If you could make a difference to improve the quality of life for countless people in your community, would you? For forty years, Community Health Charities of Connecticut has been the state's only federation of health charities and remains dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the important health causes its member charities represent. Look for us and the 34 health charities we represent this fall in your workplace giving campaign to support treatment for survival today, health education for strength tomorrow, and medical research for a healthier future. National Cholesterol Awareness Month High cholesterol is not something you can feel but it can contribute to heart attacks, strokes, and death. The American Heart Association released their new diet and lifestyle recommendations (June 2006), recommending balancing the number of calories consumed with the number of calories burned. More emphasis has been targeted on food preparation like avoiding saturated fat, sugar, salt, and portion control. For a free brochure about these new recommendations called, "Making Healthy Food and Lifestyle Choices: Our Guide for American Adults", visit www.americanheart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1. Lunch & Learn topics related to heart disease are available. Please refer to topics 5, 22, 28, 31, and 42 in your Lunch & Learn booklet. Source: American Heart Association National Cancer Awareness Month National Childhood Cancer Month The American Cancer Society estimates 9,500 new cancer cases are expected to occur in 2006 among children aged 0-14. Examples of these cancers include: leukemia (30 percent), Hodgkin (3.5 percent) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (4.5 percent), and brain and other nervous system cancers (22.3 percent). Children's cancers are often difficult to recognize. For information on symptoms to be aware of, go to www.cancer.org. A Lunch & Learn topic related to leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma is available. Please refer to topic 11 in your Lunch & Learn booklet. Source: American Cancer Society Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Awareness Month If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers information, support, and guidance. For information on living with blood cancers and up-to-date disease related information, the Society's Information Resource Center can be accessed at 1-800-955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm. Information specialists (social workers, nurses, and health educators) will connect you with the patient services manager in the local chapter who will connect you with community programs and services. A Lunch & Learn topic related to leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma is available. Please refer to topic 11 in your Lunch & Learn booklet. Source: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month In 2006, an estimated 77,250 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer of the reproductive organs; 28,060 will die. In most instances, cervical cancer can be prevented. Cervical cancer, which is expected to affect more than 9,700 women and kill more than 3,700 women in 2006, has made headline news. In June 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that in most cases is responsible for cervical cancer. For more information on this vaccine or reproductive organ cancers, log onto www.cancer.org. Source: American Cancer Society-2006 Cancer Facts and Figures and American Cancer News Center 2006/06/08. National Ovarian Cancer Month Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 20,180 new cancer cases in the United States in 2006. Detection can be difficult because symptoms are similar to other health problems (swollen abdomen from fluid buildup, unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure, back or leg pain, and problems such as gas, bloating, long-term stomach pain or indigestion). Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms. Log onto www.cancer.org for more information. Source: American Cancer Society - "Ovarian Cancer" Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Did you know that early prostate cancer occurs without symptoms and an annual prostate screening may save your life? The American Cancer Society estimates that 3,340 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Connecticut in 2006. The protein specific antigen (PSA) blood test, also referred to as a cancer marker for prostate cancer, and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) should be offered to men at average risk beginning at age 50. Those who are at high risk for prostate cancer (African American men with a strong family history) should begin screening at age 45. Early detection is important. A Lunch & Learn topic related to prostate cancer is available. Please refer to topic 43 in your Lunch & Learn booklet. Source: American Cancer Society Home & Sports Eye Safety Month Sports Eye & Safety Month More than 40,000 individuals are treated in United States emergency centers for sports related eye injuries. Almost all sports related eye injuries can be prevented if eyes are protected by sports eye guards. Sports injuries to the eyes often involve blows to the eyes. Do you know how to provide first aid to this type of eye injury? Prevent Blindness recommends applying a cold compress without putting pressure on the eye. Crushed ice in a plastic bag can be taped to the forehead to rest gently on the injured eye. In cases of pain, reduced vision, or a black eye, seek emergency care. Any of these symptoms could mean internal eye damage. For more information on first aid for eye emergencies, go to www.preventblindness.org/safety/firstaid.html Source: Prevent Blindness America Home Safety Month Your home may be one of the most dangerous places to be. Accidents involving common household products cause an estimated 125,000 eye injuries yearly; 90 percent of these cases could have been prevented. Inspect and remove debris from the lawn before mowing. Wear safety glasses when mowing or using a weed whacker to protect against flying particles. Use chemical goggles to guard against exposure to fertilizers and pesticides. Do not mix cleaning agents. For more ideas on how to protect you and your family's eyes from injury, log onto www.preventblindness.org/safety/homesafe.html Source: Prevent Blindness America Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder that affects red blood cells. There are about 2.5 million people in the United States with the sickle cell trait and an estimated 70,000 with sickle cell disease. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year in the United States. The average life expectancy for someone in the United States with sickle cell disease has improved. Life expectancy is now in the mid-40 years of age range. A Lunch & Learn topic related to sickle cell disease is available. Please refer to topic 38 in your Lunch & Learn booklet. Source: Sickle Cell Disease Association of America