Kaleidoscope of Hope Walks

      Mountain Fitness member Lynn Franklin of Watchung is an organizer of the Kaleidoscope of Hope Ovarian Cancer Foundation's annual walks. The New Jersey events will be held Sept. 10th in Morristown; Sept. 17th in Lyndhurst; and , and Sept. 23rd, in Avon-By-The Sea. More information and registration details are available at kohnj.org.
       Any cancer article is somber, but here are some facts to know about ovarian cancer, according to a 2016 report by the Institute of Medicine, via the Washington Post syndication service.
       *Approximately 21,000 women are in the U.S. are diagnosed with it each year, and 14,000 will die from the disease.
       *Because it's often undetected until later stages, ovarian cancer has a five-year survival rate of 46%, much lower than easily discovered issues like breast cancer, which has a 90% five-year survival rate.
      *Unfortunately, ovarian cancer does not cause major symptoms, which is one of the reason it goes unnoticed so long in most women. Abdominal pain and bloating, (which are also symptoms of so many other things, major and minor), is the most common warning sign.
      *There is a genetic link to the cancer, but certain behavioral issues come into play. According to the American Council on Exercise, 80% of all cancer cases may be prevented through appropriate lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, a low-fat, high fiber diet, and, of course, not smoking, are all major factors in avoiding all types of cancers.
     There are many needy causes out there, particularly with the natural disaster going on in the Houston-area now. However, it is a good idea to read into more details on the "silent killer" known as ovarian cancer. And if you have time on a nice September morning, look into joining a lot of nice people at one of Kaleidoscope of Hope's walks!