WOMEN'S HEALTH

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Every October, the world turns pink. But awareness only helps if it leads to action. So here’s a plain-language guide to what’s worth knowing, and one small thing you can do this month.

The numbers, simply

About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That number can feel scary. The good news is that when breast cancer is found early, treatment options are often better. That’s why screening matters.

What do the guidelines say about screening?

Guidelines vary a little by organization, so this is a good conversation to have with your doctor.

  • Many major medical groups recommend women start mammograms at age 40.
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years from ages 40 to 74.
  • The American Cancer Society says women 40 to 44 can choose to start yearly screening, and recommends regular screening starting at 45.
  • If you have a family history or other risk factors, your doctor may suggest starting earlier or adding other tests.

Know your normal

You know your body best. Get familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel, so you notice changes. Things worth mentioning to your doctor include:

  • A new lump or thickening
  • Changes in size or shape
  • Skin changes like dimpling or redness
  • Nipple changes or discharge
  • Ongoing pain in one spot

Most changes turn out not to be cancer. But it’s always okay to get something checked.

What Impact does and doesn’t do

We want to be clear and honest. Chiropractic care does not screen for, diagnose, or treat breast cancer. Your primary care provider, OB-GYN, and imaging center are the right team for that.

What we can do is support you as a whole person. If you’re going through treatment or recovery, we’re happy to coordinate with your oncology team and make sure any care we provide is safe and appropriate for where you are.

One small step this month

  • Book your mammogram if you’re due
  • Do a quick self-check and learn your normal
  • Ask a family member about your family health history
  • Text a friend and encourage her to schedule hers

You don’t have to do all four. Pick one.

This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about the screening plan that’s right for you.

Endometriosis: Looking Beyond the Symptoms

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For many women, endometriosis isn’t something that only shows up once a month.

It can affect workouts, workdays, relationships, sleep, energy, and the ability to simply feel comfortable in your own body.

And because every person’s experience with endometriosis is different, support shouldn’t feel one-size-fits-all either.

At Impact Chiropractic, we believe there is value in looking at the whole person—not simply one symptom.

💙 Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may include pelvic pain, painful periods, discomfort during or after sex, digestive symptoms, and fertility challenges.

For some women, symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life.

That’s also why having the right healthcare team matters. Medical evaluation and treatment should remain an important part of managing endometriosis, while supportive approaches may have a role alongside that care.

The Pelvic Floor + The Bigger Picture

When you’re living with ongoing pelvic discomfort, it’s easy to focus exclusively on where it hurts.

But the body doesn’t operate in isolated pieces.

Movement, muscle tension, the pelvic floor, stress, sleep, and the nervous system can all be part of the broader conversation about how you’re feeling and functioning.

That’s one reason we love collaborating with other providers, including pelvic floor physical therapists, to help patients build a well-rounded support team.

What About SoftWave?

SoftWave Therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate a biological response in targeted tissues.

Research into extracorporeal shockwave therapies for pelvic pain and endometriosis-related symptoms is still developing, which is why we don’t view SoftWave as a treatment or cure for endometriosis itself.

Instead, our team evaluates each person individually to determine whether SoftWave may be an appropriate supportive option based on their specific needs and goals.

You Deserve to Feel Heard

One of the most important parts of navigating a condition like endometriosis is having providers who listen.

Your experience matters.

Your goals matter.

And you deserve to be part of the conversation about your health.

If you’re curious about SoftWave Therapy at Impact Chiropractic, visit our SoftWave landing page to learn more about how it works and whether an evaluation may be right for you.

Learn More About SoftWave Therapy →

References

World Health Organization. Endometriosis
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Endometriosis
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri

Why Stretching Isn’t Always Enough

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We’ve all been there.

You stretch your neck.

Roll your shoulders.

Maybe even book a massage.

It feels better…for a little while.

Then a day or two later, the tension is right back where it started.

While tight muscles certainly play a role, they’re not always the root cause.

Our muscles often respond to what’s happening underneath them—including how we’re moving, our posture throughout the day, and how our nervous system is responding to stress.

That’s why many people find temporary relief but struggle to experience lasting change.

At Impact Chiropractic, we take a deeper look at how your spine, joints, and nervous system are functioning to better understand what’s contributing to recurring tension and discomfort.

For some patients, SoftWave Therapy can also be a helpful tool to support healing, improve circulation, and encourage recovery in stubborn areas of pain.

The goal isn’t simply to chase symptoms—it’s to better understand why they keep returning.

If neck tension has become part of your normal, it may be worth looking a little deeper.

Free & Family-Friendly Summer Activities Around South Denver & Cherry Hills Village

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One of the best parts about summer in South Denver and Cherry Hills Village is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great day.

The area offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Colorado’s sunshine, stay active, and spend quality time together.

Some local favorites include:

  • Cherry Creek State Park
  • High Line Canal Trail
  • Denver Botanic Gardens free community days
  • Local farmers markets
  • Community concerts and outdoor events
  • Neighborhood parks and open spaces

For current events and seasonal activities, visit:

https://www.denver.org/events

https://www.cherryhillsvillage.com

One of the biggest benefits of living in the Denver metro area is having easy access to outdoor recreation and community events throughout the summer.

Whether you’re spending the day biking, walking, exploring local markets, or attending a community event, there are countless ways to enjoy the season without overcomplicating your plans.

The best summer memories often come from simple experiences: time outside, time together, and opportunities to enjoy everything the community has to offer.

As temperatures rise and schedules become busier, don’t forget to prioritize recovery, hydration, and rest so you can make the most of Colorado’s summer season.

Why More Colorado Families Are Prioritizing Nervous System Health

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Health conversations have changed dramatically over the last few years.

More parents are looking beyond simply reacting to symptoms and are focusing on how their families function, adapt, and thrive.

One area receiving increased attention is nervous system health.

Your nervous system helps regulate:

  • sleep
  • focus
  • mood
  • digestion
  • movement
  • stress response

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the nervous system controls and coordinates nearly every activity in the body.

Source:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders

When the nervous system isn’t functioning efficiently, it can affect how both children and adults experience everyday life.

This shift is one reason more families across Fort Collins, Golden, Cherry Hills Village, and the Denver area are exploring proactive approaches to health and wellness.

Many families are prioritizing:

  • quality sleep
  • outdoor activity
  • healthy routines
  • stress management
  • nervous system support

While every family is different, one thing remains consistent: healthy habits built early often create lasting benefits over time.

If you’re interested in helping your family function at its highest potential, understanding nervous system health is a great place to start.

Your Summer Guide to Golden, Colorado: Trails, Events & Outdoor Adventures

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Golden is one of Colorado’s most popular summer destinations—and for good reason.

Located just west of Denver, Golden combines outdoor adventure, local history, and small-town charm.

Popular summer activities include:

  • exploring Clear Creek
  • hiking North Table Mountain
  • visiting downtown Golden
  • biking local trails
  • enjoying outdoor dining and community events

For visitors and residents alike, Golden offers easy access to both nature and city amenities.

Current events and activities can be found here:
https://www.visitgolden.com/events/

One of the biggest advantages of living in or visiting Golden is the ability to stay active without needing to travel far.

Whether you’re spending the day on the trails, enjoying time near the creek, or exploring local businesses, there’s always something happening during the summer months.

As activity levels increase, many people also focus on mobility, recovery, and injury prevention so they can continue enjoying everything the season has to offer.

Golden continues to be one of Colorado’s most enjoyable places to spend a summer weekend.