In these unsure times, many women, especially African-American and brown women, have unintentionally neglected their annual mammograms. Breast cancer often occurs in women with no obvious symptoms, but you can help yourself by embracing the following habits all year long for optimum breast health: observe, self-examine, screen.

5 Tips for lifelong breast health

1. Self-examination
   Current recommendations include a breast self-examination every month and:
   For women between the ages of 40 to 50: a mammogram every year after consultation with their doctor
   For women above the age of 50: a mammogram once every two years

2. Maintain a healthy body weight
   Maintain a BMI less than 23 throughout your life. Weight gain and obesity may increase your risk of breast cancer.

3. Make time for regular exercise
   Adopt an active lifestyle. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity at least five days per week.

4. Eat more veggies
   Consume more cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), dark leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries, and cherries.

5. Quit smoking (if you haven’t)
   The risk of many cancers, including breast cancer, and other health problems increases in women who partake in smoking.

For more information and resources on breast cancer please visit American Cancer Society

Evidence does not show that regular breast self-exams help reduces deaths from breast cancer. However, women need to be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and to report any changes to a health care provider right away. This is especially important if a woman notices a breast change at some point in between her regular mammograms.

Coronavirus – Stay up to date on the latest news regard the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Centers for Disease Control + Prevention (CDC)
• Florida Department of Health (DOH)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

USDA Hunger Number – If you require food during the COVID-19 pandemic contact the UDSA National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY

• Miami-Dade WIC Locations

Wellness Program – YWCA is dedicated to the health and wellness of the community. As such, we have several programs to meet the needs of our families:

• We are assisting women in scheduling their appointment to be screened for breast and cervical cancer. For more information or to schedule your appointment please email Alina Ballesteros at aballesteros@ywca-miami.org or call us at (305)377-9922

Family Meals – We are encouraging you to get in the kitchen with your family and prepare healthy home-cooked meals. With grocery retailers facing inventory shortages, our partner has made a list of highly versatile ingredients that can serve as the base for many healthful recipes designed to feed your whole family.

Whole Chicken = Roasted Chicken | Doro Wat | Quesadilla

Chickpeas = Hummus | Roasted Chickpeas | Chickpea Kale Salad

Ground Meat/Turkey = Spaghetti Pie |Turkey Chili | Simple Stuffed Bell Peppers

Yogurt = DIY Smoothie | Mango Lime Parfait | Dressings (Ranch, Honey Mustard)

Eggs = Huevos Rancheros | Baked Kale Frittata | Egg Salad

Whole Grains = Breakfast Date Bites | Oatmeal | Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes |Banana Bread | Blueberry Banana Overnight Oats

Produce = Roasted Potatoes | Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Hand Washing Activity – Make washing your hands a fun activity with your kids! Show them just how important proper hygiene is and how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.

Meditate with Oprah – These uncertain times are sure to cause stress. Join Oprah and Deepak on 21 days of meditation for free. Harness your strength, find peace and create a connection. 

Feeding South Florida Distribution Dates (NOTE: This changes frequently and may have cancellations.)

DeliverLean will distribute free meals at Gibson Park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The address is Gibson Park, 401 NW 12th Street, Miami.

Co-Owner Manny Teague of Bowl’d Acai and Fruit Smoothie Bowls in Oakland Park is giving free organic oatmeal to any student from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are located at 1520 E. Commercial Blvd. in Oakland Park.

FROM FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 

• The Florida Department of Health is updating the information regularly. Read the latest information related to COVID-19 in Florida.
• Individuals in Miami-Dade County who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call the Florida Department of Health at 305-324-2400. If you have a medical provider, call them. If traveling to a medical office or facility, call ahead. For questions about COVID-19 in Florida, please call the Florida Department of Health at 1-866-779-6121.

FLORIDA BLUE HEALTHCARE –  24-hour, free emotional support helpline for all Floridians, in partnership with New Directions Behavioral Health. Any Floridian – even if uninsured or insured by another plan – can call 833-848-1762 for support in managing feelings of stress, anxiety, grief or fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Counselors cannot provide information on COVID-19 testing or treatment. Increased Access to Virtual Health Care – Florida Blue has increased access to virtual health care options for all members to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19. All Medicare Advantage and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) members now have $0 access to Teladoc, which provides 24/7 bilingual virtual care via phone, video or mobile app.

BAPTIST HEALTH – Baptist Health is offering their Care On Demand platform to any HEAT Fans FOR FREE, using code CARE19. Baptist Health’s online caregivers are prepared to follow the appropriate CDC protocols and can answer questions regarding #COVID19, evaluate a patient’s risk and provide support to relieve symptoms. Click here for more information.

Get Help Paying For Medical Expenses

Healthwell Foundation helps cover copays, premiums, deductibles and various other out-of-pocket expenses if you’re underinsured and suffer from certain illnesses.