October … National “Take care of yourself!” Awareness Month

You are important! There are many factors that make for a healthy well-being and we all need to be sure to take care of ourselves. The military and the different branches reinforce this idea with articles, program and support. The MilitaryAvenue Team reiterates the importance of taking care of ourselves with the very real-impact it has had on us. Now it is time for you to act! Look out for yourself and then, just as importantly, look out for your battle-buddy, your neighbor, your friend, your spouse.

October brings with it a myriad of “awarenesses” … breast cancer, depression, domestic violence and much more. All things that we should be aware of all year long but a great chance to educate ourselves now, to prepare for the future. It is a reminder that /we/ are important, mentally and physically.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Is breast cancer the most common cause of death for women?
No. Although many women get breast cancer, it is not a common cause of death. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women age 40 and above, followed by stroke, lung cancer, and lung diseases. Breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of death. Each year, about 210,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Many fewer women, around 40,000 each year, die from breast cancer.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
When breast cancer starts out, it is too small to feel and does not cause signs and symptoms. (Continued)

Additional Resources:
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Depression Month:

Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that if left untreated, may lead to other complicated medical conditions. Depression signs and symptoms may include body aches and pain, sadness, irritability, changes in appetite or sleep, trouble concentrating or withdrawing from family, friends and activities you once enjoyed. A depression screening however, is often the first step to getting well. Unfortunately, two-thirds of people who suffer from depression fail to seek the care needed. They mistakenly believe their symptoms are just a normal part of life. The good news for people who suffer with depression is, more than 80 percent of all cases of clinical depression can be treated effectively with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. (Continued)

Additional Resources:
Postpartum Depression
Recognizing Depression

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month:

Domestic violence goes beyond physical abuse. It includes emotional abuse such as threats, isolation, extreme jealousy and humiliation. It also includes sexual abuse. Whenever an adult is placed in physical danger or controlled by threat or use of physical force by their spouse or intimate partner, she or he has been abused. The risk for abuse is greatest when victims are separated from supportive networks.

“Our goal is to prevent domestic violence by encouraging people to examine their own behavior and take steps to learn and practice more healthy behaviors,” Melvina Thornton, manager of the Counseling Advocacy and Prevention (CAP) program, said. (Continued)

Additional Resources:
Military Launches Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign

Subscribe to MilitaryAvenue’s monthly Family newsletter byLeanne KocsisonTuesday, October 19, 2010Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestMilitary Life:breast cancer,depression,newsletter