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GIRL SCOUTS OF NASSAU COUNTY SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
-Learn, Do & Share-

           
Garden City, NY October 4, 2006 - Did you know that Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer in American women? In recognition of Breast Cancer month, Girl Scouts of Nassau County offers awareness raising tips for children and their families.
 
"While there is no cure for breast cancer, awareness and early detection are our best defense against this disease," said Donna Ceravolo, Executive Director, Girl Scouts of Nassau County. "It is important to educate our youth now so they can learn about risk factors and preventive tips for cancer."
 
One of the ways Girl Scouts has started to build awareness for this disease is through an Interest Program called, In the Pink . This program offers activities that empower girls to promote breast cancer awareness in their communities. Some of the activities included in In the Pink program can be read below.
 
LEARN.

  • What preventative care and breast cancer treatment options are available today.
  • When the female members of your immediate family who are over 40 had their most recent mammogram, what a mammogram test includes, and ages for   mammograms.
  • Your family history. What percentage has had breast cancer? With the help of your family's doctor, make a list of what you're at risk for genetically. What preventative measures can you take?


DO.

  • Participate in a breast cancer community event in your area. Volunteer your time by assisting with registrations, refreshments, set up, and clean up.
  • Design an exercise program based on your fitness level and family's history that promotes an active lifestyle. Incorporate it into your weekly schedule.
  • If she is willing to talk, interview a breast cancer survivor to find out about her experience with the disease.
  • Interview a health professional who is involved in the treatment of breast cancer. This could be a nurse, specialist, pathologist, genetics counselor, oncologist, plastic surgeon, technician, therapist, physical therapist, scientist, or medical reporter.
  • Create a presentation that will educate a group in or outside of Girl Scouts about prevention and health choices that can affect the risks of getting breast cancer.


SHARE

  • Design and present a breast cancer awareness educational program for your school or a Girl Scout group.
  • Write an editorial, letter to the editor, or public service ad for your school or community's newspapers.
  • Share a breast cancer survivor's anonymous story with a group in or outside of Girl Scouts and include suggestions for healthy living and breast cancer prevention.
  • Prepare a "self-exam and mammogram" chart for the female members of your family that explains what they should do and when. Consider sharing it with them.
  • Lead the creation of a quilt to be donated to a local breast cancer clinic, hospital, organization, patient, or survivor. Contact a local hospital or breast cancer organization.


Girl Scouts of Nassau County builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. With more than 22,000 girl and 7,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Nassau County has become the preeminent organization and leading authority for girls. The organization, now in its 94th year, continues to strive to serve Every Girl, Everywhere.  For more information on how to join, volunteer or donate to Girl Scouts of Nassau County call 516 741-2250 or visit www.gsnc.org .