October was Breast Cancer Awareness month. The Tri-Valley wellness committee asked staff to raise awareness by wearing the color pink on Fridays. The Grafton Family Service Center took it one step further and had their entire facility wear pink on Friday the 11th.
Above is a picture from the “Day of Pink” at the Grafton Family Service Center. The kids loved getting their picture taken.
In 2010, 206,699 women in the United States were diagnosed with Breast Cancer- 40,996 passed away from the disease. Awareness and early detection are keys to decreasing these numbers. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, regular conversations about the risks of breast cancer and preventative testing from ages 40-49 and mammograms every two years from ages 50-74 are recommended. A simple breast exam can be complete by a physician during your annual check-up. If you physician does not require the screen you may ask for them to complete it. You can also check yourself in the shower using the pads of your fingers making circular motions around all breast tissue including in the underarm area. If you notice any of these contact your physician:
- Lump or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
- Swelling, warmth of darkening of the breast
- Change in size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
- New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
Thank you to everyone that participated in this month of awareness. Awareness is the first step in finding a cure.
– The Tri-Valley Wellness Committee