
Emily Featherston
Mayor Butch Zaragoza and the Vestavia Hills City Council issued a proclamation at Monday's meeting declaring September 2016 as Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month.
The proclamation follows a national and regional campaign to raise awareness for cervical, ovarian and other gynecological cancers.
A State of Teal, Alabama's GYN cancer awareness group, has been traveling around the state encouraging municipalities to bring the issue to their citizens.
Alice Laurendine and Ginny Bourland, representatives of A State of Teal and both GYN cancer survivors, spoke to the council and audience about the necessity of awareness about the disease.
Bourland said when she was diagnosed, she was given only a 30 percent chance of surviving the next five years – but that she has just made it to her five year mark.
"I consider myself very lucky, but it is crucial that we get the word out," she said.
Laurendine has been in remission for eight years, and considers herself fortunate because she originally ignored her symptoms.
There is currently no screening test available, but there are symptoms of GYN cancers that women should look for, the women said. Women should look for "BEAT" symptoms that last for two weeks or more: bloating, eating habit changes, abdominal discomfort and trouble or changes in urination.
More information about A State of Teal can be found at astateofteal.org.
Discussion on 2017 Budget Postponed
Zaragoza said that because of Tuesday's election, the council elected to postpone a vote on the upcoming year's budget until the next meeting on Sept. 12. On Aug. 29, the council will hold a work session at 6 p.m. to allow for any incoming council members to give their input on the budget.
Other Council Business Included:
- Zaragoza reminded the council and audience that municipal elections will take place Tuesday, Aug. 23. The four incumbents and Place-2 candidate Kim Benos were in attendance and recognized at the meeting.
- Nine ordinances were approved amending the city's building and construction codes to adhere to the 2014-2015 national and international codes.
- The council approved an alcohol license for Everyday Food Mart and Cafe, located at 3015 Columbiana Road.