Healthy Fall Foods 
Take a trip to the grocery store or farmer's market to pick up these in season (and healthy) items:

• Apples are low in calories, high in fiber, have no cholesterol and give your body many important nutrients. For a treat, bake an apple topped with a bit of brown sugar and fiber-rich oats.
• Pecans are a great topper to any salad or as a quick snack on their own. Keep in mind that although nuts are good for you, portion control is key.
• Pumpkins are not just for jack-o-lanterns. Choose a smaller pumpkin made for cooking. Peel, cut and roast in the oven with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. You can also toast the seeds for a healthy snack or a great addition to a salad.
• Cranberries are a fall and winter favorite and full of antioxidants. Skip the canned version and buy fresh.
• Butternut Squash is high in fiber and low in fat. Once cooked, mash and purée it for soup or stir it into pasta. 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States. However, new technologies and medical advancements have increased survival rates. In fact, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the U.S.!

Screenings:

• Breast Self-Exam: Self-exams should be done monthly in your bathroom or shower. For more information on how to perform a self exam, click here.
• Clinical Breast Exam (CBE): This physical exam is done by a healthcare provider. According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a CBE can be helpful in finding tumors in women under age 40. However, a CBE is not a substitute for mammograms in women 40 and older.
• Mammogram: Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early. Although guidelines vary about when to begin having mammograms and how often to have them, women should always consult with their physician about their specific risk factors, such as family history. According to the American Cancer Society, women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year.

Risk Factors:
Some common risk factors for breast cancer according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) include:

• Age
• Family history of breast cancer
• Being overweight
• Using birth control pills
• Drinking alcohol (more than one drink a day)
• Not getting regular exercise

Free Breast Cancer Awareness Event!
In recognition of October's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Nix Health Foundation is hosting a free educational event on Wednesday, October 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Nix Primary Care Center-West (700 S. Zarzamora) to remind all local women about the importance of regular and consistent breast self-exams and mammograms.

All attendees will receive a free clinical breast exam from Nix physicians and breast surgeon Kathryn Wagner, M.D.* will discuss basic breast care. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, please call (210) 579-3157.
 
*Physicians are independent practitioners and active members of Nix Health medical staff.
 
 
Support Group 
Who can come?
-Anyone interested in learning about or having weight loss surgery
-Patients of South Texas Surgeons, P.A.
-Supporters of someone who is interested in or already had weight loss surgery

When are the monthly meetings?
3rd Thursday of every month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where are the monthly meetings?
Nix Medical Center
500 Navarro St.
Walgreen's Building, 2nd Floor - Classroom A & B