Cheering Those Runners On...

Photo credit: sunshinecelebrations

We are wishing all of the Cure runners and walkers an awesome day today!

If you aren't running or walking for a Cure today, why not come out cheer those who are on! They are running/walking for a great cause and could use your support.

Date: Today! Sunday, October 6, 2013

Run Day Schedule

Time (pm) & Event:

11:00am | Final Registration/ Donation Drop-off

12:30 | Opening Ceremonies

12:45 | Get Cracking® Run Day Warm-up

1:00 | Start of Run

1:05 | Start of Walk

2:00 | Awards Celebration

For more information, visit their website: Saint John Run For the Cure and St. John's Run For the Cure.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Have Your Checked Your Girls? The Importance of Self Breast Exams

I'm going to take a break from the breast shape series to remind you to do your monthly self breast exam.

One in 9 Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer and one in 29 Canadian women will die from it. These are staggering statistics. However, the good news is, there is something every woman can do to decrease these numbers. Statistics continue to decline due to earlier detection through self breast exams, regular mammography screening, advances in screening technology such as Digital Infrared Imaging, and improved treatments. The facts are there; now it’s up to you.

It is important to do a monthly self breast examination to assist in early detection. You need to know your breasts; how they look and feel (involve your partner, as who knows your breasts better than them). Note changes in shape, color, skin type and any bruising, pimples or redness (possible indication of inflammatory breast cancer which is highly virulent).

Not all changes indicate cancer, so don’t be afraid to check of abnormalities. Sore breasts, for example, may be a result of menopause, a pulled muscle, or your menstrual cycle. A rule of thumb that I use is if the same condition is evident in both breasts at the same time, it is likely not an issue.

Although there is no absolute, hard-and-fast method for doing a self breast examination, the following provides a guideline for newbie’s.^*

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Here's what you should look for:

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

• Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
• A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
• Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your

cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.

Here's to a healthy and long life!

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2013, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

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* Guide and pictures are copyright property of Breastcancer.org and made available for sharing.

Event: Good Company Workshop

What a great event to start off the new year!

This one day workshop will feature key women in the St. John's, NL metro area contributing to women’s health and well being. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. There will also be a “Retail Therapy Room” offering products and services at deeply discounted rates. Cap off the day with prizes and a 30 minute Hatha yoga flow class!

Come hear Kim from The Girls talk about breast health and bra fittings.

To learn more and register online, go to http://healthyvibes.ca/goodcompany/

Healthy Breast for a Healthy Life – Digital Infrared Imaging Breast Scan – Year 2

Once again this year Ann and I road tripped with several friends and family to Moncton for our second Digital Infrared Imaging (DDI) breast scan, clinically referred to as thermography.  Perhaps you remember that our reports from our scans last year were varied with some of us scoring TH-1 (normal, healthy breast tissue) all the way to TH-4 (abnormal cell activity).  Although thermography is not considered a diagnostic tool for determining breast cancer, it does alert us to unusual changes in our breast tissue.  Naturally, the higher the score, the higher the risk of cancer being present or developing over time.  Armed with this information, our doctor can now schedule tests to hone in on any negatively affected area, and determine a plan of action.   

Thermography is used to monitor the function of breast tissue, detecting breast tissue changes five to eight years before the development of a mass large enough to be seen with mammography or ultrasound, or be felt in an examination.  These facts are deemed accurate by health professionals in both Canada and the US, but to date this test is only available in the Maritimes through private clinics. 

An infrared breast scan is painless, and provides women with another means of fighting breast cancer.  Consider the benefits derived from early diagnosis, and perhaps next year you will decide to join us.  If enough Saint John women are interested, it is likely a local venue will be provided.  We will keep you posted.

