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With autumn well under way, October promises cooler temperatures for Floridians and the hope for less rain than September gave us. Not only does the weather begin to make its seasonal pivot, but this month means the start of the rich, cozy holiday season—starting with Halloween, or Día de Muertos for those practicing Mexican culture, moving to Thanksgiving and finally December’s family-oriented holiday celebrations.
October themes
However, October also means Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as many of us know. With the surge in popularity and media coverage, the backing behind breast cancer awareness has skyrocketed since its officially designated month in 1985. From survivors speaking out about their experience, to charities and foundations forming in the name of those who have passed from breast cancer, October is pretty in pink thanks to the support from activists and the general public.
This month doesn’t just call for the experience of outspoken survivors, but it also pushes us to keep our own health in mind, men and women alike, especially as we age. According to BreastCancer.org, the largest risk factor in contracting any cancer is aging. This is due to the fact that aging both produces a larger amount of genetic mutations within the body, and an aging body is less capable of repairing any genetic damage. Read Leslie Megyeri’s article in print or online about breast cancer risk in men to learn more about the different factors that leave you at risk for cancer.
Because of this fact, it’s crucial that you take care of your body in order to best protect yourself from disease later in life. You can do so by maintaining a healthy body weight through a healthy, balanced diet and light daily exercise. Even going on a short walk in the morning or night can help keep you in shape! To lessen your chances of cancer even more, try cutting down on smoking and alcoholic beverages. These toxins can weaken your body’s immune system, which helps kill cancerous cells in the early stages.
October is also the start of Medicare open enrollment. This is your yearly opportunity to re-evaluate your healthcare needs, including co-pays for doctor visits and prescriptions. Now that we’ve stressed the importance of getting checked for breast cancer, be sure that your current or new Medicare plan covers this annual check-up. Read inside this magazine or on our website to learn more about what you need to know about Medicare open enrollment and different resources to help you find what’s best for you.
So, as you prepare for the holiday season and break out those plush throw blankets, keep in mind the importance of your health as you take the necessary steps in breast cancer awareness and evaluating your Medicare plan needs. If you have questions, be sure to use online resources in order to answer your questions or find contact information for organizations that can.
Have a great month and we’ll see you in November!
