T aannd Tuurrnn ttoo pa p win d sseeee hhoow aggee 33 w gift in aa sSptre w yyoouu ca W p e s acack b cial sgti ab c®ann y ft s a siamtro iva ial byansw from Whaple triqvuesatinoswereirng t i n i –W pohpaut is theamques:ti ng on laG o r r tw e eromrd ...…?
A Slice of range V o l u m e
R
E
F
R
E
S
3
H
I s s u e
I
N
G
Y
5
O
M a y
U
R
H
E
2 0 0 9
A
L
T
H
Finding the right bra
For some more than others, choosing the perfect bra is no walk in the park. It’s dizzying enough to sort through the colors and styles, but the most crucial part of buying a bra is getting the size right. Here are a few tips on why and how to get the best bra for you.
A Slice of Orange is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes Orange de Guzman, MD
V o l u m e
3
I s s u e
5
M a y
2 0 0 9
Myth: Underwire bras and tight bras can lead to breast cancer.
Fact: Contrary to all those forwarded emails, there are no robust scientific
Why bother? Choosing the right bra wasn’t always such a big deal. Before Oprah made it the focus of one of her talk show episodes, bras were simply another type of underwear, another thing to buy mindlessly whenever the need arose. The past few years, however, have opened the eyes of many ladies to one surprising fact: most women are wearing the wrong-sized bras. Why is finding the right one so important anyway? Wearing the correct bra supports your breasts properly, helping to prevent breast sagging. Ill-fitting bras can also cause shoulder, neck and back tension, and can sometimes even lead to breathing difficulties. The wrong bra can cause those nasty bulges surrounding the bra area, which clothes cannot hide well or at all. The right bra, on the other hand, can be a virtual liposuction, making you look leaner,
more poised and well proportioned. It has been said that the right bra is a great foundation for any outfit.
findings to show a direct relationship between underwire bras and breast cancer. As for tight bras, it’s a good idea to stop wearing them – but only
Here are some things to watch out for in the dressing room: • The cups should be filled by the breast without any breast tissue bulging out of the top or sides or without any loose fabric. • The straps should not cut into your shoulder and should be able to lift your breasts so they sit on your chest wall. • The underwires should hardly be felt. They should lay flat and support the underneath and side of the breast without poking your breast. • The front and back bands should be flat and at the same level. • The bra should fit well on its loosest setting.
because they’re uncomfortable. Read up on more myths and facts on breast cancer in the April 2009 issue of A Slice of Orange.
Bra care Bras aren’t exactly dirt cheap, so try to make them last as long as possible by caring for them. • Follow the washing instructions on the label. • Try to wash your bras after every use. • Hand wash your bras to prolong their lifespan and help keep their shape and color. • Never put your bras in the dryer.
V o l u m e
3
I s s u e
5
M a y
2 0 0 9
Simple solutions to bra problems Problem Neck and shoulder pain Breast coming out of cups Straps always falling off shoulders Straps cutting into shoulders Bra riding up in front Bra riding up in the back
Solution Choose thicker straps and stronger support Choose a bigger cup Tighten straps, decrease cup size or try a different bra style Loosen straps or change band size Increase band size Tighten the band or decrease band size
Measuring at home To get an idea of your true bra size before heading off to your favorite underwear store, get a measuring tape and follow these steps: • • •
Standing comfortably with your back straight, measure yourself without any clothes on and make sure the tape is as close as possible to your skin with out being overly tight. Measure the top of your bust line; put the measuring tape under your arms and just above the breast. If the number is even, that is your band size; if odd, add one inch. Place the tape measure around your
trunk and over the largest portion of your breasts. Subtract the measurement from previous step from this new mea- surement. The difference corresponds to your cup size. ½ an inch 1 inch 2 inches 3 inches 4 inches
= AA =A =B =C =D
Setting time aside for proper bra shopping is worth every minute. The right underwear can make a world of difference in making you feel and look better in your clothes and boosting your confidence.
A slice of trivia What G word describes the abnormal enlargement of one or both breasts in men? Freshen up on your researching skills, e-mail us the answer at orange@ activelink-consult.com and win a prize!
gift from Wacoal. We’ll include the answer in the next issue of A Slice of Orange.
afflicted with breast cancer. What is the translation of this foreign phrase?
Answer to last issue’s question:
From those with the correct answer, 40 people will be randomly chosen to win a
The French term peau d’orange is used to describe the appearance of the breast
Peau d’orange means ‘orange skin’. This term is used when the skin of the breast develops many small dimples, resembling the skin
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelink-consult.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2009 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 104 VA Rufino Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, 1229 Philippines T: +632 817 4606 / 817 7900 www.activelink-consult.com
of an orange. The affected area is usually swollen and can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.
The Orange wants to he ar from you! Dying to ask us your health related questio ns? Itching to share your pe rsonal health tips? Want to sugg est topics for future issues? Feel free to contac t us. You can e-m ail our team at orange@activ elink-consult.c om.