Breast cancer occurs when cells form in the tissue of the breast and go undetected, growing uncontrollably. It remains one of the most significant health concerns for women. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 300,000 individuals — both women and men — will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of annual mammogram screenings, which can be vital in early detection and saving lives.

One organization that emphasizes the importance of annual mammograms is the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a leading breast cancer advocacy group. Among its many initiatives, the organization offers a help line that provides critical information about breast cancer and connects individuals with local resources. The Susan G. Komen Foundation also helps fund research, provides support services, focuses on advocacy, and organizes events such as Race for the Cure.

Two other organizations that work to find a cure for cancer and to raise awareness about the significance of early detection are the American Cancer Society and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The American Cancer Society, founded in 1913, is a nationwide health organization with the mission of eliminating cancer. It raises funds for cancer research, provides educational services, and shares the latest information on cancer prevention and treatment to communities across the country.

The WHO also plays a key role in the global fight against cancer, focusing on identifying breast cancer risk factors and promoting annual mammograms. The WHO works closely with governments and healthcare organizations to improve the quality of care for cancer patients.

Even with the significant accomplishments of these organizations, the most important step we can take is to prioritize a healthy lifestyle and schedule annual mammogram screenings.

Unfortunately, many of our residents today are uninsured or underinsured, and unable to access the necessary testing. To address this, Middlesex County has a program through the Office of Health Services called the Middlesex County Cancer Education and Early Detection (CEED) Program. This program provides breast cancer screenings, along with screenings for other cancers, to eligible County residents who meet the income guidelines. Case management services are available for individuals whose screening results require additional care. For more information, please contact the program at (732) 745-3100.

During the month of October, you can contribute to the search for a cure by attending one of the many fundraising events hosted by various charitable organizations. If you are interested in attending one of these events, you can check your municipality’s website or the website of participating nonprofit organizations for more information.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was first established in 1979 by a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter. Each year the current president signs a new proclamation honoring this day. 

On this day, you may hear and see the words “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.” These words should resonate not only on this day but throughout the year, reminding us to always honor our brave veterans and their families. “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” is written on the POW/MIA flag, which features the silhouette of a prisoner of war against the backdrop of a guard tower and barbed wire, set within a black and white field. The inscription “POW/MIA” appears above, with “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” below. The black and white design of the flag symbolizes sorrow, anxiety, and hope.  Many Americans display this flag during September, while others display it year-round as a tribute to these veterans and their families.

Since 1982, the POW/MIA flag has flown below the American flag at the White House on every POW/MIA Recognition Day. In 1998, Congress mandated its display on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. When you see this flag, please pause, and take a moment to honor those still missing and their families.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, an agency within the U.S. Department of Defense, undertakes the difficult task of accounting for our missing military personnel from past wars. They never stop working to secure information on missing servicemen and women so that their families will have closure. The agency will remain dedicated to this mission until every individual is accounted for.

To honor National POW/MIA Recognition Day, consider checking with your local community, and attending recognition ceremonies or participating in veteran rallies and events. Another meaningful way to show your support is by visiting memorials dedicated to those who were Prisoners of War or are Missing in Action. Below are two such memorials.

There is a commemorative chair located in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. with an engraved inscription that reads:

“Let this empty chair serve as a memorial to those who served in the military of our great nation but have not returned home to us.

They are Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.

America will forever be grateful for your bravery and sacrifice in service to our nation. We will never forget.“

Another monument that was created for the Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action, specifically for the Vietnam War, is the Flame of Hope monument located in Virginia Beach, Va. Its flame burns continuously and will remain burning until all POW/MIAs return home. 

Remember, as we observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day, there are many ways to show your support. Let us commit to never forgetting the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women and honoring their legacy by upholding the freedoms for which they fought.

July is here, signifying the beginning of summer and all the activities we look forward to during these months.

Summer invites us to immerse ourselves in a variety of pastimes, from vacations and boating to visits to the beach and to county, state, or national parks. During summer, we spend more time outdoors enjoying live music and theater; camping; playing sports such as tennis, fishing, or swimming; or simply unwinding in our backyards. Summer provides a much-needed opportunity to recharge both body and mind, embracing the warmth and leisure this season brings.

One special day we eagerly anticipate each summer is the 4th of July, a time when family and friends gather to celebrate our nation’s independence with barbeques and firework displays.

Please remember that lighting fireworks without a valid permit is illegal in New Jersey. Even with a valid permit, fireworks should not be handled by children.

During this time of year, it is important to follow safety precautions to protect ourselves and our children.

During the summer, children enjoy outdoor activities such as riding their bikes or playing in the park. Ensuring proper hydration is crucial, especially during heat waves, as severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Additionally, it is important to apply sunscreen before children are exposed to the sun. 

Maintaining a healthy diet that includes hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables is beneficial for both children and adults during the summer months.

To keep cool, many of us enjoy visiting the pool or the beach. However, it’s important to remember that in the United States, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4. Therefore, it is essential to follow all water safety precautions at the beach, the pool, or any other body of water.

For backyard pools, ensure they are fenced in to prevent unsupervised access by children. If possible, install a pool alarm to alert you if anyone enters the pool area without permission.

As far as beach protocols are concerned, instruct your children to swim only where there are lifeguards and to always swim with others. Pay attention to the beach flags, which advise of any potential rip currents and other hazards. If your child does not know how to swim, they should wear a life jacket. 

It’s important to remind young adults that swimming after lifeguards have left for the day is extremely dangerous. We must emphasize that swimming without a lifeguard on duty can be deadly. 

During the summer, when children are out of school, you may want to find engaging activities for them, or activities that you can do together as a family. Middlesex County offers a variety of programs through its Office of Parks and Recreation such as “Plays-in-the-Park,” “Music-in-the-Park,” and theater programs like “Kids- and Teens-in-the-Park.” Detailed information about these programs can be found by visiting middlesexcountynj.gov and typing “parks and recreation” in the search bar.

This year, Middlesex County introduced a new pilot program offering free swimming lessons for county children ages 7 to 9 who were in second grade during the 2023-2024 school year. The goal is to provide young children with the water safety skills they need to stay safe. For more information, including the list of participating pools and how to register, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/swim.

I hope you all have a great summer and stay safe!