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  • Home
    • MEET OUR TEAM!
    • Contact
    • FAQ
  • Classes & Services
    • Parenting Classes and Resources
    • Storybook Preschool
    • Summer Programs
    • Library
    • Community Resources
    • Blogs >
      • Becoming Resourceful
  • Make a Difference
    • Intern / Volunteer
    • Donate / Sponsor
    • Employment
    • Shop
  • Calendar
    • 2021 25th Anniversary Events

Health Awareness

12/20/2020

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Staying Safe and Healthy for Christmas
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It's the 21st of December; where has the month gone?! This week is full of excitement and anticipation as Christmas inches closer and closer. A couple of things things we can do this week to make Christmas more enjoyable is by being safe and healthy. Listed below are some ideas on how to take care of ourselves throughout the week and into the holiday.

Safety First

Safety on the Road: There will be more cars on the road this week filled with last minute shoppers, families and friends out and about, and travelers coming and going for the holiday. Add in the possibility of snow and the roads may not be your favorite place this week. Drive carefully, be courteous to other drivers and plan for extra time so you are not rushing to your destination. If you are leaving town, make sure your car is ready: the lights work, windshield wipers and tires are in good shape, you have plenty of oil and gas. Check road conditions and always travel with an emergency kit. If you are attending a celebration where alcohol is involved, remember to drink in moderation and, if necessary, plan ahead and designate a sober driver.
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​​Fire Safety: Fires are all too common during the holiday season caused by Christmas lights, Christmas trees, candles, and accidents in the kitchen. Inspect Christmas lights for frayed wires. Make sure to water your tree daily; a dry tree can quickly become a danger. Keep candles away from anything flammable; make sure they are in a sturdy holder and do not leave candles unattended. When cooking, stay in the kitchen and minimize distractions. Keep decorations  away from your range. Keep a lid near by if cooking with grease.

Staying Healthy

COVID-19 and Christmas: Sadly, COVID-19 will not be taking the holidays off this year. Although a vaccination is now being administered to a select few, it is still a cause of concern as cases continue to rise throughout the general public. Please keep COVID-19 in your holiday plans: stay home and away from others if you feel sick, social distance when possible, mask up and keep gatherings small. Click on this CDC link to read the holiday recommendations.
Stress and the Holidays: Holidays are a wonderful time of the year, but they can also be a very stressful time. Make sure to make time for yourself to unwind and relax. Make a schedule: plan when you want your shopping, wrapping, cooking, etc. accomplished. Be realistic, especially with COVID-19, that this year's celebration may look different than in the past; the holiday experience will be more enjoyable if you do not try to reach some unattainable ideal of a perfect holiday season. Refer back to the blog from 11/1/2020 for more reading on a stress free holiday.
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Eating Healthy: One of the best things about the holidays is the food. And, there is no harm in letting ourselves indulge and enjoy some of our favorite goodies during this time of year. However, it is also not a good idea to have a free for all and eat everything in sight because it is the holidays. Also, don't ruin your holidays with guilt and shame for "ruining your diet." There is a lot of advice online for eating healthy during this time of year. Some of the ones I find the most helpful are: don't skip meals, don't skip the fruits and vegetables, take small serving sizes, stay hydrated, spend more time socializing, and don't forget your workouts. 

On behalf of the Logan Family Center: Have a very Merry Christmas
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Health Awareness

12/5/2020

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Vaccinations-
​A Short History

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COVID-19 has now been with us for almost a year. It has been a long, hard year for many and definitely a year all of us will remember. We'll certainly remember how fast toilet paper and Clorox wipes disappeared off store shelves; how face masks became the most popular and controversial accessory; and, how we were able to turn homes into a combination of offices, schools, gyms, dance studios and much more. With cases surging across the nation, many of us were excited to hear about the possibility of a vaccination on the near horizons, a light at the end of the tunnel. There are many questions surrounding the arrival of the vaccine for COVID19; as there should be, for science is based on questioning, theorizing, experimenting, failing and succeeding. A new vaccine is a cause for concern, but it is also a cause of celebration.  Vaccinations have helped save and lengthen human lives around the world and are one of the greatest achievements in medicine. Let us take a look at a condensed history of vaccinations. 

