Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us to not skip regular exams

Every year, October shows up right after September, on schedule and no surprises. Our annual physical should be that way as well, and so should things like mammograms and self-checks for lumps or anything else abnormal.

But we’re often not good about such self-care, which is why Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us, once again, to do the work necessary to minimize the risk of, and hopefully prevent, breast cancer. And while nobody likes scare tactics, it’s necessary sometimes to look at the statistics for a sobering reminder of what’s at risk here according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation:

•       One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.
•       Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
•       Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
•       Each year it is estimated that more than 252,710 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,500 will die.
•       On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes.
•       More than 3.3 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the United States today. 

The World Health Organization reports that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women around the world, with hundreds of thousands dying each year. The good news is that in recent years, a gradual reduction has been seen in women aged 50 and older, and death rates have been declining for more than 25 years thanks to early detection, more awareness and the growing number of treatment options.

All that said, it still begins with you. Not sure where to start? Download this handy guide that will walk you through self-exams, when to see a doctor and much more. And whether you’re unaffected, a survivor or have a survivor in your friends and family tree, learn how to pitch in to support education, awareness, research and treatment here. This is one fight we all need to take on, so that breast cancer (and all other cancers) become a thing of the past!

Use National Yoga Month to get limber during these (downward) dog days

Trying to start some kind of exercise regimen as we move into fall? Or maybe you’ve been pretty serious about getting cardio or working out in the past, but have let that slide? Whatever the case, why not use National Yoga Month as a nudge to take a look at a centuries-old style of exercise and movement that has a ton of benefits.

All around the world, hundreds of thousands of people practice yoga every day. (The fact that it’s called a “practice” should be encouraging to any newcomers — yoga has many types, one of which will meet you right where you are.)

Yoga takes place in studios, in parks … wherever fellow practitioners can get together with their instructor. Many people start out with DVDs or stream how-to and beginners’ programs, and then search out opportunities in their community. Whether you’re new to the physical and mental benefits of “meditation through movement,” here are some ways to engage during September:

·    •  Do yoga in the park. During temperate times of year, many classes take place outside.

·    •   Visit a studio. If you’re nervous, don't be — working on your poses and balances with a group of helpful, supportive people is a great way to grow your practice.

·   •   Look into meditation. Many yogis say that their gateway to an enriching meditation practice began with yoga classes.

One of the best things about yoga is that it’s a great way to step away from a hectic day and have some “me” time. Calming, centering and sometimes physically challenging, yoga is a great exercise program all on its own, or in addition to other activities you already enjoy. Find a local class or group and see what you’ve been missing! Namaste.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month reminds us cancer is an age-free foe

A cancer diagnosis is devastating news for anyone, and particularly heartbreaking when a child is involved. But thousands of children must face cancer every year, and according to the American Cancer Society and other organizations, a quarter of them will not survive.

While most of us are aware of cancer, if nothing else because we receive annual screenings for different types based on our age and gender, we may not know much about the particular types of cancer most common in children. That’s why Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is so important. By learning and sharing information, we can all be more in tune with the needs of children (and their families) in this struggle, as well as be on board to help raise much needed research funds and supply other support.

For some inspiration, read the stories of Gold Ribbon Heroes whose bravery and innovation affects the lives of those around them. Survivors have a powerful voice, too, as this story so eloquently points out. Know a patient, parent, healthcare provider or someone in the community who refuses to let cancer go unchallenged? Nominate them here.

Feeling really inspired? Then tap into a local activity in your community, or be really bold and start your own! Groups, businesses, churches and social clubs are all great places for a fundraiser that benefits a research organization of your choice, a local hospital’s pediatric wing or a nonprofit that provides support and resources to patients and their families.

We never know when the final breakthrough will come, the one that finally lets scientists crack the cancer code, and leads to treatments that allow physicians to eradicate this disease from anyone and everyone before it robs them of life. That’s why supporting research and medical facilities is so important. But we also can support each other, even if it’s just by sending a card, making a meal, or volunteering on a children’s ward to read or play games with patients.

Cancer can happen to anyone, and that’s why everyone must be engaged in the fight to cure it.

National Health Center Week reminds us of the vital services these facilities provide

Here’s a sobering statistic: One in every 15 people living in the United States depends on services provided by a health center. These places do some amazing work in our communities, so it’s time to stop and think about their value during National Health Center Week.

In addition to delivering high-quality, cost effective and accessible care, health centers often are the economic hubs of their neighborhoods. Other businesses spring up around them, and the local economy benefits.

For more than 50 years, health centers have been improving (and saving) the lives of millions who otherwise might not be able to access medical care. They provide services to everyone who walks through the door, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.

This year, let’s dive a little deeper and look at some of the specific, and innovative, programs and services health centers provide, as well as ways we can all engage:

Aug. 13: Elected Officials Day. Contact your member of Congress, state legislator and city/county officials to express your support for health centers, and ask them to be more vocal when it comes to support and funding.

Aug. 14: Public Housing Health Center Day. Many health centers are near public housing, where residents are in great need of primary and preventive care. Often, they host health fairs and other events where you, your coworkers and friends could volunteer.

Aug. 16: Healthcare for the Homeless Day. Many health centers are in areas with large homeless populations in great need of care. They can always use donations of small items — socks, soap, feminine hygiene products — that they can give to patients who are being cared for.

Aug. 17: Agricultural Worker Health Day. Seasonal agricultural workers face many challenges, and getting appropriate, needed health care is high on the list. Health centers who work with these populations always need help and donations to cover mobile screening fairs and other outreach efforts.

Aug. 18: Consumer Board Member Day. Health centers have governing boards which include the very patients they serve, among other community members. Reach out and engage with a board member, if you can, to see what the center’s greatest needs are.

Aug. 19: Children’s Health Day. At-risk communities mean at-risk children. Health centers stand in the gap between kids and illness, and rely on community support so that they can see as many children as possible, especially for preventive care such as vaccines.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved. If you’re not sure where your local health center might be, reach out to the National Association of Community Health Centers, which was founded in 1971 to “promote the provision of high quality, comprehensive and affordable health care that is coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent, and community directed for all medically underserved populations.”

National Immunization Awareness Month reminds us to be ready

So, you’re one of those people who faithfully gets a flu shot every fall. Well done! When’s the last time you had a tetanus shot or booster? A-ha!

Don’t feel bad, most of us fall short when it comes to staying on top of our immunizations. That’s why, when National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) rolls around every August, it’s a great opportunity to sit down and see what we, or our family members, are missing — and then schedule a trip to the doctor to get those squared away.

NIAM is sponsored by the National Public Health Information Coalition, and they have a ton of great, downloadable info if you’re looking to put an awareness campaign together for your workplace, or anywhere else you think people need to be reminded about the importance of immunizations. The information (and it’s all free) incudes vaccine information, news releases and articles, social media messages and links to resources at the CDC and more.

While NIAM lasts for all of August, it can be broken down into weeks so that various at-risk groups can be targeted. Here’s how the coalition does it:

• Month of August: Ready for school?  Make sure those vaccine records are up to date!

• First Week: Babies and Young Children: A healthy start begins with on-time vaccinations.

• Second Week: Pregnant Women: Protect yourself and pass protection on to your baby.

• Third Week: Adults: Vaccines are not just for kids.

• Fourth Week: Preteens/Teens: Ensure a healthy future with vaccines.

Remember, immunizations aren’t just for kids at back-to-school time. We all need to be as proactive as possible so we can maintain our own health, as well as not pose a danger to vulnerable people around us who, for health or other reasons, can’t be vaccinated.