When was the last time you did a breast self-examination? How often do you change your bra? Are you aware of the changes that your breast undergoes with age? Well, answers to these questions can help you understand if you are taking care of the breasts or not. According to Dr Uma Vaidyanathan, Consultant Gynaecologist and Unit Head at Max Hospital, New Delhi, taking care of the breasts is as important as taking care of any other part of the body. Here are a few things you should follow to take care of your breasts.
1. Choose a right-fitting bra: Yes, the first and foremost thing when it comes to breast care is choosing the right bra. When buying one, make sure that a bra is not too tight and not too loose but perfectly fits you. Wearing the right size and shape of bra is necessary, and it totally depends on your comfort. It is wise to avoid wearing corset or body wear as it tends to squish your breasts and put undue pressure on the muscles. Here is how to choose the right bra.
2. Wearing bra at night or not: Well, it varies from person to person whether to wear a bra at night or not. Women with smaller cup sizes can skip wearing a bra through the night, but those who have a large bust need to wear one. This is because women with heavy breasts find it difficult to move as it falls on one side and makes a woman uncomfortable while sleeping. If you are planning to wear one, then opt for sports bra as it reduces breast movement and eases discomfort.
3. Keep your breasts clean: Just like you clean your eyes and ears while taking a bath, it is important to clean your breasts as well. When taking a bath, make sure you clean the area between the boobs and the area under the breasts, which tend to perspire and increase the risk of infections. Hence, clean the area regularly with soap and water and make sure the area is dry. You can even pat some powder to keep the area dry and clean and prevent excessive sweating. Here are a few dermatologist recommended expert tips to keep your boobs clean and fresh.
4. Avoid breast enhancement creams: Not many women are aware of the fact that the breasts size and shape change with age right from the time you hit puberty to when you get pregnant and undergo menopause. Here are six stages when there is a change in your breasts’ size and shape. And hence, a woman who tends to use breast enhancement creams to increase the bust size should be well aware that these creams serve no function than just burning a hole in your pocket. Dr Uma Vaidyanathan says that these creams are as good as those used to prevent stretch marks. Here's more on breast firming creams — do such products really work?
5. Say no to breast piercing: If you are planning to go in for breast piercing, then think twice about it as it might only worsen the pain and hinder with breastfeeding in the future. Also, it can increase your risk of infection. Here are a few more things you should never do to your breasts.
6. Make a few lifestyle changes: Did you know that excessive alcohol consumption can also put you at risk of breast cancer? And the same is the case with smoking. Many research studies have proved that women who smoke are at a high risk of dying from breast cancer. Hence, limit the intake of alcohol and quit smoking to lower your risk fo breast cancer so as to take care of your breasts. Also read about deodorants, cell phones and nine other things that put you at risk of breast cancer.
7. Do a regular breast self-examination: The last but the most important tip to take care fo your breast is to do a regular breast self-examination. However, one thing you mind keep in mind is to do it every month after your periods and not during or before your periods. This is because, the breasts are lumpy and sore before periods, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Also, never use your fingers to examine but do it with a flat hand or palm for proper results. Here is a step by step guide on how to do a breast self-examination.
Image Source: Shutterstock
↧