For more information on thermography, and a description of the examination process visit our post from last year: New (to Us) Breast Screening Method

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2012, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Update: Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer

In a previous blog posting entitled Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer, I outlined the benefits of using an aluminum free deodorant to foster breast health.  Although there is not 100% agreement amongst professions that using deodorants containing aluminum can lead to breast cancer, the facts are there, and are worth considering.

http://www.nivea.ph/
products/Deodorants/
pure-and-natural

Within the article, I provided several samples of aluminum free deodorant products available locally.  Well now another has hit the market - Nivea Pure and Natural Action.  It is aluminum free and toted to provide 24 hour odour protection via a special formula containing bio-florine, an antibacterial ingredient inspired by nature, which controls odour causing bacteria.  This deodarant stick lets your skin breathe without clogging the pores.  Nivea Pure and Natural Action comes in two types, roll-on or stick; and in two scents, jasmine and lotus.  It is also black shirt friendly.

I recently gave the deodorant stick a try, and it does provide the protection I need for everyday activities.  It flows on nicely, without dragging, and the scent is gentle and unassuming.

I recommend giving this aluminum free deodarant product a try.  Remember, information is power; the choice is now up to you.

Ann and Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2012, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Breast Lumps – Are they normal?

One of the reasons for doing a monthly self examination of your breasts is to become familiar with their structure so you can recognize changes that may indicate the onset of breast cancer.   However, some breast lumps are normal.  If your breast feels especially lumpy and uncomfortable, you're probably experiencing fibrocystic breast changes.

   

Sixty percent of all women of child bearing age have lumpy breasts caused by fibrocystic growths.   These benign cells are characterized by irregular areas of thicker tissue with a lumpy or ridge-like surface, or tiny bead-like masses scattered throughout the breasts.  As a result of these growths, your breasts may feel tender and sensitive to the touch.

          

Fibrocystic changes are associated with hormonal shifts in estrogen and progesterone, which affect the breast tissue. During the menstrual cycle, the breasts swell as the milk glands and ducts enlarge and the breasts retain water. After menstruation breast swelling decreases, but overtime fibrocystic growth may appear.  Generally beginning when women are in their twenties or thirties, these growths usually last until menopause.

So how do you know if a lump is normal or if it poses a threat to your health?  The fact is you won’t know until you become familiar with the feel of your own breasts by doing a monthly self examination.   Keep in mind that a lump that grows quickly over a short period of time is always a cause for concern, and seek medical attention from your doctor immediately.  Recognizing that the majority of breast cancer occurs in women over the age of 40, it is important that you begin breast self examination at an early age to ensure you are well equipped to recognize abnormalities within your breast tissue. 

 If you aren’t already doing a monthly breast self examination and need material on the proper procedure, or if you have trouble remembering to do it, follow us on Facebook, twitter (@thegirlsbrashop), or join our email newsletter and we'll send you monthly reminders and resources we find.




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Resources:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/probability-breast-cancer

http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/FULL/Fibrocystic_Breast_Changes.shtml

http://www.breastcancer.org/pictures/self_exam/

Ann and Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2012, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer

Many people will argue that there in not enough conclusive evidence to support the connection between antiperspirants and breast cancer. But what constitutes sufficient proof when it comes to your breast health, recognizing that in 2011 an estimated 23,400 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 5,100 will die of it (Canadian Cancer Society).

Aluminum-free Aromarant Deodorant by Lush

Here’s the story. Aluminum-based compounds, the active ingredient in antiperspirants, form temporary plugs within the sweat duct that stop the flow of sweat to the skin's surface, and control odour. Studies suggest that these compounds may be absorbed by the skin, causing estrogen-like effects, promoting the growth of hormonal based cancer cells.

A recent study from the Reading University found that cancerous tumours are most likely to appear in the parts of the female breast closest to where antiperspirants are applied. Of women studied, the cysts in the armpit area of the breast had 25 times more aluminum than the common amount found in blood.

