MedWest Wellness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer diagnosed in American women. And although it's more rare, men can develop breast cancer, too. Fortunately, eating a healthy and balanced diet (especially high in fruits and vegetables), exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption may all lower your risk of developing breast cancer.

This week, evaluate your current breast cancer prevention practices and check to see when your next screening should be. If you're between the ages of 50 and 74, you should have a mammogram once every 2 years. If outside of this age range, talk with your physician about your risk factors and when you should get screened for breast cancer.

The 6th Annual Power of Pink race is scheduled for October 27th at the Medwest Health & Fitness Center.  

For race info

For race entry

October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month
See the attached “Power and Control Wheel” to see if you are at risk. Call your local REACH shelter if you need further help.  In Haywood County, call (828) 456-7898 
or visit their Facebook page at 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/REACH-of-Haywood-County/85722518522

October is also National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month.  
Depression is marked by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Most commonly report among women, depression also affects men, children, teenagers, college students, and seniors.  According to experts, men often deal with depression by withdrawing from others and throwing themselves into their work, engaging in risky or dangerous behavior, and/or becoming angry, frustrated and abusive. Symptoms in older persons may differ somewhat from symptoms in other populations. Depression in older people is often characterized by memory problems, confusion, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, irritability, and, in some cases, delusions and hallucinations.  If you think you or a loved one might be experiencing depression, talk with your health care provider!
Visit here for information.

October is Talk About Prescriptions Month.
The National Council on Patient Information and Education website is full of information regarding safe use of medications, including over the counter medicine like acetaminophen, and prevention of prescription drug misuse.
Visit www.talkaboutrx.org

MedWest Wellness is a proud supporter of the Jackson County Get Fit Challenge