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Healthy Living Can Prevent Breast Cancer: St. Peters Resources

Research shows good nutrition and exercise can help prevent breast cancer. Here are some resources around St. Peters to help you stay healthy.

You might be able to find help fighting breast cancer and other types of cancers at your local grocery store and fitness centers, according to the research findings of Dr. Marian Neuhouser. 

Neuhouser is a nutritional epidemiologist with a background in nutritional sciences. She is an investigator at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Her research is focused on lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Some factors may prevent breast and prostate cancer and improve survivorship in those diagnosed with cancer.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 American women will die from breast cancer.

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Neuhouser’s research has found that for postmenopausal women in particular, being overweight or obese may increase the risk for breast cancer.

“After menopause, estrogens are synthesized by adipose tissue—the more adipose a woman has, the more estrogen she will make," Neuhouser said. "Adipose cells also synthesize inflammatory factors, which have been linked to breast cancer.”

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One of the most important things a woman at risk for breast cancer can do, says Neuhouser, is to “maintain a healthy weight."  

“One of the most important things is that if a woman is overweight or obese, she should be advised to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Daily physical activity and following healthy eating habits with plentiful fruits and vegetables and minimal empty calories and fried foods will help achieve these goals.”

Neuhouser said while it can be challenging to lose weight small changes can add up and make a big difference.

"If someone is not used to physical activity, try a five to ten minute walk and gradually increase the time. Having physical activity partners or walking partners always helps. I know my soccer team will be waiting for me on the field, so even if I am tired or busy, I still show up."

Upcoming Health Events

Cholesterol Screening: 7:30-10 a.m. Oct. 9, HealthWise Department at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, 10 Hospital Dr., St. Peters. Includes $10 fasting blood sugar, $20 lipid panel, $25 lipid panel and fasting blood sugar. 

6th Annual Pathways to Wellness: A Journey for Women: 7:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 26, Old Hickory Golf Club, #1 Dye Club Drive, St. Peters. Includes guest speakers  Ern Kern, DO, internal medicine, Duane Turpin, DO, neurology/neurophysiology, Renee Van Stavern, MD, Washington University stroke neurology, Vera Lynskey, MD, family medicine, BJC Medical Group, Joseph Hill, gynecology, BJC Medical Group, Kristi Matshiner, PharmD, Jennifer Szalkowski, MD, family medicine, BJC Medical Group and Charles D’Angelo, The Weight Loss Coach. Cost is $10. 

Body Composition Analysis: 3:30-5 p.m. Nov. 15, City of Lake St. Louis, 200 Civic Center Dr., Lake St. Louis. Free. 

Walk from Obesity: 7:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. start, Oct. 6, Frontier Park, St. Charles. Join the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation and Obesity Action Coalition fight obesity with this walk. Registration is $25 online or $35 on site, and includes an official Walk from Obesity T-shirt and an optional free one year membership into the OAC. There will be a 1-mile run/walk or a 3.1 mile (5K) route. To register or for more information, visit www.ssmweightloss.com.

Heart Health Screening: 8-11 a.m. Oct. 19, SSM St. Joseph Health Center – St. Peters room. Your heart works hard for you. So do something good for your heart. Join SSM Heart Institute for a full heart health screening that provides your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides blood glucose, body fat analysis and blood pressure. All for just $20. Please call to register at 314-SSM-DOCS (314-776-3627) or 1-866-SSM-DOCS (1-866-776-3627).

Adult Weight Management: SSM St. Joseph Medical Park, 1475 Kisker Road, St. Peters, MO 63376. Individual counseling appointments available. Call 636-498-7883 for fee structure.

Nutrition Education: Registered dietitians at SSM St. Joseph Health Center can help you make sure your diet is right for you. For appointments call 636-949-9600. For questions call 636-947-5163. Click here for more information.

Live Your Life Well: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Middendorf-Kredell Library, O'Fallon. Learn to use positive actions every day and in times of crisis to cope effectively and reduce stress. From relaxation techniques, to journaling exercises, to simple ways to get better sleep and improve eating habits, this program and its companion website, offer a wide range of resources to build resiliency and enhance well-being. Registration required. To enroll or for assistance, call 636.344.CARE (636.344.2273) or toll-free 800.392.0936, or request a call from an event specialist

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