1.  The key to survival is early detection.

2. Mammograms can detect breast cancer two to four years before it can be felt on a breast examination.

3. Digital mammography, such as that offered at Southwest General, detects breast cancer more effectively than traditional film mammography in women under the age of 50 and those with dense breasts.

4. 12.2 percent of women develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

5. 19 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer die of their disease.

6. The best early detection is achieved through yearly mammograms beginning at age 40 (and sooner for some high-risk individuals), yearly breast examinations with your health care professional, and vigilant self-awareness of any changes in your breasts.

7. The incidence of breast cancer increases with age, and all women should be screened as long as they are in good health.

8. Breast pain is NOT likely to be breast cancer - breast cancers are usually painless until advanced stages.

9. Any nipple discharge, new dimpling in the breast skin, or change in breast shape should prompt a visit with your health care professional.

10. Risk factors for breast cancer include: obesity, family history of breast cancer, diets high in fat and low in fiber, alcohol consumption and first pregnancy beyond the age of 35 or no pregnancies.

11. While breast cancer awareness is important, it is equally as important to note that 36 percent of women die of heart attacks and stroke, and 19 percent of women die of all types of cancer (lung cancer is the most common cause of death, and breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women).
    

Southwest Community Health Foundation, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Southwest General and LifeWorks of Southwest General have teamed up to create a new program for women with breast cancer: Fight Like a Girl … Fitness is Power! This program is designed to provide complimentary fitness memberships and fitness coaching for breast cancer patients who qualify to exercise.

Exercise has been found to increase the survivor rate of breast cancer patients and tohelp with fatigue, body image and depression as well as decrease the risk of recurring cancer. This program is supported by Southwest Community Health Foundation. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Tests and health screenings are a very important part of preventive medicine.   They allow you to get a baseline to compare to future results, and they can alert us when something has changed and needs further testing.

Your annual physical exams are important because they are the only way to detect silent diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis etc.

Below are some important tests that you should discuss with your doctor.

Always speak to your physician regarding the above tests.  These are just guidelines, and each individual may have different needs or risks.

If you would like us to send you a reminder birthday card with tests you need each year, please contact Nannette Hodermarsky, women’s health specialist, at nhodermarsky@swgeneral.com or 440-816-4186 with your name, address, email address, and birth date.

Exercise Tip:

Now is the time to start thinking about your fitness and nutrition goals for the holiday season.  How are you going to stay on track with holiday eating and lack of activity?  Make a plan now for success later!  Start researching ways to make healthier meals, and plan ahead for your winter workouts.

Nutrition Tip:

Quick breakfast fix: Running low on time? Here are speedy breakfast ideas to get you and your family out the door and ready for your day.

• Mix low-fat yogurt with whole-grain cereal, and serve with a glass of orange juice.

• Blend low-fat milk, frozen strawberries and a banana for a 30-second smoothie to enjoy with a bran muffin.

• Add dried cranberries and almonds to quick-cooking oatmeal.

“Ten Great  Exercises You Can Do at Home”
Instructed by Laurie Clark-Roath, Certified Personal Trainer
LifeWorks of Southwest General
7390 Old Oak Blvd.
Thurs., Jan. 19, 7-8 p.m.

“Ouch My Aching Feet”
Instructed by Amy Winkleman, MD
Strongsville Library
18700 Westwood Dr., Strongsville
Wed., Feb. 15, 7-8 p.m.

“Can You Control the Ups and Downs of Menopause?”
A six-part discussion group series presented by Val Tate, CNP.
Sessions include three Tuesdays in March and three Tuesdays in April
Middleburg Hts., Library
15600 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts
Find more details here

To sign up for all or any of these free talks, contact Shannon Finkovich at
440-816-5395 or sfinkovich@swgeneral.com