If you wanted to support breast cancer research this month, there were many ways to do it. Everywhere you looked, there was pink merchandise with the promise that some of the profit from purchases would go to the fight against breast cancer.

But there are many different ways to donate to your favorite health charity.

Here are seven suggestions for supporting your favorite cause.

1. Just write a check. This is the most straightforward method of donating. But make sure you keep records for tax purposes. And check whether your employer matches charitable donations.

2. Donate your airline miles . Using frequent-flier miles for vacations can often be difficult, so you might want to consider using the miles for a charitable organization. These miles can be used to help patients fly to other cities, or even countries, for treatment. Check with the airline for details and to find out which health charities they support.

3. Participate in a walk or race. These events often require participants to solicit donations from family and friends. You can help your favorite health charity and get in shape at the same time.

4. Buy merchandise. Purchase items from companies that make donations to help in the research or treatment of people with various health problems. Do your research to determine how much money is going to the health charity. Determine if it makes more sense to buy a cheaper product and make a direct donation.

5. donate car, boat or property. Many organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association, accept some of these items.

6. Donate your time. Work as a volunteer for the health organization of your choice, or you may prefer to spend time working in a hospital or other facility.

7. Give of yourself. Donate blood. This simple activity can help patients with a wide variety of health problems. Let your loved ones know if you would like to donate your organs when you die. That kind of generosity could save many lives.

You can watch morning anchor Carolyn Clifford's Health Edge reports starting at 5 a.m. weekdays during "WXYZ Channel 7 Action News."