October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month! While it’s in the past it’s still a great time to remember to be aware of breast cancer and to be screened routinely, especially as we age.

Screening of breast tissue provides a deeper insight into breast health and mammography remains the gold standard for screening for breast cancer. Mammograms should be done every 1-2 years, depending on age, risk factors for breast cancer and shared decision making with your provider. Mammogram screening can begin at age 40 depending on risk. In addition to these screenings, a monthly self-check of breast tissue is an easy routine to implement to check for changes in breast tissue and any discharge. Bathing, getting dressed, or any other convenient routine is a great time to incorporate this self-exam.

Concerning breast cancer screening rates, rural residents are less likely to be screened for breast cancer when compared with urban residents. Nationally, 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Colorado. If routine screenings are done and breast cancer is caught early, 98% of women survive! Annual mammograms or clinical breast exams for women over the age of 50 can reduce the rates of breast cancer-related deaths by 33%.

At Teller County Public Health and Environment, we provide breast and cervical cancer screenings at a free or low-cost rate to women under the age of 64 who have limited resources. Eligibility can be confirmed over the phone, and an appointment can be quickly scheduled. Call us today at 719-687-6416 for more information. Wear pink all October long to support breast cancer awareness!

October is also a great month to focus on winter preparations. Are you prepared for the upcoming snow season? Now is the time to make plans for being snowbound for several days or a week. Make sure you have a plan for snow removal, alternative heat sources, power loss, food & water, extra medications, communications, extra oxygen canisters on hand, backup batteries, etc.

Are you prepared for a healthy winter? TCPHE offers the 2025-26 flu vaccine. Adults 65 years of age and older are eligible for the high dose flu vaccine. Those that are 65 and older are at a higher risk for severe flu complications. Hospitalization rates and severe complications are higher in our older adults, so it’s important to get protected and be prepared! We also offer the standard flu vaccine for those 6 months through 64 years old and we provide the 2025-26 versions of the Covid vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna). Medicare covers all Flu, Covid and Pneumonia vaccines. TCPHE, as part of the Golden Bridge Network, can help you stay healthy this fall and winter. Call our office today to make your appointment at 719-687-6416.

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Christina Lesea, RN, BSN, is a reproductive health nurse at Teller County Public Health & Environment who enjoys serving as a patient advocate and health educator. Her nursing experience includes emergency medicine, and she is currently pursuing a graduate degree as a nurse practitioner