“Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform – Together We Shape a Sustainable Future”

Greetings BPW Sisters!

Fall is coming as the leaves on some of the trees here in Canada are starting to turn to their beautiful autumn colors.

NAC held a webinar this month, hosted by our Advocacy Coordinator Colleen Babiuk-Ilkew, titled Advocacy on the Line – Crafting Position Papers to Spark Change.

We appreciate the participation of those of you from NFBPWC who were able to attend, and the tech assistance provided by President Barbara. The recording will be shared when it’s been formatted, so those who were unable to attend can watch and learn as much as we did.

By the time you read this we will also have had our webinar, hosted by Training Coordinator Sujata Tiwari, titled Empowering BPW Leaders. The information shared here will help us all become better leaders and as soon as it is ready, we will be sharing it.

Exciting News! We have booked the hotel for our NAC Regional Conference. We look forward to seeing you at the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, August 23-25, 2026. Our Youth Symposium will be on the afternoon of August 23rd.

We have some other fabulous speakers and events planned for the whole conference, and I know it will energize us all!!

Please make your plans to attend now!

Shuttles are available from Buffalo and Toronto Pearson Airports to Niagara Falls every day for those who need to fly. Amtrak travels directly to Niagara Falls Canada, and you can carpool with other members if you prefer to drive.

There will not be another International Event this close to the US for many years, so now is the time to attend. It’s also a great chance to meet members from around the world!

You can always plan to spend an extra day or two to see the sites in this beautiful region.

Karin Gorgerat
BPW International Regional Coordinator
North America and caribean

For information please email.    

LARISA MILLER
BPW GALWAY & NFBPWC USA
NFBPWC INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CHAIR
(2024-2026)

The Virtual Health Event on September 20th was a success. We had a lot of great speakers who gave us plenty of information. Lots of it is in the following articles and more will be shared via the NFBPWC social media posts throughout the coming months.

As we finish off the year for this committee, we will focus on working on our page on the NFBPWC website and our project to collaborate more with Houston Medical Center.

How Did Breast Cancer Awareness Month Come to Be? A Look at Breast Cancer in Women

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to honor the advocates, survivors, and researchers who have transformed this disease from a silent killer into a call to action. Since 1989, breast cancer deaths have dropped by 44%, saving more than 500,000 lives. The pink ribbon remains a powerful symbol of hope, but awareness only matters when it leads to action.

Early Detection Matters

Knowing your body is the first line of defense. Monthly self-exams help you notice changes such as lumps, soreness, nipple discharge, or skin irregularities.

Women of all ages should check monthly—post- menopausal women should pick the same date each month. If you find something unusual, call your healthcare provider promptly. Remember: 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancer.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Unexplained changes in breast size or shape
• Dimpling or skin changes
• Swelling or shrinkage on one side
• Inverted nipple or new discharge (especially clear or bloody)
• Noticeable asymmetry or persistent pain More details from the CDC.

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer isn’t just one disease. Some of the most common types include:

• DCIS: early, non-invasive and highly treatable
• IDC & ILC: invasive cancers that spread to nearby tissue
• Triple Negative & Inflammatory: rare but aggressive
•  Metastatic: spreads to bones, liver, lungs, or brain

More details from the American Cancer Society.

Understanding the Stages

• Stage 0–1: Earliest forms, highly treatable, ~99% survival.
• Stage 2–3: Invasive, may spread to lymph nodes; ~87–99% survival.
• Stage 4: Advanced, with spread to other organs. Not curable, but treatable—many now live years.

More details from the American Cancer Society.

Myths and Misconceptions

Don’t let myths cloud your judgment:

• Injuries, bras, or deodorant do not cause breast cancer.
• Breast size doesn’t affect risk.
• Mammograms don’t spread cancer.
• Most women diagnosed have no family history.
• Breast cancer is not contagious.

What About the Boys?

While Breast Cancer Awareness lasts the whole month of October, the week of the 17th – 23rd is dedicated to the disease in men.

How much do men really know about their possibility of breast cancer?

Men should be familiar with how their breasts typically look and feel so they can detect any changes in the tissue.

Risks and Stats

• Male breast cancer represents about 1% of all breast cancers in the U.S.
• The average lifetime risk is 1 in 726.
• In 2024, about 2,800 men were diagnosed, and roughly 530 died.
• Most cases are diagnosed between ages 60–70.
• Family history, BRCA gene mutations, hormone imbalances, obesity, alcohol use, liver disease, testicular conditions, radiation, and smoking can all increase risk.

