October is the month in which we celebrate World Mental Health Day, as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Continue reading to learn more about how our resources can help you remain physically and mentally strong.
World Mental Health Day: Tuesday, October 10
World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for people and communities to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health.
Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. But according to the World Health Organization, one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods.
At BAE Systems, we recognize that one day is not sufficient when it comes to honoring your mental health. If you’re struggling with your mental health, or have a colleague or member of your household who is, here are some complimentary resources – available through the Confide/EAP – that can help.
Wellness Webcasts
Topics include mental health awareness; emotional, physical, and financial health; and well-being tips. Register for upcoming live broadcasts, or access available replays and handouts. All live broadcasts are one hour from 2 to 3 p.m. ET on Wednesdays on the dates below:
- Managers: Compassionate Leadership (October 18)
- Giving to Yourself: For Caregivers (November 1)
There are several Wellness Webcast replays related to mental health that are available anytime, including:
- Finding Your Resilience After a Disaster
- Family Life: The Juggling Act
- Stress Less: Mind and Body Strategies
Behavioral awareness seminars
Click on the links below to register for October’s seminars or to access replays and handouts. All live broadcasts are one hour and take place on the dates listed below at 1 p.m. ET.
| Date and Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| October 12 Autism | Understanding Sensory Processing and Regulation |
| October 18 Substance Use | NA Program as a Means to Find Recovery From Drug Addiction |
| October 19 Children and Families Mental Health | Behavioral Challenges and Executive Functions |
| October 24 Eating Disorders | Act Now, Not Later: Challenging Appearance Ideals and Shifting Your Relationship With Your Body |
Mindfulness files and guided meditations
These mindfulness resources are available anytime:
Learn more about all that the Confide/EAP has to offer by exploring this guide.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime?1 While you can’t usually prevent cancer, it is important to be proactive about your health. If you’re a woman who is age 40 or older, it’s recommended that you get a mammogram (X-rays of the breast) as part of your annual physical. This counts as preventive care and is covered 100% if you have a Cigna medical plan through BAE Systems.2
Who should get a mammogram?
Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with a mammogram if they wish to do so. Women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women age 55 and older should switch to mammograms every two years, or they can continue yearly screenings, depending on family and personal medical history.
What does a mammogram detect?
Regular mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most successful. The X-ray images often make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt, as well as breast changes that could be cancer years before physical symptoms develop.
Is there anything I can do to lower my chances of getting breast cancer?
It’s never too late to adopt healthy habits, and even seemingly minor lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of breast cancer. Research shows that lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of breast cancer, even in women at high risk. To lower your risk, try limiting your alcohol intake, staying at a healthy weight, and incorporating regular physical activity (yes, walking counts!) into your daily routine.
Someone I love was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Are there any resources available to help me cope with the news and stay strong for my loved ones?
If you or someone you love is struggling to cope with a cancer diagnosis, the Confide/EAP offers 24/7 assistance, resources, and on-demand webcasts to all employees and their families. Call 1-800-591-9339 to connect with a licensed professional today, or explore the resources offered in this guide.
1The National Breast Cancer Foundation
2If your screening mammogram presents anything out of the ordinary, your doctor will order a diagnostic mammogram, and you could end up with medical charges. Talk to your doctor before your exam, and ask them to let you know if your preventive exam becomes a diagnostic exam. If your doctor needs to order a diagnostic exam, ask to speak to someone at the office about charges or additional expenses.