Move for the Cure

If you're not getting enough exercise, here's a twofer that may provide the motivation you need: Not only do regular workouts cut your risk of breast cancer, but if you do develop the disease, having been active also substantially lowers the chances of the cancer's recurring.

The numbers are impressive: Physical activity reduces your odds of getting breast cancer by up to 30 percent, a review of 62 studies recently reported. As for a better prognosis, in a study of 1,225 women diagnosed with breast cancer (mean age: 56), those who had previously logged an average of at least 3.9 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week were 39 percent less likely to have their cancer return or spread than the women who had been the least active (clocking less than 1.4 hours a week of physical activity).

"Other studies show that it's important to keep moving after a diagnosis, too," says lead author Christin Friedenreich, Ph.D., of Alberta Health Services in Canada. "Exercise can help you avoid gaining weight, which improves your chances of survival."

This article was published in the Good Health section of October's Good Housekeeping.

Pretty in Pink with C.C. & Company Salon & Day Spa

Last Friday, C.C. & Company Salon and Day Spa hosted Pretty in Pink. This was an evening of pampering similar to our recent Girls Night Outs, with a catch - Everyone had to wear pink!

It was a blast! All the ladies had their hair styled, their nails painted, their necks massaged, their makeup applied, their bras fitted, and then they were photographed! Karen photographed some beautiful images of the ladies.

Check out some candids from the evening...

Here's a sneak peek at some of the portraits from Pretty in Pink!

Thank you to C.C. & Company for all of your support and donations! You have been a huge part of us acheiving our fundraising goals for Focused on a Cure. And we appreciate all the girls (and Hutch) for all your hard work at fundraising events!

Thank you to Sara Pless (The Bra Lady) for all your hard work and helping ladies find their best fitting undergarments! Thank you to Kristi Deese from Dream Dinners for all the food Friday evening! It's always delicious!!!

Thank you to all the ladies who attended! We raised over $700 Friday night and we're almost to our goal for the Avon Walk!

The portraits will be posted soon on our IP fan page at www.facebook.com/IPbyKG. There will also be directions on how to view ALL the images from that night through our website. Karen is offering a 50% discount off of our studio prices for any portrait orders from Pretty in Pink.

Thanks again! We enjoyed Pretty in Pink and look forward to the next event! And if you haven't been to C.C. & Company Salon & Day Spa, you haven't experienced pampering! Check them out!

You Can Help Find a Cure

Scientific studies are a huge part of helping experts understand what causes breast cancer and how to prevent it. And that means researchers are looking for women to participate.

That's why the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and the Avon Foundation for Women created Love/Avon Army of Women: to gather those who might be interested.

Don't worry - it's not as involved as you might think, and anyone can do it (whether you're completely healthy, are at high risk for breast cancer or are a breast cancer survivor yourself). All you have to do to join is provide some basic info (name, age, city, and state you live in) at armyofwomen.org. You'll then receive e-mail updates announcing new studies that need volunteers.

If you fit the criteria for a specific study and would like to participate, just reply to the e-mail. The opportunities are varied: They range from basic surveys to more invasive procedures. This gives you the chance to decide how much you're comfortable with.

-Abigail L. Cuffey

This is taken from an article in Woman's Day Magazine. (October issue) Check out more breast cancer awareness info at www.womansday.com.

Join the Fight against Breast Cancer at Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery is partnering with NFL icon, Larry Fitzgerald, to fight breast cancer by offering (4) Limited Edition Collectable Larry Fitzgerald gift cards in stores. Larry Fitzgerald was named the 2009 Pro Bowl MVP and is cementing himself as a household name. Fitzgerald set the single postseason record in receiving yards and his performance in the NFC Championship game helped send the Arizona Cardinals to their first Super Bowl.

Fitzgerald, whose mother passed away in 2003 while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, is a passionate advocate for breast cancer research and awareness. His signature long braided hair is an ongoing tribute to her memory.

Cold Stone Creamery will feature Fitzgerald's own Creation, "Heaven Eleven," for a limited time during the promotion. "Heaven Eleven" includes strawberry ice cream, graham cracker pie crust, white chocolate chips, strawberries and bananas. Fitzgerald's pink creation serves as an additional reminder of the fight against breast cancer.

Heaven Eleven's profits will support the National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nbcf.org).

Take a look at the gift cards.

**Stay tuned to Focused on a Cure's fan page (www.facebook.com/focusedonacure) for more breast cancer info. Our goal is to post some interesting info each day in October!**