Survival Rates

• Localized (early stage): ~95%
• Regional (spread to nearby structures/lymph nodes): ~84%
• Distant (spread to other organs): ~20%

Signs and Symptoms

Men should know how their chest typically looks and feels, and report changes such as:

• A lump under or near the nipple or armpit
• Pain or tenderness in the nipple or breast
• Skin dimpling, redness, or puckering
• Nipple discharge, rash, or sores
• An inverted (turned inward) nipple

Because many men delay reporting symptoms, diagnosis often comes late. Early detection makes treatment more effective. Most common breast cancer types in men

• DCIS: early, non-invasive and highly treatable
• IDC: invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common in both men and women

Stages are gauged the same way they are for women. More from the American Cancer Society.

Diagnosing breast cancer:

• Physical exam (self-checks + doctor’s exam)
• Mammogram or ultrasound to detect lumps
• Biopsy to confirm diagnosis
• Other tests (blood markers, scans) may guide treatment decisions.

More from The Mayo Clinic.

Support:

There are two organizations specifically for men:

• Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance shares tools and resources for men
• HIS Breast Cancer Awareness offers educational information and support for men facing the disease.

This is a summary. Click here for entire article.

Personal Stories from Our Members

My Own Breast Cancer Journey

Bonnie O’Leary, BSN, RN, LGBHQC, LNC, Washington State President

My journey into the need for a complete mastectomy was interesting and a little scary. My history: I was in my twenties for my first biopsy since I had cervical cancer removal then! The doctor said I should have a hysterectomy then, but I had not had any children yet, so I declined. I finally had a son, then, within a week after my daughter was born, the doctor insisted on a hysterectomy.

I have had multiple in-person and robot type breast biopsies every six to 12 months over a 40-year period due to dense tissue and my previous cancer. During one regular six-month check-up, I was informed of suspicious areas in both breasts. Both of my breasts had multiple dimpling at all the biopsied areas. Most biopsies had come back as pre-cancer in both breasts, but none had been diagnosed as cancer until the end of 2019.

Surprise: Then COVID happened! I had been working as a pre-surgical quality review nurse for a surgical office in a hospital. I was laid off in February 2020, since all surgeries, except emergencies, were cancelled. Timewise, this worked out because I had to undergo pre-surgical labs and x-rays myself for the suspicious areas, especially in my left breast. I was also referred to cardiology. I knew I had an aortic valve with two leaves inherited from my father and was a little short of breath, but I was not concerned about my heart at that time.

Cardiology Scare: It turned out that I had only a 6% opening in the aortic valve in my heart, so I had to undergo a TAVR procedure (valve replacement) prior to considering breast surgery. If they had not done a thorough pre-surgical exam, I could have died in surgery from a clogged valve! I was monitored for a month at home before I received approval to undergo breast surgery.

Surgery In addition to my own history, my younger sister and two of my cousins on my father’s side, had all undergone bilateral mastectomies a few months before mine. As you read earlier in this article, this is one of the risk factors.

I followed this information in making my final decision. The original plan, prior to the TAVR, was to just have a focused laser to the biopsy area to destroy any remaining cancerous cells post biopsy. This original plan could not work since the new heart valve was in line with the laser beam. After further discussions with my oncologist and my husband and bearing in mind the history of my family’s mastectomies and my history of multiple biopsies, we decided to undergo bilateral removals.

The surgery went well with close cardiology monitoring. A few weeks after the mastectomies, Ihadbilateral implants placed above the chest muscles. Another good thing was that the plastic surgeon was able to save my nipples and sew them back on. My breasts looked normal post-op.

Post-op: I had three surgeries in two months and had a long healing period, including a cardiology monitored exercise program at the hospital for three months. I went back to work, virtually from home, as a COVID lab review nurse in September of 2020.

The bottom line here is do not avoid doing your manual self-checks or skip your annual physician and mammography exams. Even though I did both checks, I could not feel my lumps due to the tissue density, biopsy scarring, and depth of the tumors. You never know! Don’t assume.

The journey was scary – receiving my new heart valve and two breast surgeries in a short period of time, but I kept my faith. It’s been five years now and I am alive due to the new heart valve, and my breasts look fabulous, due to the excellent skill of the surgeons. It is nice that you have choices of size of implants, under or over the chest muscles, and ability to keep your nipples (if the surgeon says it is possible based on the area of the cancer).