Smallpox is one of the deadliest diseases in our world's history with outbreaks affecting millions across the globe. Early written descriptions of inoculation against smallpox were found in both China and India.  Inoculation of smallpox played an important role in the history of the U.S.; during the Revolutionary War, George Washington feared his troops would be wiped out from the dreadful disease and had them all inoculated with smallpox, which saved many lives. Not too long after the Revolutionary War, a doctor named Edward Jenner inserted pus from a cowpox pustule into a boy's arm which helped to create immunity against smallpox. Jenner named his discovery "vaccine" from the Latin word "vacca" for cow. To read more about Edward Jenner click on this link: Britannica: Edward Jenner. Hundreds of years later, smallpox has been eradicated from the world. 
PictureA History of Vaccinations
For more information about the history of vaccinations, watch this Nova video provided by PBS. Also included, is a video about the announcement of the success of the polio vaccine.

With the COVID-19 vaccination now being distributed in the U.K. and being prepared to be distributed in the U.S. in the next couple of weeks, there are many questions that all of us have about the vaccine. Some of these questions are: who gets vaccinated first?; what are the side effects?; how effective is it?; when will we see real changes in the number infected?; and, many more. To find the best answers to these questions and more, please be sure to seek information from reputable sites. Below are links to the CDC and Mayo Clinic about the vaccination for COVID-19.
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Health Awareness

12/1/2020

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Giving Tuesday

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Did you know that today is Giving Tuesday? It was created just a few years ago in 2012 by technology companies. The purpose of this day is to give back to your community by volunteering or donating to local charities. 
While your community may benefit greatly from your volunteering efforts or donations, did you know that your health may benefit too!
The benefits of giving may positively affect your mental and physical health in many ways. 
First of all, giving to others can make you feel happier. Research shows that giving selflessly activates areas of the brain that are linked with contentment and the reward cycle. To read more about these studies, click on the link for the article: MedicalNewsToday 
Giving to others may also help raise your self-esteem and lessen depression. Studies show that by helping others, we feel better about ourselves and also improve relationships with those around us. To read more, click on the link provided: Psychology Today
Health benefits, such as lower stress levels and lower blood pressure, may come as a result of giving to others. Research shows that people who give of their time and provide social support to others experience decreased levels of stress and lower blood pressure. These studies also show that it may even help you live longer! Click on the following link to read more: healthessentials
Although Giving Tuesday is only one day out of the month, do not let that stop you from giving at any time. This year has been a hard year for many people, in many different ways. Since it is the holiday season, find ways this month to give back to those around you. Some suggestions are:
  • Give food or money to the local food bank
  • Donate to a local charity
  • ​Give your time by helping a family member, friend, or neighbor with a project
  • ​Give blood
  • Safely reach out to those who may feel isolated during the pandemic
​In conclusion, let us do something for our health this month by giving to others.

