But for a couple of athletes competing at the 2010 Winter Olympic games, breast cancer hits pretty close to home. American speed skater Jennifer Rodriguez is in the middle of her 4th Olympic appearance, but this year it almost didn’t happen after her mother, Barbara, 59, died of breast cancer after a 16 year battle with the disease, during which  (and between treatments) she traveled to watch Jennifer compete at three Olympics in Nagano, Salt Lake and Turin.

Snowboarder and recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Hannah Teter is a part of the Boarding for Breast Cancer organization, and actively raises money for a variety of charities.

US Olympic Bobsledder Emily Azevedo was 5 when she found out her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, she says, her mother has dedicated her life to raising awareness for breast cancer. So now, Emily Azevedo has partnered with the NBCF to bobsled for breast cancer awareness.

During the torch running, Canadians even wore their support along the way:

Torch-followers are encouraged to wear pink as breast cancer survivor Judy Caldwell carries the torch on a 300-metre segment through downtown Vancouver this morning.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) is asking people to line Caldwell’s route along Denman Street at Davie, to the Inukshuk on Beach Avenue, with everything pink, from wigs to boas, scarves and T-shirts. Caldwell, founder of CBCF, will carry the torch at 7:50 a.m.

DOWNLOAD NOW >>

The unique app turns an iPhone’s dial pad pink and includes information tabs on how to do a breast self-exam, as well as, the importance of early detection, an active lifestyle and other tips on increasing your odds against breast cancer. Similar to wearing a pink ribbon or bracelet, sporting a pink phone will show the world that you support B4BC and breast cancer awareness.

Hawkins, a B4BC friend and supporter, has a long list of skateboarding accolades and achievements. Most significantly, she is the reigning gold medalist in Women’s Vert at the 2009 X Games. She also won X Games gold in 2007 and silver in 2008. She is one of the few females featured in Tony Hawk’s popular video game series, and appears in several skateboarding DVDs including Getting Nowhere Faster.

The app is available for $0.99 with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting B4BC efforts. To download, search “pink phone” at the iTunes app store >>

A pink ribbon charm bracelet, or breast cancer necklace or  pink ribbon pin will remind that person everyday of your support through this time. There’s something special available at almost every price point.

Personalize a Breast Cancer Awareness Charm @ ThingsRemembered $20 >>

Crystal Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Brooch – $24

Circle of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet $99 >>

Angel’s Wings Of Hope Breast Cancer Pendant Necklace $119>>

Pink Ribbon Pendant Necklaces in Yellow & Rose Gold with Diamonds, $375-$499 >>

ON SALE: $654, normally $1000

A collectible figurine or comforting pink ribbon teddy bear or snuggly breast cancer awareness blanket (or even a Pink Ribbon Snuggie!) might be an alternative gift idea for someone undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Wrapped in Love Pink Ribbon Scarf

Avon Breast Cancer Bear $15 >>

Also, instead of a dozen red roses, you can send pink flowers, and support a variety of breast cancer organizations at the same time.

Pink Plush Bouquet – $49

Pink & White Tulips

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

RedEnvelope.com donates to breast cancer awareness organizations year round, so it’s a great place to shop for breast cancer awareness gifts!

I’ve got to say, I love to read any reports and studies that support my addictions -ahem, I mean affection for three “food” groups that may help prevent breast cancer.

The most commonly known snacks that have been linked by a variety of health studies to help reduce the risk of breast cancer include:

• Chocolate
• Wine
• Coffee

Now of course, the caveat when you read any of these studies about so-called “superfoods that fight breast cancer”, is that they recommend you only consume such things in moderation.

What does that even mean?

Of course, there are also many proven studies and common sense that says an addiction to coffee and alcohol can have negative health effects, among other issues with alcohol addiction. So it goes without saying you should enjoy these two breast cancer fighting foods responsibly.

Eating moderate amounts of chocolate, dark chocolate to be more accurate, has also been linked to the prevention of breast cancer and heart disease  - the real leading killer of women. So shouldn’t we all indulge, just a little?

That is the key right there – a little! Most recommendations state: “eating up to 20gm (two small squares) of dark chocolate every three days lowers the risk of heart disease by one-third in women”

Of course, one of the reasons eating a limited amount of chocolate in particular is the potential weight gain associated with indulging in decadent chocolates and desserts. And carrying an unhealthy amount of weight can actually increase your risk of breast cancer.

If you’re not a coffee drinker, chocoholic, or wine lover (really?? not one of those things? what’s wrong with you??? j/k!!) – ypu can also give these related items as gifts which donate to breast cancer charities!

Coffee
Cook for the Cure Collection, Shop @Kitchen Aid >>

Coffee Cool Down Bottle Pink Ribbon Edition -$9.95 The Breast Cancer Awareness logo Trudeau Corporation donates to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation 5 of its selling price for each BCRF thermal item sold.
Chocolate

Breast Cancer Cookies for a Cure Buy Now >>

Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Chocolate Coins >> Buy here
Wine & Wine Accessories to Beat Breast Cancer:

Riedel Set of 2 Vinum Crystal Rosé Wine Glasses >>
Pink Ribbon Wine Opener

The Acai Berry fruit comes from Brazil, and has had a variety of traditional food uses, mostly for flavorings, but adding a significant protein to Brazilian diets.

