Spring into Action!

Learn about Early Detection and Help Others

As we're enjoying these blooming days of Spring, let's honor this beginning season of the year by making sure we all take care of bodies. Either self-examine or visit your doctor for your mammogram checkup. This is also a great time to donate to help others get tested and to breast cancer research. We believe that no one needs to be alone with this disease, and that we are all connected.

Research some sites and help out if you can. Here are a couple: www.thebreastcancersite.com
www.nbcam.org

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National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month
Inspired by the American Dietetic Association

Melissa often shares about the important role nutrition has taken after her breast cancer diagnosis. Whole foods are the key to good health for all. Fast foods and other processed foods may fill the body up, but prevent proper nutrition from being absorbed. "Eat Right!"

Take some time to educate yourself and your loved ones about proper nutrtion. It may take some time to integrate these changes into your life, but your health and well-being are worth it. Allow this to be a journey of progress not perfection!

Go thru this page for fun games and more great information.

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9th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer

February 27 - March 1, 2009
Dallas, TX

"The only international educational conference solely dedicated to the unique needs of young women with breast cancer."

"...Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Young Survival Coalition have created this conference for young women affected by breast cancer and those who support them. Please join us and more than 800 other young women for a weekend filled with information and activities that will inspire and empower you.

No other conference offers up-to-the-minute breast cancer information specific to young women, delivered by knowledgeable, yet compassionate, healthcare professionals."

More details here.

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Valentine's = Pink Hearts!

Share the love in your heart for Valentine's Day.
Hopefully, we're doing that ALL year long, but on February 14th
we get to practice giving and receiving love. Make sure you let your loved one's know how much you love them and share your pink hearts!

With open hearts, we share the gift of ourselves and make time for those we care about, and those who need some special love to help support, inspire, and uplift THEIR hearts. The best gift you can give to a loved one, to family and friends, is the gift of yourself! Make time for others as you have fun this Valentine's Day.

For other pink heart gift ideas related to breast cancer awareness,
check out The Breast Cancer Site.

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Pink gifts for the holidays!

During this season of lighting lights, spending time with
loved ones, and yes...shopping!, consider buying some items
that support great causes, like breast cancer awareness!

Shop at local stores or on-line to those places that donate a portion
of their profits to worthy causes. Browse these links below*:

OneInEight.com
TheBreastCancerSite.com
PinkRibbonMarketPlace.com

*We offer these as great web-based options and they are not endorsed
or connected with M.E.I.N. or Melissa Etheridge.

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Announcing our prize winners!
Thanks to ALL for participating and
helping raise breast cancer awareness.

Congratulations to our Grand Prize Winner, Linda!
"Thanks so much to all the people at M.E.I.N. I have been
lucky enough to..." Read more...

Plus, read a random selection of the incredible submissions that we received in response to our drawing!

For winner announcement and submissions...

PINK NOTES:

Early Detection is Key
Review these brief notes from the American Cancer Society then view here for full info:

1. Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
   
   
2. Women in their 20's and 30's should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, preferably every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
   
   
3. Breast self exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20's. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
   
   
4. Women at high risk should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk should talk with their doctors about benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.
   
   

Be Informed
Be sure to visit your doctor and get expert attention for any concerns. Take additional action by doing research on the internet to help answer questions and to seek support. Medicinenet.com is a great resource.

Proper Nutrition is Vital
Melissa has been quoted as saying, "Nutrition, nutrition... Eat your fruits and vegetables" in regards to staying healthy. Read more about nutrition from BreastCancer.org.

Wear your Pink/Give Support
Buy merchandise that supports breast cancer research and early detection services or donate to your favorite organization. View the sites on the right and navigate to their donation page.