Ways to Give Back During Breast Cancer Awareness Month PINK WITH PURPOSE
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and you can
down with pressure, feeling for any lumps or changes. If you do notice something unusual, contact a health care provider. Schedule Your Mammogram Women over 40 should schedule a mammogram annually because early detection gives them the best chance for successful treatment. It’s never too early to screen. Women who are 25 and older can undergo a risk assessment to determine if they should start screening earlier than 40. Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans cover the cost. Stay Active Studies have found that regular physical activity and exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 20% or more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends exercising at least 30 minutes five days a week to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But every little bit helps. Even a daily walk or 10 minutes of yoga can make a difference in your health. You can use videos online, join a gym or fitness group, or work with a trainer to help you find the right routine and rhythm. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in reducing the risk of breast cancer and increasing survival rates. Healthy Habits Work on reducing your stress and establishing healthy habits that help decrease the risk of breast cancer. The link between cancer and alcohol is well-documented, and it’s in the top three preventable risk factors. Avoid or limit your alcohol consumption, because the more you drink, the higher your chance of breast cancer is. Recent studies have also found that getting enough sleep increases cancer survival rates.
do more than wear a pink ribbon to show your support for survivors and those currently battling this disease. Whether you’re walking alongside those impacted by breast cancer, supporting critical research through local fundraisers, or
simply taking the time to educate yourself, it all brings us one step closer to hope, healing, and a cure. No matter how you choose to participate, let’s stand together this year to raise awareness, inspire action, and honor the strength of those touched by breast cancer. Walk, Run, or Dance Breast cancer walks or runs are a popular way to raise funds for awareness, research, and support. No matter your fitness level, you can find a national or local event near you to participate in. Many organizations offer virtual walks so you can join in from anywhere. Arnice has hosted Zumba-a-Thons in the past to fundraise for breast cancer organizations. You can take a page from her book and even host your own fundraiser, whether that’s a walk, bake sale, GoFundMe page, or virtual event. Shop With Purpose Make your purchases count by supporting businesses that give back to breast cancer support and research. Look for companies with special pink-themed collections or products where a portion of the sales is donated to a breast cancer charity. Some shops run flash events and donate a percentage of all sales during a specific period of time. You can visit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation online to find a list of brands that regularly support their work and mission.
Talk to Your Doctor If there is a history of breast cancer in your family, that increases your risk. The CDC recommends that you look through family medical records or talk to your loved ones to get information about any types of cancer relatives have had. Make sure you talk to your doctor about your family history of breast cancer so they can help you schedule screenings appropriately and keep an eye out for warning signs.
Self-Exams Save Lives If you are a woman, use this month as a reminder to do regular self-exams, and encourage the women you love to do the same. Early detection can make a world of difference in
treating cancer. According to Johns Hopkins University, 40% of diagnosed breast cancers were detected by women who felt a lump during a self- exam. Use the pads of your three middle fingers and press
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