Let's face it - we women have separate issues from men.  We need a little more comforting words, hugs, compliments, etc.  So this is the pace we can be truly open, and sisters like the Lord intended us to be.  Here's an awesome quote from the Bible. " Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."  -John 15: 13

YOUR HEALTH

Let's Start Off With A Great Joke

From smilesandhugs.com Thanks

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day,With little time to stop and pray, For life's been anything but calm,Since you called on me to be a mom. 

Running errands, matching socks,Building dreams with building blocks.  Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes, And other stuff that children lose. 

Breast Cancer: Breast Self-Exam

The most effective way to fight breast cancer is to detect it early.  A breast self-exam may help, although the most effective tools to detect breast cancer are mammography and clinical breast exam by your health professional.  In fact, women who perform regular breast self-exams find 90% of all breast masses. 

What Is a Breast Self-Exam and Why Should I Do It? 

The breast self-exam is a way that you can check your breasts for changes (such as lumps or thickenings) that may signal breast cancer.  When breast cancer is detected in its early stages, your chances for surviving the disease are greatly improved.  While 80% of all breast lumps are not cancerous, you can help catch potentially serious changes in the breast early by regularly performing a self-exam. 

When Should I Perform a Breast Self-Exam? 

It is good to start performing breast self exams in your 20's.  You should examine your breasts once a month, three to five days after your menstrual period ends.  If you have stopped menstruating, perform the exam on the same day of each month, such as the first day of the month or a day easy for you to remember, such as your birth date.  With each exam, you will become familiar with the contours and feel of your breasts, and will be more alert to changes. 

How Do I Perform a Breast Self-Exam? 

To perform a breast self-exam, follow the steps described below. 

In the mirror:

Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room.  Look at your breasts.  Don't be alarmed if they do not look equal in size or shape.  Most women's breasts aren't.  With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in size, shape or position, or any changes to the skin of the breasts.  Look for any skin puckering, dimpling, sores or discoloration.  Inspect your nipples and look for any sores, peeling or change in the direction of the nipples. 

Next, place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts.  Turn from side to side so you can inspect the outer part of your breasts. 

Then bend forward toward the mirror.  Roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles.  Your breasts will fall forward.  Look for any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts. 

Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward.  Again, turn from side to side to inspect your breasts' outer portions.  Remember to inspect the border underneath your breasts.  You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see this area. 

Check your nipples for discharge (fluid).  Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple and pull outward toward the end of the nipple.  Look for any discharge.  Repeat on your other breast. 

In the shower

Now, it's time to feel for changes in the breast.  It is helpful to have your hands slippery with soap and water.  Check for any lumps or thickening in your underarm area.  Place your left hand on your hip and reach with your right hand to feel in the left armpit.  Repeat on the other side. 

Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your collarbone. 

With hands soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the breast tissue.  Use the flat part of your fingers from the other hand to press gently into the breast.  Follow an up-and-down pattern along the breast, moving from bra line to collarbone.  Continue the pattern until you have covered the entire breast.  Repeat on the other side. 

Lying down

Next, lie down and place a small pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder.  Put your right hand behind your head.  Place your left hand on the upper portion of your right breast with fingers together and flat.  Body lotion may help to make this part of the exam easier. 

Think of your breast as a face on a clock.  Start at 12 o'clock and move toward 1 o'clock in small circular motions.  Continue around the entire circle until you reach 12 o'clock again.  Keep your fingers flat and in constant contact with your breast.  When the circle is complete, move in one inch toward the nipple and complete another circle around the clock.  Continue in this pattern until you've felt the entire breast.  Make sure to feel the upper outer areas that extend into your armpit. 

Place your fingers flat and directly on top of your nipple.  Feel beneath the nipple for any changes.  Gently press your nipple inward.  It should move easily. 

Repeat steps 9, 10 and 11 on your other breast. 

What Should I Do If I Find a Lump? 

See your healthcare provider if you discover any new breast changes, changes that persist after your menstrual cycle, or other changes that you are concerned about. 

Thank You webmd for such great information. 

My prayer for you my friends! 

Lord may the reader of this, learn to take care of herself Lord.  May her health be focused with you in it.  Be an insperation for all to not be afraid to check themselves and prevent any unhealthy findings!  If they do find something, may their doctor's hands be blessed to seek them medically nesseccessary help and also pray ....with you in mind at all times.  Thank you so much Lord for my dear readers.  They are special to me and to you. 

Love Always Your Child,

Stephanie

Webmaster

Do you know how to pray? 

Need more help or information on these subjects?  Click the links below.  More to come soon. 

Fitting lids on bottled bugs,Wiping tears and giving hugs. A stack of last week's mail to read,So where's the quiet time I need? 

Yet when I steal a minute Lord, Just at the sink or ironing board,To ask the blessings of your grace, I see them in my small one's face,

That you have blessed me all the while,As I stop to kiss that precious smile. 

Sleep Deprived? 

Sleep Deprivation Debits

The amount of sleep a person needs also increases if he or she has been deprived of sleep in previous days.  Getting too little sleep creates a "sleep debt," which is much like being overdrawn at a bank.  Eventually, your body will demand that the debt be repaid.  We don't seem to adapt to getting less sleep than we need, while we may get used to a sleep-depriving schedule, our judgment, reaction time, and other functions are still impaired. 

Sleep Deprivation Risky Business

Consequences of Too Little Sleep

Many studies make it clear that sleep deprivation is dangerous.  Sleep-deprived people who are tested by using a driving simulator or by performing a hand-eye coordination task perform as badly as or worse than those who are intoxicated

Driver fatigue is responsible for an estimated 100,000 motor vehicle accidents and 1,500 deaths each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Since drowsiness is the brain's last step before falling asleep, driving while drowsy can -- and often does -- lead to disaster.  Caffeine and other stimulants cannot overcome the effects of severe sleep deprivation. 

The National Sleep Foundation says that if you have trouble keeping your eyes focused, if you can't stop yawning, or if you can't remember driving the last few miles, you are probably too drowsy to drive safely. 

What to do..

Alternative Therapies for Insomnia

Some alternative therapies used to treat insomnia include supplements, acupuncture, relaxation and meditation, and exercise. 

Herbal Supplements

Valerian root.  Some studies have suggested that the root of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) helps with the onset of sleep and with sleep maintenance. However, more research is needed before a final conclusion can be made about the safety and effectiveness of valerian for insomnia. 

Chamomile is another commonly used herb for the treatment of insomnia.  The FDA considers chamomile to be safe and the herb has no known adverse effects. 

ExerciseRegular exercise deepens sleep in young adults with or without sleep disorders.  In addition, several studies show that exercise can improve sleep in older adults.  Although consistent exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality, most experts advise exercising at least three to four hours before bedtime to avoid interference with sleep. 

POINTS TO CONCIDER

Always talk to your doctor before trying an alternative approach and be sure to tell all your doctors what alternative treatments you are using. 

If you experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, diarrhea or skin rashes, stop taking the herbal product and notify your doctor immediately. 

Avoid preparations made with more than one herb. 

Beware of commercial claims of what herbal products can do.  Look for scientific-based sources of information. 

Select brands carefully.  Only purchase brands that list the herb's common and scientific name, the name and address of the manufacturer, a batch and lot number, expiration date, dosage guidelines and potential side effects. 

For more information on insomnia go to www.webmd.com Thank you for your information webmd.