Saturday, October 3, 2015
Vol. 1, No. 45
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month by Anne Fulcher When we talk about health and wellness, we can talk about these two things in many ways. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to reflect on the many aspects of health and wellness that touch each and every one of us on a daily basis. I am sure each of us has known someone who has been affected by breast cancer. On September 14, 2015, my dear friend and classmate, Yvonne, received that diagnosis. I had known for several weeks that she was just not her chipper self. If I asked her one time, I asked her one hundred times what was wrong. Having been in OB/Gyn Healthcare for over thirty years, I have a keen sense of when something is off kilter. She chose not to enlighten me of her dilemma until midnight prior to her surgery the next morning. Of course I fussed at her a little for not sharing her burden with me but I was glad she finally decided to confide in me. That evil breast cancer diagnosis is terrifying to all involved but what with all of the new treatments today, it is not an end-all diagnosis. It seems as if you are hearing of poor health diagnoses all the time. Pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer and the list goes on and on. Can we choose healthier life styles that will help us avoid these dreadful threats to our livelihood? I believe we can. It begins with healthy eating, moderate exercise, no smoking, no illegal drugs, alcohol in moderation, and these are just the basics. But do not forget to factor in mental and emotional health. Many people lost their jobs after the Graniteville train disaster of January 2005. A large portion of these employees had worked at the mills all
of their lives along with many of their family members and neighbors. They were without an income, many without an education, not allowing them to find quality jobs, no health insurance and the list of have nots just kept increasing to the people of the community. It is easy to see how a loss of wages can progress to depression, to anger management issues, to drug use and the cycle just gets darker and darker. We are blessed to have many resources in Aiken County that are available to us. We have Rural Health Services, Inc. who see patients with and without insurance. People with no insurance are seen on a sliding fee scale based on household income. Rural
Health Services, Inc. has 3 sites, one in downtown Aiken, one in Clearwater and one on the Southside in New Ellenton. They offer many types of medical and behavioral health services to include dentistry, OB/ Gyn care, adult medicine and soon will have a Teen Health clinic. We also are blessed to have the Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center on Greg Highway in Aiken. Let’s not forget Aiken Regional Medical Center, providing medical and mental health services to the people of Aiken County. If you feel depressed or have thoughts of suicide, please know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help. These facilities have trained professionals and are only concerned with your well-being. For your physical wellbeing, we have Greg Park Civic Center, Aiken County Family Y, and the Aiken County Parks and Recreation center in the GVW area. There is no reason why you cannot make an effort to get in better physical shape. When a person makes up his/her mind to take control of their health, every aspect of their life begins to get better. The smell of fresh air, working in a community garden or exercising with a group of friends as your support system tends to clear the mind and give one a clearer vision of life. All you have to do is make up your mind to make a difference in your life. My friend, Yvonne, will begin Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy very soon. I and all of her family and friends will be by her side until we get that clean bill of health and that will happen. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I dedicate this edition to you my friend, I’ve got your back and will be there regardless of time or place. You got this girl, I love you!