Dear Employees,
October is nearly upon us, and so we have for you this month’s wellness resources.
WellConnected Monthly Newsletter
This month’s WellConnected newsletter features
children's dental health, Halloween safety tips, backpack
basics, fun family activities for fall, and a delicious
pumpkin cranberry muffin recipe that is the perfect fall
treat to bake on a crisp fall day!
Health Article #1: Breast Cancer
Did you know that research estimates that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer
during their lives? To detect breast cancer, a doctor may use a mammogram, or breast X-ray; a biopsy,
which is the removal of cells or tissues to be viewed under a microscope; estrogen and progesterone
receptor tests to determine the levels of each hormone or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), a
procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of inside
the body. To learn about risk factors, screenings, and prevention, be sure to read this month’s health article
about breast cancer.
Health Article #2: Food Allergies
A food allergy occurs when a person’s immune system incorrectly identifies a food as harmful and creates
specific antibodies to fight off that food. Then, the next time that particular food is eaten, large amounts of
chemicals are released in an attempt to protect the body. These chemicals cause the allergic symptoms.
Research suggests that 90 percent of all allergic reactions are caused by foods, including milk, eggs,
peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. Food allergies are most common in the first few years of
life due to immaturity of the digestive system, but sensitivity typically declines by age 10. Food allergies
are commonly found in people with a family medical history of asthma, dermatitis, or pollen and mold
allergies. To learn more about food allergies, please read this month’s health article.
Poster: Your Whole Goal
Whole grains provide the nutrients necessary for the overall health and maintenance of your body, and can
reduce your risk of many chronic diseases. Make sure you’re getting 3 to 5 servings of whole grains daily
to stay healthy. Eating whole grains helps to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2
diabetes and helps with weight management. To learn more fun facts about the health benefits of whole
grains, be sure to check out this month’s health poster.
We encourage you to read these articles and share them with your family members.
Be Well,
Human Resources