If a link to breast cancer isn’t enough to make you reconsider using aluminum-free antiperspirants, consider this: most antiperspirants not only include aluminum-based compounds, but up to 20 other toxic chemicals. Studies are now showing that continuous exposure to toxic chemicals in personal hygiene products, such as antiperspirants, may also be related to allergic reactions, and Alzheimer’s.

Adidas CottonTech Fitness
Fresh Absorbant Deodorant.
0% Aluminum found at
local drug stores and WalMart.

So what’s the answer? There are now several aluminum-free deodorant products on the market offering women a choice. Unlike antiperspirants, natural deodorants do not block sweat, but help eliminate odour and prevent bacteria from growing. Aluminum-free deodorant many not work for you in every situation, but studies show it is definitely worth considering. There are times when I find I cannot go without using an aluminum-based antiperspirant, when I just need that extra assurance. But those times are becoming less frequent, and I feel good about the choice I have made. Remember, information is power; the choice to use it is up to you.

If you are interested in making the move to an aluminum-free deodorant, you can find them at your favorite speciality store such as, The Feel Good Store and Naturally for Life The Eco Store, as well as local drug and department stores such as. I have tried and enjoyed the products shown throughout this post.

Ann and Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Choosing the Right Sports Bra

What happens when you do your daily exercise without wearing the proper sports bra? Try this quick demonstration I found on the following website and be enlightened. http://www.intimateguide.com/articles/why-you-need-sports-bra/

1. Find an ordinary rubber band 
2. Cut it once so that it’s one long strip of rubber instead of a circle 
3. Measure the length of the rubber band (record this number) 
4. Tie a washer or other similar weight to the end of the rubber band 
5. Hold the opposite end of the rubber band and swing it around above your head for the length of your average workout 
6. Untie the weight and measure the rubber band again

You don’t have to actually go through this process to know that the rubber band will be longer. Transfer this information to your breasts and guess what, the more you exercise without proper support, the more stretching will occur. Oh dear!

The primary support structures for the breast are the skin and ligaments called Cooper’s Ligaments. Once these structures are stretched, there’s really no way to “unstretch” them short of surgery. This is true even if you’re an AA cup. Breast bounce is reduced by 38% when wearing an ordinary bra, but up to 74% when wearing a proper fitting sports bra.

Finding the proper fitting sports bra for your shape, cup size, and exercise level is what our Fitters are trained to do. Drop by the Girl’s Bra Shop for a fitting and check out our line of sports bras including Freya, Elomi, Anita Active, and Shock Absorber. These bras provide moisture management, shaping, and stability regardless of how strenuous your workout is. Click on this link (http://www.shockabsorber.co.uk/bounceometer/shock.html), answer two questions regarding your cup size and activity level, and watch a quick demonstration of the support your breasts will receive when wearing our Shock Absorber sports bra. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. See you soon!

Ann and Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Three Minute Breast Exercise

I know that a daily exercise routine is one of the most important things I can do for myself. Although I have incorporated running or walking into my daily schedule, it is almost impossible to find time for focused exercise, such as crunches for the tummy or weight lifting for biceps. So when I heard about an exercise targeting your beasts, I really didn’t give it much thought until I heard the words “three minutes per day”. Not only does this exercise target the breasts, but it cleanses the glands in the upper body, such as those in our armpits, that become congested by our North American lifestyle. Take “three minutes” and check out the YouTube video describing the exercise. Your girls will thank you!

Dr. Barry Goodman – Aquarian Yoga and Holistic Health

Ann and Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Food for Breast Health

To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art. – La Rochefoucauld 

We have all heard it said, “You are what you eat”.  But for many of us women, it is often what we don’t eat that can have the biggest impact on our health, especially our breast health.  

