Funds raised to fight breast cancer
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices partnered with the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation to help raise funds and awareness of breast cancer, its symptoms and treatments.
The tax collector’s office promoted the sale of the foundation’s “End Breast Cancer” specialty tag during October, which was national Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to a news release from Fasano’s office.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Florida (excluding skin cancer). It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Men also can fall victim to this disease, the release notes.
Besides promoting the sale of the specialty license tag, the five branches of the tax collector’s office also accepted voluntary check-off donations on automobile registrations.
All totaled, $15,949.35 was raised to help “end the suffering caused by breast cancer,” the release said.
National Mental Wellness Month
January is Mental Wellness Awareness Month and a time to recognize the importance of attending to one’s mental health, which is just as important as physical health.
The Jason Foundation Inc. (JFI) is a resource that provides information on what to look out for if you have a friend or loved one struggling with mental health.
JFI believes that awareness and education are the first steps to the prevention of suicide.
According to WebMD, good mental health can positively affect your physical health. Being in a good mental state can keep you healthy and help prevent significant health conditions.
Recent research by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has found that as much as 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental health condition. As much as 55% of adults with a mental illness receive no treatment, and 60% of youth with major depression also do not receive treatment, according to a news release.
Taking care of one’s mental health can help control or combat some of the physical health problems directly linked to mental health conditions. Some of the most common mental health conditions are PTSD, depression, panic disorder and eating disorders. People who suffer from these conditions are at a higher risk of suicide than those who do not.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) describes mental health as our “emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also determines how we manage stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.”
The Global Wellness Institute defines mental wellness as “an internal resource that helps us think, feel, connect, and function.” The institute also adds that doing things that make you happy and feel good will increase mental wellness, thus increasing mental health.
A sample of activities for improving mental wellness include physical activities, artistic activities, volunteering, enjoying time with family and friends, eating good food, and completing personal goals. Getting enough sleep, developing a positive attitude, and laughing can improve mental wellness, too.
To find more information on mental illness and how it can be associated with suicidal ideation, visit JasonFoundation.com.
Maternity teams welcome first babies of the new year
