Five Steps for Purchasing a Sports Bra After Breast Surgery

/PRNewswire/ -- Buying a bra - especially one for jogging or other athletic activities - is a frustrating experience for many women. For women who have had breast surgery - whether for cancer or another procedure - it can be especially challenging.

With a number of breast cancer walks and runs scheduled for spring and summer, not to mention swimsuit season around the corner, finding just the right sportswear is important. Amoena, the worldwide leader of post-breast surgery products, provides bras, swimwear and other apparel to help women after breast surgery. The company also helps to train and educate bra fitters (fit specialists) to help women find the ideal bras and sportswear for their unique body types and daily activities.

"We want to make sure that every woman has a bra that properly supports them while they engage in a fun and enjoyable exercise regimen," said Valerie Esquilla, product manager for Breast Forms and Textiles for Amoena. "Studies show that exercise is one of the best choices women can make to fight depression, improve their overall health and regain their confidence after breast surgery. We want to encourage women - whether they've exercised before or not - to find some activity they enjoy - and get out there and do it!"

So how can women who have had breast surgery find the best bra for their needs? Here are five simple tips from Esquilla and Amoena fit specialists.

1. Remember that fit is everything! Many women find that their body
changes considerably after surgery. Even if you have prostheses or
implants that indicate one size, your bra size may vary depending on
the style. Let a trained fit specialist measure you to find the best
possible bra style and size.
2. Find a comfortable bra. Even if the bra is your size, or appears to
fit, if it isn't comfortable, chances are you won't keep up your
exercise routine. Try on the bra, and then mimic some of the movements
you might engage in during exercise. If it is uncomfortable in the
fitting room, it will definitely not be comfortable when you are at
your highest activity level.
3. Ensure you feel confident in your bra. Wear your exercise attire to the
fitting. If you bend over and "show a little more skin" than you want,
consider buying a different style of clothing. You may also want to
wear shirts that are more fitted around your waist so they won't ride
up while exercising. "You don't want to feel self-conscious when you
exercise," says Penni Pitre, a breast cancer survivor from Phoenix, AZ
and a self-proclaimed jazzercise fanatic.
4. Check for balance and symmetry across the chest - especially if you've
had a full or partial mastectomy or lumpectomy. Wider shoulder straps
are important to help balance the weight of your breasts and provide
greater comfort. Pay special attention to the shoulder area. Make sure
the bra isn't pulling or adding too much weight for your shoulders. And
remember that if one breast is a different size, there are "symmetry
shapers" that can help to ensure balance.

5. Make adjustments as necessary. As you exercise your body will likely
change again. If in a few months your bra isn't providing the support
and comfort you need, go back to your fitter to see what adjustments
can be made. You may not need a new bra; simple alterations may
suffice.


Esquilla cautions that when you do begin exercising, to start slowly and don't get discouraged. If you haven't exercised for several months, get your doctor's approval first, and then gradually ease into your new routine. Some initial discomfort and tenderness after surgery is normal. "Keep trying, but if you remain sore or overly tired after a few tries, be sure to contact your physician," says Esquilla.

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National Report Reveals The High Price Of Low Self-Esteem

GBB Note: Another great way to help with young girls with low self-esteem is to get them involved in sports. Fayette County has many cost effective options for team sports for both boys and girls. After all, there is nothing more beautiful than a huge smile on the faces of our children.

(NAPSI)-Self-esteem has become a national crisis in this country. The majority of girls (seven in 10) feel they do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school, and relationships. Most disturbing is that girls with low self-esteem are engaging in harmful and destructive behavior that can leave a lasting imprint on their lives. These new findings come from Real Girls, Real Pressure: A National Report on the State of Self-Esteem, conducted with girls between 8 and 17 and commissioned by the Dove® Self-Esteem Fund. The new report confirms the importance of healthy self-esteem and the dangerous consequences that can arise when hang-ups about looks, academics and popularity erode a girl's sense of self-worth and self-acceptance.

