Be the Breast You Can Be!

You might know October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know about No Bra Day?

Since 2011, October 13th has been declared National No Bra Day, which hopes to raise awareness about breast cancer and support research. On this day, women all around the world are encouraged to go braless, post a photo using the hashtag #NoBraDay on social media, or donate to organizations like the American Cancer Society or Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Whether or not you choose to participate in No Bra Day, you should be thinking about breast health year-round.

Here are six ways to keep breasts healthy:

Follow the pillars of good health

Maintaining a healthy diet filled with veggies, lean protein, and whole grains, exercising regularly, sleeping well, not smoking and limiting alcohol intake are pillars of good health that also apply to breast health. Following a healthy lifestyle plays a far greater role in your overall health than genetics, so don’t skimp on any of these.

Give yourself a breast exam

Getting to know how your breasts look and feel will help you to understand your body better and notice any changes. To perform a breast self-exam, stand in front of a mirror with your arms on your hips and check for any signs of swelling, redness, or puckering of the skin. Then, raise your arms and look for the same changes. Feel your breasts for any lumps as you press on different points going in a circular motion. Do the same lying on your back, too. If you’re not sure what to look for, consult your doctor. Always better to be prepared!

Wear a sports bra when working out

Sports bras are designed to give your breasts extra support while exercising, so don’t go without one. While you exercise, breast tissue moves around. If you’re not wearing an adequate bra, this can lead to back pain and discomfort and over time can cause soft tissue damage and sagging. Sports bras provide three levels of support: low, medium and high, which correlate with the type of exercise (walking is a low-impact sport while running and aerobics would be categorized as high-impact). Don’t hesitate to take several sports bras in the fitting room to find your best match.

Apply sunscreen to your décolletage

The skin around your neck and décolletage is among the most sensitive on your body. To prevent sunburn and signs of aging, apply sunscreen to this part of your body every day. Yes, that’s right, we said every day! Even if you’re just going about your normal day, you can still get sunburned while driving or walking outside. After showering, you should moisturize with a hydrating body lotion, especially on your breasts.

Take vitamins and supplements that support breast health

Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is one of the most important vitamins that comes from certain foods and exposure to the sun. If you’re concerned about a Vitamin D deficiency, consider taking a supplement or eating more Vitamin D-rich foods like spinach and salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found naturally in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, are another critical vitamin for breast health. Our Advasorb® DHA has all the omegas your body needs, without the fishy taste.

See a doctor for routine mammograms

Mammograms play an important role in the care and health of your breasts. According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), women over the age of 40 should get one mammogram every year. While this test can be uncomfortable and painful for some, this type of X-ray is designed to detect tumors and other abnormalities. To ensure the best possible experience, search for a well-regarded mammography facility and stick to one center so you have your yearly results all in one place.

What are you doing for No Bra Day? Comment below and let us know!