Breast Cancer Awareness

Donna Nichols • October 2, 2024

Awareness is KEY!

A group of women wearing pink breast cancer awareness shirts

Approximately 13% (about one in eight) of U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in the course of their life. In recent years, incidence rates have increased slightly by 0.5% per year. Breast cancer is still one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in U.S. women, second only to lung cancer (breastcancer.org).


The risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly as you age, that’s why it is recommended that women ages forty-five to fifty-four get a mammogram every year and those fifty-five and older can switch to every two if they’re comfortable. The reason breast cancer is more prevalent in senior women is because those over the age of seventy tend to not get their annual mammogram.


This is so important; you need to catch it early! Please have your mammogram. I believe all insurances pay for them, so there is no reason not to get checked for breast cancer.


The best chance of surviving breast cancer is early detection!!


Perform your self-examinations regularly and if you feel any lumps in your breast, please schedule a mammogram.


Signs and symptoms of breast cancer


           ›Lump in the breast or underarm

           ›Persistent breast pain

           ›Nipple discharge

           ›Any kind of change in the size or shape of your breast

           ›Irritation of the breast skin

           ›Redness or thickening of the nipple or skin

           ›Any kind of skin irritation around the breast area

 

Breast cancer risk factors

 

There are some factors that are out of your control, such as family history, race, menstrual period history and breast density. However, some factors are controllable like obesity, alcohol intake and not being physically active.

 

Know the signs any symptoms, know the risk factors, know how to prevent breast cancer, and know how and where to get screened for breast cancer. As I say is all my blogs, EARLY DETECTION IS KEY!!

 

If you’d like to help promote breast cancer awareness, here are some ways you can help in the fight.

 

1.    Volunteer at one of the many organizations that promote breast cancer awareness. Relay for Life, American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are just a few. The month of October is full of local events hosting breast cancer events, so I’m sure you can find something in your area. The organizations I mentioned above don’t just work in October, they work all year long in the fight against breast cancer, so reach out to them for volunteer opportunities.

2.    Wear pink to show your support for breast cancer awareness. It can be anything pink, a ribbon, shirt, shoes, or streak some of your hair pink. It makes no difference how you choose to wear pink, as long as you wear it!

3.    Participate in a run or a walk. This is a wonderful way to meet others and learn more about breast cancer and the fact that it affects not only women, but men as well. You will meet those who have beat the battle, those who have been affected by breast cancer and those who are there to show support. If you are unable to walk or run, please consider donating.

4.    Help a breast cancer patient. It may be difficult to find someone with breast cancer due to the HIPPA rules, but if you can, it can be so rewarding. Even just offering moral support can go a long way to someone fighting cancer.

5.    Create your own fundraiser to promote awareness and raise money for research. How fun would that be? Make it something easy. Have a “pink” bar-b-que where everyone must wear pink and charge $10.00 a plate with all proceeds going to breast cancer awareness. You can even try to find sponsors to donate the food.

 

October is breast cancer awareness month! Please have your regular mammograms to detect any changes early! Because why? Early detection is key!

 

           

 

Breast cancer awareness month is celebrated in october with a pink ribbon.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.