The Gunnison Valley HealthSpot

The Gunnison Valley HealthSpot is a monthly resource for information on a variety of topics ranging from the best way to get a good night's sleep to women's health.

October's Topic: Be Breast Care Aware.

with Dr. Stephania Timothy, GVH General Surgeon

October is breast cancer awareness month. While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps that can be taken that might lower your risk. For all women, it is important to get to and maintain a healthy weight. Increased body weight and weight gain are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause. Along with that, moderate to vigorous physical activity has been linked to a lower breast cancer risk, so make sure you are getting regular physical activity throughout the week.

It’s aso helpful to avoid alcohol. Even low levels of alcohol intake have been linked with an increase in risk for breast cancer.

For women with an increased risk of breast cancer (for example, if you have a family history), there are certain medicines which can be considered as well as preventative surgery. Your healthcare provider can help you determine what options, if any, might be right for you.

Many women with breast cancer have no symptoms which is why I cannot stress enough how important regular breast screenings are. For someone with an average risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends that women over 45 receive a mammogram annually. Women 55 and older can switch to a mommogram every other year if they so choose.

This October, be breast care aware. Visit www.cancer.org for more information about breast cancer or call 970-641-7253 to schedule a mammogram.

Check in regularly or check the Crested Butte News, Gunnison Country Times, or Gunnison Shopper for the latest monthly HealthSpot topic. You can also hear the HealthSpot on KBUT.

Previous Healthspot Topics:
January 2017 - Behavioral Health with Behavioral Health Specialist Lori Fuller
February 2017 - Heart Health with Cardiopulmonary Director Jason Platzer
March 2017 - Opioid Abuse Prevention with Dr. John Tarr and Kari Commerford
April 2017 - Blood Testing with the GVH Laboratory Team
May 2017 - Women's Health with Family Birth Center Director Holly Rickert
June 2017 - Summer Skin Care with Dermatologist Dr. Anthony Timko
July 2017 - Proper Bike Fit with Rehab and Athletic Medicine Team Member Michael Kugler
August 2017 - Concussion Management with Rehab and Athletic Medicine Team Member Kristin Grimes
September 2017 - Healthy Sleep for a Healthy Life with Cardiopulmonary Director Jason Platzer

Gunnison Valley Health
711 North Taylor Street | Gunnison, CO 81230 | 970-641-1456