October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Much has been written about breast cancer with the emphasis on early detection. If found and treated early, the better chances are that it can be successfully removed. Breast screening programs and better treatments have helped to reduce the number of women who die from the disease. I am an 18 year survivor. I know the importance of breast screening techniques such as Breast Self-exam, Clinical Breast exams and Mammography exams.
Some prevention factors that you can control include limiting alcohol intake (no more than one drink per day is recommended), a healthy diet and controlling your weight, particularly after menopause, breast feeding (the longer you breast feed, the greater the protection), plenty of exercise, and avoiding exposure to known carcinogens. Discuss Hormonal therapy with your doctor (recommend discontinued use).
If you missed the Clinton Cleavages Spaghetti Dinner on Sept. 21 in support of Breast Cancer Research, you missed not only a great dinner but excellent entertainment. Clinton W. Gray, comedian/magician, put on a wonderful show with the assistance of local children and adults.
Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the High Tea on Sept. 28 hosted by the Clinton Seniors Association, and thank you also to those who worked hard to make it happen. Part of the proceeds will go to the Variety Club to support the 150/50 Anniversary Committee initiative.
Candice Martin from Service Canada will address the Clinton Seniors Association members and other interested seniors on Oct. 17 at 1 pm following the Seniors regular General meeting at the Clinton Seniors Centre at 217 Smith Ave. She will be talking about changes to the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security. You are invited to attend and hear what she has to say.
Mark your calendars! Clinton Seniors Marketplace will be held Saturday, Nov. 2 in the Clinton Memorial Hall from 2-4 pm. To book a table call Helene at 459-2469.
Thanksgiving Day is Oct. 14. Perhaps you will be together for Thanksgiving dinner. Traditionally a golden, roasted turkey is served with all the delicious sides, like dressing, mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
You might even be at Grandma’s house! Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. “Johnny, please wait until we’ve said our prayer,” said his mother. “I don’t need to,” the boy replied. “Of course you do,” his mother insisted. “We always say a prayer before eating.” “That’s at our house,” Johnny explained, “but this is Grandma’s house and she knows how to cook!”
It’s easy to feel gratitude when everything in your life seems to be going well, but it is equally important to express gratitude during difficult times. Imagine a fire that wipes out everything you own, or that a major health issue is a grave concern. It seems like just when our appreciation of life is at its lowest we are required to give thanks. All of us eventually go through seasons of unhappiness, sorrow and even despair. We feel that it’s impossible to be thankful, cheerful and charitable at the time. Thanksgiving can just again be a reminder of what could have been. But then, gratitude isn’t based on what we see around us or on what we’ve accumulated over the years. Thousands of people “have it all” and they still feel emptiness.
The secret of happiness lies within yourself. Thanksgiving is a time for us again to ponder on all the things we have in life and forget about those things we’ve had to leave behind. Think of the many in the world who do not have what we have; who don’t live in a free country like we Canadians, don’t see a future for their families, don’t have proper medical care and won’t have the privilege of enjoying this one nutritious meal. Take time during the Thanksgiving season to be truly thankful.
May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious,
May your pies take the prize.
May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!
- Owen K. Lorion
October is usually a bright, sunny, cool month fully enjoyed before the cold winter sets in. Halloween is celebrated on the last day of the month and can be very chilly. Watch out for all those ghosts and goblins on the street going door to door trick or treating!
Zee Chevalier