On September 30, the Corsicana High School (CHS) football team will battle Mesquite-Poteet at Tiger Stadium.  In addition to the traditional Tiger blue and gold, another hue will be highlighted during this game by the football team, Calico drill team, cheerleaders, band and the fans.  TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK will be featured as an awareness campaign to address cancer prevention.  Everyone is encouraged to show support by wearing PINK to work on that Friday and to the game.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Healthy Woman, a resource of Navarro Regional Hospital, wants to take the momentum of this worthy campaign and expand the effort to include all CANCER awareness.

Cancer affects many people in Navarro County. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports Navarro County on the rise of mortality rates due to cancer.  This rise contributes to the need for more health education and resources for Corsicana and Navarro County citizens.

“Friday night football is a big event in Corsicana,” said Laura Herrin, HW Advisory Board member.  “By using this avenue we can reach a lot people.  No one is immune to cancer.  Everyone needs to know steps for prevention.”

Prevention tips:

• Pay attention to your diet.  Stay away from foods with high fat content.
• Do NOT use tobacco products.
• Know you family history.  If cancer has been detected in a family member – you should be tested too.
• Early detection is crucial to survival. 
• Meet with a Primary Care physician on a regular basis.  Long-term physician relationships can help you and your physician identify problems early.
• Limit exposure to sun and UVB rays.  Wear sun block outdoors during daylight.
• Immunize yourself! Certain viral infections can be prevented.
• Get moving!  Do something to keep your blood flowing.

Many battles with cancer are won and lost everyday.  By wearing pink you are honoring the survivors, cheering-on those in the midst of such a battle, and remembering those who have passed as a result the disease.  Lastly, you are embracing the fact that you have a responsibility for your own health.

Sponsoring organizations include:  Navarro Regional Hospital, Navarro Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Healthy Woman, Corsicana Daily Sun, Texas AgriLife Extension Office of Navarro County, American Business Women’s Association-Navarro County Chapter, Relay for Life, Calico Drill Team, VOICE, Inc., CHS Cheerleaders, CHS Band, CHS Football Team, James L. Collins Catholic School, CHS Booster Club, CHS Volleyball, YMCA and citizens throughout the city and county.

“CISD, Corsicana High School and the student organizations are to be commended for assisting us with this effort.  The enthusiasm from the students, coaches and directors to participate in this effort has been outstanding,” said Susan Johnson, Director of Marketing/Healthy Woman at Navarro Regional Hospital. 

For more information, contact the Healthy Woman department at Navarro Regional Hospital.