As the incidence of breast cancer in women continues to increase, the rush is on to find proactive ways to prevent the formation of cancerous cell growth.  But while science and research continues down this arduous path, we as women can make a significant impact on our breast health via proper food choices and lifestyle adjustments.  Making informed dietary choices includes food that is cancer-preventative in nature and some that can even help to destroy pre-cancerous cells. “Choose color” needs to be a rule of thumb when browsing through the fruit and vegetable isle at your local grocery store. Foods that are naturally colourful and bright such as peppers, berries, oranges, red grapes, and cherries have higher amounts of a chemical called antioxidant that helps our body neutralize molecules known as free radicals. Although naturally occurring, free radicals are dangerous because they have the potential to harm our DNA causing lasting cellular changes that can lead to breast cancer. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the neutralizing effect of antioxidants can help prevent the genetic changes that lead to cancer.  Although colourful fruit and vegetables are not the only source for antioxidants, it is a good place to begin. But remember; wash all fruit and vegetables to remove pesticides before consumption as they are a major negative factor in breast health. (Watch for “Pesticides and Their Effect on Breast Health”) A daily helping of flax seeds and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts)  helps balance estrogen levels, decreasing the risk for breast cancer by preventing excess estrogen from being reabsorbed into the body through the digestive tract. (High levels of estrogen are thought to be a leading cause of breast cancer.) One last item that appeared consistently throughout my research was turmeric, noted for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities and the ability to lower estrogen in post-menopausal women.  Who knew! The information I have provided here only touches the tip of the iceberg on the topic of food and breast health.  There is endless research available that can provide us with the knowledge we require to make healthy food choices. But will we, as women, take the next step and put it into action?    Get smart, and help others to get smart too!  Pass the information on and keep learning.  Remember, information is power, and it’s all up to you. http://www.livestrong.com/article/408871-antioxidants-breast-cancer-prevention/#ixzz1PxDWf2JB http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health&id=6400373 - tumeric http://newhope360.com/conditions/5-foods-breast-health  http://www.natural-breast-guide.com/articles/breast-health-foods.html  coloured foods

Ann and Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Healthy Breasts for a Healthy Lifestyle: Wireless

Anita Twin

What do contacts, high heels, and an underwire bra have in common? At the end of the day you need to give your body a rest from each of these items. For most of us, it takes little convincing to kick off our high heels, but if you are like me, the contacts and the underwire bra usually come off when it’s time to slip into my PJs.

Chantelle Cachemire

It is recommended that an underwire bra be worn no more than 12 hours a day, allowing for freedom of movement and removal of toxins from the lymphatic system. Subtle bouncing of the breasts when we move, walk, exercise, etc., is vital to keep the lymph system functioning as it should. It gently massages and stimulates the lymph glands to move harmful toxins out.

Elomi Caitlyn

So when you’re relaxing with a good book, watching TV, listening to your favourite music, hanging out with friends, or just unwinding from a busy day, slip into a stretchy, comfortable, wireless bra, and give your girls a break.

Freya Pollyanna

If you are solely an underwire girl, then it is time to try one of our many wireless bras that provide amazing lift and comfort. It took some encouragement to convince me, but now I look forward to slipping into my favourite wireless bra which makes me feel beautiful, shapely, and confident in any venue. It’s the healthy thing to do.

Stay tuned for more of the continuing series: Healthy Breasts for a Healthy Life.

Ann and Tammy

real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Have You Checked Your Girls?

70% of lumps are found during self breast exams.

Don't be alarmed: finding the lump doesn't mean that you have breast cancer but it does mean that you should visit a health professional to have it looked at.

There are a lot of resources out there that show you how to do a self breast exam; here's a good one from the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.

But it all boils down to one thing:

Feel Them!

Have you checked your girls?

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

Exercise Your Right To Better Breast Health

This week I was astonished to learn that a healthy lifestyle involving proper eating habits and a weekly exercise program can affect your breast health. If you’re having trouble getting motivated, read on.

Four hours of exercise per week can result in a 37% reduction in the risk of breast cancer. Doing regular exercise will cut down your risk of developing the disease, as well as preventing its return in a breast cancer survivor.  What’s troubling about this fact is that the later group knows this information already because they’ve been in a fight for their lives. They’ve been educated in the school of hard knocks.  It’s time ladies that we turn the tables and educate ourselves before we too are faced with this life changing diagnosis.