My Breast Cancer Journey

Judy Keyt, MBA, BSN, RN, Washington State Secretary Did you know that one out of every eight women in Washington will be diagnosed with breast cancer? Or that everyone will eventually know someone who has it?

The probability is high, and preventive measures are imperative.

My family history: We often think breast cancer is only or mainly genetic. Surprisingly, many cases are not genetically linked.

Seems odd. My mother had breast cancer and a double mastectomy with a year of chemo. I still remember the day she begged me to put her to sleep. My sister is also a breast cancer survivor and recently underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I guided her to take that action which I will explain later. I am a two-time breast cancer survivor with a double mastectomy and reconstruction. None of us are genetically linked.

My journey started at the age of 40. At that time, mammograms were considered unnecessary at that age, which we know now was a big diagnostic mistake. I am grateful that I am a nurse and was working as a hospital administrator at the time. My OB GYN agreed to order a mammogram. The first reading was negative. My buddy in radiology was bored one night and decided to look at it again. He detected cancer. If this hadn’t happened, I would not be here writing this today. I was engaged to be married. My surgeon returned from vacation and performed a lumpectomy, being careful that the incision would not show in my wedding dress. The surgery occurred six days before my wedding. My journey entailed high dose radiation and tamoxifen for 5 years.

RECURRENCE: At year six, the cancer returned with some suspicion in the right breast. I consulted my surgeon and made the decision to reduce the risk of return and undergo a double mastectomy with reconstruction and nine months of high dose chemotherapy, all while I worked full time. I learned there is a high probability of uterine or ovarian cancer, so I elected to also have a full hysterectomy. He said if you were my wife or sister, I would encourage you to do this. That’s all it took. He saved my life

EMOTIONS: My first thought when I heard I had breast cancer was “I don’t want to die.” Fear set in, followed by anger. “It’s not fair!” I struggled with the feeling of not being a female – no breasts, no uterus – how would I describe myself? Today I am a Breast Cancer Supporter and volunteer to guide other women through their journey.

THE IMAGES: “He won’t love me.” “I’m a freak.” “Who would want to be with me?” After many years I’ve found all those thoughts were not true, although there is always someone out there that can’t deal with it.

Hair loss is another image hurdle you may deal with, but you will survive, and your hair will grow back.

MY ADVICE: Don’t ever just “wait and watch and check it later.” BIG Mistake! Don’t take baby steps with a lumpectomy, radiation, tamoxifen… Cancer will most likely return any given time. I absolutely recommend a mastectomy and wish I had made that choice initially, although that is a very difficult choice to make at that time. Radiation destroys the elasticity and texture of your skin for life, and I believe these steps are a band aid. Chemo and the drugs they have today make it more bearable.

I encourage everyone to make the choice, as difficult as it is, and eliminate cancer before it’s too late.

All articles by Bonnie O’Leary (Washington State President) and Judy Keyt (Washington State Secretary) The Health Committee meets on the 4th Monday of the month, unless there are conflicts or holidays. Our next meeting is October 26, 2025.

Susan Oser
Chair

Don’t forget! We are hosting an engaging and informative Grant Writing Panel, designed to empower individuals and organizations seeking funding for their projects, programs, or research.

• Date: October 22, 2025
• Time: 8 p.m. EDT
• Location: Zoom

Register on the National Website. You will receive a link to the event via email.

Join us for an insightful discussion with experienced grant writers, funders, and nonprofit leaders as they share practical strategies, insider tips, and lessons learned from successful proposals. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to sharpen your skills, this panel is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and get answers to your questions directly from experts.

Panel Topics Include:

• Identifying the right funding opportunities
• Crafting compelling narratives
•  Budgeting tips and common pitfallsUnderstanding funder expectations
• Q&A with the panelists The panelists are:
• Kelly Klug - Third Wheel Cause Consulting
• Renee Johnson - Director of Grants for Central Carolina Community College
• Edna Karinski – Community Foundation of the Verdugos

We hope to see you there!
Also, make sure to check out the flyer about our ABSENT-TEA fundraiser (p31)! It’s a great way to support our organization.

Sandy Thompson NFBPWC
Finance Chair

EVERY WOMAN’S SUCCESS SHOULD BE AN INSPIRATION TO ANOTHER, WE’RE STRONGEST WHEN WE CHEER EACH OTHER ON.

