Everything is turning pink. And in October, it is an easy and recognizable way to recognize items that are helping to spread awareness of breast cancer and specifically breast cancer prevention.

In 2013, an estimated 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States, as well as an estimated 64,640 additional cases of in less invasive breast cancer. That same year it was estimated that more than 39,500 women would die from breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

While cancer is not always preventable, there are steps that can be taken to help catch the disease as soon as possible, It is recommended that women do regular self-breast exams, and that women over 40, with no history of breast cancer begin yearly mammograms. If there is a history of breast cancer in your family, speak with your doctor to see what they suggest as studies vary in the course of preventive testing for those people.

Cancer has affected each of us in some way. This month we take the time to remember those who have fought this type of the disease. I hope that you take amount to ask the women in your life if they have done their monthly self-exam or seen their doctor this year.

Fall marks cooler temperatures, changing of leaves and, unfortunately, the start of flu season.

Flu activity is most common between December and February, but seasonal flus illnesses and begin in October and end in late May.  The timing of the flu season is very hard to predict, just as the severity and types of flu can be.

Each year the flu affects thousands of people in our great state. While there are many steps we can take on a daily or weekly basis s to ensure we all remain as healthy as possible during the flu season and colder months, getting a flu vaccine is thought to be one of the best ways to be protected.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccine is said to be the first and most important step in protecting against this illness. While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the main flu viruses that research suggests will cause the most illness during the upcoming flu season. People should begin getting vaccinated soon after the flu vaccine becomes available, ideally by or during the month of October.

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can take other precautions like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the flu, or any illness, to others.

As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol, however during interim I may be in district. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.