October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Come to Inova Fairfax Hospital’s 7th Annual Breast Health Education Day on October 16 from 7:30 am until 2:30 pm in the Atrium of the hospital. Over 400 people attended this big event last year! Talk to nurses, therapists, nutritionists and survivors. Look at mammogram and MRI films. Learn how to do breast self-exams. Let pathologists show you breast cancer cells through a microscope. Meet Life with Cancer staff and learn how they can help you. Bring friends and family. Just look for the pink and learn how to save a life. There will be door prizes and refreshments. No registration is required, and there is no fee for attending. For information, call Deborah Cook, RN.

October is also Substance Abuse Awareness Month. At some time, most people seek a cushion from the stress and grief of life. However, when alcohol and other addictive substances are used at the level of abuse, it becomes a health issue of huge proportions.

About three in ten adults in the U.S. drink at levels that increase their risk for physical, mental, and social problems. Of these, about one in four suffers from alcohol abuse or dependence. Heavy drinkers have a greater risk of high blood pressure, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, sleep disorders, major depression, stroke, liver failure, and several cancers.

The INOVA Bloodmobile will be at the Country Fair from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm. Forty-one donors are needed. Please take the time to give the Gift of Life. Call or email Carol Heddleston for an appointment, cheddleston@comcast.net.

INOVA will be at Pohick to give flu shots on November 11 from 8:30 am until 10:30 am.

here will be FREE mental Wellness Screenings offered on October 11 from 12:30 until 7:30 pm at the Teen Center at the South County Government Center located at 8350 Richmond Hwy.