Curves helps fight breast cancer with fitness

According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, approximately 207,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year and more than 3,300 women will lose their lives to this disease in October.

As part of Curves mission to strengthen women and in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the women’s fitness center is waiving the joining fee for new members who show proof of a recent mammogram or make a $25 donation to the American Cancer Society.

“Early detection saves lives,” said Amy Ridel Smith, Curves of Boardman owner. “There’s so much you can do to significantly reduce your risk of getting breast cancer. These include eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. Then there are annual doctor visits and monthly breast self-exams.”

For more information about activities in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to learn how to exercise good breast health, contact Curves of Boardman at 330-758-0547 or Poland at 330-757-8800.

To help make monthly breast self-examination easier and less intimidating, Curves offers an FDA-approved tool called the Liv Æ Aid. It’s a heart-shaped, fluid-filled pad designed to enhance a woman’s ability to notice changes in her breast tissue and feel lumps or irregularities.

Interested people should stop by participating Curves during open hours for a “sugar” demonstration, which uses grains of sugar to simulate the often microscopic lumps in breast tissue that may be missed by mammography or unassisted breast self-examination.

“Researchers know that physical activity in the form of exercise reduces breast cancer risk,” said Kathie Rosa, Poland Curves owner. “I encourage every woman in the area to come in to pick up our Breast Cancer Awareness Fact Sheets, see a demonstration of the Liv ÆAid and learn about how exercising just three times a week at Curves can help reduce your risk of developing this frightening disease.”