-Serena Williams World-class athlete

For information please email.

ANGIE JACKSON-WILSON

NFBPWC BYLAWS AND RESOLUTION CHAIR

2024-2026

Engage with NFBPWC on Social Media

Organization Page:   https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Organization Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nfbpwc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2l_ciIxLyvbu1dbBOsV9Tg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfbpwc_usa/

NFBPWC’s Commitment to Empowering the Next Wave of Leadership

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) is embracing a bold truth: the future of leadership lies in the hands of its younger members. With fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and a passion for equity, these emerging leaders are not just the next generation, they are the now.

Recognizing this, NFBPWC has expanded its resources to meet young professionals where they are. The Young BPW program offers tailored mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities that bridge generational wisdom with modern innovation. From virtual roundtables to global advocacy initiatives, younger members are invited to lead, speak, and shape the organization’s direction.

What makes this moment especially powerful is the climate of openness and renewal. With leadership transitions underway and a renewed focus on inclusivity, younger members are being actively encouraged to step into roles that matter, committee chairs, national and international board positions. Their strengths in collaboration, tech-savviness, and social impact are not only welcomed but needed.

NFBPWC’s investment in younger voices isn’t symbolic, it’s strategic. By capitalizing on their energy and insight, the organization ensures its mission remains vibrant, relevant, and future-ready. For those seeking purpose, community, and a platform to lead, the opportunity is now.

Call to Action: Young BPW, Your Time Is Now

Are you ready to shape the future of NFBPWC?

Whether you're an early-career professional, emerging business leader, or rising entrepreneur, your voice matters. This is your arena—where leadership development meets a bold, rising agenda.

Join the movement. Become part of the leadership team driving change and equity on both national and international platforms. You’ll do so with the support of seasoned mentors who believe in your potential and are ready to walk beside you.

Step into leadership. Step into impact. Step into your legacy.

Angie Jackson-Wilson

NFBPWC Nominations

CHAIR 2024-2026

You can direct questions to L3Chair@NFBPWC.org

Nicole Mpouli

Lifelong Leadership & Learning Committee Chair

(2025-2026)

What is the committee's Strategic Plan or focus for this term?

Our Strategic Plan for this term, up to December, focuses on enhancing engagement and communication with our stakeholders (basically Universities and Schools).

Main objectives are increasing awareness of our initiatives, fostering partnerships within the communities and levering social media to disseminate information. As Committee I am surrounded by extremely professional women in different areas, so each of them is giving a significant contribution.

We have organized an online event with Lebanon to talk about Citizenship for a Better Future with Youth in Adduha High School.

In October we are organizing a conference with Bicocca University in Milan where BPW is present as partner; in November I am personally joining Mediterranean Symposium in Cyprus where I attend a panel on our activities.

Regular events will be organized to build trust and visibility to our organization. Positive actions can create trust and desire to join. We need more young members and Universities and Schools are the most important vehicle to reach them.

What is one way the members outside your committee can support or amplify your work?

One effective way for Members outside the committee to support or amplify our work is by sharing our initiatives and achievements within their own networks. This could involve promoting our events, projects or resources on social media, discussing them in forums in order to increase visibility and engagement, they can help us reach a broader audience and garner more support for our goals.

My message to USA members

Dear BPW sisters, we are excited about the opportunity to connect and collaborate with all of you. Building a strong network is essential for our growth and success, and we believe that together we can achieve great things.

Let’s try to support each other, creating a last relationship. BPW can be a means to connect, but then, it depends on us to support and believe in our actions.

Let’s make our voice strong and inspiring to empower women in our Communities.

Dr. Katia Reda Belongs to FIDAPA BPW Italy; born in Catanzaro where she works as Professor at University of Magna Grecia in Catanzaro at the Faculty of Sociology. (DIGES)

She has written an essay on film adaptation of Shakespeare ‘s works present in the Italian national catalogue OPAC;

https://opac.sbn.it/risultati-ricerca-avanzata/-opac-adv/index/1/ITICCUCFI0590097?fieldstruct%5B1%5D=ricerca.parole_tutte%3A4%3D6&fieldvalue%5B1%5D=katia+reda&fieldaccess%5B1%5D=Any%3A1016%3Anocheck&struct%3A1001=ricerca.parole_almeno_una%3A%40or%40&count_noelet=&id=generated_id_44&formato_elet=

President of NGO, AIDO (Organs Donation) for 13 years.

