Friday Fitness: What you may not know about Devin's Dash

Devin's Dash is only 8 days away!!! We’re so honored to be able to celebrate Devin’s life through such an event, as his passion for running and healthy living was evident in his everyday life. Help us spead his 'Pure Energy'!

The big day is next Saturday, October 8th!! The race starts at 8 am and will be followed by a pool party celebrating the life of Devin and all those touched by cancer. Join us for some H3 snacks, Yoga, Zumba Latin dancing, award announcements and raffle prizes! There's still time to register - just visit the websit below:
http://www.active.com/running/hilton-head-island-sc/devins-dash-memorial-5k-2011

Don't miss this year's packet pick-up and Sponsorship Expo on Friday, October 7th from 3-7 pm, for your chance to purchase raffle tickets, reunite with members from the cast of "HEAVY," listen to a special presentation from H3 Education Director Bob Wright, receive free blood screenings and visit with exhibitors from local businesses.

If you are unable to attend this year's festivities, you can still support the American Cancer Society by making a donation in Devin's name through this website:
http://www.active.com/donate/devinsdash2011

Contact Jeff Ford at jford@hhhealth.com for more information.

The Countdown has Begun!

One month from now, on October 8^th, we will be hosting our second annual Devin’s Dash Memorial 5K. Hilton Head Health hosts this annual event in honor of beloved staff member Devin Sheaffer who passed away in 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. As many of you who have visited H3 before know, staff are more than just the people who book your reservations, cook your meals and show you a few workout routines. We honestly care. Devin was an ear for those who needed someone to talk to and a friend to many. His dedication to health went beyond work hours as Devin was also an avid runner. What better way than to honor a friend, than with a race in his name.

Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting Devin, based on all the stories I’ve heard I feel as though I know him. And with all the care and little details of the race that reflect Devin’s personality, I know that he is truly missed. Although I don’t know Devin, I do know several people who have been affected by cancer. In fact, an estimated 11.7 million Americans alive today have had cancer. Organizations such as the American Cancer Society, have worked tirelessly to raise funds to help save lives all over the nation. Last year Hilton Head Health, and Devin’s Dash sponsors and participants raised over $10,000 for the cause. This year we hope to surpass that!

With the addition of the Devin’s Dashers 5K training plan and the Sponsorship Expo the night before the race, we are determined to make this year even bigger than last year! With only one month until race day, join us in spreading the word and raising funds for the American Cancer Society in a fit and healthy way!

Here’s how you can help:

• Register for this year’s race!


• Select ‘attending’ on the Devin’s Dash Event Page on Facebook and change your Facebook profile picture to the Devin’s Dash logo.


• If you can’t make it to Devin’s Dash this year, you can still make a contribution in Devin’s name by donating here.


• Encourage one another by commenting on the Devin’s Dash Facebook Event Page and on the H3 Facebook Wall! The Devin’s Dashers Training Group is on Week 4 of training; be sure to give them shout outs on the H3 Facebook Wall!

The countdown has officially begun!

Devin's Dash 2010 Recap

Devin’s Dash was definitely a morning of PURE ENERGY as emotions ran high.  The morning, in which the weather could not have been more perfect, began with the singing of the national anthem, as runners and walkers then made their way to the start line ready for the whistle to blow.  With over 150 participants, you could feel the excitement, nerves and readiness to race, all for the same cause – to honor Devin by crossing the finish line 3.1 miles later. 

As you approached the finish line, you could feel the energy as cheers echoed as each runner and walker crossed.  After the race, there was a post-race celebration complete with music, dancing, and post race fuel of smoothies and muffins.  Enjoying the company of friends and family, we waited in anticipation for the presentations.  We raffled off the prize donations, and then it was time to hand out the medals for top-finishers. 

Before the fun came to an end, the check presentation brought the laughter to tears of joy as we read the total: over $10,000!  With every registration fee, donation, and raffle ticket purchased – thank you to all who helped make this event a morning of PURE ENERGY!

Here are a few pictures from the event – to view them all visit the H3 Facebook page.