A wide variety of claims have been made about the Acai berry, promising everything from weight loss, to enhanced energy and sexual performance. It’s even shown up in a variety of skin care treatments (yes, really – 100% Pure Organic Acai Berry Antioxidant Facial Cream), and the richness of “acai berry” is now a popular color in fashion. (seriously- Zappos has this
Elie Tahari – Michelle Dress in Acai Berry)

But what, if anything, can the Acai Berry do to help prevent breast cancer? Read on…

Certainly something I’m interested in finding out. We’ve heard for years that fruits and vegetables particularly high in nutrients and healthy antioxidants are part of a healthy diet, considered to be a bonus booster in preventing breast cancer.

Myth or Mega Fruit?
According to Quackwatch, “açai juice has only middling levels of antioxidants—less than that of Concord grape, blueberry, and black cherry juices, but more than cranberry, orange, and apple juices.”

So, that presumably means that any Acai Berry formula -daily supplement pills, powders or juices – combined with those juices higher in antioxidant values might provide an added boost to one’s overall health.

What the FDA says about Acai Berry & Breast Cancer

Since the FDA does not have the budget to run clinical trials or extensive testing on dietary supplements, the agency does not “approve” dietary supplements in the way it carefully evaluates prescription drugs. That means so far, there have been no significant or reputable, independent studies that link Acai Berry to breast cancer prevention.

However, the FDA does publish stringent marketing guidelines for companies selling the Acai Berry dietary supplement in any form, and works to at least stop Acai Berry manufacturers from making misleading claims.

Therefore, Acai Berry cannot at this time, necessarily be sold as a prevention for breast cancer. You can always search the FDAwebsite for information about companies falsely marketing Acai berry products.

However, as part of a regular, healthy diet supported by foods rich in antioxidants, the Acai Berry supplements may have some wider health benefits. You can take some of the supplements on a trial basis to see if you notice a difference in your own personal health.

If nothing else, many of the juices and energy drinks made with Acai Berry flavors are quite tasty! So you might consider them along the lines of the juices you find in organic and natural health food stores.

Where to Buy Acai Berry Products:

You can find Acai Berry supplements & related acai products at nearly any price point, as you can see below. If you’re a new user of Acai, you can surely find one priced right with little risk. But if you are already an avid Acai berry user, you might find something new to try out.

Home Shopping Network:
Andrew Lessman Ultimate Acai Berry Extracts – 360 Capsules for $124.95 from the makers of this product:

“Unfortunately, Acai’s great publicity seems to have resulted in a great deal of exaggerated health and weight-loss claims for low-quality products. However, with Andrew’s Ultimate Acai Berry Extracts, you can be assured of the potential benefits this nutritious dark purple berry can provide….The formula delivers the standardized ingredients not present in other acai drinks or supplements without their false medical or weight-loss claims. Ultimate Acai Berry Extracts provides the highest quality, standardized extracts of acai fruit without the sugar, calories and unethical claims so typical of acai products. Suggested Use: Consume 1 or more capsules daily or as recommended by a health care professional.”

You can also try a smaller amount of
Andrew Lessman Ultimate Acai Berry Extracts – 30 Capsules for just $17.90

Acai Berry Super Antioxidant- $39.95 >>

The Ultimate Acai Smoothie Cookbook – $13.95

Pure Body Acai – 60 caplets on sale: $24.95

Age Reversal Skin Cream with Acai – on sale: $69.95

To shop around and learn more about Acai berry supplements and acai products, you can always browse hundreds of Acai Berry product reviews at Amazon.

disclaimer: some advertisements may appear on this article as a result of the topic, I do not not necessarily endorse, nor take any responsibility for any products bought from the links on this page.

sponsors:
Save upto 50% on Vitamins & Supplements only at HerbsPro

Lenox Pink Ribbon Christmas Ornament >>

Lenox Breast Cancer Awareness Ornament

Christopher Radko Christmas Ornament, 5.25″ Buoyant Bloom – Macy’s

Christopher Radko Pink Ribbon Christmas Ornament

• Browse over 90 breast cancer awareness figurines & gifts of hope from Collectibles Today to Fight Breast Cancer – Show Your Support with these Collectibles and Gifts!

• Thomas Kinkade Hope Breast Cancer Charity Figurine

When money’s tight, it’s more important than ever to buy and give gifts that matter. And this year, it’s not just gifts for breast cancer survivors that can make the difference. You can get gadgets (GPS, mp3 players, cameras) for your guys and electronics (HDTVs, Blu-Ray) every man will love with the special deals offered by TigerDirect.com – FREE Shipping & Xtra Savings and CompUSA – FREE Shipping Promotion as part of their second annual PINK FRIDAY extravaganza!

Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, gives way to Pink on Nov. 27 as CompUSAturns the shopping frenzy into a charitable free-for-all for the second consecutive year. The consumer electronics and technology retailer expects Pink Friday to help raise more than $100,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization.

