Healthy and Humble
/GIVEAWAY INSTRUCTIONS AT END OF POST!
My grandmother is 91. She is alive and well, quick as a whip and of sound mind. Oh how I hope I live to see Hayden’s kids have kids (my Nanny has so many great-grandchildren, I’d have to map them out). She’s taught me many life lessons over the years… but one thing that stands out health wise is what she told me about aluminum. “Don’t put that stuff on your body, especially after you shave,” she said. “It’s not good for you in the long run.”
That definitely stuck with me, however I didn’t fully implement her advice. I drank sodas (and occasionally still do) out of aluminum cans, I used antiperspirants with aluminum as the main active ingredient. However, a quick google search reveals mixed conclusions about how bad aluminum really is for us, so I didn’t worry about it.
Now, I’m at a age where I’m rethinking things. If I can put less chemicals in my body or on my body, mind as well go that route, right? If you missed my last post, you may not know I’m freezing my eggs. The process involves injecting hormones to your body, so it’s important to check for any potential risks, like breast cancer or issues with your body’s detoxifying process.
Sitting in the radiology lab, undressing to get my breast squashed into a cold, very powerful machine, the technician asked, “What is this scar?”, looking at a thin faded line across my left nipple on my breast.
“I was 12, I think. Or around there.” She continued to talk, as she could tell I was nervous. I really didn’t need to be- it wasn’t as scary or hurt as badly as I remembered the first time.
Getting my last mammogram.
“Did they remove tissue and do biopsy?” she asked, as she marked it with a small sticker. Yes, they did. It was benign. I didn’t dwell on it then. I was too young. In 2017, another nodule caught my doctor’s attention during my first mammogram. It’s been something they have watched. It is still there, hence the recent followup with another mammogram. Waiting for the results to come back to see if the nodule has grown was difficult. It has not. I’m taking proper precautions… and monitoring the size with a breast specialist now , but this is what I really want you to take from all of this: There are things in life we can control and prevent and some things we may not be able to. The things we can — shouldn’t we?
It seems wise to look at ingredients in products we put directly on skin and lymphatic system, like aluminum, dyes, parabens, etc. If you’re like me (someone that shaves), we open up those follicles with steam from our showers and razors. Then, many times, we exit the shower and within minutes are putting deodorant directly on one of our biggest lymph nodes. Could this be harmful? I’m not a doctor, and there is no solid evidence to prove me correct. There IS plenty of evidence, however, proving these ingredients leave your body through your detoxification system. Which is why the FDA requires the WARNING on the back to consult your doctor if you have kidney disease and call poison control if ingested. There is also association with aluminum and dementia. Mental health now and in the future should be a concern for all of us.
With my body detoxing so many things out there already, this is something I can alleviate. I’m not making any claims here- and I’m happy to engage in a healthy debate. I’m just sharing little changes we could make on the road to more holistic living. (See https://www.ewg.org/news-and-analysis/2019/12/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-there-link)
When I heard about HumbleBrands deodorant, I was weary because nothing all natural and organic ever worked for me in the past. I’ve tried MANY, but when I really needed dry protection, I would bring in the big guns- the ones with ALUMINUM. FYI: all deodorants are aluminum free- aluminum is only in antiperspirants. The trick is to find a deodorant that keeps you dry and odor free.
Humble is working for me. I stay dry. I love the variety of scents and sizes that appeals to men and women. I have a small travel size in my makeup bag for reapplication on long days on sets or just long days (find it HERE, then go to the SHOP page/ deodorant/ travel sizes.
I got this far in this post without saying the C-word. October is breast cancer awareness month, so I’m gonna just say this. Be aware. MEN and women. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. (see https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374740).
When they heard my enthusiasm for their product, our partnership made sense. I’m honored to spread the word about wellness products that work and change our lives in the long run, as my Grandmother said. Plus, they are doing a one for one this month! For every bottle of Moroccan Rose bought ($10) they donate one bottle to someone battling breast cancer. If that doesn’t give you a reason to buy one… ! Pro tip: add the travel size versions and lip balms —you will not be disappointed — and get FREE SHIPPING. (Anything over $25 garners this perk!). I’m adding these to everyone’s stocking this year for Christmas!
I don’t want to participate in fear mongering, I just want to participate in awareness and sharing thoughts. So, please, share yours!
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, MAKE SURE YOU LIKE THESE TWO POSTS HERE and HERE, and follow both accounts. EXTRA CREDIT IF YOU LEAVE A PINK HEART IN THE COMMENTS. 10 of you will win a care package (serious goodies!!) from HumbleBrands. You do NOT want to miss out.
xoxo
AAJ