Expert in Erasmus Project + Expert in Mentoring with Certification taken in Istanbul (Turkey) “Mindful based on Coaching for Education” in 2017

Since 2014 dedicated the activity on Mentoring at International and European Level currying out workshop In Zurick, Galway during European Conferences.

Since 2021 and up to now is National Referent for FIDAPA BPW Italy of Mentoring Program.

In 2024, elected as Chair of Standing Committee Public Relations.

In May 2025 during the European Conference in Malta run a round table on PR and Communication.

Our health committee meetings are held on the 4^th Mondays of the month unless there is a conflict or a holiday. Our next meeting with be September 20, 2025 at 4pm ET.

If you are a former member of the health committee or would like to find an area where you could be involved, please contact me at health@nfbpwc.organd I will put you on my list. The more you can contribute, the easier it makes it for me. I’d love to have you.

Notes from the Chair:

Health Event Information:

Speakers included at this event are our own Marsha Riibner-Cady, Secretary Nermin Ahmad, L3P Chair Nicole Mpouli and more. You can register for the whole event and come when you are able. It all depends on you. Looking forward to seeing you at this healthyevent.Registerat: https://www.nfbpwc.org/event-6312511

From Bindu Cherbeolu, Houston Methodist Hospital, a featured speaker of Health Committee Online event:

Sauna bathing features exposure to high environmental temperatures for brief periods. Infrared saunas are one of the most widely available types. Multiple cultures around the world use heat therapy for its benefits and rejuvenating and recharging qualities referencing the saunas of Finland, Turkish hammams, the sweat lodges enjoyed by American Indian, Russian Banya, and hot springs. “In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heat therapy can help correct imbalances that lead to physical, mental, and even spiritual pain, Infrared saunas are believed to have several health benefits, including the potential to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow. The idea behind this is that the heat generated by the infrared sauna can cause vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. When blood vessels widen, it can lead to increased blood flow.

However, it's important to note that the extent and speed of this effect can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience a noticeable increase in blood flow within a few minutes of entering an infrared sauna, while others may take longer. The heat and duration of sauna sessions can also influence the degree of vasodilation and increased blood flow.

Sauna bathing is thought to positively affect vascular disease and mortality risk through various pathways. These include lowering blood pressure; improving the function of the inner layer of blood vessels; reducing oxidative  stress  and  inflammation;  positively influencing the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions; altering levels of blood substances that affect vascular risk; causing hormonal changes; improving arterial flexibility, compliance, and wall thickness; and enhancing both cardiorespiratory and overall heart function.

It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns about its effects on your cardiovascular system. Additionally, be sure to follow recommended safety guidelines when using saunas to avoid any potential risks or adverse reactions.

Infrared saunas, recognized for brief high-temperature exposures, are part of a global tradition of heat therapy, valued for health and rejuvenation. This therapy is embraced in various forms across various cultures like hot spring baths, Russian Banya, Finnish saunas, Turkish hammams, and also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to alleviate physical, mental, and spiritual discomfort.

Infrared saunas are thought to offer health benefits, primarily by causing vasodilation - the expansion of blood vessels due to heat exposure. This process can enhance blood circulation. It's key to recognize, though, that individuals may respond differently to this effect. While some might quickly notice increased blood flow after entering an infrared sauna, others may have a slower response. The temperature and length of sauna sessions are also factors that can affect how much and how quickly blood vessels widen and blood flow increases. There are other potential beneficial mechanisms as well for overall cardiovascular health which include decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation, autonomic regulation, and better arterial compliance.

However, it's essential to consult healthcare professionals before sauna use, especially for those with health concerns, and to adhere to safety guidelines.

In sauna bathing, unlike during physical exercise, there is no active movement or engagement of your muscles. This contrasts with physical activities where muscle movement plays a key role in the body's response.

From a physiological standpoint, infrared saunas and exercise like taking a walk can have some similar effects on the body, but they work in different ways and have distinct benefits.

Sweating: Both infrared saunas and exercise can make you sweat. Sweating is the body's way of cooling down and getting rid of toxins. In this regard, they are somewhat similar.

Heart Rate: Exercise significantly increases your heart rate, while infrared saunas typically do not raise your heart rate as much. Exercise is a cardiovascular activity that strengthens the heart and improves overall fitness.

