Pink treadmill for heroes, not sissies

I have a love/hate relationship with the treadmill in my life. I love the progress I log every time I step off after a successful run and I enjoy the trimming it provides my waistline. But, like most people who aren't in love with running,I hate the work.

Exygon Health & Fitness is offering a little incentive, however, for non-runners like me.

For every mile logged on Exygon's pink treadmill this month, treadmill manufacturer, Cybex International Inc., will donate 10 cents to support breast cancer research. Exygon will also donate $5 to the Julie Roger's "Gift of Life" program for each new member who joins during the month of October, according to a news release issued by Exygon.

Exygon Health & Fitness is located at 6450 Phelan Blvd. For details, call (409) 866-2582.

Buy designer shoes, save a life

It is better to give than to receive. But this month, you can do both!

QVC and the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) will broadcast “FFANY Shoes on Sale,” a charitable shoe sale to benefit breast cancer research and education.

Look for 100,000 pairs of discount, brand name shoes from 7-10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 on QVC.

Nine West Footwear Corporation and the Brown Shoe Company, the event’s benefactors, are donating nearly 20,000 pairs each, bringing shoe shoppers brands like Enzo Angiolini, Bandolino and AK Anne Klein as well as Via Spiga, Etienne Aigner and Carlos by Carlos Santana, according to a news release issued by QVC. Other companies donating shoes include MICHAEL by Michael Kors, Coach Footwear, Cape Clogs, Calvin Klein, UGG Australia, New York Transit, Jessica Simpson, Dr. Martens and Birkenstock.

For the past 15 years, QVC Presents “FFANY Shoes on Sale” has sold more than one million pairs of shoes and has donated more than $30 million to the cause, the release said.

If you can't watch the show, pick up the “Shoe of the Day,” offered each weekday throughout the month of October on QVC from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. A collection of shoes will also be available online, at QVC.com throughout the month.

'Save Money. Save Lives'

“Yeah, she’s still at M.D. Anderson. They told her breast cancer like hers often spreads to the bones and even the brain.”

It was a quick exchange I heard between two women last week in a gym locker room. One woman was describing the horrific fate of her sister-in-law to another.

It was not my intent to eavesdrop. But, I am glad I did. At 27, I still feel somewhat invincible and I needed this sobering reminder.

Leaving the gym, I contacted my personal doctor and set-up an appointment for a long overdue annual physical. My appointment is Oct. 1, the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage every woman who needs to get their yearly check-up to make an appointment this month. You can also mark the month by supporting local breast cancer awareness campaigns:

• Get the Pink Shopping Card.
  The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” program is offering 12 days of discount shopping that will “Save Money. Save Lives.”
  The Pink Shopping Card — available at Central Mall, H-E-B, Kroger, Market Basket, Mobiloil Federal Credit Unions, Munro’s Dry Cleaning and Parkdale Mall — is $50 and good Oct. 22 through Nov. 2 at 650 Southeast Texas stores.
  The card, which is tax deductible, guarantees shoppers 20 percent off savings at participating locations.
  Proceeds will benefit “Gift of Life,” which provides free mammograms for medically underserved Southeast Texas women.
  For more details, call (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.
  


• Adopt Biscuit
  Beginning Oct. 1, Dressbarn shoppers can adopt Biscuit, a stuffed plush dog, for $5, according to a news release issued by the company.
  For each Biscuit customers take home, Dressbarn will give $2 to the American Cancer Society to “support local and national breast cancer initiatives,” the release said.
  Dressbarn is located at 4015 Dowlen Road in Beaumont.
  


• Share your wealth of knowledge.
  If you know of other businesses offering campaigns to fight breast cancer, let me know by commenting on this posting.
  Most importantly, encourage the women in your life to get annual breast cancer screenings.