WELLNESS 2022:
"Teamwork Makes the Dream Work"
ESHCA Wellness Newsletter
October 2022
The shareable link (printable) for this issue: https://conta.cc/3y8jBVM
For complete member services visit us at: www.eshca.org
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Since 1985, individuals, businesses, and communities have come together every October to show their support for the many people affected by breast cancer. Wearing pink and displaying the "Pink Ribbon" has become a highly anticipated event across all walks of life.
Statistics (National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.)
  • 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
  • Second most common cancer in women (behind skin cancers)
  • Early intervention is proven to be critical
  • 65% of cases diagnosed at a localized stage (no spread), in those cases, the 5-year survival rate is 99%
  • Breast cancer deaths declined 40% from 1989 to 2016. The progress is attributed to early detection (American Cancer Society).
  • 
  • 2022 estimates:
  • 287,500 new cases of invasive and 51,400 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed
  • 43,550 deaths estimated
  • 30% of all new cancers diagnosed in women
  • 2,710 cases in men (yes, men get breast cancer too)
  • 530 deaths estimated
Chronic Disease Management, Series Review:
  • June - High Blood Pressure
  • July - Diabetes
  • August - Cholesterol and Triglycerides
  • September - Inflammatory Diseases
  • October - Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Screening is done using a Mammogram (x-rays)
  • When should a mammogram be done (American Cancer Society)?
  • 1) Women ages 40 to 44 have the choice to start annual screening
  • Based on risk factors including family history
  • 2) Women aged 45 to 54 should get screening each year
  • 3) Women 55 and older have the option to stay on an annual schedule or switch to every other year.
Get Screened for Cancer (all types):
The Annual Physical is a Good Start!

Cancer (of all kinds) has touched each one of our lives, the "Pink Ribbon" Campaign for breast cancer is a good reminder to get screened and take preventative measures against all forms of cancer. Early detection and intervention improve survival rates, the Annual Physical is a good start toward yearly cancer screening:

As part of an Annual Physical ($0 co-pay) your Primary Care Physician should:
  • 1) Do an initial check for skin cancer
  • Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in both women and men (1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed in their lifetime)
  • 2) Review family history
  • 5-10% of all cancer cases are hereditary
  • example: colon cancer in a parent doubles risk from 6% in the general population to 12%.
  • Genetic testing is an option for those with a family history
  • Read: Breast Cancer Genes Explained: How and When to Get Tested (Ceveland Clinic)
  • 3) Review personal history
  • Personal habits:
  • How old are you?
  • Do you smoke or drink?
  • What does your diet look like?
  • Do you exercise?
  • Is your weight in a healthy range?
  • Work environment:
  • Are you exposed to the sun and/or harmful irritants such as silica?
  • Evaluate suspicious symptoms
  • see "CAUTION" graphic
  • 4) Prescribe age specific assessments
  • Example: Colonoscopies, Mammograms, and Prostate (PSA)
  • Review MVP age ranges for Preventive Care Guidelines:
  • 1) Women
  • 2) Men
  • 3) Children and Teens

Need additional motivation: Complete the $200 Annual Physical Incentive

10 Commandments of Cancer Prevention:
Harvard Health: 75% of American Cancer Deaths can be Prevented

  • 1) Avoid tobacco
  • Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of illness and death in the US (CDC)
  • ESHCA incentive offer: Smoking Cessation Program ($50 incentive)
  • 2) Eat properly
  • Nutrient rich foods including fruits and vegetables of various colors, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
  • ESHCA incentive offer: Fall and Winter Nutrition Challenge ($50 incentive)
  • 3) Exercise regularly
  • Read: Here's Why Exercise is Crucial in Preventing, Treating Cancer (Healthline)
  • ESHCA incentive offer: Gym Membership or Activity Log ($50 incentive)
  • 4) Stay lean
  • 5) Limit Alcohol: If you choose to drink, limit yourself to 1 drink per day
  • 6) Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation (wear sunscreen)
  • Sun and Radon (lung cancer)
  • Read: How to Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer (Healthline)
  • 7) Avoid exposure to industrial and environmental toxins
  • Silica dust, asbestos, benzene, aromatic amines, and PCB's
  • 8) Avoid infections that contribute to cancer
  • Many transmitted sexually or through contaminated needles
  • hepatitis, HIV, and human papillomavirus
  • 9) Make quality sleep a priority
  • 10) Get enough vitamin D
  • Have your levels tested at your Annual Physical and discuss with your PCP.

$25 October Incentive Challenge: The 10 Commandments of Cancer Prevention
How does your lifestyle "match-up" to the 10 Commandments of Cancer Prevention?
  • 1) Read the complete list (very short): The 10 Commandments of Cancer Prevention (Harvard Health)
  • 2) Download the Cancer Prevention Worksheet.
  • 2) Return the Worksheet to me by 11/15/22 and receive your $25 incentive!
  • Email (good cell phone picture), mail, or fax.
  • If you cannot print the worksheet, make up your own and send it in, I will take it!
  • 3) All members of the household are encouraged to participate, however, only one incentive can be issued to each member-household with the exception that more than one employee-member lives in a household. Each member-household is limited to 6 incentives per year, if you participate in more than 6 newsletter challenges your company will be given additional participation points toward the "Golden Boot" award, recognizing the ESHCA Wellness Company of the Year!

Special offer: Get your crew involved!!!
  • Take the lead, be a "Wellness Champion". Encourage the members of your crew to participate, have a group discussion and develop strategies to be successful on the job (Tool-Box Talk). Record all your names on one "Inflammation and Nutrition Worksheet" and send it in, each will receive the $25 incentive (note: ESHCA members only).


The Wellness Program offers a number of incentive programs encouraging, motivating, and rewarding the "practice" of a healthy lifestyle. Check out the 2022 Wellness Incentive Program: