Feature

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Tips for lowering your breast cancer risk

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Oncologist Shahid Waheed, M.D., FACP, from Lake Regional Cancer Center encourages all women to learn how to reduce their breast cancer risk.

“Women can’t control every risk factor, but they can take steps to lower their chance of developing breast cancer,” Dr. Waheed said. “They also can take steps to catch it early if it does occur.”

The following steps are a good place to start. · Keep a healthy weight. · Exercise regularly. · Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks. · If you are taking, or have been told to take, hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives (birth control pills), ask your doctor about the risks and find out if it is right for you. · Breastfeed your children, if possible. · If you have a family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your risk. · Get regular mammograms. For women at average risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends: - Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. - Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. - Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years. - All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do.

“There are many benefits to committing to a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Waheed said. “I encourage women to prioritize self-care, for their sake and the sake of all who love them.”

First Mammo? Check!

Are you ready to check that first mammogram off your list? Lake Regional is making it easy with this special scheduling opportunity just for first-timers. Conveniently scheduled on a Saturday, the Pinktober Mammothon is for you if you are at least 40 years old; have never before received a mammogram; and are free of breast lumps and pain. Plus, all participants will receive a pink gift! Learn more and request an appointment at lakeregional.com/FirstMammo.

Show Me Healthy Women

Routine Pap tests and mammograms can keep you safe and healthy. But not all women have access to these lifesaving exams. If you cannot afford a mammogram or Pap test, you may be eligible for free exams and follow-up treatment through Missouri’s Show Me Healthy Women program. See if you qualify today. Call Lake Regional Obstetrics and Gynecology at 573-302-2764 in Osage Beach or 573-557-2553 in Eldon.

Child Advocacy Council helps hundreds with services

Arts in the Park is a tradition created by Camden County Child Advocacy Council in 1994 with a brief hiatus due to COVID.

The intent is to expose youth to arts and crafts and and encourage creativity. All of this enhances self esteem and self confidence and was on full display on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Camdenton City Park with grins and laughter as more than 400 children and their families participated.

The sun rose slowly and it was accompanied by the sounds of tents being raised, tables and chairs being noisily assembled and container-after-container of craft materials were readied for the coming event. By the time the sun had warmed up the day and dried the wet grass, there were tents for pine cone bird feeders, sand art, bead bracelets, ghost feet, painted rocks, yarn art, wooden crafts and sewing pillows. There were squirt gun paintings a la Jackson Pollack and a local artist taught children how to paint and make collages; there was face painting, hair painting and Giant Jenga. To top it off, Child Advocacy Council also provided hotdogs for free for everyone who wanted one or two or three.

Child Advocacy Council originated in 1979 when the State of Missouri wrote into law some of the first child abuse/ neglect laws in the nation. Missouri’s law created a Hot Line number 800-392-3738 for anyone who suspects child abuse/ neglect to anonymously call and it will be investigated within 24 hours. The law allowed for the creation of advocacy councils in each county which aid children at risk of child abuse/ neglect.

Camden County’s Advocacy Council is one of only two that remain in operation in the state, and Miller County created its Advocacy Council approximately 10 years ago.

Camden County’s Child Advocacy Council organizes the Back to School Fair every year, at which every child in the county can have back packs, school supplies and socks and underwear. Christmas is Sharing is the winter project at which every child in the county can count on a nice gifts, clothing and food for their family through a voucher.

This is particularly true for foster children. The Council has written several grants, the latest is for Climax Springs and Stoutland schools called Too Good for Drugs in which the school counselors implement curriculum to build communication skills, self esteem and an understanding the effects of alcohol and drugs. Previous grants created by the Council include bringing in guest speakers who address bullying and suicide prevention as well as building family relationships through activities at Windermere.

About Child Advocacy Council

Child Advocacy Council is committed to educating the public about child abuse/ neglect. The child population in Camden County is 17.4 percent and Camden County children living in poverty is 21.2 percent. “We know that child abuse/neglect is present in all classes of society and we know that poverty does not lead to children being abused or neglected but the tensions of a parent/s facing eviction or of trying to make ends meet, can provide the breaking point,” a CCCAC spokesman said. “We also know that a parent’s drug abuse can lead to abuse/ neglect of that parent’s children. Camden County has a significant rate of drug abuse which then affects children. These are issues that Child Advocacy Council attempts to address in its efforts to educate about child abuse and neglect.”

The Council receives its funding through various grants and also through its sales at the Child Advocacy Thrift Store located on Dawson Street in Camdenton. The Council it accepts donations of money and gently used items at the Thrift Store.

For further information, call 573-346-0003.