Are you the winner we'll be drawing on October 24th? If you know someone you would like to introduce to the club, pick up a referral pass today and take one step closer to being the BIG WINNER!!!

For each referral who joins, you will be entered into the drawing for one year of free dues and receive a $50.00 referral bonus.

For more details, or to obtain your referral passes, contact Darcy in the membership office.

Getting diagnosed with breast cancer these days is not a death sentence. Now, more than ever it's important to have a positive attitude when facing all of life's challenges. One form of breast cancer you may or may not have heard of is BRCA mutation. Every woman is born with BRCA genes. When theses genes function normally, they do not pose any risks. However, some woman experience mutations in these genes, putting the woman at a higher risk of breast cancer. Consequently, relatives of these women are also at a higher risk. BRCA gene mutation is a hereditary trait very common in Ashkenzaki (Eastern & Central European) Jewish ancestry. It is also linked with ovarian cancer.

Iris Langman was diagnosed with this aggressive form of breast cancer in February, 2008. When speaking with my client about her recent diagnosis she said, "my main focus was to keep a postitive attitude and work at staying healthy. As traumatic as it is, it can always be worse; and so I believe you really must have a positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle to keep yourself strong. I've always maintained an active and healthy lifestyle. Aside from participating in dance as a young adult, my main form of activity has been running." Iris doesn't view her running as a goal; she sees it as a part of her daily routine.

Six months later Iris received a clean bill of health, and there is no doubt that Iris' recovery has been so quick due to her healthy attitude and lifestyle. Even if it meant we had to go through anger and denial to get there -- exercise should be apart of our daily activity when fighting a disease like cancer; just like there is no question that every woman regardless of background should take preventative measures to reduce their risk of breast cancer. These measures include: practicing monthly breast self-exams, getting regular clinical breast exams, and having yearly mammongrams (for women 40 or older).

One thing Iris recommended to others is that you become fully aware of your situation (family history in this case) to take steps in conquering a traumatizing event. We need to take care of each other and if that means helping a friend to their doctor appointment, getting them to exercise, or even just help brightening their day -- these are the things that are going to keep us healthy.

To all of our Seattle Athletic Club members that are or have gone through the battle of Breast Cancer, we congratulate you and admire your strength.

It is safe to say that we all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. With breast cancer being the most common cancer in women, other than skin cancer, education is empowerment. In order to reduce our risks of breast cancer, we should be aware of the symptoms, signs, and preventative measures.

The most common signs of breast cancer are a lump in the breast; abnormal thickening of the breast; or a change in the shape or color of the breast. Other signs include:
Any new, hard lump or thickening in any part of the breast
Change in breast size or shape
Swelling, redness or warmth that does not go away
Pain in one spot that does not vary with your monthly cycle
Pulling in of the nipple
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly and appears only in one breast

Although there is no way to completely prevent breast cancer, there are preventative measures that all women can take. The following tips may help reduce the risk of getting breast caner, or lower the risk of breast cancer from returning.
Mammography Screening and Self-Exams
**Monthly self-exams are by no means a replacement for your regular clinical exams
Eat Healthy; limit alcohol intake, and fat in your diet
Exercise
Follow-up Care
Continuing treatment

An important note is that breast cancer occurs in men as well; statistically speaking men are less than 1% of all cases. Breast cancer in men is typically due to an increase in the amount of breast tissue, and is detected around the ages of 60-70 years old.

Remember: Just because you feel a lump doesn’t always mean you have breast cancer –so remember to schedule your exams!

Are you a survivor and are looking for a group exercise class that will support you in your recovery? Try our Focus on Healing class!

Focus on Healing is based on therapeutic movement known as the Lebed Method. The Focus on Healing movement class was originally designed for breast cancer survivors though is it proven to be beneficial for other cancer survivors as well. The focus is on increased range of motion, reduction of pain, stimulation of the lymphatic system, increased energy, reduction of lymph edema and weight stabilization.

Focus on Healing is offered on Tuesdays at 4:00 pm and Fridays at 2:15 pm.

It's that time of year for our favorite holiday! Come celebrate SAC style with events scheduled throughout the day.

PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST

We have a category for all levels. Whether you're creative with advanced carving skills or admit to using stensils to carve up your pumpkin masterpiece; you have a chance to win great prizes!

Everything is provided, even the pumpkin, but come early to choose your winning pumpkin.

Stop in to carve your pumpkin anytime between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. We will announce the winners at 7:00 pm during the Monster Mash.

Members: $10
Non-members: $25
Friday, October 24th
Sign up at the Sports Desk or with Erin Nelson.

All proceeds benefit Childhaven. Sign-ups are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

MONSTER MASH

Ghouls, goblins, and ghosts, come to the Monster Mash and let us be your spooky host. Games, prizes, treasures galore; a haunted house awaits you and so much more.

October 24th
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Members: $10
Non-members: $20
Sign up at the Sport's Desk.

PIZZA & MOVIE PARTY

You can also join us an hour early for pizza and a movie. See the Sports Desk for more details and to sign up.

October 24th
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Members: $5
Non-members: $10

Have you ever experienced pain on, behind, or around your kneecap? You are not alone. Most people will at some time in their lives experience some degree of patello-femoral pain. Patello-femoral pain is so named because it describes pain occurring at the joint between your patella (or knee cap), and your femur (upper leg). It generally describes a wide range of symptoms which occur around your knee cap. The pain or discomfort of patello-femoral dysfunction may coincide with activities such as weight bearing flexion of the knees, including ascending or descending stairs, running, walking up or down inclines, and/or with prolonged sitting. The severity of pain can vary from a general "achiness" to a debilitating and sharp pain with weight bearing activities.

READ PHIL'S COMPLETE ARTICLE ON KNEE PAIN