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October is...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the breast. A malignant tumor can invade surrounding tissues or spread to other areas of the body. Breast cancer is predominantly a disease among woman and is the most common type of cancer among women in the U.S. A small number of men also develop breast cancer.
Mammography is the single most effective method of early detection, since it can identify cancer several years before physical symptoms develop. In accordance with the revised 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Screening Guidelines, early detection is possible through mammograms beginning at the age of 50, or earlier if family history puts one at increased risk, or as decided by the physician in consultation with the patient. After age 50, mammograms are recommended every two years or as advised by the women's physician.
Learn more at FL Department of Health
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness
1 IN 4 PREGNANCIES ENDS IN LOSS
AWARENESS In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month [Proclamation 5890]. Tragically approximately a million pregnancies yearly in the United States end in early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or the death of the newborn child. In October, Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support will host several events to honor and remember all of the sweet babies that have gone far too soon. These events include the Wave of Light Remembrance Service, and the annual Share Walk for Remembrance & Hope in St. Louis, MO, along with several chapter walks across the nation. The loss of a child stays with parents, friends, and family members forever, but it can be challenging for others to truly understand the emotional and physical impact. Events across the country take place each October and help people to better empathize and support parents on their journey to hope.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month enables us to consider how, as individuals and communities, we can meet the needs of bereaved parents and family members and work to prevent causes of these problems. Early Pregnancy Loss. Stillbirth. Infant Loss. Sadly, these are deeply painful experiences that many families face daily, but they receive little attention. It may be hard to talk about, but the more open we are, the better we can serve bereaved parents. Early pregnancy loss is the most common type of loss. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), studies reveal that anywhere from 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in early pregnancy loss. When fetal death occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is called stillbirth. These tragic deaths occur in about 1 in 160 pregnancies.
Millions of mothers and fathers do not know where to turn for grieving support after losing a child. Bereaved families long for ways to honor their deceased babies and October is nationally-recognized as Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. While child loss may be a more common occurrence than people think, there are still far too many families that face the devastating moments alone, desperate for support before, during or after the loss of a baby. Who is there to help? Who is there to offer support?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness
Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a term used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 1 year old in which the cause was not obvious before investigation. These deaths often happen during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area. Learn more about the problem and CDC activities.
