Sue Richards' Blog

Sue Richards' Blog: Breast of Canada Calendar

2006-09-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2006
For Immediate Release
Guelph, Ontario

6Th Annual Breast of Canada Calendar Supports Breast Health

We can run, walk and paddle for the cure, but what can we do to help educate women about breast health and breast cancer prevention?

In the winter of 2001, social entrepreneur and artist Sue Richards googled the search term “breast health” after having a discussion on breast health issues with a girlfriend. Realizing her lack of knowledge, Richards wanted to learn more.

“Imagine my surprise and shock when nothing came up. Instead the prompt asked, ”Do you mean breast cancer?” says Richards.

After further research, Richards determined that there were very few resources available for the eight out of nine women who did not have breast cancer. She decided to fill that void with her own unique twist on the nude calendar idea made popular by The Women of Rylston in Great Britain. The breast health and breast cancer prevention calendar Breast of Canada was born.

By including editorial content on subjects ranging from how negative body image can impact breast health, hormone replacement therapy, breastfeeding and the safety of beauty care products, the calendar reads like a proactive breast owner’s manual. Sepia toned, fine art images of topfree, volunteer models grace the pages. Breast-related trivia, original haiku’s, quotes, breast self-examination instructions and a plethora of dates round out the effort.

An annual photo contest delivers images to Richards’ inbox from across the country. The shared creative vision of the photo contest gives women the opportunity to directly bring ideas of breast health to other women, using photography as the medium.

After six years of publication, the Breast of Canada calendar has not proven to be a strong fundraiser, but is clearly an excellent educational tool. As proof of the calendar’s value, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network has remained steady, strong and supportive of this grassroots initiative for the past five years.

“Last year, close to 2,500 calendars were purchased. If each one is put up on the wall for the year, the owner, their friends, family, co-workers and clients will have a chance to be introduced to its educational message. That’s got to be worth something,” claims Richards.

The 2007 Breast of Canada calendar is now available in select stores and on-line at www.breastofcanada.com.

For Interviews:
Breast of Canada: Sue Richards (519) 767-0142
Canadian Breast Cancer Network: Jackie Manthorne (800)-685-8820

Website: Breast of Canada
Blog: Calendar Girl
Flickr: Calendar Covers 2002 -2007

Coming Up:
6th Annual Breast of Canada Launch and Art Auction
Date and Time: Friday September 29, 2006, 8pm.
Location: The Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan Street, Guelph
Admission: $5.00

Tags: , Blog Guelph middle of normal, Sue Richards Blog

Sue Richards' Blog: Summer Yummy

2006-08-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

These are my popcycle galpals.

Sue Richards

Tags: , Blog Guelph middle of normal, Sue Richards Blog

Guelph, Calendars and Menopausal musings also on the menu.

Sue Richards Blog: BlogHer 2006

2006-08-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

I just returned from San Jose, California and the second annual BlogHer conference.

Good Times.

Sue Richards

Tags: , Blog Guelph middle of normal, Sue Richards Blog

Stop by here and here for more BlogHer bites. Go here if you want to see great photos.

Sue Richards' Blog: My Dream Last Night

2006-05-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

Find more Pirate ideas here.

Sue Richards Blog: Media Release

2006-05-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

Guelph, Ontario Canada (PRWEB) May 10, 2006 -- When the Women’s Health Initiative Study of Hormone Replacement Therapy was halted on July 9th, 2002 after discovering that risks greatly outweighed the benefits, the more than 6 million women taking the drug at the time were left without safe, alternative menopause relief.

Almost 4 years later, the news is still the same.

By 2026, it is estimated that women over the age of 50 will make up 22 per cent of the North American population and be entering some stage of menopause. Writer Sue Richards is one of those women.

Bothered by the lack of alternative information and support, Richards started researching menopause relief. Besides finding a plethora of suggestions, she also found a community of women who like herself did not want to medicate their menopause.

Buoyed by the interest, Richards decided to compile her knowledge in the form of a blog. My Menopause Blog was launched in early February becoming one of the only full-time menopause blogs in the blogosphere written by a menopausal woman.

Richards’ three-month blog experiment has proven one thing for sure. Support by way of her daily posts is a form of relief women love. To date, over 6000 readers have enjoyed My Menopause Blog. Unlike the HRT study, the reported side effects are not considered dangerous and include laughter, induced reflection and increased understanding.

With Mother’s Day looming on Sunday May 14th Richards is hoping to encourage computer savvy kids to introduce their hormonally challenged mothers to some safe, drug free on-line menopause support by way of.

Featuring simple to use post categories for easy information retrieval, Richards offers daily posts, recommends several book titles and links to other menopausal bloggers in her blogroll. Wired sons and daughters can help their menopausal mom navigate the blogosphere and pick up a few tips about menopause management at the same time.

According to Richards, that means everyone wins.

Richards concludes, "With 22% of the female population entering some stage of menopause, your mom may not be the only woman in your life who's flashing."

Links: www.mymenopauseblog.com
www.breastofcanada.com
Phone: 519 767-0142

Sue Richards Blog: Change

2006-04-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

If you knew that you would die today
If you saw the face of God and love
Would you change?
Would you change?
If you knew that love can't break your heart
When you're down so low you cannot fall
Would you change, would you change?
©2003 Tracy Chapman

My question is, aren't we always changing?

Sue Richards

Tags: , middle of normal, Sue Richards Blog

Sue Richards' Blog: Middle of Normal

2006-04-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

I've changed my mind. I'd prefer the middle of normal. It's likely bigger. And there is only one way to spell it.

Sue Richards

Tags: Calendar Girl Blog, Calendar Girl Blog, My Menopause Blog, Blog Guelph, Breast of Canada Calendar, Blog Guelph, middle of normal, Sue Richards Blog

Sue Richards' Blog: Center of Normal

2006-04-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Unlike a man, I will ask for directions. Where is the Center of Normal?

Sue Richards

Tags: Calendar Girl Blog, My Menopause Blog, Blog Guelph, The Breast Views Blog, Breast of Canada Calendar, , Blog Guelph, Sue Richards, The Breast Views Blog, Center of Normal, Sue Richards Blog My Menopause Blog.

Sue Richards' Blog: Ads on Blogs

2006-04-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Did you know that by checking out the advertisers listed on any blog or website, you're helping the owner of that site pay expenses and maybe even earn a living?

All you have to do is click through the ads to see if what is being offered is of interest to you. No purchase necessary...unless of course the service or item is 'just what you've been looking for'.

When it comes to the daily blogger, dishing up info or weaving a story that helps readers out, the advertising revenue can mean the difference between keeping a site up and letting it languish or worse, be removed.

In the meantime, should you or someone you know be menopausal, please...with sugar and strawberries on top..... send them the link to My Menopause Blog. Especially if the someone is your mother....Believe me, everyone will win.

Sue Richards

Tags: Calendar Girl Blog, Calendar Girl Blog, My Menopause Blog, Blog Guelph, The Breast Views Blog, Breast of Canada Calendar, Blog, Blog Guelph, Sue Richards, The Breast Views Blog, My Menopause Blog.

Sue Richards' Blog: My Blogs and Sites

2006-04-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

My Menopause Blog

Blog Guelph

Calendar Girl Blog

The Breast Views Blog

Breast of Canada Calendar

Tags: Calendar Girl Blog, Calendar Girl Blog, My Menopause Blog, Blog Guelph, The Breast Views Blog, Breast of Canada Calendar, Blog, Blog Guelph, Sue Richards, The Breast Views Blog, My Menopause Blog.