The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness

Donna Nichols • October 10, 2022

Awareness is key!

Breast cancer awareness month is celebrated in october with a pink ribbon.

Did you know that breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women in the United States and one in eight women will die from breast cancer? (breastcancer.org)


Those are statistics you don’t want to mess around with, that’s why breast cancer awareness is so important!


Breast cancer affects men and women of any age, however it affects older women more than it does young or middle-aged women.


Your risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly with age and as we continue to grow older the number of diagnoses will rise as well.


It is recommended that women ages 45 to 54 get a mammogram every year and those 55 and older can switch to every two years if they’re comfortable with that. The main reason breast cancer is more prevalent in senior women is because those over the age of 70 tend not to get their annual screenings.


Ladies, this is so important!


Please have your mammogram, even if it’s only every two years!!


The best chance of surviving breast cancer is early detection!!


Make sure you perform self-examinations and get regular mammograms; these two simple things can literally save your life!


Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

  • Lump in the breast or underarm (most common)
  • Persistent breast pain
  • Nipple discharge
  • Any kind of change in size or the shape of your breast
  • Irritation of the breast skin
  • Redness or thickening of the nipple or skin
  • Any kind of skin irritation on the breast area


Breast cancer risk factors


Some risk factors are out of our control, like family history, race, menstrual period history and breast density.


However, some are very controllable, such as obesity, alcohol intake and not being physically active.


Know the signs and symptoms, know the risk factors, know how to prevent breast cancer and know how and where to get screened for breast cancer.


As I say in almost all of my blogs, EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY!!


Want to help promote breast cancer awareness? Here are some ways YOU can help in the fight!!


1. Volunteer at one of the many organizations that promote breast cancer awareness. Relay for Life, American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are just a few. There are always local groups doing breast cancer events so I’m sure you can find something in your neighborhood.

2. Wear pink, pink is the color for breast cancer awareness. Anything pink, a ribbon, shirt, shoes, or maybe paint a few pieces of hair pink, it doesn’t matter how you choose to wear your pink as long as you wear it!

3. Participate in a run or a walk. This is a great way to meet others and learn more about breast cancer. You will meet those who have been affected by breast cancer and others who just support those who have been affected by breast cancer.

4. Help a breast cancer patient. This can be so rewarding and really help you see the impact breast cancer has on a person. It may be difficult to find a patient because of the privacy acts in place, but if you are able to do this, it will be amazing for you and them!

5. Create your own fundraiser to promote awareness and raise money for research!! What a fun idea!! Think of something new and go with it; it doesn’t have to be difficult, it can be simple. Have a “pink” bar-b-cue where everyone who comes has to wear pink and the food is $10.00 a plate with all the money going to breast cancer awareness. If you’re really good, you can get sponsors to donate the food.


October is breast cancer awareness month!


Let’s show our support for everyone who has been affected by this awful cancer by doing everything we can!!

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.