such a pleasant experience compared to the painful one of mammography.  I no longer fear subjecting my self to radiation and encourage all of you to give it a try.  Thermography is not only being embraced by those of us in the natural health field, but many medical doctors are beginning to use this form of breast screening, as well.  If you decide to continue using mammography, then consider using thermography as an additional screening as it can often times  reveal changes earlier than those of mammography.  While insurance has yet to step up and assist with payment for this type of screening, I consider it a small price to pay for my health and I hope that you will consider embracing it for your self.

Thermography screenings in Nashville!!
Thermography is now being offered one day a month at my office in Green Hills (Nashville).  For more information or to schedule your appointment, contact me at leslie.wellness@gmail.com
Next screening date:  Wednesday, May 5th