Go anywhere throughout the month of October, and you are likely to catch a glimpse of pink. It’s on pro football players’ jerseys, in the M&M’s mix, and tinting our local newspaper. It’s racing down the streets in small towns and big cities across America in annual 5K races. It’s even around the President’s wrist in the final presidential debate.

All you lovers of pink can thank Nancy G. Brinker, a lady who made a promise to her dying sister Susan, for this month’s “pinkness.” She promised that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. That was in 1982. Today her promise has transformed into the global breast cancer movement known as Susan G. Komen for the Cure�.

According to statistics provided by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 125 of every 100,000 women will face this harrowing disease in their lifetime. Chances are that you’ve either personally dealt with or have a close loved one who has faced breast cancer. Although it’s never an easy road, isn’t there a small amount of comfort knowing you’re not alone in your fight?

In many ways NCHPAD provides a similar network of community for individuals facing a spectrum of disabilities and conditions. On our website and social media platforms, you’ll find valuable research, opportunities to connect, and exercise tutorials. A great deal of the information is even categorized by disability so that you are able to connect with people who struggle with the same issues and can learn how to live the most healthy, happy life possible. Each month we deliver this NCHPAD newsletter intended to provide you with current trends in health promotion, adaptive sports and research as well as seasonal content valuable for your everyday life.

In this month’s newsletter, our Training Corner writer Allison Hoit demonstrates a total body workout with nothing more than a few pumpkins. Carleton Rivers shares how to cook with seasonal ingredients in the Nutrition Spotlight while Carol Kutik opens our eyes to outdoor fall fitness opportunities for the entire family in the FITT Column. Finally you’ll find interesting commentary on the 2012 London Paralympic Games in this month’s Director’s Column and From the Information Specialist’s Desk. As always, please feel free to send comments, personal stories and inquiries to me at lauraw@lakeshore.org.