Source: Susan G. Komen. ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastCancerScreeningforWomenatAverageRisk.html. Accessed 2 September 2016.

SMART FACTS2,600

is the number of new breast cancer cases The American Cancer Society

estimates will be diagnosed in men in 2016.

40-45is the age mammograms are first recommended for women, unless

other risks are present.

over $13Mhas been raised by the NFL's

"A Crucial Catch" program for the American Cancer Society since 2009.

HOW TO SUPPORT MEN WITH BREAST CANCERby Mechelle Meadows

Each October, we see an explosion of pink in observance of breast cancer awareness. While breast cancer is 100 times less common in men, the risk of a male having breast cancer is still more than you might think, 1 in 1,000 in fact.

Whether a man has been diagnosed with breast cancer or is supporting a wife, mother, or sister with it, the disease can take a toll on him—physically and emotionally. What can you do to support the man in your life who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or is supporting a female going through it?

Within the wider community of well-being, we can do two things to support men going through these scenarios:

1. Don’t isolate or ignore men who have received a diagnosis.

If a man within your social circle has been diagnosed with breast cancer, think of ways you can support and show your concern, and how you might tailor that to a male. When in doubt, deliver his favorite food or drink, offer to spend time helping out with household projects or join him in watching the big game.

2. For men taking care of a female, don’t always focus the conversation around that piece of his life. It's fine to politely ask for updates on her treatment process, but don’t forget to ask how he is doing as well. Giving him space to express his worries or frustrations and let down his “superman” persona tells him that he is seen as an individual and has people rooting for him.

Source: Cancer.org. cancer.org/cancer/breastcancerinmen/detailedguide/breast-cancer-in-men-key-statistics. Accessed 2 September 2016.

IN THIS ISSUE2 Important Mammogram Guidelines3 Open Enrollment Points to Ponder4 Harvest of the Month: Pumpkins

OCTOBER 2016

2 LIVING SMART NEWSLETTER

IMPORTANT MAMMOGRAM GUIDELINESby Kelly Thompson, MSHP

The American Cancer Society estimates that 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2016. Mammograms are an important tool for finding breast cancer early when it is easiest to treat and the rate of survival is highest. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that looks for calcifications, masses, and abnormalities that may require the need for more testing to assess the presence of cancer.

While three key health organizations differ in their recommendations of what age to begin screenings and how often they should occur, they all agree that the most important thing is to have a conversation with your doctor to determine what is right for your particular situation. Family history, genetic factors, and knowledge of potential benefits and risks of the screening should inform your decision. Below are the general recommendations:

American Cancer Society:• Ages 40-44: Informed decision making with a healthcare provider• Ages 45-54: Every year• Ages 55 and older: Every two years, as long as the woman is in good health

National Comprehensive Cancer Network:• Age 40 and older: Every year, as long as the woman is in good health

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force:• Ages 40-49: Informed decision making with a healthcare provider• Ages 50-74: Every two years

The risk factors associated with breast cancer fall into two buckets: Factors you can control and others you can’t control. The risk factors you can control include diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, and body weight. Unfortunately, there are also risk factors that are out of your control, including gender (breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than men), age (risk increases with age), genetics, family history, race and ethnicity, and having dense breast tissue. A person may have multiple risk factors and never develop breast cancer, while some diagnosed with the disease have no known risk factors. This is another reason having a conversation with your doctor about mammogram screenings is so important.

Most insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of mammogram screenings. Visit www.cancer.org to learn more about current research and ways you can get involved in the fight against breast cancer.

Sources: Susan G. Komen. ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastCancerScreeningforWomenatAverageRisk.html. Accessed 31 August 2016.American Cancer Society. cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/index. Accessed 31 August 2016.National Comprehensive Cancer Network. nccn.org/patients/foundation/newsdetail.aspx?NewsID=672. Accessed 31 August 2016.U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/UpdateSummaryFinal/breast-cancer-screening1. Accessed 31 August 2016.

Mammograms are an important tool for finding breast cancer early when it's easiest to treat and the rate of survival is highest

3GO LIVE SMART© POWERED BY FIRSTPERSON

OPEN ENROLLMENT POINTS TO PONDERby John Thomas

Open Enrollment used to be a pretty straightforward affair. With the recent changes in health coverage options, smart employees do more than simply renew the plan they had last year. Join the ranks of smart consumers, and look at your options with these questions in mind:

• What are my options? Don’t just shrug and renew. Read your Open Enrollment materials to understand what you’re being offered. Ask questions. Do research. The reward? Saving some money and/or getting the plan that best fits you and your family.

