Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By T.J. DePaola, PharmD
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with more than 200,000 new cases diagnosed this year. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is relatively 100 times less common among men than women. Even though breast cancer occurs mostly in women, it is important for men and women to know the signs and symptoms to ensure early detection and evaluation.
It is common for many women with breast cancer to have no symptoms, therefore it is important for women to have regular breast screenings. If you have symptoms such as a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast, you will need more tests by a health care provider to determine whether the lump or changes are benign or cancerous. Symptoms of breast cancer in men are like those in women. It is important that men regularly self-check and if needed refer to their physician for a screening. Unfortunately, it is common for men to delay visits to their physician until they are experiencing severe symptoms, like bleeding from the nipple.
While there are several factors to consider in measuring your risk for breast cancer, preventative measures can be taken to change personal behaviors and lifestyle-related choices can improve your overall health. Based on a study conducted by the American Institute of Cancer Research, approximately 38 percent of all breast cancer cases can be reduced by
taking preventive measures. Although there are some risks that you can’t change, including family history and aging, there are several factors that you can control, like adopting a healthy lifestyle, reducing alcohol intake, losing weight and increasing physical activity.
The American Society of Cancer recommends incorporating healthy lifestyle changes to lower risk factors related to personal behaviors including a strategic balance of food intake and moderate physical activity. Reduce your risk by adding a multivitamin to your daily regimen to provide the support you need to control the risks related to personal behaviors.
Including a multivitamin in your daily regimen can help support and promote exceptional health throughout your life. Our registered pharmacists
can help you decide which vitamins will accommodate your lifestyle and wellness needs, and take into consideration a patient’s preventative efforts. The Cypress Pharmacy Wellness Program was developed by our pharmacists to provide personalized consultation services and recommendations to create a customized supplement program that takes into consideration the patient’s current medical conditions and medications. Patients are encouraged to consult with their physician prior to joining the Wellness Program.
Cypress Pharmacy also offers a complimentary Vitamin Club, a cost-effective program providing adults ages 50 and up with the nutrients needed to promote healthier living. Leader Adult 50+ Multivitamins offer a multivitamin and multimineral designed to benefit the nutritional needs of adults ages 50 and up. Once a month, customers can pick up one 30-count bottle of Leader Adult 50+ Multivitamins at no cost.
To join the program, participants must simply complete an enrollment form, and will receive their Club Card at Cypress Pharmacy.
Cypress Pharmacy has been providing pharmaceutical and health care services in Fort Myers for more than 40 years. The entire staff, including pharmacists T.J. DePaola and Justin Ceravolo, are dedicated to providing the best possible service to every customer. For more information, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.