Calorie Burn: Exercise, especially moderate to intense forms like walking, burns calories, which can help with weight management. Infrared saunas may increase calorie expenditure to some extent due to the heat, but it's not a substitute for exercise in terms of calorie burning.

Muscle Engagement: Exercise involves the use of muscles and can lead to muscle strengthening and toning. Infrared saunas do not provide this benefit.

Endorphin Release: Exercise is known to release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Infrared saunas may also promote relaxation and a sense of well-being, but they don't trigger the same level of endorphin release as exercise.

Detoxification: Both exercise and sweating in an infrared sauna can help with detoxification by flushing out toxins through the skin. However, the mechanisms differ.

In summary, while both infrared saunas and exercise can have positive effects on the body, they serve different purposes. Exercise is crucial for cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and weight management, while infrared saunas are often used for relaxation, stress relief, and detoxification. It's important to note that individual responses may vary, and incorporating both into a wellness routine can provide comprehensive benefits. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health regimen.

Well-designed RCTs with long-term follow-up will still be needed to confirm whether the observed associations reflect a true causal effect of frequent sauna bathing on these health conditions, and more studies are warranted to find whether regular sauna bathing could produce longer-term changes in cardiovascular health.

These findings suggest the physiological effects of infrared sauna bathing are underpinned by thermoregulatory-induced responses, more so than exercise-mimetic cardiorespiratory or cardiovascular activations.

From a physiological standpoint, saunas and exercise like taking a walk do have some similarities in their effects on the body, but they are not identical.

1. Increased Heart Rate: Both saunas and exercise can increase your heart rate. In a sauna, the heat causes your heart rate to rise as your body attempts to cool itself down. During exercise, your heart rate naturally increases as you engage in physical activity.

2. Sweating: Saunas induce sweating, which can help in detoxification and cooling the body. Exercise also causes sweating as the body tries to regulate its temperature.

3. Improved Circulation: Both saunas and exercise can improve blood circulation. Saunas cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow, while exercise enhances circulation through physical activity.

4. Stress Reduction: Saunas are known for their relaxing effect, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being. Exercise can also reduce stress and improve mood through the release of endorphins.

5. Detoxification: Saunas are often associated with detoxification benefits, as sweating helps eliminate some toxins. Exercise can also aid in the removal of waste products from the body through increased circulation.

However, there are significant differences:

1. Muscle Engagement: Exercise involves physical activity that engages muscles, leading to strength and endurance gains. Saunas do not provide the same muscular benefits.

2. Calorie Burn: Exercise burns calories, helping with weight management, while saunas primarily cause water weight loss through sweating, which is temporary.

3. Aerobic Fitness: Exercise, especially activities like walking, improves aerobic fitness, while saunas do not provide the same cardiovascular conditioning.

4. Hydration: Saunas can lead to dehydration due to excessive sweating, whereas exercise encourages water intake to replace lost fluids.

In summary, while saunas and exercise share some physiological responses, they are distinct in their effects on the body. Exercise offers a broader range of health benefits, including improved fitness, while saunas are primarily used for relaxation and temporary detoxification through sweating. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating either into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

• Heart Rate Increase: Both saunas and walking can raise heart rate, but exercise does so more significantly due to physical exertion.

• Sweating: Saunas and exercise both induce sweating for body temperature regulation.

• Circulation: Both improve blood circulation, with saunas causing vasodilation and exercise enhancing it through movement.

• Stress Reduction: Exercise is known to release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Infrared saunas may also promote relaxation and a sense of well-being, but they don't trigger the same level of endorphin release as exercise.

• Detoxification: Both methods aid detoxification via sweating, but the mechanisms are different.

• Muscle Engagement: Exercise strengthens and tones muscles, an effect not provided by saunas.

• Calorie Burn: Walking burns more calories than saunas, which mainly induce water weight loss. Infrared saunas may increase calorie expenditure to some extent due to the heat, but it's not a substitute for exercise in terms of calorie burning.

• Overall Fitness: Exercise offers aerobic fitness benefits, unlike saunas.

In summary, while saunas and walking share some physiological effects like increased heart rate and sweating, they differ in key areas. To truly understand the impact of regular sauna bathing on health conditions and long-term cardiovascular health, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted.