• Has my life changed? Did you get married? Have a kid? Embrace a healthier lifestyle? Investigate how these changes affect your options and costs.

• Is my doctor on the list? Check your plan’s network provider list to see if your doctor’s on it. If not, decide: Do I change doctors to save money, or stay and pay more?

• What do I really need? Some plans offer features you might not need; others might not have everything you need. Understand what you need, then get the plan that offers it.

• What can I afford? This question goes beyond monthly cost. A low-cost, high-deductible plan might seem like a bargain… until you pay high deductibles. Consider your budget for deductibles, copays, and more when you make your choice.

• Can I get a discount? Look into wellness programs and other options your employer might offer that can lower your costs.

• Where do I sign? Don’t get overwhelmed and skip coverage. Take the time to make choices, and then sign up.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH OCTOBERBreast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women, and about 1 in 8 girls born today in the U.S. will get it at some point in their lives. The good news is many women are able to survive breast cancer with the help of early mammogram screening and tumor treatment; so get involved and spread the word this month by encouraging women over the age of 40 to talk with their doctor about getting tested.

Source: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. healthfinder.gov/nho/octobertoolkit.aspx. Accessed 14 June 2016.

FINANCIAL CORNER WITH PETE THE PLANNER

This month, I’m challenging you to do one of the most basic cost saving measures: bring your lunch to work. We know bringing lunch to work is a smart habit, yet we all have moments of weakness. Moments where it’s more simple to run down the street and grab a $7 burrito. There is also the psychological need to leave the office and be out in the world for an hour a day. However, there are ways around this. Set a budget for a weekly or monthly splurge. Or, replicate the lunch-out vibe by gathering co-workers to eat together in a common space.

As you start your new money saving habit, take it to the next level by transferring $7 to your savings account every day you don’t give into the lunch-out temptation. All new habits are hard at first, but this is a simple step in the right financial direction.

4 LIVING SMART NEWSLETTER

While most people’s first thought may jump to jack-o-lanterns or Thanksgiving pies, pumpkins and their flavor appear in everything from lattés to pancakes. October’s signature squash has alpha- & beta-carotene antioxidants to prevent cancer and skin wrinkling, and enormous amounts of vitamin A for eye health. The fiber found in pumpkins also aids in losing weight, since the slower digestion rate keeps you feeling full for longer.

How to SelectPumpkins used in cooking are usually smaller than your jack-o-lanterns. These small pumpkins are sweeter, contain a smooth texture in their flesh, and weigh between four and eight pounds. Common pumpkin breeds for cooking include Sugar Pumpkins, Baby Pams, Autumn Golds, Ghost Riders, or New England Pie Pumpkins. Check the pumpkin for soft spots or bruises since the smallest cut can make the fruit turn bad quickly. Don’t forget to inspect the bottom where it’s been resting on the ground.

How to StoreNever carry a pumpkin by its stem; this can cause ripping or

tearing that can cause infection. Pumpkins have a long shelf life and can keep for months at a cool room temperature.

How to PrepareRinse the pumpkin and cut a circle around the stem about two inches out. Scoop out and discard the stringy fibers and seeds, or clean the seeds and save them for a healthy snack. Cut the pumpkin in half using a large chef’s knife and scrape any remaining fibers out of the flesh. You can steam pumpkin, dice it for soup, or make a puree for baking.

HARVEST OF THE MONTH: PUMPKINSby Henry Boots

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Sources: The Kitchn. thekitchn.com/the-best-pumpkins-for-baking-ingredient-intelligence-211333. Accessed 13 June 2016. About.com. gardening.about.com/od/vegetables/a/Pumpkins.htm. Accessed 13 June 2016.

Ingredients (makes 14 servings of 2 slices):

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice

2 Tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs

2 cups white sugar

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9x5” loaf pans.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt.

3. Combine eggs, sugar, pumpkin, and oil in a small bowl and beat until blended. Stir the wet mixture into the dry with a wooden spoon until batter is just moistened. Fold the cranberries and walnuts into the batter. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pans.

4. Bake in oven for 50 to 60 minutes.

Nutritional InfoPER 2 SLICE SERVING: 359 calories, 14.5g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 55g carbohydrates, 36g sugar, 4.6g protein, 230mg sodium, 26mg cholesterol, 2.5g fiber, 2mg iron, 55mg calcium

Source: AllRecipes. allrecipes.com/recipe/18211/pumpkin-cranberry-bread/. Accessed 13 June 2016.

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread