October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Since 1985, individuals, businesses, and various communities have come together every October to show their support for those affected by breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be a time to reflect, give back, or even celebrate.

The added awareness and education that breast cancer awareness brings about has led to positive impact, so I wanted to share some ways we as a Community can continue to raise awareness and stay healthy:

• Get active! Find a breast cancer awareness walk near you! It's a great way to get active, while also supporting an important cause. If you are not ready to implement exercise, that's ok! Attend the walk and cheer on participants as a show your support. Click here to find a race or walk near you.
• Strong By donating, you can honor a survivor, loved one, or help those currently in need. Check out Breast Cancer Charities of America (BCCA) for a list of ways you can help women and men battling breast cancer.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices. Living a healthy lifestyle may lower your risk of breast cancer. As you’ve learned in Your LifeBook maintaining a healthy weight, consuming nutritional meals, and regularly exercising all matter when it comes to your overall health and risk of disease!

Let’s inspire each other, let’s spread the message and let’s strive to make change!

Ask me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach, about other ways you can give back and pay it forward as an OPTAVIA Client.

Achieving your health and wellness goals isn’t about making big, drastic lifestyle changes all at once. It’s about practicing small, healthy habits and integrating them into your daily life consistently over time.

As you continue your journey, consider these tips to help you create healthy habits that stick:

• Start small. Start with something attainable by breaking down your habits. For example, instead of taking the stairs in your office every day of the week, start at once or twice a week, and then add more days as you develop endurance.
• Be mindful. Being aware of why you make certain choices will provide you with a sound mindset, so you are able to continue implementing new changes. Having a positive mindset can improve your sense of wellbeing and your ability to function confidently in everyday life, primarily when a challenge arises.
• Be patient.Change does not happen overnight. If you find yourself breaking your new habit from time to time, be patient with yourself! Remember, it’s the overall journey to achieving optimal health and wellbeing that counts!
• Lean on me, your independent OPTAVIA Coach. I am always here to offer you encouragement, hold you accountable, and provide you with best practices while you are on your journey. Please partner with me so I can help you create these consistent behaviors to help you reach your health goals.

Remember, as your independent OPTAVIA Coach, I’m always here to provide more insight and support on your health journey! Let’s schedule some time to connect this week.

Unlimited Potential

Emma Jean decided to begin her health journey after many significant life changes. She was a new mom, soon to be married, and about to relocate. She noticed herself gradually slowing down and knew that it was time to actively improve her health. That is when she began her OPTAVIA journey.

"I got focused on my nutrition and saw dramatic changes." Since going on plan, Emma Jean has reached her weight loss goals^*. and is no longer limited by her weight.

"Not only do I feel better, but I have taken control of my life. I no longer feel like I am out of breath after hiking. My self-image and confidence have improved, as I have more energy to chase my toddler, all while becoming a better wife/mother.”

After reaching her fitness goals and becoming the best version of herself, Emma Jean decided to help others reach their health goals by becoming an independent OPTAVIA Coach. She now gets to continue improving her own health, while helping others do the same.

“Becoming an independent OPTAVIA Coach has added a new level of accountability and it also has made the process much more rewarding by helping others. I am so thankful that my own health journey is influencing others and helping to make a positive difference in the world.”