October is Breast Cancer awareness month and I urge you to join me in supporting the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Both of my websites, www.MovieActor.com and www.ExtraTalent.com are proud supporters of the American Cancer Society. I invite you to identify your own ways of supporting this great cause! It is well known that early detection saves lives, for this reason, I recommend you to take this opportunity to volunteer or make a donation to the Breast Cancer Foundation of your choice, and buy the Breast Cancer Awareness stamp. Yes, they still have them at your local post office!

I encourage all women to consult their doctor with any concerns they may have about breast cancer; learn the proper method to a self test; and evaluate their family history and risk factor level. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" Medical research and studies have shown that early detection is the key in winning the fight against Breast Cancer.

In addition to promoting breast cancer awareness, my goal is to increase men's roles in the fight against Breast Cancer. While it is a fact that Breast Cancer mainly strikes women… who could possibly be our mothers; sisters; cousins; spouses; and friends... it is not always a male or female health issue; anyone can get cancer! Hence, my purpose is to enlighten male perception; and bring a higher consciousness that we ALL, men and women, as part of the human race can get affected!

"United we stand, divided we fall." In my own life, I have stood strong on this motto; it is my belief that by working together, we can find a cure for breast cancer as well as other forms of cancer. If you are a guy reading this article, I recommend you to forward it to your family members and in this way support the cause.  

The following are simple steps and tips to help you get started in the fight and prevention of cancer:
1. Many people underestimate the power of the food they eat. Yet let me tell you, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables can boost your immune system. For example, eating super foods like wheatgrass and pomegranate juice is a way of using food as daily source of nutrition and powerful source of natural medicine. (Be sure to consult your doctor before implementing any major diet changes.)
2. Take a daily multivitamin supplement as insurance. Multivitamins help fill nutritional deficiencies and ensure adequate intake of a variety of nutrients not all available in your daily food cumsumation.
3. Stress seems to be a common part of our lives these days, and unfortunately, it is also a factor linked to heart disease and possibly cancer. Researchers believe that we can relieve stress by exercising. For example, adding a work out routine of at least 3 times a week can help you in managing your stress.
4. Get your rest! Try to get at least eight hours of sleep everyday and a consistent sleep schedule.
5. Consume the right stuff by eliminating or cutting down on drinking or smoking.
6. Stay informed; doing your own research on the internet or library will enable you to learn more and to ask your doctor those important questions about alternative treatments or options you may have.
7. Consider getting a second opinion from a different doctor and/or use alternative medicine such as acupuncture when appropriate.
8. Join a support group in which you can express and share you thoughts and feelings as well as help yourself boost self esteem.
9. And most important, perform regular self tests.

In conclusion, cancer affects us all, and it is by joining together that we can help. I hope I have been able to generate your interest in supporting the cause and in the least awaken an appetite for more information on Breast Cancer Research. As for me, I will continue to be dedicated to doing my part, and if this article can help by aiding to save the life of one woman from breast cancer, it would’ve been worth all my time, effort and energy!

Issy Tavares is a webmaster and actor based in New York City and owner of www.MovieActor.com which provides inspirational and motivational quotes. Special thanks to the New York City Dance Alliance (NYCdance.com ) staff and their outstanding dedication to the performing arts as well as Leah, Barbara, Toni and Brendan for their wonderful encouragement and support in the Entertainment Industry.
Issy can be contacted at Issyny@yahoo.com   

Also, I would to like acknowledge Doris who works in a beauty parlor. She is a great friend and my hairstylist. In addition, she gave me this awesome idea. Doris works for I Salon located by Union Square at 150 East 14th Street New York, NY 10003. For a limited time and in honor of Breast Cancer awareness, she has some great deals such as get a haircut for half price with any color service or call 212-505-0537 and mention this article and receive 20% off any service!
For more information and specials, visit www.ISalon.biz

Last but not least, I am very grateful to Mrs. Celeste Maria Perez for her editing contributions. Mrs. Perez holds a Master of Science in Special Education and General Education from Bank Street College. She has been a teacher for 12 years and is currently a School Base Mentor for New York City Department of Education.

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