self-examinations & education are key to
early breast cancer detection
early breast cancer detection
- Breast cancer is an issue for both women and men.
- Although women are more likely to have
breast cancer, men are still at risk. - Early detection of breast cancer gives
those with the disease a five-year survival rate of 99 percent. - Conduct self-exams at home.
- Lie
on your back, so that your breast tissue spreads evenly over the chest wall
and as thin as possible. - Use the finger pads of the three
middle fingers of one hand to feel for lumps in the opposite breast. - Use overlapping dime-sized circular
motions of the finger pad to feel the breast tissue. - Warning signs for men and women
include irritation or dimpling of breast skin, a new lump in the breast or
underarm, thickening or swelling of part of the breast, pulling in of the
nipple or other parts of the breast and pain in any area of the breast. - Talk to your health care provider
immediately if you have any symptoms or notice any abnormalities during your
self exam.
wood and pellet stove set-up and safety
- Autumn has arrived and winter is just
around the corner. Mesa County residents who utilize wood and pellet stoves
should take time now to ensure those stoves are safe and ready for use. - Wood or pellet stoves that haven’t
been cleaned properly can cause house fires due to buildup caused by smoke and
soot. They also effect air quality and can release hazardous chemicals like
carbon monoxide. - Get started safely this season:
- Have a qualified professional install
stoves, chimney connectors and chimneys. - Your chimney and stove should be
inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep before heating season. - Burn only dry, seasoned wood or pellets appropriate for your stove.
- Remember, stoves need space. Keep
anything that can burn at least three
feet away from the stove. - Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms outside each sleeping area
on every level of your home. - Clean the inside of your stove
periodically using a wire brush. - Always allow ashes to cool before
disposing of them. Place ashes in a covered metal container at least 10 feet
away from your home and other buildings. - If you have a wood or pellet stove,
check to see if it has an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sticker. Those
without stickers must follow wood stove burn restrictions throughout the winter
depending on air quality. - Visit
health.mesacounty.us for the latest air quality conditions.