Early Detection, Best Protection
Just as digital cameras have revolutionized the way we take and view photos, digital mammography is making it possible for physicians to detect breast cancer in its earliest form, and in greater detail than ever possible with film mammography. Physicians can zoom in, magnify and optimize different parts of the breast tissue, making it easier to evaluate and interpret irregularities even in younger women with dense breasts and women with implants. It is because of these kinds of improvements in early detection and treatment that breast cancer mortality rates in our nation continue to drop. Indeed, the American Cancer Society says women cut their risk of dying from breast cancer by 30 percent with regular mammograms. So this month – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month - and all year round, we encourage women 40 and older to protect their health with annual mammograms. Sarasota Memorial’s all-digital mammography centers stretch from Manatee to North Port. To schedule an appointment at any of our six locations, call (941) 917-7322.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Events & Activities:
Key to the Cure – Sarasota Memorial is pleased to be the recipient of proceeds from "Key to the Cure," a weekend shopping event sponsored locally by Saks Fifth Avenue. During the three-day event, Oct. 16-18, the Sarasota Saks will donate 2 percent of sales to benefit Sarasota Memorial's Women's Cancer Programs. Before you shop, join us for a special kick-off party! The fund raising event features tasty delights and libations, music, shopping specials and live and silent auctions of one-of-a-kind decorated bras by local artists and community members. The kick-off party will be held Thursday, Oct. 15, 6-9 p.m., at Saks Fifth Ave. in Southgate Mall. Tickets are $45 per person. Call (941) 917-1286 to register for the event.

Scarf it Up for Women's Cancer – a special fundraising event to help those coping with medical hair loss from cancer treatment. The benefit takes place Sunday, Oct. 4, 5-9 p.m. at TPC Prestancia, 4409 TPC Drive, Sarasota, and includes live performances from ballet dancers, classical musicians, gaming tables, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and an auction. Call (941) 361-2408 for more information or to purchase tickets. Proceeds benefit Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. and local cancer patients.

Breast Health Symposium – A free community education event featuring Sarasota Memorial breast health specialists discussing the latest advances in early detection, genetic testing, treatment and prevention, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 21, at Sarasota Memorial's Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd. Call (941) 917-7777 to RSVP.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – Join breast cancer survivors and supporters for this annual walk to raise awareness and funds for research, Saturday, Oct. 24 (registration begins at 7:30 a.m., walk begins at 9 a.m.) at the Sarasota Polo Club, Lakewood Ranch (off University Parkway, east of I-75). Visit www.cancer.org for more information.



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Understanding Memory & Aging
Sarasota Memorial's Memory Disorder Clinic will present a free community education event, Understanding Memory & Aging, on Friday, Oct. 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the North County Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota. Learn from the hospital’s nationally recognized geriatric team how memory works, what changes normally occur as we age and things you can do to maintain a healthy brain. The event is free and open to the public. For information, call (941) 917-7197.

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Hurricane Preparedness for Families Affected by Stroke
At this month's Stroke Support Group, representatives from Sarasota County Emergency Management will discuss "Hurricane Preparedness," answer questions about medical and special needs shelters and provide tips to help keep your family safe in the event of a severe storm. The group will meet Wednesday, Oct. 14, 10-11:30 a.m. in Sarasota Memorial, 1700 S Tamiami Trail, meeting room 4 A&B (take "B" elevators to 4th floor just past the cafeteria). No need to register. For more information, call (941) 917-7048.

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Get Your Flu Shot at Venice's 22nd Annual Consumer Expo
Sarasota Memorial home care nurses will provide flu shots and educational materials to help keep your family healthy and strong at the Venice Expo Oct. 23 & 24, at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice. For information about the expo, call the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce at (941) 488-2236. For other locations offering flu shots, call Sarasota Memorial's HealthLine at (941) 917-7777 (weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.).

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Creating a New Normal
Learn from mental health experts new ways to cope with the pressures posed by today's challenging economy at a free community presentation, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-noon, in the Community Room at Sarasota Memorial's Bayside Center for Behavioral Health, 1625 S. Osprey Ave. (southeast corner of Waldemere & Osprey). Continuing education credits are available for $10 for qualified professionals. Reservations call (941) 917-1779.

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National Depression Screening Day
Clinical depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of health care. Sarasota Memorial's Bayside Center for Behavioral Health is proud to participate in this national awareness program by offering free confidential mental health screenings not only on National Depression Screening Day Oct. 8, but year-round. If you or a loved one is having trouble coping with depression, anxiety, substance abuse or other emotional difficulty, call Sarasota Memorial's Bayside Center at (941) 917-7760. Our licensed mental health professionals are on call 24/7 to provide free assessments, referrals and advice.

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Sarasota Families Team Up to Raise Awareness About Deadly Food Allergies
More than 12 million Americans (roughly one in 25) have food allergies – with the highest incidence occurring in young children. Each year, 150-200 people suffer deadly reactions (anaphylaxis), sometimes within minutes of eating a peanut, wheat or dairy product or other food allergen. To help raise awareness and funds for research, local families are forming teams to take part in Sarasota’s first Walk for Food Allergy. It is one of 35 walks taking place this fall in cities across the country and is part of an annual campaign sponsored by the not-for-profit Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). Last year's Walks drew more than 15,000 people and raised $2.3 million. Contributions are tax-deductible and support research and educational programs. Sarasota's 2-mile walk will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at Payne Park, 2050 Adams Lane, Sarasota. Walkers and teams are needed. For information, to register or make a donation online, visit www.foodallergywalk.org or call the Sarasota Walk for Food Allergy coordinator Meghan Connolly at (941) 313-0160.

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11th Annual Patricia Snyder Golf Tournament
Join us Oct. 24 for Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc.'s 11th annual Patricia Snyder Golf Tournament at Stoneybrook Golf Club in Heritage Harbour. The tournament begins with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Cost is $95 per person and includes green fees, cart and lunch. Proceeds benefit Sarasota Memorial's Patricia Snyder Children's Fund. Reservations: (941) 650-3216. For directions, call (941) 746-2696.

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