Food for Thought:

Raise your hand if you know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. Raise your hand if you know someone that’s had a heart attack, stroke or heart disease. Raise your hand if you know anyone that’s been involved in any kind of accident. I guarantee every reader raised their hand at least once and unfortunately, many of us just raised our hand three times.

News flash, bad things happen to good people.

The American Cancer Society says that 1 out of 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. The American Heart Association says that heart attacks and strokes cause 1 out of 3 deaths in the US. The National Safety Council says that there are approximately 5400 disabling accidents every hour.

I know! The stars are frightening, and it leaves us feeling vulnerable. And it should prompt the question “What’s going on?”. Is it our food? Yes. Is it hereditary? Yes. Is it our environment, stress, inactivity? Yes, yes and yes.

It’s no surprise that Gallup News reported that Americans borrowed an estimated $74 billion for healthcare expenses last year (and this is one of the moremodestestimates).So,isour healthcare industry broken? Possibly.

There are two costs that we face when dealing with any major accident or illness. The first is direct costs. These costs are covered by your major medical provider. Things like hospital charges and doctors’ bills. The second is indirect cost. These are expenses that your major medical insurance will not cover because they simply weren’t designed to. Things like lost income, mortgage, car payments, cell phones, utilities and basic living expenses. We can also include insurance limitations like deductibles, copayments, ambulances and other uncovered expenses.

When we get sick or hurt, our balance of life is disrupted. This thing that we all work so hard to perfect can be instantly (or in some cases slowly) ruined. You want to know how it happens? The sickness or accident happens. You can’t work as much, if at all. Income goes down, expenses go up, and that leaves most people in a really tough situation. When you should be somewhere focusing on healing- you’re scrambling to find extra funds just to make ends meet. So, some people use their retirement funds. Many will sell their personal assets and others are forced to start Go Fund Me accounts. None of these are great options, for obvious reasons.

Let’s take a moment and consider your situation. You’ve got major medical insurance. Fantastic. That pays hospitals and doctors. Most of you have a life insurance policy. Spectacular, but your love ones will see this money after you die. Disability insurance doesn’t last forever, and it typically pays about 60% of what you need to survive. What’s missing for most working-class Americans is a benefit that will assist with living expenses, WHILE YOU ARE ALIVE and on the road to recovery. Some people call it supplemental insurance, but I like to call it LIVING INSURANCE and it’s worth looking into.

Juanita Curtis, Licensed Insurance Producer Globe Life, Family Heritage Division

juanita.globelife@gmail.com 919-584-7091

Healthy Thinking of the Month:

Health Awareness Dates:

September is –

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Month; Atrial Fibrillation Month; Mold Awareness Month; National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month; National Be A Food Hero Month; National Cholesterol

Education Month; National DNA, Geonomics & Stem Cell Education Month; National Head Lice Prevention Month; National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

(Gov't) ; National Service Dog Month; National Skin Care Awareness Month; September Is Healthy Aging Month; Sports and Home Eye Health & Safety Month; World Alzheimer's Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month - https://bloodcancermonth.org/

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - https://childrenscancer.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/

Cholesterol Education Month - https://tinyurl.com/57k7mek7

Gynecology Cancer Awareness Month - https://histio.org/get-involved/raise-awareness/

Histiocytosis Awareness Month - https://www.hydroassoc.org/

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month - https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/topic/health-observances/national-childhood-obesity-awareness-month

National Suicide Prevention Month - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month - https://bearnecessities.org/

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month - https://www.pcosaa.org/

Self-Care Awareness Month - https://www.theriverbendhouse.com/

Other Articles Related to the Theme of Young BPW:

We Don't Actually Know Anything About Video Games - The biggest problem with research on video games. - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/video-game-health/202507/we-dont-actually-know-anything-about-video-games

A surprising connection for Gen Z: mental health and retirement benefits - https://tinyurl.com/3xtxve2nv

Social media still pushing suicide-related content to teens despite new UK safety laws - https://tinyurl.com/3bhvbemk

If you are a former member of the health committee or would like to find an area where you could be involved, please contact me at health@nfbpwc.org and I will put you on my list. The more you can contribute, the easier it makes it for me. I’d love to have you.

We will meet on the 3^rd or 4^th Monday of the month unless there are any conflicts or holiday forthcoming. Next meeting is September 20, 2025.

Health:

During the UN General Assembly High-level week 2025, there will be a “High-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being” on September 25^th from 10am to 6pm This is available for viewing via UN WebTV https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule