Staff
The Ontario Breast Screening Program’s “150 over 50” challenge is returning for another round this Monday (Oct. 18).
“This is a challenge where we’re encouraging all women over the age of 50 who have never had a breast examination to come out on Monday,” explained Teresa Hazel, chair of the Rainy River District Breast Health Network.
Local screenings will be held at La Verendrye Hospital.
It will run from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. for those who make appointments by calling 1-800-461-7031, and from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. for drop-ins.
Last year’s goal of having 150 women receive mammograms across the region on the challenge day was exceeded, with 38 women screened locally, including 34 who were new clients to the OBSP.
“So talk to your mothers, sisters, wives, aunts, whoever over 50 and encourage them to come to that,” urged Hazel.
“I know last year we were the best.”
All new clients will receive a free “thingamaboob”—a keychain-style bauble that shows the different sizes of lumps and what the feel of those different sizes are.
Participants also will be entered into a draw for a $50 gift card.
In related news, the Rainy River District Breast Health Network has declared next Friday (Oct. 22) as “Pink Out Day” across the district.
“We are encouraging men, women, and children of all ages to wear pink, decorate pink, and just think pink to support breast cancer awareness,” Hazel said while showing off the pink gloves Riverside’s health care workers will be wearing for the day.
“For those businesses who decide to use ‘Pink Out Day’ as their dress down day, we are encouraging and asking for donations to be given to Riverside Foundation for Health Care to support the purchase of a new digital mammography unit,” she added.
A “Pink Patrol” will be cruising around handing out prizes to participants.
Then on Thursday, Oct. 28, the network will be hosting a “Say Goodnight to Breast Cancer” evening at the Little Beaver Cultural Centre.
Starting at 7 p.m., women are invited to come in their PJs (or not) and learn about getting a good night’s sleep, with snacks provided, as well as door prizes and other activities.
Tickets for this event cost $10 each, which are available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmasave, McTaggart’s, the Northwestern Health Unit, and La Verendrye Hospital’s Administration & Outpatient services, or by calling 274-4817.
