Friday, September 30, 2011

Beat the Blue Ribbon Odds

The odds of bowling a 300 game: 1 in 11,500. Winning an Olympic medal: 1 in 662.000. Being born a twin in North America: 1 in 90. Being on a plane with a drunken pilot: 1 in 117. (The Odds #1)

There are statistics available for almost every aspect of life, but not all so amusing as these. The current odds of a male being diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime: a scary one in six. (Prostate.net)
Prostate cancer may seem a peculiar topic to find on a blog with the word Housewife in the title, but we all have at least one important male in our lives, be it a brother, spouse or close friend.

Last week I was listening to the radio on my way to work and the station was hosting Winter Vinecki, founder of Team Winter. Vinecki formed the organization which raises awareness about prostate cancer through participating in and coordinating big name marathons and triathalons. Her inspiration to establish Team Winter came from her father's diagnosis and lost battle with prostate cancer.

Wait, did I mention Winter Vinecki is 12 years old?

Talk about an amazing story. While most kids are concerned with the newest gaming system or electronic device, Winter channels her youthful energy to fight a little-discussed disease. Her organization is a supporting partner of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Like any disease, the best chance to successfully combat the condition starts with early detection. The Foundation's web site states age 40 is a "reasonable time to start screening for those at highest risk," meaning "genetic predispositions or strong family histories of prostate cancer at a young age."

When it comes to cancer, knowledge is power. Know your risks. Know when to begin screening and what preventative steps you can take to safeguard your body from the various forms of cancer. You can help others acquire knowledge through supporting organizations like Team Winter and the American Cancer Society. If a brave 12 year old can take action, so can you.

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