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Health Awareness

11/24/2020

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The Power of Giving Thanks

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Looking for a good way to boost your health this week; try giving thanks! There are many physical and mental health benefits by just showing gratitude and giving thanks. And, with Thanksgiving only a couple of days away, this is the perfect time to express gratitude.
Physically, expressing gratitude may help you sleep better. Studies show that people who engage in gratitude activities sleep better, longer and feel more refreshed. In some studies, expressing gratitude may also lead to fewer aches and pains, such as fewer headaches and stomachaches. 
Gratitude is also very beneficial to our mental health. Gratitude creates more positive emotions, helps us relish good experiences and build stronger relationships with others. Being more grateful can build our self-esteem; it helps us focus on what we have and not on what we don’t have. Expressing gratitude may also help reduce stress, anxiety and depression; and, it may help us overcome trauma.
Since Thanksgiving is this week, try to find different ways that you can express gratitude in your life. Even if this year's Thanksgiving may be different than in the past, we can still find reasons to be thankful. Here are a few suggestions for gratitude activities that you may find helpful.​​
  • Keep a daily gratitude journal and jot down a few things that you are grateful for each day.
  • Send a text to a family member or friend expressing your gratitude for them.
  • Send a thank you note through the mail. This tangible note could help brighten someone’s day.
  • Simply show gratitude to those around you, such as coworkers or maybe the cashier at a store, by saying “thank you” often.
  • Think about gratitude. Turn your negative thoughts into positive ones by silently expressing gratitude and thinking about what you are thankful for.

Sources and additional reading material:
Greater Good Magazine
Harvard Health Publishing
USC News
​Forbes


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Health Awareness

11/17/2020

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"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
Stress and the Holidays

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The holiday season is upon us once more. Already, we are seeing Christmas lights appearing on houses and in shop windows. Christmas music is playing on the local radio station. And, Christmas movies are being shown nightly on certain television channels, interrupted by commercials advertising where to find the perfect gift.
The holidays can definitely be a wonderful time of the year. It is a time for friends and family to gather and celebrate. It is a time for gift giving and receiving. And, it is also a time to reflect upon our lives and the current year and what we want to see in the coming year.
However, for many of us, the holiday season can bring extra stress, anxiety and sadness. For some, the financial costs of celebrating the holidays can seem overwhelming. Others may feel heightened anxiety as they search for the perfect gifts; or, as they try to find the extra time to decorate, cook, bake, attend events or parties, and make time for family and friends. And, for many others, the upcoming holiday season may not be joyous at all due to a life altering event, such as the death of a beloved partner or family member, an unexpected illness or loss of employment. These feelings of stress, anxiety and/or sadness may even be caused or intensified by the ever present global pandemic from COVID-19.

If you, like so many others, are already beginning to feel the stress and anxiety of the holidays, read the suggestions below on how to find ways to reduce that stress.

Step 1: Keep COVID-19 in mind-- Let us first acknowledge that this year's holiday season is going to look different than any that we have experienced. With increasing COVID-19 cases being seen across the country, top health experts are already advising against large gatherings for the holidays. When planning for the holidays, keep in mind the advice given to us by our medical professionals. Click on the CDC link to read the advice offered to us about safely gathering with friends and family members. If you plan to travel out of state, make sure you know the guidelines and any restrictions for the state that you are traveling to.
Step 2: Talk it out-- If this holiday season is giving you more stress and anxiety than usual, don't be afraid to reach out and share these feelings with someone you trust. Open up to a friend, family member or health professional about your fears and concerns that this season may bring. Especially if COVID-19 has left you feeling more stressed, anxious or isolated- share those feelings with someone. **If you, or someone close to you, needs additional help dealing with the strain COVID-19 may be having on your emotional health, please seek out help and support. For more information, click on the link for resources provided by the Utah State Health Department.
Step 3: Budget-- The financial costs for celebrating the holidays can be overwhelming for many families and can cause major stress. One way to help is to create and STICK with a budget. Do not just budget money for gifts, create a budget for the entire holiday season which includes: decorations, entertainment, food and gifts. Be realistic with yourself, being debt free is worth more than any present. Around 28% of Christmas shoppers enter the holiday season, still paying off debts from the season before (MSNBC).
Step 4: Keep Healthy Habits-- During the holiday season, try to get plenty of sleep. Exercise regularly. Take advantage of sunny days and spend time outdoors. Eat healthy meals and eat consistently; do not skip meals in preparation for an upcoming holiday meal. However, it is also important to enjoy the foods you love during the holidays. Depriving yourself may lead to even more guilt and resentment. Try to find a good balance of making both healthy choices and indulging in your favorite treat.
Step 5: Relax-- During the busyness of the season, do not forget to take time out for yourself. Take time every day, even if it is just a few minutes, to slow down and relax. Soak in a warm bath; wrap up in a blanket and read a good book or watch your favorite holiday show; meditate or just take a nap. Making time for yourself each day will help you recharge and hopefully the holidays will be more enjoyable than stressful.
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Overall, try to slow down this holiday season and remember why you are celebrating. Reach out, maybe virtually, to family members and friends to show your love and gratitude for them. 

