From: C_J (Original Message) Sent: 8/12/2001 3:18PM
Sitting in the chat room this morning and typical of the journey's chat room, another often overlooked topic was approached. Seems like everyone was in the mood for chatting about the lifestyle and health issues. Leave it to Me to try to stir things up, I did a bit of an informal survey about breast self exams (I offered to do them, no one wanted to take Me up on the offer). Turns out many of our subs aren't taking this basic precaution..... If you don't do this or haven't done it recently, you need to take the time, it only takes a moment or two and get this done today! Dom's, you can even do this for your sub (can be a bit of fun when you do)! But subs, even if your Dom does this for you, you need to do this too! Took a bit of digging, but I was able to find a site that gave this information with permission to copy, so here it is,,,
Doc CJ
Breast self-exam
Doing a regular breast self-examination is one of the most important self-care investments you can make. Indeed, tumors that are found in their earliest stages are curable about 90 percent of the time. For breast self-exams to be most effective, do them every month, preferably a few days after your period. If you are past menopause, perform your self-exam on the same day every month.
Following are three easy steps that make up a thorough breast self-exam.
Step 1 Stand in front of a mirror and relax with your arms to your sides. Visually inspect the skin of your breasts for signs of puckering, dimples, or changes in the size and shape. Notice whether either nipple has become inverted recently or, if you normally have inverted nipples, whether either one is no longer inverted. Do the same visual inspection with your hands on your hips, and then with your hands behind your head.
Step 2 In the bath or shower, work up a good lather in your hands. Place your left hand behind your head and use your right hand to examine your left breast. Use the flat surfaces of your fingers (not your fingertips) to feel for any unusual lumps or thickened tissue. Work in a clockwise spiral from the outer portion of your breasts (including your armpits) inward to your nipple. Finally, gently squeeze your nipple and check for any discharge. Repeat the procedure with your left hand on your right breast.
Step 3 Repeat the self-exam lying on a flat surface. Place a pillow or folded towel under your shoulder to slightly elevate one breast and then the other. Place your free hand behind your head. Report any unusual lumps, thickened tissue, surface abnormalities, or nipple discharge to your doctor immediately.
This exam is part of a three-pronged strategy for early breast cancer detection. The second screening tool is a regular physical examination by a health professional every year.
Finally, you should get a mammogram (a very low dose X-ray of your breasts) every year or two (depending upon your risk factors) after age 50. (Note: Younger women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should talk to their doctor about when to begin mammography and about the frequency.)
Copyright 2001 The WorkCare Group, Inc.
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