STE. GENEVIEVE – The highly anticipated breast cancer awareness event, Spirit of Pink is back after a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID outbreak. Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital (SGCMH) once again will shine a light on breast cancer awareness and this year feature Lifestyle Medicine, a new medical specialty at its 12th annual Spirit of Pink.
“I think women will enjoy learning about Lifestyle Medicine,” said Dr Cavins. “Especially since it can prevent breast cancer, and that’s what we’re all about—prevention and being pro-active.”
The evening hosted by Metis Breast Care Center, a service of SGCMH will be on Thursday, October 13, at 5:30 pm at The Artisan at Baetje Farms located at 8932 Jackson School Rd in Bloomsdale, MO.
Each year, organizers make the event fun, educational and inspiring. This year’s event will be extra special to mark its return. Being at The Artisan venue for the first time will offer a one of a kind experience.
“This will be an exciting new venue for us,” said Dr. Theresa Cavins, breast surgeon and director of Metis Breast Center at the Bloomsdale Medical Centre. “We like introducing our participants to what the area has to offer in our own backyard.”
Theresa Cavins, MD and Mary Crecelius, WHNP will extend a warm welcome and introduce Lifestyle Medicine that includes a fun healthy cooking demo by our special guest, Caryn Dugan, the STL Veg Girl who help others transition to a healthier diet. Her program has been featured on a number of television shows including Show Me St. Louis. Caryn was instrumental in opening of the Center for Plant-Based Living in St. Louis, MO; the program is the first of its kind in the country.
“People want to make these lifestyle changes, but don’t always know how to go about it,” said Dr. Cavins. “We need to learn new skill sets. Caryn offers the only center in the country where you can go and learn how to make these changes and learn how to cook in a different way. If you know how to cook at all, it’s not really a big change, but it is changing what you have in your cabinet and how you stock your freezer. She’ll touch on all of that. We refer a lot of patients to her and are excited that she’ll be joining us at the Spirt of Pink.”
If this is your first time hearing about Lifestyle Medicine, you’re not alone, as it is a relatively new medical specialty that focuses on treating, reversing, and preventing chronic disease with just our lifestyle choices, according to Dr. Cavins who is certified in Lifestyle Medicine. The pillars of Lifestyle Medicine can not only reverse conditions like heart disease, but can also prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and more.
“A plant-based, non-processed diet is the foundation of Lifestyle Medicine,” said Dr. Cavins. “Other things are exercise, stress management, avoiding risky substances like alcohol and cigarettes, as well as sleep and being connected to the community. These things may sound like just common sense, but many times, we put them on the back burner. Many people practicing Lifestyle Medicine are able to get off medication, avoid surgery, and have better mobility. It’s really a wonderful new specialty that we’re excited to bring into the community.”
Mary Crecelius, Women’s Health nurse practitioner and Rikki Schaefer, physician assistant will soon receive their certification, as well.
“I’m proud that we’ll soon have a Lifestyle Medicine team at the Bloomsdale Medical Centre,” said Dr. Cavins.
The event will include lots of healthy food, fun and mock tails including a photo booth. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there will be information available on genetic testing, breast cancer prevention and treatment. Participants who wear pink will have their names put in a drawing to be tasters for the cooking demo and cancer survivors will be honored. Lynn Rose Terry and the trio will provide musical entertainment for the event.
Ladies of all ages are welcome to attend. Cost for the event is $15, and participants are encouraged to RSVP and pay online at stegenevievehospital.org or call 573-883-7791 for this limited seating event. Cancer survivors are free.
The Metis Breast Center focuses on early detection and provides 3D mammography, ultrasound, MRI, minimally invasive breast biopsies on site, and breast reconstruction, augmentation and reduction. Genetic testing is provided for breast and other cancers.