When I get home late from a particularly stressful day at work, one of my favorite things to do is kick back with a nice glass of Pinot Noir. Pop the cork, cue up some Ray LaMontagne, and I'm instantly transported from office mode to chill-out mode.
Of course, as far as relaxation rituals go, I know this one isn't exactly the healthiest. If I swapped my wine for say, Pellegrino, I'd not only save myself 121 calories, I'd also lower my cancer risk. One alcoholic drink a day ups your odds of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer by 32 percent. Why? Alcohol, it turns out, may raise levels of estrogen, which can fuel growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells.
Does that mean you should never touch wine, beer, or (another fave) frozen strawberry margaritas ever again? Not at all! Indulging in the occasional drink is perfectly fine, so long as your definition of "occasional" doesn't mean every night and your definition of "drink" doesn't include free refills.
If you like a glass every now and then, go for red wine. Research suggests the resveratrol in red vino slows down estrogen metabolism, possibly even preventing cancer cells from developing. Plus, it also carries some heart-healthy benefits, too.
If you don't drink, try one of my favorite age-reversing cocktails: Mix Pom Wonderful (or fresh) pomegranate juice with some sparkling water and float a thin slice of cucumber on top. It looks special, and it's brimming with healthy antioxidants. Plus, it's totally thirst-quenching!
Whichever drink you choose, just remember this: No smoking at the bar. Period. Because whether it's cervical, colorectal or lung, smoking increases the rate of many cancers. Just cut out that bad habit for good.
For more healthy-life advice, try SELF's Tip-a-Day plan.
Find more prevention tips in SELF's 2008 Women's Cancer Handbook.
Of course, as far as relaxation rituals go, I know this one isn't exactly the healthiest. If I swapped my wine for say, Pellegrino, I'd not only save myself 121 calories, I'd also lower my cancer risk. One alcoholic drink a day ups your odds of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer by 32 percent. Why? Alcohol, it turns out, may raise levels of estrogen, which can fuel growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells.
Does that mean you should never touch wine, beer, or (another fave) frozen strawberry margaritas ever again? Not at all! Indulging in the occasional drink is perfectly fine, so long as your definition of "occasional" doesn't mean every night and your definition of "drink" doesn't include free refills.
If you like a glass every now and then, go for red wine. Research suggests the resveratrol in red vino slows down estrogen metabolism, possibly even preventing cancer cells from developing. Plus, it also carries some heart-healthy benefits, too.
If you don't drink, try one of my favorite age-reversing cocktails: Mix Pom Wonderful (or fresh) pomegranate juice with some sparkling water and float a thin slice of cucumber on top. It looks special, and it's brimming with healthy antioxidants. Plus, it's totally thirst-quenching!
Whichever drink you choose, just remember this: No smoking at the bar. Period. Because whether it's cervical, colorectal or lung, smoking increases the rate of many cancers. Just cut out that bad habit for good.
For more healthy-life advice, try SELF's Tip-a-Day plan.
Find more prevention tips in SELF's 2008 Women's Cancer Handbook.
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