Breast Health & Flu Season Reminders

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 5 E M P L O Y E E N E W S L E T T E R Live Well. Work Well. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on women’s health and the importance of catching problems early. While mammograms and regular doctor visits are important, knowing your own body is just as critical. One way to do this is through a monthly breast self-exam. When you understand what’s normal for you, it’s easier to notice changes and talk to your doctor right away. Early detection matters - breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and 1 in 8 women will face it in their lifetime. The good news is that if it’s found early, the survival rate is nearly 99%. Performing Self-exams In between clinical exams and mammograms, women should complete BSEs to become familiar with the look and feel of their breasts when healthy, so that changes can be detected as early as possible. 1. Lie down and place one arm behind your head. 2. Use the pads of your middle three fingers on the opposite hand to check your breast tissue in overlapping, dime-sized circular motions. 3. Use an up-and-down pattern starting at your underarm and moving all the way to the middle of your breastbone to feel for changes. 4. Standing with your hands on your hips, look in a mirror for changes in size, shape, and contour coloring of your breasts. Breast Tissue Changes Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following changes to your breast or nipple tissue while doing a breast self-exam: • Lumps • Dimpling, red or scaly skin • Nipple discharge or pain It is normal for breast tissue to change during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or while taking birth control pills or other hormone therapy. However, if you notice changes at other times in your life, it is strongly suggested that you visit a doctor immediately. Take Charge of Breast Health

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 5 L I V E W E L L . W O R K W E L L . N E W S L E T T E R : What to Know About This Year’s Flu Season In the United States, influenza (flu) season lasts from October through May, with peak flu activity between December and March. What’s more, flu season in the Southern Hemisphere often indicates what’s to come in the United States. Data revealed that the 2024 flu season in the Southern Hemisphere was like previous flu seasons. With the potential for this year’s flu season to be severe in the United States, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the flu, especially severe disease and hospitalization. How to Stay Healthy The flu can cause serious complications for people of any age, but children and older adults are especially vulnerable. To help keep your household healthy this flu season, consider these tips: • Get the flu vaccine. Being vaccinated against the flu is your best chance of preventing the illness. The CDC recommends that anyone aged 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay away from others when you feel unwell. Because flu, cold and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, doctors say it’s best to get tested to know what you have. • Wash your hands often using soap and warm water to protect against germs. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Cover your mouth and nose. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and dispose of tissues immediately. • Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to boost your immune system. • Exercise regularly to strengthen your body and make it more resilient against infections, including the flu. • Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and fiber. Experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu by the end of October, so don’t delay getting your shot. Contact your doctor today to learn more about vaccines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu caused between 9 million and 41 million illnesses annually between 2010 and 2023.