Nassau and Suffolk counties officially kicked off this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month by issuing proclamations to the American Cancer Society at a news conference Oct. 1 at Jones Beach State Park.
On behalf of the American Cancer Society, Long Island, "Making Strides" event manager Diane Nicholson accepted the proclamations from Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta and Suffolk County Executive Bob Gaffney.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to bring attention to the burden of breast cancer in our community, stress the critical importance of prevention measures and early detection, local support and education programs and the American Cancer Society's premier breast cancer event, "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer."
"We will not rest until a cure for breast cancer is found," Gulotta said. Breast cancer survivor Joan Pope said, "My story is proof that anyone, regardless of age, family history or heritage can get breast cancer. I was under 40 and healthy with no family history of breast cancer when I was diagnosed. I am alive today because of a self-exam. It is important for all women to follow the American Cancer Society's guidelines of breast health.
Thee guidelines are:
All women should do monthly self-examinations,
Women 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam every three years,
And, women over 40 should have annual clinical breast exams and mammograms.
For breast health, cancer information or to find out more about "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer," contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
Rheumatoid arthritis success story
Aida Turturro, aka Janice Soprano, has just completed her second season on the HBO hit series "The Sopranos" and another year battling the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. As spokesperson for the national "Joint Effort Against Rheumatoid Arthritis" program, Turturro will speak to fellow RA patients at the Huntington Hilton, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, during a seminar to increase awareness and understanding about the disease.
"I'm armed with information about rheumatoid arthritis and am learning to live an active and busy life," Turturro said. "I have gone through tremendous, sometimes debilitating pain, but I feel like I'm winning the battle every time I face the disease head-on. I want to encourage others to get the information they need so they can live fulfilling lives despite this disease. I'm really looking forward to joining fellow RA patients in Long Island."
If you or a loved one living with RA would like to attend the seminar, call 1-888-256-4722. If you are unable to attend the seminar and would like further information on RA, call the toll-free national hotline for "Joint Effort Against Rheumatoid Arthritis" at 1-800-538-7799 or visit the Arthritis Foundation's Web site www.arthritis.org.
WTC relief report
New figures substantiating the extent of the American Red Cross's response to the World Trade Center disaster show what is possible when you have 14,000 volunteers and staff working around the clock for 12-hour shifts over the course of two weeks. As of Sept. 28, the Red Cross passed the 3.5-million mark for number of meals served to victims and rescue workers.
The Red Cross estimates that 20,000 families or individuals could benefit from Red Cross assistance, but just over 3,000 families have come forward. Families of deceased or seriously injured victims of the attack are eligible for three months of financial assistance through the Red Cross Gift Program. Those who have been displaced, injured or left unemployed by the event are eligible for assistance through a separate program. Medical or mental health needs can also be addressed. Families who just need to talk about their experiences with a licensed counselor or a spiritual counselor are also urged to visit a Red Cross Service Center.
Call (877) 746-4987.
Other events, activities
The Maurer Foundation's Annual Conference is a breast- health educational conference for healthcare practitioners, students and general community members at Long Island Marriot in Uniondale on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Early-registration fee $50. Call 1-800-853-LEARN. ... "Ask the Doctor About Arthritis" is a program presented by rheumatologist Robert Marcus at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Wantagh Library, 3285 Park Ave. ... Free flu vaccinations for seniors are being offered at the Oceanside Senior Center, 2900 Rockaway Ave., Oceanside, 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1.
