susan-komen_web.jpgFORT LAUDERDALE – The Broward County Libraries Division (BCL) is one of 36 nonprofit organizations, public health agencies and community groups in South Florida that have received financing this year from Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale. 

The goal is to help ensure through education that all people, in particular underserved residents such as African-American and Hispanic populations, are aware of breast cancer resources in the area, as well as provide the community with access to the resources needed to help save lives.

This is the ninth consecutive year that the Komen affiliate has awarded grant funds to the libraries division.
A significant event each year is the Broward County Library Breast Cancer Support and Wellness Health Fair, the sixth annual of which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

More than a dozen health-related informational tables are scheduled to be at the fair. Attendees can find information and speak to health professionals about breast cancer resources and healthy lifestyles for the whole family.

In addition to giveaways and refreshments, there also will be two speakers: At 11 a.m., Maxine Chang Chin will present on Genetics and The Link to Breast Cancer. “Genetic testing has been in the news lately and has brought more awareness to all of us regarding the importance of knowing our family history and discussing this with our healthcare providers,” said Chin, ARNP, OCN, and a Cancer Risk Assessment counselor for the Memorial Cancer Institute. “Families with an abnormal gene are at increased risk to develop specific cancers and therefore options for prevention and screening will be discussed.”

In addition, at 1 p.m., Michelle J. Stewart, a registered and licensed dietitian known as The Nutrition Planner, will discuss Breast Cancer and Nutrition; is there a connection? “There is still research to do in the link between nutrition and cancer but we do know that eating whole foods that contain antioxidants and eating a mostly plant based diet has the ability to help stave off cancer and may help to inhibit cancer cell growth or reduce tumor size,” Stewart said.

From noon – 1:30 p.m., Yoga instructor Lynette Culp also will present simple moves for the breast cancer survivor.

Officials say The Memorial Women’s Imaging Mobile Mammography Service will be on site that day. Women are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 954-276-5595. The cost for the mammography screening is $99 for persons without insurance.

Moreover, The Community Blood Centers of Florida van will accept blood donations. All blood donors will receive a free wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

There will be additional breast cancer-related programs at several library locations during October.

For other details about the health fair and library programs during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October call 954-357-7443.