self-examinations & education are key to 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.
