Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 March 2001 — Page 7

t

FRIDAY, MARCH 2,2001

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A7

BEAUTIFUL Continued from A1 higher than it is for white women. ‘The incident rate islowerthan thfe: white community; the mortality rate is higher. We’re pot doing tlv early detection,” said Tisha Reid, director of education for Little Red Door Cancer Agency. For this reason, Reid wants to increase awareness and get women checking their bodies. And what better place to talk to African-American women than the beauty salon. Reid hopes women in the salons spread the word to other women. Talking to women in an environment where they are comfortable allows women to ask questions or voice any concerns they may have, says Reid. Gloria Alexander, owner of Payton’s Styling Salon, 6107 N. Michigan Rd., believes breast cancer is an important issue for women as well as men. Being a beautician, Alexander is centered on a woman’s appearance, but she wants to broaden the spectrum. “We’re for promoting healthy bodies. You want to feel good on the inside. All of that comes from being healthy. Everyone knows a person or family member who has dealt with some form of cancer,” Alexander said. Although not a woman, Jason Ward, a customer at Payton’s, listened to the presentation because he works with women. Recently, one of the women Ward counsels noticed her breasts were leaking. Not only did that woman’s issue prompt Ward to listen to the presentation, he’s also concerned about the health of his daughters and his wife. Ward agreed that cancer impacts the lives of men involved with women who battle with cancer. Now Ward can tell that woman leaking breasts could be a symptom of breast cancer and to visit the doctor. Early detection is the key to fighting this disease Reid explains. Women should spend time getting to know their bodies and doing monthly self-breast exams. Little Red Door’s Reid said, “We don’t do self-breast exams. We don’t see it as a life-chang-ing, important decision. It’s important for us to talk as a family and get your family’s health history. We have to make this an important part of our lives, no one is going to take care of you better than you. It’s killing us at an alarming rate. If we made selfbreast exams and mammograms as important as it is, I guarantee you would see the rates go down.” The only way to detect cervical cancer is through a pap smear. This test should be done yearly if a woman is 18 years or older; or if a woman is under 18-years-old and sexually active. Multiple sex partners and the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes genital warts, increase risk to cervical cancer. The women without health insurance or very little are the women who are dying at an alarming rate said Reid. The Little Red Door Cancer Agency, The YWCA and the Indiana State Department of Health offer free or low-cost screenings. Early detection is just one step in decreasing your risk of breast or cervical cancer. Eating more fruits, vegetables and fiber and less fatty foods and drinking more water are lifestyle changes that coincide with taking care of your body. “Spread the word to any woman in your family or friend you know. It’s up to us as individuals to tell each other and help empower each other to take better care of ourselves,” Reid said. The “Stay Beautiful, Stay Alive” campaign is still soliciting help from more salons. Participating salons receive Elasta (QP) Hair Products and participating clients receive Flora Roberts facial products. In April the salon with the most participating clients will receive a cash prize for the salon’s use. For more information contact the Little Red Door Cancer Agency at 925-5595.

All Of The IMmmings Excluxiw Catering Company. Inc. Exclusive Catering Company Chef Brenda Snorton We've moved! Now located in the historic Omega Conference Center 3110 Sutherland in Indianapolis Can service your meeting and banquet needs for 15 -1,200 in the Omega Conference Center or your off-premise meeting or banquet up to 3,000 at the location of your choice. For heart to heart service" call for an appointment today 317-283-6440

YVF MAKE \ Dll FFRENCI

When it comes to your homeowner insurance protection we lailoi different solutions for your different needs. Let us show you how Nationwide Insurance can help >ou protect your most valuable assets sour home and \out precious belongings. So cull us today lot more information

Carla Chaney Baxter Urban Market Sales and Service Center Manager Indianapolis Sales and Service Ccnict 3 hast 38th Street. Indianapolis. IN 4lO(ls ' 3l7-y27-(>‘><)3 Nationwide * Insurance & Financial Services

&

. i )i*t‘l ‘o ' |;NI •nnC'HI •'

Viopo Nn»io*>v*ick* inviroixe bkjtion*. SMod loVo-oi. • <••*(*»» , Art i««**•.! • ” Ho’tve Ol ! iie vW Nate.jo'sioe ►"• iiti , .U;jml.iu» ?,'?■ NWionW'ck^'it n rogntwed fwi**"!* \*»». .♦* iihwI ••if Nij'.orwnlo '• woo '<*• • {■•••g-my

V • r