September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian cancer is known as the “disease that whispers” because its symptoms are very hard to detect. Every year more than 2,600 women are diagnosed with the disease and 1,750 women die from it.

If caught in its early stages, the success rate for treatment is 90%, but to ensure the disease is detected early more awareness of the signs and symptoms is needed. In 2010, Canada’s Minister of Health urged women to learn about these symptoms (http://bit.ly/o4HLpy).

The challenge with this type of cancer, according to Ovarian Cancer Canada, is that the symptoms are “generally vague, non-specific and can be mistakenly attributed to other causes.” Common warning symptoms include:

• Swelling or bloating of the abdomen

• Pelvic discomfort or heaviness

• Back or abdominal pain

• Fatigue

• Gas, nausea, indigestion

• Change in bowel habits

• Frequent urination
• Menstrual irregularities
• Weight loss or weight gain

Ovarian Cancer Canada also notes that recent onset or severity in any of these symptoms warrants further diagnostic investigation. A Pap smear cannot detect ovarian cancer—a full pelvic exam is necessary.

The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, as most cases occur after menopause. There is increased risk in women who have not had children or never taken oral contraceptives. Women who have had breast or colon cancer or have a family history of those diseases are also at higher risk for developing ovarian cancer, as are women who are members of the Ashkenazi Jewish community.

To learn more about this disease, including more symptoms and tips for prevention, visit the Ovarian Cancer Canada website (http://www.ovariancanada.org/), and look for their sunflower fundraiser at grocery stores near you. (http://bit.ly/o1yhyx)

Mark Your Calendars for the Markham Fair!

Canada’s largest 4-day agricultural fair will be held this September 29 through October 2. The Markham Fair takes place at the Markham Fair grounds, located on the North East corner of McCowan Road and Elgin Mills Road (10801 McCowan Road).

The Markham Fair is one of Canada’s oldest country fairs. According to the fair’s website, “Since 1844 the fair has been providing the community with a showcase for talents and products in a friendly competitive spirit. With over 670 volunteers working on more than 70 committees, Markham Fair is the largest community based volunteer organization in Canada.”

There are lots of great events at the fair this year including:

• Monster trucks in the “largest outdoor monster madness show in 2011.”
• A truck and tractor pull.
• Horse shows.
• Video dance party.
• Teen talent show.
• A meet-and-greet with Dora the Explorer and Kai-lan.
• A demolition derby.
• A giant fireworks display.

In addition to the special events listed above, there is also ongoing entertainment from Silver Elvis, Madame Buskerfly, and Doug the Great. As always, there is lots of great stuff for kids, like Reptilia, face painting, elephant rides, pony rides, and the midway.

Last year 66,000 people visited the fair. It is a great time for the entire family. Great Lengths Hair Gallery will be at the fair, as we are every year, and we hope to see you there! To learn more about the fair, visit http://www.markhamfair.ca/fair.asp.

Back to School Deal—10% Off Kids’ Haircuts in September

What’s on your checklist for back to school? Paper, binders, pens, pencils, math sets, calculators and other school supplies, not to mention the new clothes required to accommodate the extra two inches most kids seem to put on over the summer.


With so much required to start the new school year, costs can add up in a hurry. That’s why we are offering a discount on kids’ haircuts for the entire month of September.

Bring your child to Great Lengths Hair Gallery this month and we’ll take 10% off the price of their haircut. Book your appointment now! This offer expires September 30.