October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This season Jewels International Ladies Association took another step towards women health and awareness with a moto “No one dies of breast cancer alone”. On 22nd October, at the park behind C7-C8 stairs, from 11am to 12:30 noon, Jewels International Ladies Association held a Breast Cancer Awareness Yoga Event. Titled Mind Over Mat(TER), the event aimed to raise awareness about global burden of breast cancer, risk factors for developing breast cancer and initiatives to prevent breast cancer. A total of 60 ladies attended the event eager to learn more about breast cancer. The guest speaker (Hiba Mark) gave a detailed explanation of breast cancer prevention and treatment. During the discussion, the fundamental and basic information regarding risk factors, prevention methods and prognostics of breast cancer were delivered to the participants. Personal stories were shared, myths were busted, and an overall healthy discussion took place while enjoying a peaceful environment. She encouraged all participants to take appropriate precautions and provide appropriate care to their health and wellness.

After the discussion the yoga instructor (Mwansa Chambalile) led all participants through a yoga session aiming to increase their energy, improve mood and reduce stress. She made this exercise more interesting and self-reflecting by adding small activities to it. It was an amazing experience as students enjoyed the beauty of autumn in the process. At the end, all participants were tasked to recommit to the ending of cancer, to honor those we have lost, offer strength to those who continue to live with breast cancer and to work hard to protect the health of future generations. To finish the event, a group picture of ladies wearing their wrist bands which said "FIGHT LIKE A GIRL” as a symbol of fighting together against breast cancer was taken. It was indeed a successful event.

(OEC)