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Health Awareness

11/10/2020

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Staying Sane during the Pandemic

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Will the COVID-19 pandemic never end?! Here we are in November, 2020 which means that the world has been living and dealing with COVID-19 for almost a year. Currently in Utah, the rising rates of this disease are higher than ever. It doesn’t seem too long ago when we watched as places like Italy and New York started reporting high numbers in the thousands and now, Utah is doing the same. It has been a couple of days since Governor Herbert declared a new state of emergency with stronger executive public health orders. To read about these orders in full, click on the following link:
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With these new orders, and with the much colder temperatures that this week has brought, many of us may once again be spending more time at home. For some, staying home more often may seem like a blessing, while others may see it as a curse. However you may feel about it, let us try to be optimistic and make the most of this time. To help you through the next couple weeks, and probably more, I have compiled a list of activities to try. I have sought out ideas from online, coworkers, friends and family members.
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  • Start a new exercise routine. Exercise has countless benefits, which include reducing stress and anxiety
  • Start and finish a project, such as: organize your closets, clean out the garage, organize your pictures etc.
  • The holidays are getting closer. Have the kids make homemade decorations or gifts. Click on the link below for some ideas:
    1. https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/50-christmas-crafts-for-kids-pictures
  • Reach out to friends and family. Now is the perfect time to catch up with an old friend.
  • Find a service project. Serving others is a great way to help lift others and ourselves. Remember to keep COVID-19 guidelines. Try:
    1. Raking an elderly neighbor’s leaves
    2. Bringing in a neighbor’s trash can
    3. Send a random text to a friend or family member expressing gratitude for their involvement in your life
    4. Donate to the local food bank
  • Start a movie marathon. Pull out the classics or choose a theme like movies starring Tom Hanks or Academy Awards “Best Picture” films.
  • Experiment with new recipes and discover new foods.
  • Spend time teaching your children to cook.​
  • Read a book. Since we seem to be using electronic devices more than usual, try to get a printed copy of the book and take a break from your electronic device.
  • If possible, during the day, bundle up and head outdoors for some fresh air and natural light. 

And the list could go on and on. If you have an idea that has worked well with your and/or your family, please feel free to share it with all of us.
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Health Awareness

11/2/2020

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Welcome November!

