October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 1, 2011 by

Thank you for joining us this month in honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and the second leading cause of female deaths due to cancer (after lung cancer)  http://nbcam.org.   According to Breastcancer.org, an estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in 2010 in the U.S.  Many are surprised to learn that breast cancer can also affect men, although the chances are reduced with one out of 100 cases being male.  http://nbcam.org

Although breast cancer cannot be completely avoided, there are steps to reduce your risk.  Susan B Komen’s website includes tips such as maintaining a healthy weight, adding exercise into your routine and limiting alcohol intake.  Women are advised to get mammograms regularly, especially after the age of 40, as well as regular breast exams under the age of 40.  Even if breast cancer is diagnosed, the recovery rate is high.  According to the American Cancer Society, as cited by Susan B Komen’s site, the 5 year survival rate for all women diagnosed with breast cancer is 89 percent.   http://www.komen.org

Although our focus is on breast cancer awareness, we also acknowledge the devastation of other forms of cancer.  A dear friend recently surrendered to his battle with bladder cancer.  He learned in the most painful way how unhealthy habits can catch up.  Although he was able to quit smoking and drinking alcohol over 20 years ago, he told me how he wished he knew better and stopped sooner.  Doctors linked his cancer to twenty plus years of nicotine consumption and his family also believed his fate was a result of years of alcohol dependence.  I personally challenge you to think twice about how your daily tendencies may be affecting your body, mind, and spirit, and in turn how that may ultimately impact those you love.  Dare to tackle one unhealthy habit today and replace it with a healthy choice…keeping in mind that your children are following in your footsteps.

 

For more information, please visit:

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: http://nbcam.org

Susan B Komen for the Cure: http://www.komen.org

National Breast Cancer Foundation: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

Breast Cancer.org: http://www.breastcancer.org

 

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Filed Under: Cancer, Motivation, Women's Health
About Kimberly Rodgers, LCSW, RPT-S

Kimberly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor through the Association for Play Therapy. She also supervises clinical social work interns pursuing licensure. She has worked as a psychotherapist for twelve years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia and Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida.

Her experience includes foster care, adoption, youth shelter, youth related research, school-based counseling, and sexual assault crisis center settings prior to private practice. She specializes in counseling children, families, and adults struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment to life transitions. Kimberly is a current Board member of the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida and former Vice-President of the Southwest Florida chapter of the Association for Play Therapy. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and EMDR International Association.

Kimberly is founder of Monarch Wellness (originally Monarch Therapy), an integrative center focused on empowering individuals and families through emotional and behavioral metamorphosis. In addition to counseling and play therapy, the center offers other supportive modalities to further enhance emotional healing and stress management including support groups, yoga, laughter yoga, breathwork, integrative relaxation, and sound therapy. Monarch Wellness' sister site eFitFamily.com offers health related information and inspiration for everyday families to live healthier every day. The center is also involved with House of Gaia community center and other community and service focused organizations. More information about Kimberly and her practice can be found online: www.MonarchWellness.net.

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