Welcome!

Explore key health topics like Breast Cancer Awareness, High Blood Pressure Awareness, and Vaccine Awareness — all aimed at promoting informed, healthier lifestyles. These awareness tabling events were hosted by passionate students from the Radiologic Technology, Nursing, and Public Health programs at MCLA, committed to educating our campus community.

Breast Cancer Awareness and The Importance of Screening

Risk Factors

  • Family history of breast cancer / inherited changes to DNA.
  • Beginning a menstrual cycle at a young age (before 12 years old).
  • Late onset of menopause (due to increased exposure to estrogen).
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Physical inactivity
  • Being overweight or obese.

Signs & Symptoms

  • A lump or swelling in breast, upper chest or armpit
  • A change to the skin (puckering or dimpling)
  • A change in color of the breast (darker, red or inflamed)
  • A nipple change (inverted)
  • A rash or crusting around the nipple
  • Unusual discharge from the nipple
  • Changes in size or shape of the breast

Mammograms

  • A mammogram is an x-ray of the tissue of the breast

  • Mammograms can detect cancer before it causes symptoms or is evident to the eye

  • The earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the likelihood of curing it! These screenings are encouraged once you turn 40 years old, but if you notice a change, it is a good idea to consider starting early.

Health Tips

  • Exercise
  • Balanced diet
  • Routine medical visits
  • Regular self-breast exams

 Healthier Hearts- High Blood Pressure Awareness

Definition

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common but serious condition that often goes unnoticed. It occurs when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high, putting your heart and other organs at risk.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it typically has no noticeable symptoms until it causes significant damage. However, in some cases, people may experience:

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Blurred vision

  • Chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Irregular heartbeat

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they’re persistent, consult a healthcare provider right away.

Long-Term Effects of Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

When left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, including:

  • Heart disease

  • Stroke

  • Kidney damage or failure

  • Vision loss

  • Cognitive issues, such as memory loss or dementia

Tips for Reducing High Blood Pressure

The good news is that high blood pressure can often be controlled — and even prevented — with healthy lifestyle changes:

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in salt and saturated fats

  • Exercise regularly (aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week)

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Limit alcohol intake and avoid tobacco use

  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga

  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly and follow your healthcare provider’s guidance

Awareness and early action are key to protecting your long-term health. Make informed choices today to lower your risk tomorrow.

Vaccine Awareness

What Is a Vaccine?

A vaccine is a biological preparation that trains your immune system to recognize and fight off harmful pathogens like viruses or bacteria. It typically contains a weakened or inactive part of a particular organism (antigen) that triggers an immune response.

Your immune system has two main ways of developing immunity:

  1. Active Immunity

    • This happens when your body is exposed to a pathogen (either through infection or vaccination) and responds by producing its own antibodies. This type of immunity is usually long-lasting.

    • Vaccines stimulate this process safely, without causing the full-blown disease.

  2. Passive Immunity

    • This involves receiving antibodies from another source, like a mother passing antibodies to a newborn or receiving antibody treatments. Passive immunity provides short-term protection.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines help:

  • Prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and death

  • Protect vulnerable populations (such as infants, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems)

  • Reduce the spread of contagious diseases

  • Contribute to herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated

Common Vaccine Myths – Busted

 

  • Myth: Vaccines cause the disease they’re meant to prevent.
    Fact: Vaccines use inactivated or weakened parts of the pathogen and cannot cause the full disease.

  • Myth: Vaccines cause autism.
    Fact: Numerous studies have shown no link between vaccines and autism. This myth originated from a discredited and retracted study.


 

 

  • Myth: If everyone else is vaccinated, I don’t need to be.
    Fact: Skipping vaccination not only puts you at risk, but also threatens those who rely on herd immunity, like newborns or people with medical conditions.

  • Myth: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-acquired immunity.
    Fact: While natural infection can provide immunity, it often comes with serious risks. Vaccines offer a safe and controlled way to build protection.