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 It is hard to believe that November is here and that the year 2020 is almost over! With November comes the end of Day Light Savings Time, meaning shorter days with darkening skies appearing before most of us have left work. There is a definite chill in the air that does not seem to altogether disappear, even when the sun is shining brightly. November also brings elections for national and local officials, Veteran's Day, and the beginning of the holiday season. Before November is in full swing and our minds are focused on the upcoming holidays, let us not forget about our own health. November is National Diabetes Month and November 14th is World Diabetes Day. The American Diabetes Association's theme this year is "We Stand Greater Than Diabetes." Let us take a moment to learn more about this disease, its causes, risk factors, symptoms and treatments.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans. Even if you do not have diabetes, you probably know at least one person in your life that may have one of the three types of this disease: type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. 
Diabetes happens when our bodies no longer produce enough insulin or our cells stop responding to insulin and too much blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to more serious issues such as heart disease, kidney disease and vision loss. If you would like to learn more about how insulin works in the body, click on the video below.
 Here are a few basic facts about diabetes provided by the CDC-
  • Approximately 34 million Americans have diabetes; only 1 in 5 know they have it
  • Approximately 80 million Americans are prediabetic; only 1 in 3 know that they are
  • Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States
  • Diabetes is the #1 cause for kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and adult blindness
  • Over the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has doubled
  • 90-95% of adults are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
  • The medical cost and lost work and wages for people with diabetes in the US is over $320 billion
As you can see above, diabetes is definitely a cause for concern and that is why we should learn more about the disease and take action if we or our loved ones are at risk. One of the biggest concerns we see from the fact list above is the rise in numbers of adults being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is when our body's cells do not respond normally to insulin. The onset of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by making lifestyle changes. Some of these changes include: eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and exercise. Click on the link below from the American Diabetes Association to see if you are at risk; or, watch the video from the CDC about knowing the risks of diabetes. 
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ADA Risk Test
There is so much for us to learn about diabetes. As stated above, if you do not have the disease, there is probably at least one person in your life that does. Education leads to understanding. Join in the cause this month of becoming more aware diabetes and how it is impacting the lives of those around us; or, how it is impacting your own life. There are many great resources out there. Click on any of the logos below for the CDC or American Diabetes Associates for more information about this disease. The information found in the links can help you better understand the causes, risks, symptoms and treatment options for diabetes. If you find yourself at high risk for diabetes, consult with your doctor. Also, Bear River Health Department offers a class on Diabetes Prevention; more information can be found by clicking on their logo below.
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Health Awareness

10/25/2020

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Halloween during a pandemic

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To many of you, the pandemic caused by Covid-19 may seem surreal. There may be times where life feels completely normal as you head off to work, school or maybe out to dinner. But, the new normal quickly kicks in as, before you leave the house, you make sure you have an extra face mask, a pair of gloves and a bottle of hand sanitizer. 
It can sometimes seem difficult to know exactly how to make the right adjustments in life during this time, adjustments that will keep ourselves and families safe but also allow for enjoyment and satisfaction. 
One of the many questions we are facing right now is what to do about the upcoming holidays. With infection rates rising and flu season quickly approaching, it is important to be cautious in any type of activity we may be participating in. This is especially true with the holidays where gatherings can quickly grow in number and are held indoors where social distancing may not be possible.
With Halloween coming up at the end of this week, many of you may feel undecided about how to celebrate and what activities to participate in this year. Talking with residents throughout the valley, there are many families who will be out trick or treating while others are planning on staying home. Make your decision based on what you feel is best for your family. 
Although the CDC has discouraged Trick or Treating this year, they are aware that many will continue to participate in this most favored traditions of Halloween. In response, the CDC has composed a few guidelines on how to best keep you and families safe while Trick or Treating and also some tips on how to enjoy Halloween if you choose not to Trick or Treat.

Click on this link for the CDC's website for tips on how to keep Halloween safe.


Fire Prevention

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Can you believe how quickly October has gone? We are in its final week and with it quickly drawing to an end, let us reflect on one more thing about October before it is over. This is National Fire Prevention Month. If you haven't already this month, please take some time during this last week of October to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries, if needed. Also, make sure your fire extinguishers are in good, working condition. Go over your emergency plan with your family; if you do not have an emergency plan, take time to sit down and create one, there are plenty of good ideas online. Remember, you only have 2-3 minutes to evacuate your house during a fire. Make sure you are prepared.

