Boxing and dance moves at a barre workout, showcased by Durandt Boxing and Fitness and Pilates Guru Studio respectively, wowed audiences at Linksfield Terrace, Linksfield on October 2.
This formed part of an initiative organised by Breast For Life and Heroes 4 Heroes.
The active, colourful display was held as part of Breast For Life’s breast cancer awareness drive, aimed at encouraging women to go for mammograms at the Breast For Life facility, opposite Netcare Rosebank Hospital.
A further aim was to inform women that powerful choices could make all the difference when it comes to cancer prevention and treatment. Such power decisions could mean choosing to exercise, to lower one’s risk of cancer, and choosing to go for a screening mammogram, as early detection increased one’s chances of successful treatment.
No-one was happier about the turnout at the event than Siobhan Incendiario, practice manager for Breast For Life, who said the Covid-19 pandemic had affected the number of people going for screening mammograms.
“Our patients have been more apprehensive to come to the Breast For Life offices this past year,” said Incendiario. “Some have cut back on medical aid costs because of tough economic conditions caused by the pandemic, and haven’t had the finances to afford a screening test. Others have been wary of catching the virus, and have chosen not to come.”
She said part of Saturday’s aim had been to encourage women to return to the Breast For Life offices, which were both sanitised and ‘safe’, and offered affordable mammogram rates (R950, reduced from R1 600) for the full month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Most who talked with us were surprised that mammograms were important for women over the age of 40, who were at higher risk than younger women. Mammograms allow for early detection and successful treatment.”
She explained that Demi Kaplan of Heroes4Heroes had joined in with the other organisations and that it had been her idea to showcase the different kinds of exercise.
Boxing gloves and stunning barre poses (a workout technique inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and pilates) helped to drive the message home – boxer or ballerina, every woman can make powerful choices to live an abundant life.
For more information on mammograms and to book an appointment visit www.breastforlife.co.za
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