Here’s how it works.  Regular exercise lowers your levels of estrogen.  Although women need estrogen to mature and to create strong bones, overexposure can lead to breast cancer. Eighty percent of all breast cancers are fueled by estrogen.  Exercise is a natural way to reduce your estrogen levels, as well as reducing other hormones and growth factors that can cause breast cells to turn into cancer. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reported that exercise reduced mortality from all causes in breast cancer survivors by 50%, when combined with a healthy diet. (http://breastcancer.about.com/od/riskfactorsindetail/a/exercise_bc.htm)

As women, young and old, we have a choice.  Let’s become educated now on preventative measures to avoid relying on doctor intervention in the future to save our lives or limit the effects of an unhealthy life style.  

A friend of my mom once said in jest, “If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself”. That sentiment stuck with us and luckily mom and I made the choice of a healthier lifestyle.  In hindsight, mom wishes she had done it years sooner. 

At The Girl’s Bra Shop we see both sides of the story:  women searching for the perfect bar to wear under a special dress and those shopping for mastectomy attire to help them be comfortable and look shapely again.  Every need is as important as the person who walks through our doors, and we want to ensure we do everything we can to make women feel comfortable and confident.  But we are also passionate about being healthy and that includes breast health.  


Drop by our stores and check out our latest exercise bras. They will enhance your exercise experience by keeping the girls in place with the correct amount of support for your individual need.  Click on the link below to see some of the sports bras we carry and stay tuned for more “Healthy Breasts for a Healthy Life”.   

Visit our Facebook to see some of the sports bras we carry.

Ann and Tammy
real women. real bras. real beauty. ©2011, The Girls Bra Shop Inc.

New (To Us) Breast Screening Method, Digital Infrared Imaging

A friend recently introduced Ann and I to a new, non invasive method of breast screening called Digital Infrared Imaging (DII). Using a digital infrared camera and a high speed computer, the metabolic activity in the breast cells are measured, identifying potential problem areas 5 - 8 years before a mass is large enough to be seen with mammography. Since approximately 26 percent of all cancers in women occur in the breast, we felt it was our responsibility to learn more about the process so we could pass the information on to other women. Information is power, and the more we understand about our breast health the better armed we are against breast cancer. In November the date for our DII appointment was set, and last week we travelled to Moncton for the procedure.

Upon arrival, we were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding our breast history. Moving to a private room, we undressed to the waist and for ten minutes let our breast adjust to the cool room temperature. Cooled down and ready to move on, we posed with our hands on our head while three pictures of our whole chest, breasts, and armpit area were taken, each from a different angle. Our hands were then placed in a 10 °C water bath for 1 minute. With the “cold challenge” complete, another batch of pictures was taken and, voila, it was over. Quick, simple, non-invasive, painless, respectful and professional! It was as easy as having a fitting by the girls at The Girls Bra Shop.

A certified thermologist will now analyze the images, and within six weeks, barring a postal strike, we will each receive a report outlining our current breast health as seen through the eye of a digital infrared camera. The same report will also be forwarded to two practitioners of our choice. With 88% accuracy, changes in our breast tissue function will be identified giving us a heads up of potential problem areas. In many cases, with early detection, health professionals can work to eradicate problems before they become a mass of cancer cells.

Digital Infrared Imaging is not meant to replace other screening methods such as mammography, but is a valuable first step assessment that can be done by any one at any time after puberty, regardless of your breast type (dense, pregnant, breastfeeding, fibrocystic, etc.) DII is just another tool enabling health management through practical and proactive knowledge. The following websites provide more information: www.medthermonline.com, www.breastthermography.com, and http://sunleitehealth.ca/breastthermography.html.

Watch this site for more articles addressing “Healthy Breasts for a Healthy Life”.