Proof of a recent mammogram or cancer donation is enough to get women through the doors of Curves in Innisfail this month.
Supporting breast cancer awareness month, owner Joanne Braun is dropping the $100 registration fee to $25 towards the Canadian Breast Cancer Society.
“We’re all about empowering women one way or another, and this is a really great way to help,” she said of the decision. During October, Curves will be selling merchandise with proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Society. She also said a lot of information on breast cancer and early detection will be available in the club.
“Anyone who just wants to come by to get more information is welcome to stop by,” she said.
As well as raising money, Braun said she’ll be encouraging women to work out three times a week to help reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
“Typically women are caregivers, but when it comes to breast cancer, women need to understand how important it is to take care of themselves. Scheduling an annual doctor visit, performing a monthly breast self exam, eating a nutritious diet and making time for regular exercise are all things that a woman can do to stay strong and help reduce her chances of developing this devastating disease,” she said.
Guidelines from the Canadian Cancer Society encourage women ages 40 to 49 to talk to their doctors about breast cancer, to weigh the risks and benefits of mammograms, and to consider having a clinical breast exam performed by a health professional once a year. Women ages 50 to 69 are encouraged to have a mammogram every two years. Women aged 70 or older should discuss mammograms and ongoing monitoring with their doctors.
