Healthy Connections
October 2023
n National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Welcome to the new 2024 Independence Health System Wellness year! As we begin our new wellness year it is always very important to remember taking care of our own health and wellness along with the health of our patients. Recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness month by scheduling your mammogram, visiting your PCP for an annual visit, and gear up your immunity with an annual flu shot! Let’s start this wellness year off on the right foot and don’t forget biometric screening schedules for Westmoreland, Butler, and Clarion regions are coming soon. Visit the Well-Being Center page on the Loop for more programs and resources on living a healthy life.
Did You Know?
n Mammograms can detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt. Early detection is key in surviving breast cancer. Mammograms can detect breast cancer before a lump is large enough to be felt in a breast exam performed on yourself or by your provider.
Wellness Badges
Mammograms save lives. It is important to get your mammogram every year. Cancer or breast abnormalities can’t always be felt and a mammogram can see changes to your breast tissue as small as grains of sand, making it the best tool for detecting cancer as early as possible.
Sharon L. Goldstein, MD Surgery, Breast
Reminders
n The NU-U program is not just a weight loss program but a program that focuses on the whole self.
n The Ideal Protein Protocol is a structured dietary intervention and behavioral change protocol that features partial meal replacement.
Each year over 240,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States. For the vast majority, the disease is discovered at more advanced stages with limited chances for cure despite the most advanced treatments available. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer related deaths in the world.
In Western Pennsylvania the incidence of lung cancer is high. We have an older population, heavy tobacco use, radon, and industrial exposures, all of which are some of the most common risk factors for lung cancer.
Lung cancer screening with Low dose CAT scans has been shown to dramatically reduce the chance of dying from the disease. This approach allows us to identify worrisome lung lesions that could be cancerous at a much earlier and more treatable stage. Most individuals with a significant smoking history are eligible for the exam which should be performed at least annually beginning at age 50.
Lung cancer screening with low dose CT scans has become a worldwide effort to try to reduce the chances of dying from the disease.
Unfortunately, less than 6% of patients who are eligible for the exam are screened. Multiple factors including lack of awareness, fear over the consequences of screening, and stigmatization of tobacco use contribute to this low utilization.
At Independence Health wehave performed over 20,000 low dose CTscans for thedetection oflungcancer over the last 7 years. Our mission is to make sure that every individual who is eligible has the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive lung cancer screening program.
We arehostingtheFirstAnnual LungCancerAwareness walk on SaturdayNovember 4, 2023atThe Square at Latrobe. We welcome your participation. We encourage participation by students of all ages.
Your participation and financial support will be utilized to advance our mission to fight lung cancer by:
• Promoting awareness and identifying all eligible patients to offer screening exams.
• Supporting smoking cessation programs.
• Educating young adults on the dangers and long-term risks of vaping and nicotine use through outreach programs.
We hope that you can join us in this effort to do everything we can help reduce the chances of dying from lung cancer in our community.
Very truly yours,
Michael F Szwerc MD FACS Medical Director of theAdvanced Lung Center Medical Director of Thoracic and Robotic Surgeryhttps://thelatrobeareahospitalcharitablefoundation.salsalabs.org/lungcancerawarenesswalk/ind ex.html
The Lung Center at Independence Health System is delighted to host the First Annual Lung Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at The Square at Latrobe.
We invite you to join us for a fun filled morning as we walk together in the fight against lung cancer.
Your participation will benefit the Lung Center to provide the most advanced equipment and care to continue lung cancer screening in our community.
MORE PEOPLE DIE FROM LUNG CANCER EVERY YEAR THAN FROM BREAST, PROSTATE AND COLORECTAL CANCER COMBINED.
REGISTRATION FORM
Saturday November 4th The Square at Latrobe
Check in: 9:00 am Opening Ceremony: 9:30 am Walk: 10-11 am
100 Excela Health Dr. Latrobe PA 50/50 Raffle Baskets (cash purchase)
Register by 10/13 to receive a T-shirt
Limited availability day of walk
Register online by scanning the QR code or complete the registration form below and return by mail with a check payable to the Latrobe Hospital Foundation, One Mellon Way, Latrobe PA 15650. For questions or should you require assistance please contact the Lung Center at 724-689-1440.
Name: ______________________________ E-mail: _________________________
Address: _____________________________ Phone _________________________
City: State: Zip:
___ $25 per adult
$10 per child/student
T-shirt Size (please circle) Youth M L Adult S M L XL 2X 3X
___ I am unable to participate as a walker but support the lung center with a donation I am walking in honor/remembrance (please circle) of .
https://thelatrobeareahospitalcharitablefoundation.salsalabs.org/lungcancerawarenesswalk/index.html