PULSE LOVELY GESTURES USING COUTURE TO RAISE MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR CAUSES IS MORE THAN JUST FASHIONABLE.

Byline: - Barbara De Witt 

October has become one of the busiest months for health awareness, from lupus to domestic violence, but it's best-known as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Among its many awareness and research fund-raising projects is the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Komen Race for the Cure series that will be held locally on Nov. 4 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. To sign up, call [phone] or log onto www.lackomenrace.org.

This year Ford is not only the exclusive automotive sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure, but it has also partnered with Italian fashion designer Leonello Borghi to design a cotton bandanna to be given to race participants, with a snazzy silk version to be sold at Macy's throughout October.

Ford has also worked with author and breast cancer survivor Jennie Nash to promote her book ``The Victoria's Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming and Other Lessons I Learned From Breast Cancer''(Scribner; $20).

Celebrities are also doing their part for breast cancer awareness.

On Tuesday, Ann Jillian will tell her survival story at the Burbank Hilton (2500 Hollywood Way) from 7 to 9 p.m. She will be joined by several physicians from Providence Holy Cross and Providence St. Joseph medical centers, sponsors of the free lecture. Reservations are required, so call [phone] or register online at www.providence.org/losangeles.

On Oct. 29, stars such as Camryn Manheim of ABC's ``The Practice'' and Frankie Muniz of Fox's ``Malcolm in the Middle'' will be shooting hoops in the Sears WNBA Breast Health Awareness Celebrity Game in Santa Monica. The event will be held at 8 p.m. at Crossroads High School, and proceeds will benefit National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at wnba.com and Ticketmaster outlets.

Saks Fifth Avenue zeroed in on the disease with its Fashion Targets Breast Cancer shopping weekend, which has raised $5 million to date. Among the items Saks and the Council of Fashion Designers of America are offering as fund-raisers are a cotton top with a target on the sleeve for $25 and a Burberry striped scarf for $75 at Saks stores and its outlets. There's also a charity auction event now through Oct. 30 that includes a Judith Leiber minaudiere, but you can see everything and place your bid at www.saks.com.

ONLY SKIN DEEP: A century ago, most people relied on local remedies and common sense to take care of small cuts, scratches and fungal infections such as ringworm. Some didn't work, but many did, and you'll find them - as well as many new ideas - in Dr. Jeanette Jacknin's new book ``Smart Medicine for Your Skin'' (Avery; $16.95). The author, who is a board-certified dermatologist, says avoiding sugary, yeasty foods, as well as coffee, cola, tea and chocolate, will increase the alkalinity of the skin, so you'll be less likely to get infections. For more tips, check out ``Mary Lee's Natural Health and Beauty'' (Tarcher/Putnam; $23.95) by Mary Lee Patton, the creator of Earth Tribe essential oils. In her small, recipe-laden guide, Patton shares secrets from her American Indian-influenced upbringing, including the use of lavender and aloe vera for healing burns.

- B.D.

LOVE IS NOT ABUSE

Nearly 80 percent of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser, and of the women ages 15-19 who are murdered each year, 30 percent are killed by their husband or boyfriend.

Abuse needs to be talked about, yet 54 percent of American families admit they have not spoken to their child about dating violence, according to a survey commissioned by the Empower Program sponsored by Liz Claiborne Inc. To get the word out during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Liz Claiborne has launched the Women's Work program that includes a variety of employee outreach programs, free handbooks, shopping days to raise money for local programs and a collection of ``Love Is Not Abuse'' accessories to raise money for the Family Violence Prevention Fund.

This year the hot tickets are a sterling silver bead necklace with the campaign message, priced at $14, and a white cotton shirt that has ``relationship violence. break the silence. be part of the solution'' emblazoned on the back, for $12.

To order the items or request the free handbook ``A Parent's Guide to Teen Dating Violence,'' call [phone].

PBS also will be promoting National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a special documentary, ``Breaking the Silence: Journeys of Hope,'' airing for a second time at 9 p.m. Nov. 3 on KLCS locally, underwritten by Mary Kay Inc. cosmetic company and the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation. The one-hour program chronicles strong women who have successfully transitioned from victim to survivor and is narrated by Tony award-winning actress Cherry Jones. For more information, see www.marykay.com on the Web.

- B.D.

CAPTION(S):

5 photos

Photo:

(1) This Burberry scarf is available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Burberry Stores.

(2) Rick Fox and wife Vanessa Williams sport Leonello Borghi bandanas.

(3) This Judith Leiber evening bag is up for auction.

(4) no caption (Love is not abuse necklace)

(5) no caption (Bookcovers: ``Smart Medicine for Your Skin'' and ``Mary Lee's Natural Health and Beauty'')