October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Starr Regional Medical Center and Athens-McMinn Family YMCA Offer Community Activities

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of breast cancer and encourage steps that can support good health. Starr Regional Medical Center (SRMC) and the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA are teaming up this month to offer community activities that raise awareness and provide resources to help individuals live healthier lives.

Schedule Your Mammogram

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to schedule your annual mammogram at the Starr Regional Breast Center. One in eight women will experience breast cancer, making regular screening an important part of maintaining your health. For women age 40 and older, 3D mammography can help detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

To schedule a mammogram, call 423.744.3372.

Wear Pink on Friday, October 16, for National Mammography Day

Friday, October 16, is National Mammography Day. Community members are encouraged to wear pink in support of friends, family members and neighbors who have faced or are currently facing breast cancer.

Share photos with co-workers, family and friends on social media using #WearPinkMcMinn.

Women who schedule a mammogram at the Starr Regional Breast Center that day will also receive refreshments and a small gift.

Bring a Friend to the Pink Ribbon Walk

Join us for the Pink Ribbon Walk at the Eureka Trail on Thursday, October 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a friend, wear pink and walk in honor or memory of a loved one.

Participants can personalize a bib with the name of someone they wish to honor or remember. There is no set start time or course, making it easy to participate during a lunch break or whenever your schedule allows.

Virtual Exercise Sessions

Movement can play an important role in rebuilding strength, mobility and confidence during and after breast cancer treatment. The Athens-McMinn Family YMCA is offering a series of virtual exercise sessions on its Facebook page for individuals looking to safely return to movement after receiving clearance from their healthcare provider.

Starr Regional Health Checks

Jackie Berry, MS, RD, LDN, director of Community Wellness, and Amber Bain, LPN, CPR coordinator, provide monthly blood pressure and/or glucose checks at the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA.

On Wednesday, October 28, at 8:30 a.m., the team will also provide nutrition information in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. YMCA guests are welcome and are asked to check in at the Y’s welcome center.

For a complete list of activities, visit StarrRegional.com/events or the AthensMcMinnYMCA.org/calendar.

For more information about breast health services at Starr Regional Medical Center, visit StarrRegional.com/breast-health.