Thursday Table Talk: Taking Care of Yourself

Taking Care of Yourself:
Information compiled by Glenda Propst and Alice Shaffer (Regarding Nannies Team)
This month, as we focus on Breast Cancer Awareness, we shared with you the story of professional nanny, Mary Ann Meddish, who walked for in honor and memory of her sister in law, and Phyllis who worked for Homework Solutions shared her personal story of survival and re-enforced the importance of a strong support system from family down to co-workers.

Today we want to share with you some resources for taking care of yourself and your body, and also challenge you to get involved in the fight against breast cancer.

The first set of links are various informational resources that include self exams all the way to what to do if you are diagnosed. The information is for various websites that provide all different levels of support and knowledge in the fight against Breast Cancer.

The second set of links are breast cancer walks and fundraising events across the US and Canada with links so that you can find out how to get involved right where you live.

There are many opportunities to support breast cancer awareness and funding across the country.

We challenge Nannies and Nanny Support Groups across the country to join the fight against breast cancer


What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast divide and grow without normal control. About 85 percent of breast cancers begin in the mammary ducts. However, some tumors can be aggressive, and grow much more rapidly.
It is important to understand the difference between invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (kar-sin-O-ma in SY-too). These are discussed below and you can find more in the Diagnosis and Treatment sections.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis: After being diagnosed with breast cancer, many people describe feeling vulnerable and alone. Breast Cancer Network of Strength is here for you. With our educational and support resources, we truly ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone, and we’ll empower you to be your own best advocate. In this section, you’ll learn about the types of breast cancer and other factors that influence how the disease may be treated. If you would like to talk about anything you read here, please get in touch with us at the YourShoes 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center. The peer counselors at YourShoes help people touched by breast cancer feel the strength and support they need.

I know someone who was diagnosed: It may be a friend, a family member or even a co-worker who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. But regardless of who you know with this life-threatening disease, you will likely be looking for answers. We'll help you learn everything you need to know about being a co-survivor including basic information about breast cancer, how to find resources, treatment options and how to offer the best support.

Understanding your Risk: All women are at risk for getting breast cancer. As you get older, your risk increases. Assuming you live to age 90, your risk of getting breast cancer over your lifetime is about 12%. That might sound scary, because it means that an average of about 1 out of every 7 women will get breast cancer over a 90-year life span. You can also look at it another way: A 12% risk means there's an 88% chance that you WON'T get breast cancer.
Visit the National Cancer Institute (NCI) web site for a useful interactive tool that estimates your risk of invasive breast cancer.

How to get involved:

Most of you are aware of the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

Race for the Cure® hosted by Susan G Komen for the Cure is a 5K (3-mile) run and walk that takes place across the US each year. This event benefits cancer research, education, and detection programs. Seventy-five percent of the funds raised benefit local programs in the city where it is held, 25% is distributed by the Komen organization.
The cost is usually $20-25 and usually includes a t-shirt..
The standard Race for the Cure® is a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) run and walk.
If you are not a big walker this is a great one, you don’t move fast in the crowd.

The Breast Cancer 3-Day
Bring your energy, your passion, your stories, your humor and your fashion sense to the Breast Cancer 3-Day! More than just 60 miles over a long weekend, the Breast Cancer 3-Day is a months-long journey out of the everyday.
Organize a group in your area to train and walk together. You'll have coaches to help you every step of the journey, helping you challenge yourself and succeed.On the walk, be sure to bring your stories and humor - and plenty of creative accessories!You'll get food and beverages to keep you going, as well as rest.

The Avon Walk in two days you will journey 39 miles helping to forever alter the lives of thousands affected by breast cancer worldwide. Together, we will unite with one purpose and one goal - to end this deadly disease. The money will provide women and men the breast cancer screening, support and treatment they need regardless of their ability to pay, and so that leading-edge research teams across the country can be powered by the funds they need to fuel their quest for a cure - all because of you!
Are you In It To End It?
Take the first step today.1.888.540.WALK


The 2 Day Walk
The Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised $6.6 million over the past six years and awarded 107 grants to local breast cancer organizations in the Atlanta area. In 2009, the 2-Day has awarded a record $1 million to local breast cancer organizations providing diagnosis, education, support and research to thousands of Atlanta area women affected by the disease.
Our goal is to give back at least 70 percent of the funds raised to provide awareness, education, mammograms, genetic testing and research, transportation, translation, patient advocacy and support services to thousands of women and their families right here in our community.
It’s The Journey and the Atlanta 2-Day Walk are a beacon of hope for every family in our community and we will continue to be that source of strength each and every day because of you. Register now to join the fun and be part of the OCTOBER 2ND & 3RD, 2010 Atlanta 2-Day Walk!

In New York and California there is
The Revlon Run/Walk is held in New York City and Los Angeles to benefit women's cancer charities. The event is a 5 kilometer (3 mile) course you may run or walk, plus a Health Expo. Celebrities often attend. The aim is to raise awareness and critical funds for women's cancers research, counseling and outreach programs.

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walks are challenging and exciting events held in Canadian cities. Walkers are challenged to walk approximately 20 miles or 30 kilometers a day for one day or two days. They camp out Saturday night in a tent city. All meals, snacks, and trail support are provided. Each walker must raise a minimum of $2000 for a two-day walk or $1250 Cdn for a one-day walk in donations to participate. Net proceeds go to cancer research centers in the host city

Other ways to get involved:

If you are not a walker, or a runner, that’s ok. You can still participate by collecting the pink lids from Yoplait Yogurt. This is something that your whole family can do together.

Susan G Komen ways to participate

Network of Strength (formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization)

Bowling for Breast Cancer: What a great way to get your nanny support group together, your friends and office mates to raise money while having a fun time with the entire family!