As I mark 15 years since my breast cancer diagnosis, I consider why I’m still reluctant to call myself a cancer survivor. Learn why in this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark along with heat pumps boosting the value of homes, France reimagining volunteering, and Oakville’s role in the Underground Railroad.
10 years, 10 lessons – What cancer taught me about life
On June 28, 2011, I heard the life-changing words no-one wants or expects to hear in their life. “You have cancer.” To celebrate my 10 year “cancerversary”, I reflected on what cancer taught me about life. Spoiler alert – It’s all good news!
You need these cancer-fighting foods in your diet
“You are what you eat.” You probably heard those words in health class when you were growing up. I remember thinking it was just a scare tactic grown-ups used to get kids to eat their veggies. With age comes wisdom, and I now realize those adults were right. Today’s post looks at cancer-fighting foods to add to your diet.
The Sunday Spark – What I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving
It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. As I celebrate my favourite holiday of the year, this week’s edition of The Sunday Spark will focus on what I’m thankful for this year. Plus: innovations in fracture treatment, Banned Books Week, and No Bra Day.
Throwback Thursday – Pink ribbons for breast cancer
As we turn the calendar to October, pink ribbons are popping up all over. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stirring up mixed feelings for anyone who has done battle with the beast. For some, the pink ribbon is a sign of hope. For others, it’s a reminder they don’t need.
The Sunday Spark – Oh my! Pink ribbons everywhere!
In week 37 of The Sunday Spark, I share my thoughts on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the pink ribbon movement. Plus, a look at France’s clothing repair program, the connection between sitting and dementia, the right temperature for your fridge, and cutting back on cosmetic packaging.
Best ways to support someone with cancer
“You have cancer.” Three simple words. Three powerful words. Words no-one expects or wants to hear. They literally turn your life upside down when you hear them. Today’s post will talk about how you can help someone diagnosed with cancer.
Simple Living Sunday – Breast Cancer Awareness Month roundup
Tomorrow is Halloween and it’s also the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month for another year. I’m wrapping up October with a Breast Cancer Awareness Month roundup of my posts from the last three years. In addition to tips on how to reduce your cancer risk, you’ll find suggestions on how best to support a loved one with cancer, ideas on what not to say and do, and more.
Dirty dozen ingredients to avoid in cosmetics
Following my cancer diagnosis in 2011, I started to pay a lot more attention to the personal care and cosmetic products I was using. Today’s post looks at the dirty dozen ingredients to avoid in cosmetics. Plus, you’ll find tips on how to reduce your exposure, and some examples of clean cosmetic brands.
Finding an aluminum-free deodorant that really works
There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to make you keenly aware of what you’re putting on and in your body. After hearing of a possible link between breast cancer and antiperspirants containing aluminum, I started to look for aluminum-free deodorant options. Today’s post is an unbiased review of several brands that I’ve found to be effective. As an added bonus, there are even a few plastic-free options.
The stinky truth – I tried several brands before I found one that worked.