BEST WISHES

Happy Monday Everyone,

How was your day?

I feel a cold coming (Sneezing), got drenched tonight L…Just wanted to say hi and to let you know that this month is ‘Breast Cancer awareness month’….

Image Source: Michelle Obama Fashion

They say ignorance is no excuse for anything. No more 'I-didn't know'. No more excuses (talking to myself too), check yourself right now, and encourage your loved ones to check themselves too... Tell the guys too (Though it’s not common in men, they can be prone to breast cancer. Can you imagine? Never knew that till I read this. It's an eye opener.)

If you are in Lagos, the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) is having an awareness rally/ free screening on the 13^th of October, tagged 'jog for life' at FIIRO Junction, Cappa B.stop, Oshodi. You can visit their twitter handle @jogforlife. 

Though, frankly, I think we need more support in this regard. We really need a better health care system  in Nigeria 'cos for example, 'if a market woman discovers she has cancer, is there a system to treat her or would she save for a coffin instead?' (We need to stop talking and act NOW.)...Really need to improve.

Anyway, here's how a 'breast' self exam goes (for the ladies):

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.

You will never understand the gift of a perfect health till you visit the hospital; Smell disinfectants, hear sounds of machines as they try to support a loved one, stare at ill people and sad families. 

I doff my hat to all the health/ volunteer workers worldwide who are working hard and selflessly to ensure we are healthy. Here's me saying 'thank you'...

Song of the day: Just stand up- Various artistes

Thanks a billion for reading and wishing you the best of health, love, smiles and Once again, best wishes in everything…

Love your life. It might be short but every second must be enjoyed…

Stand up to cancer.  Take action daily. Help someone.