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Health Awareness

10/15/2020

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The Power of Sleep

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How many of you woke up peacefully this morning feeling refreshed, well-rested and ready to start the day?
How many of you jerked awake to the sound of an alarm, groaned and slowly rolled out of bed with only one eye open; or, how many of you hit the snooze button once, twice or even three times before getting out of bed.
If you answered no to the first question and yes to any of the rest, you are not alone. It is estimated that around 75% of Americans are waking up abruptly to the sound of an alarm clock and around half of those are hitting the snooze button.
So, how do we get away from these mornings that start way too early and are never greeted with the enthusiasms that a new, beautiful day should? The answer is very simple; and, we all know it: we need more sleep.
The CDC estimates that 1 in 3 Americans are not getting enough sleep. Why is it that sleep is one of the most important things our bodies need but is also the first things we sacrifice when looking for extra time in the day?
Sleep is the time for our brains and many other systems in our body to recharge, restore and replenish. How many of us are more concerned about our phones being fully charged than we are about our own bodies?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, sleeping impacts our brain functions and its ability to adapt input; without enough sleep, our brain may not fully process what we've learned during the day and may affect our future memory. 
The CDC reports that being sleepy throughout the day and constantly depriving ourselves of getting enough sleep may be linked serious health consequences such as: depression, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. And, according to the Mayo Clinic, not enough sleep can cause impairments in our attentiveness, coordination and reaction times that may lead to workplace accidents or accidents on the road. 
Now that we may understand a little more of the importance of sleep, how much sleep do we need exactly? Click on this link from the National Sleep Foundation outlining the recommended sleep times. 
The most important step in getting the sleep we need is by making it a priority. Click on this link from the National Sleep Foundation that is filled with many tips on getting a better night's sleep, or watch the quick video below from the Mayo Clinic. If you have more time, there is also a link to a great Ted Talk about sleep.

What happens when you just cannot sleep? There are nights where you may find sleeping more difficult than others and this can be normal. However, if this becomes a reoccurring problem and you find sleep difficult night after night, even after following every tip available, it may be time to speak to your doctor. The CDC recommends that keeping a sleep diary to track your sleep habits for ten days and talking to your doctor may be necessary in getting better sleep. There are also many disorders that cause sleep disturbances that may need to be addressed in order for you to receive the sleep needed; these may include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy or more. Please click on this link from the National Sleep Foundation to learn more about sleep disorders.
Now, that we've learned a little more about the importance of sleep and how to get a better night's rest, let us put into practice the things we have learned and give our bodies the sleep it needs.
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Health Awareness

10/10/2020

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 October is in full swing. The temperature is beginning to drop and the sun seems to disappear behind the mountains at  a quickening pace. Before we get too much further into October, let us not forget about one of the most important health awareness campaigns that are going on throughout this month, Breast Cancer Awareness.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women and 1 in 8 will receive a diagnosis in their lifetime. This can seem very frightening since breast cancer is the second leading cancer death in women (American Cancer Society). For this reason, early detection and treatment is crucial in fighting breast cancer. Cancer screenings such as self-examinations and mammograms should be a routine part of our lives as women.
Although breast cancer may not be preventable there are ways that may help lower the risk of getting breast cancer. The below video, provided by the CDC list a few ways in which we can reduce our chances of breast cancer. Or click on the CDC link below to read about risk factors and how to reduce your risk.

October 13, 2020 Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

This day is to bring awareness to those who are fighting in this advanced stage of the disease and also those working tirelessly in research and treatment options.

October 16, 2020 National Mammography Day

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This day is designated to remind and encourage women to set up an appointment for a mammogram as recommended. Click on the link below to read the guidelines for cancer screening recommendations from the American Cancer Society.
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October 14, 2020 National Dessert Day

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Life is full of many things that cause us stress: illnesses, employment, financial issues, school, family life and so much more...With all this, it is important to  take a break and find a little joy in life every once in a while. This upcoming Wednesday is the perfect time to take that little break. It is National Dessert Day! So, take a break and indulge in your favorite dessert. Or, get creative and make one of these treats that tops the list as America's most popular desserts:
  • Ice Cream
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Boston Cream Pie
  • Apple Pie
  • Banana Pudding
  • Cheesecake
Let us know what dessert you chose to enjoy on this day by posting a comment below.
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The Logan Family Center
50 South 400 East Logan, UT 84321
Phone: 435-755-5171
Email: loganfamilycenter@gmail.com
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