Check those lovely lady lumps

First things first, don't try to blog after getting your pupils dilated at the eye doctor or you'll be sitting really close to the computer like a goofball. That would be me at this moment, and no I won't take a picture ;)

I was excited for Thursday to come around this week because I had been on a planning committee putting together a 1 mile run walk/run at work for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October, of course) - nothing like being able to focus on fitness and health at work and help increase awareness!

The coolest shirt, yo.

We had giveaways, refreshments, and vendors who came to give helpful information about early detection and prevention of Breast Cancer and to talk about general health and fitness. My pal Xio, from Parkesdale Farms, came to support healthy eating with produce and other snacks .. and even brought me some strawberry cookies. She is kind of like an angel.

Me with Xio

Xio & Jordan representin' Parkesdale Farms

Moffitt Cancer Center of Tampa came with tons of helpful information and save the dates for Miles for Moffitt 2013!

Love to see people out supporting and enjoying a little fresh air!

Our tent - in all of its pink glory

We had a tree of hope for those who walked to 'sign' and say why they were walking

Since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, here are some facts that I found interesting and wanted to pass on: 

Risk Factors {source Moffitt Cancer Center} -

Increasing age

A personal history of breast cancer

Previous history of radiation to the chest area

A first-degree relative with breast cancer (for example, mother, sister, daughter, especially in pre-menopausal years)

Early age of onset of menses

Late age of first pregnancy

Early Detection {source American Cancer Society}
* Monthly self exams are the biggest way to aid in early detection. Six days after your monthly cycle, or the first of the month if you no longer have your cycle, you should do a self exam in the shower. You can not only find 'things that are our of the ordinary' like lumps, but the more frequently you check, the more likely you are to know what should and shouldn't be there. I liked checkyourboobies.org - they have an email reminder they can send you plus lots of information about self exams.
This pdf has TONS of helpful information about risks, detection, statistics, and even rumor-squashing about deodorant and bras' impact on breast cancer: LINK

Facts I found most interesting:

• I will be turning 32 this year and my representative from Moffitt even suggested that I start to screen with a mammogram as early as next year - a baseline mammogram helps with comparing results as you get older. It doesn't necessarily aid with early detection, but more so with gauging results. Many insurance companies, however, don't cover early mammograms.
• I knew that men could get breast cancer also, but didn't know that the numbers were as high as they were. In 2012, so far, there have been an estimated 2, 190 cases of breast cancer in men {source}

{A.D.D. Sidenote: Jaeden is sitting next to me, pretty peeved about having a cone on his head. We think as he's getting old he's getting skin tags in odd places...well, he chewed one off, the cone is his punishment and will aid in prevention of other said ripped-off skin tags.

The accused.

Ok, back to business ;)

Make sure you are educated on Breast Cancer and ask questions if you don't understand something! There are plenty of resources available out there. I haven't personally been affected by Breast Cancer, but have learned from many survivors I know and admire their survival and how they are an inspiration for others!

Has Breast Cancer impacted your life - have you learned anything new about it recently?