Free Wellness Screenings at the Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Prevention is better than cure – a true statement especially when it comes to one’s health. This is why it is extremely important to have regular health checks. According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. However, regular mammogram screenings assist in detecting breast cancer in the early stages and can save lives.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect possible tumours (or lumps) in breast tissue, and with early diagnosis and treatment can help in reversing or preventing the spread of breast cancer. Annual mammograms can pick up abnormalities in the breast long before any obvious physical signs develop. Without a mammogram, tumours can grow and spread unknowingly to other parts of the body, slowly destroying it.
As October is breast cancer awareness month, Discovery and Algoa FM is encouraging members of the public to join the walking community at the 2012 Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 27 October at the NMMU Cricket Fields (behind The Boardwalk) to walk for heath and raise awareness for cancer.
In addition to this, free health screenings in the form of a Vitality Health Check will be offered at NMMU Cricket facilities on Friday, 26 October from 13h00 to 19h00 leading up to the actual walk and anyone interested in participating will have the opportunity to enter the walk if they haven’t entered yet.
Entry fee for the 8km is R35 and R30 for the 4km with an entry fee of R10 for all children under the age of 10 and free entrance for children in prams. Medals will be awarded to the first 7 500 walkers to complete the event, goodie bags and water bottles to the first 7 000, and t-shirts to the first 6 000 participants including free wellness screenings and lucky draw prizes.
Children under 10 who would like to receive a goodie bag, water bottle, t-shirt and medal will need to pay the full adult rate for the various walks.
Vitality members will be able to earn up 26,000 Vitality points, with bonus points rewarded for results that are in a healthy range. If you are a female Vitality member 40 years of age or older, you can also earn Vitality points for having an annual mammogram test.
Dr Craig Nossel, Discovery’s Head of Vitality Wellness says, “The Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk is a great platform to motivate the community to be more active, live healthier lives and highlight the awareness and prevention of breast cancer.
“The screenings will also ensure that all walkers are healthy and fit enough to participate in the event. Participants who complete the wellness screenings will be informed of their health status almost immediately, and a medical doctor will be available on site for referrals by our Wellness Team,” he adds.
Knowing your health status is a critical step in prevention, as well as for early diagnosis and treatment.
The Discovery wellness screenings allow people to understand their health status and what their health risks are. The screenings are aimed at picking up high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high sugar levels. These are conditions that if picked up early, are easier to treat, and complications such as heart attacks and strokes can be avoided. By making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and participating in regular exercise, these conditions can be managed or prevented.
For further information on Discovery’s screenings and a full set of terms and conditions on Vitality points you can earn at the screenings, please visit www.discovery.co.za and click on ‘Discovery Vitality’.
Tips for when having a mammogram
• During a mammogram, a radiographer will position your breast in the mammogram equipment. The radiographer will ask you to change positions between images, and you must hold very still during the procedure.
• The best time for a mammogram is one week after your menstruation when you breasts are less tender.
• On the day of your test, do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or breasts as these can look like calcium spots on your x-ray.
• You may find it more convenient to wear a skirt or pants so that you'll only need to remove your blouse for the exam.
Mammograms with breast implants
Breast implants are usually filled with a fluid such as saline, silicone or a combination of both. Because an x-ray is unable to penetrate the implant, a special mammographic view is used to see the breast tissue obscured by the implant. This screening may be slightly more uncomfortable than a normal mammogram, but it will not harm the implant.
Keep an eye on your breasts
• There are other tools and techniques for detecting lumps in the breast; however they do not replace the mammogram. Mammograms remain the state-of-the-art tool for diagnosing breast cancer.
• Between your annual mammogram screenings, you should do self-breast examinations for any changes to your breasts or lumps, in which case you must see your doctor immediately.