Destructive Behaviors

When girls feel badly about themselves, they are turning to destructive behaviors. Girls with low self-esteem are three times more likely to participate in dangerous behaviors when feeling insecure. Research shows that 75 percent of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative and potentially harmful activities, such as disordered eating, cutting, bullying, smoking or drinking, when feeling badly about themselves-compared with 25 percent of girls with high self-esteem. Girls are also craving better communication with adult figures as they struggle with challenges in their lives. The top wish among girls is for their parents to communicate better with them, including more frequent and more open conversations, as well as discussions about what is happening in their life.

"Low self-esteem among girls and young women has reached a crisis level," said self-esteem expert Jess Weiner, a best-selling author and the global ambassador for the Dove Self-Esteem Fund. "The good news is that if parents and other role models are willing to create a steady conversation of encouragement, honesty and openness it can definitely help girls gain confidence and reach their full potential."

Real Girls, Real Pressure: A National Report on the State of Self-Esteem was commissioned by the Dove Self-Esteem Fund as part of its commitment to help girls build self-esteem and a healthy body image. The Fund was developed more than four years ago as part of the Campaign for Real Beauty to inspire and educate girls and young women about a wider definition of beauty, with a goal of reaching 5 million girls globally by 2010 with self-esteem programming.

How To Get Involved

There are a number of different ways to get involved and make a difference. Individuals can volunteer with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America or the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. and download free resources for leading their own self-esteem workshops for the girls in their communities. Facilitator training guides are available on the Dove Web site, as are powerful and engaging self-esteem-building tools for girls, moms and mentors. To learn more, visit http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com.

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Prevent Fall Bleacher Burn

(ARA) - Many Americans’ favorite sports occur in the fall, encouraging individuals to spend more time outdoors free of summer’s scorching heat. But while the weather may seem cooler, many regions of the country continue to experience high ultraviolet indexes throughout the fall. In fact, even on gray, cloudy days, as much as 80 percent of UV rays can pass through the clouds.

Spectators, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike need to protect their skin from the unintentional damage they can receive while enjoying fall activities. Sun protection is especially important when spending significant time outside during sports games, hiking and other outdoor activities.

It’s a myth that the need for sun protection stops when fall starts. “Year-round sun protection is an important mindset to adopt in order to prevent premature skin damage that can lead to wrinkles, sun spots and some types of skin cancer,” says Dr. Elizabeth Hale, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine. “I always recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen anytime people are outdoors to help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. While UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and are especially abundant in the warm summer months, UVA rays are present year-round and can pass through clouds and windows. Sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats remain important methods to protect from overexposure during the cooler fall and winter months.”

“Coppertone’s Sport Faces SPF 50 Lotion and Sport Continuous Spray SPF 70+
are among the many Coppertone products that provide broad spectrum protection across the UVB and UVA range,” says Dr. Patricia Agin of the Coppertone Solar Research Center. To help protect against fall and winter sun damage, Dr. Agin recommends following these five suncare tips:

* Protect your Face – While arms and legs are generally covered during cool seasons, your face is one part of the body that can receive year-round sun exposure. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it to the face, neck and chest before leaving the house.

* Don’t Forget the Hands – If you aren’t wearing gloves, the skin on your hands is just as susceptible to sun damage as the skin on your face. Smoothing on a sunscreen lotion daily may help moisturize dry skin and can help protect the skin from unintentional damage, helping to prevent premature skin aging.

* You’re Never “Above” Damaging Sun Rays – Whether you are hiking up mountainous terrain or speeding down the slopes, the sun’s rays become stronger as altitude increases. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV exposure increases 8 to 10 percent for every 1,000 feet of elevation; therefore, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Skiers are especially susceptible to “goggle burn” as the snow reflects 80 percent of UV rays.

* Be Sun Smart – UV rays are present year-round, reflecting off water, concrete and sand. The sun is the strongest between the hours 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some after-school sports take place when UV rays are strongest, so whether you are playing on the field or watching from the bleachers, it’s important to protect yourself from potential sun damage.

* Make Sunscreen a “Family Affair” – Most parents understand the need to protect their children from the sun. According to the 2008 Coppertone “Sun IQ” survey, 82 percent of parent respondents agreed it is important that their children use sunscreen with an SPF above 30. Unfortunately, these parents are not practicing what they preach as 45 percent were not using sunscreen themselves. To encourage healthy sun habits for the whole family, keep a bottle in the bathroom and next to the door for easy, on-the-go application.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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