Shop Friday Nov. 27th and during the holiday season for  great deals on computers and electronics:

This year, while most of the major stores are pushing “Black Friday” sales, why not keep thinking pink instead? Many of the retailers I’ve featured throughout breast cancer awareness month donate a portion of pink ribbon sales throughout the year or carry pink ribbon products and breast cancer gifts year-round, so take advantage of their great holiday sales, free shipping promotions and more to get gifts that give back this holiday shopping season.

Shop the Pink Friday & Cyber Monday sales for Breast Cancer Awareness Holiday Gifts at:

• Overstock.com >> Get 10% off Breast Cancer Jewelry and Watches Expires 11/30 PLUS: New Customers Black Friday at Overstock Free Shipping on all orders Media Excluded
• Avon’s Top Ten Products + Official Avon Walk for Breast Cancer clothing & accessories!
• Amazon.com’s week of Black Friday Deals start MONDAY Nov. 23!! Shop now>>
• Check out the new styles in eyewear at Zappos.com now>> – Oakley Pink Ribbon Edition Sunglasses, the ever popular GUESS Sparkling Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Women’s Watch, & Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Breast Cancer Awareness Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 oz
• Emile Henry “Bake for the Cause” Pink Pie Dish& more at Macy’s PLUS: Free Shipping with $75 purchase at Macy’s.com. Promo code: CYBER. Valid 11-29-2009 through 11-30-2009>>
• Save up to 80% on Select KitchenAid Countertop Appliances, Free Shipping over $249 +  Cook for the Cure! Pink KitchenAid accessories.
• 40% Off 14k White Gold Diamond Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Pendant
• Get 20% Discount on all purchases made from MyJewelryBox.com
• Up to 50% OFF select breast cancer accessories & merchandise at Endless.com clearance sale Always free shipping & price match!
• Need Luggage or a new Carryon? Up to 60% Off on Luggage, Handbags, Backpacks & More. Free Shipping at eBags.com As always, year round donation from “pink collection” sales.
• Take up to 30% off only at Ross-Simons! Use code SAVENOW at checkout though 11/29/09.
• Get $25 off $100 & free shipping at MyShape! Shop styles that fit & flatter.
• Shop the 2-Day Sale Friday and Saturday Only at Target.com
• 11/27-11/30 Save up to 15% + an EXTRA 15% site-wide at RedEnvelope>>
• Crazy Sale + FREE 2010 Recipe Calendar with orders over $50, FREE SHIPPING over $75:  Pfaltzgraff collection of “pink” products in support of Breast Cancer Awareness
• ICE.com – Bright Pink : Christmas Sale – Save 20% on All Jewelry + FREE Shipping! – COUPON CODE: SXM09

sponsored by:

Cook for the Cure Edition KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

In the mood to bake some holiday cookies and treats? Then first things first, if you don’t already have one, you’ll need a KitchenAid Pink Stand Mixer, the ultimate in small kitchen appliances!

Everyone should know by now that the Cook For The Cure® Presented By KitchenAid® line of kitchen accessories is a major contributor to the Susan G Komen Foundation. But the better news is,  pink KitchenAid Cook for the Cure purchases count for contributions all year round, not just during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But through 10/31/09, they’re offering free shipping on orders over $249.

The official KitchenAid store has the entire line of pink kitchen appliances you’ve likely seen elsewhere – pink food processors, pink hand mixers, blenders and more. But you’ll also find a selection of harder to come by pink Cook for the Cure kitchen accessories and breast cancer awareness gift ideas like the ones below, over 30 items in total – some of which I’ve never seen anywhere else:

Cook for the Cure® Baker’s Suite Gift Set – $39.99

Cook for the Cure – Pass the Plate $19.95

Cook for the Cure® Tea Kettle – Pink $39.95

Browse the entire collection of Cook For The Cure® Presented By KitchenAid®! Shop now >>

I already have a chrome KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, but perhaps I’ll buy the pink Cook for the Cure cover for it!

HOBO International Pink Clutch

HOBO International Symphony Clutch - Pink Ribbon

Hobo International, in an offer exclusive to Amazon and Endless customers, serves up this lovely Symphony clutch. Its metallic pink leather helps show support for breast cancer education and research, which of course you’ve already done: 25% of the sale price of each bag is being donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

On Sale – Buy it Now >>

You’ll also find a selection of New Balance Lace Up for the Cure workout bags and gym totes for breast cancer awareness like this one:

New Balance Lace Up for the Cure Pink Ribbon Gym Bags

New Balance Lace Up for the Cure Flight Bag,Italian Plum/White/French Kiss,one size

The New Balance Lace Up for the Cure holdall bag is a fun and functional bag that is accessible for all of your toting needs. This super cute bag has dual, ultra-comfortable shoulder straps and a wide, easy open zipper for easy access. This attractive and handy bag is also made for a good cause: to spread breast cancer awareness.

A variety of other styles of New Balance bags also available, prices range from $16-$34 Shop Now>>

New Balance has continued to be one of the biggest supporters and contributor to breast cancer awareness and research organizations.