Think Pink: Learn About Breast Cancer

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Avon

A woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer every two minutes, making this disease the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S., other than skin cancer. In an effort to raise awareness and increase education about breast cancer, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Through research and advocacy, significant advances have been made in the fight against breast cancer, including an increase in five-year relative survival rates for localized breast cancer from 74 percent to 98 percent. Experts recommend that all women begin receiving annual breast examinations starting at age 20 and yearly mammograms for women over the age of 40. For those who have a strong family history of breast cancer, it is recommended you begin receiving breast health screenings 10 years from the earliest age of diagnosis.

Medicaid Expansion Passes

Photo: Julie Smyth, AP

ColumbusAfter GOP leaders in the state legislature failed to act to expand Medicaid, Governor Kasich and a statewide coalition of healthcare advocates sought alternative solutions. The seven-member State Controlling Board, a little-known panel which approves additional spending items for the state, voted to allow the use of over $2.5 billion of federal funds for Medicaid expansion, as outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The move will allow families earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level to be eligible for Medicaid, as well as childless adults. Overall, the expansion will provide coverage for an additional 275,000 Ohioans, including 26,000 veterans and 50,000 battling mental illness or addiction. Today is a great day for Ohio and all of those who call it home," Senator Turner said. "This vote ends a frustratingly long process of stalling by certain Republican legislators determined to block Medicaid expansion at all costs. While I would have been thrilled to cast a vote for this measure on the Senate floor, I am glad that the Controlling Board was able to accomplish what Republican leadership lacked the will to do. Ohios working poor need access to health insurance and medical care, and soon they will have it." Immediately following this approval, a lawsuit was filed to block the actions of the Controlling Board. Two anti-abortion rights groups and six Republican state lawmakers brought the suit in the Ohio Supreme Court, represented by the conservative 1851 Center for Constitutional Law.

Bill Would Honor Fallen Soldier

ColumbusSenator Turner recently offered Sponsor Testimony on a piece of legislation that would designate the portion of Interstate 271 in the City of Bedford Heights as the "Army Pvt. Brandon Sloan Memorial Highway." The section of road would serve as a somber reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by our women and men in uniform. Senate Bill 148, jointly sponsored by Senator Turner and Senator Patton (R-Strongsville), will serve as a small token of gratitude from the people of Ohio and a solemn act of thanks ten years after Pvt. Sloans death. As a member of the 507th Maintenance Company out of Fort Bliss, Texas, Brandons job was to keep the army movingfixing diesel tanker trucks, generators, and whatever else needed attention. He performed his duty with honor, skill, and pride until his supply convoy was ambushed near Nasiriya, Iraq on the night of March 23, 2003. The incident claimed Brandons 19-year-old life along with nine of his fellow soldiers. Naming this portion of highway through Bedford Heights will be a small memorial to his legacy of service and sacrifice.

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