October Health Highlights

Fall is officially here, and this month our partners at Nutrition HealthWorks are focused on breast cancer awareness, nourishing your body, and a few fun ways to enjoy Halloween without going overboard on the candy bowl.

Know the Early Detection Basics

Early detection makes a real difference. Get familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can notice changes, and check once a month for lumps, thickening, or changes in size or shape.

Annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your doctor about when to start and how often to be screened.

View Early Detection Tips for Breast Cancer

Nourishing your Body Through Treatment

For anyone going through chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, good nutrition isn't about strict diets. It's about keeping your strength, protecting muscle, and giving your body what it needs to heal.

This guide covers simple fixes for nausea, taste changes, fatigue, and mouth sores, plus easy ways to add protein to meals you're already eating and a daily hydration tracker. It's a helpful one to share with a friend or family member in treatment, too.

View information on Nourishing Your Body Through Breast Cancer Treatment

Power Up with Plant-Based Protein

You can meet your daily protein needs with 100% plant-based foods. Tempeh, tofu, chickpeas, quinoa, nuts, and seeds like chia and flax are all great options to work into meals and snacks.

See Plant-Based Sources of Protein

Try Some Spooktacular Swaps

Halloween candy is part of the fun, but it's easy to mix in a few other treats. Try frozen grapes, baby carrots with hummus, celery with peanut butter, or applesauce with cinnamon and a graham cracker (it tastes like apple pie).

View Healthier Treat Alternatives

Make No-Bake Reese's Pumpkins

Looking for a festive treat with a little more protein? These no-bake pumpkins use just four ingredients: PB2 powder, yogurt, a little sugar, and chocolate chips. Shape them into balls, pumpkins, or your favorite spooky shape. Each pumpkin has about 150 calories and 14 grams of protein.

View the No-Bake Reese's Pumpkins Recipe

💚 We’re Here to Support You

Whether you’re trying new recipes, building healthier habits, or looking for personalized nutrition guidance, our registered dietitians are here to help.

NINA CASETTA, RD
Warlick Family YMCA Dietitian
Nutrition HealthWorks

PATRICIA SKOLNIK, RD, LDN
McGill Family YMCA Dietitian
Nutrition HealthWorks