Mercy Health supports ‘Turn the Towns Teal’ campaign

        Once again, teal ribbons are fluttering throughout the region to raise awareness for ovarian cancer – a disease that impacts nearly 20,000 new women each year.
        With the goal of promoting awareness of ovarian cancer and its often-subtle symptoms, Mercy Health has partnered with the Ovarian Cancer Connection as a key sponsor of the Turn the Towns Teal® campaign. Turn The Towns Teal occurs each year during September in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
        Turn the Towns Teal is a national campaign represented in all 50 states with the mission of raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Knowing the symptoms and risk factors of the cancer can lead to early detection with a 90-95% success rate. Although the primary mission is to raise awareness to the symptoms of ovarian cancer, the national campaign also promotes support for survivors.
        Potential symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
        • Bloating
        • Pelvic or abdominal pain/discomfort
        • Persistent gastrointestinal upsets
        • Difficulty eating or bloating quickly
        • Urinary symptoms (frequent or urgent)
        • Unexplained changes in bowel habits
        • Unexplained weight gain or loss
        • Ongoing usual fatigue
        • Back pain
        • Menstrual changes
        • Pain during intimacy
        If any symptom persists for 10 days to two weeks, consult your gynecologist or physician.    
        Risk factors to ovarian cancer may include genetic predisposition, family history, hormone replacement therapy, increasing age or reproductive history and infertility.
        To learn more about the OCC, visit ovarianconnection.org. For more information on ovarian cancer or gynecological specialists, visit mercy.com.
        Ovarian Cancer Walk set
        The 20th annual Ellen Jackson Ovarian Cancer Walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, at Buckeye Broadband, 2700 Oregon Rd., Northwood.
        The event is a celebration of the resilience and strength of those who are currently fighting or have fought ovarian cancer, and a remembrance of those who have lost their battles.
        All proceeds raised from the event will stay local to benefit those in the local community.
The schedule includes:
        • 8 a.m.: Registration begins.
        • 9:15 a.m.: Survivor picture.
        • 9:30 a.m.: Opening ceremonies begin.
        • 10:15 a.m.: Walk commences.
        Several food trucks will be on hand before and during the walk. The event will also a basket raffle, Chuck a Duck and more. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for survivors, $15 for ages 6-15 and $5 for children 5 and younger.
        Donations and volunteers to help with setup/tear down, gift baskets, check-in, etc. are welcome.
        Learn more at ovarianconnection.org.