 

[caption id="attachment_3820" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="H3 Staff Volunteer for the Race"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3821" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Runners and Walkers register for the race"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3823" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="H3 Guests having fun!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3819" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Medals Presentation - 1st Place in Age Group!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3825" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="We raised over $11,000 for the American Cancer Society!"][/caption]

If you weren’t able to make it on Saturday, you can watch the check presentation here:

Women's Health: Cancer Screenings

With October celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness month, and pink ribbons and paraphernalia all around us, it is hard not to think about our risk for disease and what we can do to prevent it.  The American Cancer Society says, “If Americans ate a healthy, balanced diet that emphasized plant foods and helped maintain a healthy weight, as many as one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented." 

The ACS also supports and informs us of studies that show physical activity’s benefits and contributions towards reducing risk of cancer.  In addition to diet and exercise though, we can still take action in maintaining our health and preventing cancer from becoming deadly.  Cancer Screening means checking for a disease when there are no signs or symptoms.  Sometimes waiting for the signs to show up is too late – so take action for your health!  Review the top 4 screenings for women’s health below, and make your appointment today.

1. Pap Smear screening for Cervical Cancer – Cervical Cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer death for women.  Over the past 40 years, the CDC reports the number of cases and deaths have decreased significantly, large due to the screening, which can catch abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.  Women should begin with this screening about 3 years after becoming sexually active, or by age 21.  This screening is done every 1-2 years, depending on the type of test.  This screening tests for abnormal cells only, and may require further testing if abnormal results occur. 


2. Mammogram for Breast Cancer – Prior to age 40, it is recommended that women perform self breast exams to be familiar with how your breasts feel and to report any changes right away.  Your doctor can also perform a breast exam at the time of your pap smear screening.  At age 40+, women should schedule an annual mammogram for a more detailed screening for breast cancer.


3. Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer – There are a variety of screenings for colon cancer.  Speak with your doctor about the one that makes the most sense for you.  This screening should be held once you turn 50 years old.  Examples of screenings include: Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, Double contrast barium enema, or CT colonography. 


4. Clinical Exam for Skin Cancer – It is important to look over your skin for abnormal or changing areas, especially moles.  This can usually be done during a regular health checkup.  Follow this link for great tips on self examination, along with a chart for mole mapping.

A few more resources for Women's Health screenings:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/   http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/InformationforHealthCareProfessionals/FactSheets/index

Protect Your Health with Prevention

As many of have probably heard by now, we recently lost a colleague and dear friend Devin Schaeffer.  Unfortunately, Devin developed a fairly rare form of intestinal cancer for which there are no effective screening tests, and by the time it was diagnosed it could not be successfully treated.  Fortunately, there are effective screening tests for several of the most common and deadly cancers.  However, many people are unaware of the guidelines, or ignore them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, while screening rates have improved, millions are not getting the tests and as a result, thousands are dying needlessly.  For example 7 million American women who should have had a mammogram, have gone without it, and 22 million Americans who should have undergone colon cancer screening have not done so.  Even healthy, famous doctors are not immune to the risks of cancer.  Dr. Oz recently decided to get a colonoscopy.  Not because he felt he was at risk and needed one, but because he had just turned 50 and meeting the criteria for screening, he thought he should be a good role model and practice what he preaches.  No one was more surprised than him when he was informed that he a precancerous polyp.  Fortunately it was removed then and there during the colonoscopy.  Dr Oz admitted that had he not been such a public figure he may have waited several years before getting screened and by that time he may have developed a life threatening case of colon cancer.  Please review the following guidelines published by the American Cancer Society and if you meet the criteria for screening for any of the cancers listed - call your doctor TODAY.

One way to honor those who have passed away is to do something they would be proud of; I know Devin would be proud to know that he may have helped motivate you to take positive steps to preserve and improve your health.  Another way to honor Devin is to participate in the first annual Devin’s Dash Memorial 5k Race on October 16th.  I know that most of will not be able to come to Hilton Head and actually run or walk the actual course, but how about doing your own 5K that morning.  Hop in your car and chart out a 3.1 mile course and walk or jog it the 16th.  The race starts at 8:00am.  Join us in spirit and effort even if you can’t actually be here.  Donations are being accepted in his honor and will go directly to the American Cancer Society. You may register for the race and donate here.