AMOENA 4 LIFE amoena.com.au
BRAND IMAGE CAMPAIGN What the new Amoena system solution and the Way of St. James have in common
SCARS TELL YOUR LIFE STORY You can help heal your scars
COCOONING – THE NEW HOMELINESS TREND More and more people are enjoying spending time at home
PILATES HELPS YOU REDISCOVER YOUR INNER BALANCE An exciting interview with doctor and Pilates teacher Dr Martina Fenselau
Issue 2021
VALLETTA TOP
EDITORIAL Since the founding of Amoena 46 years ago, it’s been our mission to support women after their breast cancer diagnosis and help them get their lives back. We are firmly convinced that there are many options in supporting your care and allowing you to find your way back to living life to the full once again. In close collaboration with women and doctors who are affected, we are constantly developing unique products that set new standards for your care. For example, our revolutionary air chamber technology Adapt Air, which sets the standard even higher. An individually adjustable breast form, as supple and flexible as the woman wearing it. We are aware from discussions with women who have been affected that the journey after diagnosis encounters many different obstacles. Doctors, therapists, breast care nurses and many more professionals often accompany you only part of the way. We have set ourselves the goal of closing the resulting gap, based on the experience of 30 million treatments. Our innovative Amoena system solution forms the basis for this. Our products are tailored to optimally meet your needs in all possible situations after diagnosis. You can find more information about this on pages 4 – 7. Especially after surgery, freedom of movement is often severely restricted. Our new post-operative bras from our Recovery Care line are designed so they can be opened and closed at the front. This reduces the pain of movement. Different compression zones provide both relief where needed and pressure for optimal healing. You can find more information on this and on healing scars with silicone patches on pages 6 – 10.
70230 white AU: 8 – 26
Over 50 employees are involved in the development and production of these breast forms at our site in Raubling, in the south of Germany. With passion and world-class expertise, we produce products to give you your joy, zest for life and self-confidence back. The entire Amoena team, with over 400 employees worldwide, is driven by this mission. Our breast forms are produced by hand with the greatest care at our German headquarters. As a leading manufacturer in breast care, we have a special responsibility to make sure we look after our environment. When developing our collections, we not only want to meet the highest functional and quality standards, but also place particular emphasis on selecting sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. We enjoy long-standing partnerships with our suppliers and producers. Acting sustainably is a fundamental part of our values. In the interview, “The environment at a glance”, we go into more detail about our use of environmentally friendly materials and the benefits of wearing them. These and other topics can be found in this edition We hope you enjoy our 2021 edition. We’re here for you, we’re listening and we look forward to being able to support you on your journey to getting your self-confidence back.
44776 burgundy love AU: 8 – 26 only available seasonally
Kind regards Stephanie Bauch Senior Vice President
Find out more at amoena.com.au
HR, Marketing, Product
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Page 22 Pilates
Page 16 Lingerie
TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 BRAND IMAGE CAMPAIGN
22 PILATES HELPS YOU TO FIND
YOUR INNER BALANCE AGAIN
What the new Amoena system solution and the Way of St. James have in common – a path, several stages and much more.
An exciting interview with doctor and Pilates teacher Dr Martina Fenselau about the future of home workouts and finding your inner balance.
08 SCARS TELL YOUR LIFE STORY
26 AMOENA: THE ENVIRONMENT
Options in scar treatment for up to two years after they form. Read more about various therapy options here.
AT A GLANCE
Melanie Zimmer, Product Manager for Breast Care Textiles at Amoena, reports on the use and benefits of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in the development of high-quality collections
14 EXPANSION OF ONLINE SUPPORT SERVICES
How Think Pink Foundation has pivoted to offer valuable services online in response to Covid-19 lockdowns.
18 COCOONING – THE NEW HOMELINESS TREND
More and more people are enjoying spending time at home. There are many ways in which you can make your home even more beautiful.
20 EXERCISE IS GOOD – EVEN AFTER BREAST SURGERY:
How a small breast form can have a big effect, as well as simple exercises to do at home to make exercise fun again!
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TOGETHER WITH AMOENA, STEP-BY-STEP TO YOUR GOAL. The Way of St. James runs for almost 800 kilometres, from the Pyrenees to the tomb of the apostles in Santiago de Compostela. Thousands of pilgrims happily tread this path every year. As difficult as the Way of Saint James is from stage to stage, through your hope and belief in the inner strength to conquer it, it produces many positives that will help you later in your daily life. Just like the pilgrims on the Way of St. James, you too are embarking on a difficult journey after your diagnosis of breast cancer. This journey starts with you and Amoena wants to partner with you from the outset.
We’re looking to the future with one thing in mind: how to positively influence your life. Amoena accompanies you back to an active life. The path can be strenuous, rocky and difficult, just like the Way of St. James. However, perseverance means gaining the ability to feel confident and feminine after your operation. During the healing process, our motivation is your satisfaction, and therefore we pay attention to every detail, no matter how small. Amoena partners you throughout your treatment and beyond, with your breast care. We call this the Amoena system solution. Through our discussions with healthcare professionals and experts, we have examined the
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BRE AST FORMS & SHAPERS
R E C OV E RY C A R E PRODUCTS
BREAST CARE A P PA R E L
THE A MOE N A SOLUTION obstacles and hurdles you may travel on your pathway since your breast cancer diagnosis. Many may face similar stages in their recovery while the number of powerful steps needed to master each stage is different for every individual. We have broadly divided the journey into three stages. First the healing process must begin. We‘ll support you in this highly sensitive phase after breast surgery until you feel confident enough to tackle the second stage: regaining your confidence. Your self-confidence will grow step by step. We are proud to help you on your path to recovery and want to support you with our products to make your daily life easier. Weeks, months or years later, at the pace that suits you, you will arrive at the third stage together with Amoena, where you can take advantage of everything you’ve gained in strength along the entire path: Your daily life continues. You should be able to live without restrictions. The writer Franz Kafka said: “Paths are created by being walked on.” Stick to your path with all your might and take every day one step at a time. We’ll support you with our many years of know-how.
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PATIENT JOURNEY
DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT
PRIMARY SURGERY OPTIONS · Breast conserving surgery · Mastectomy · Primary reconstruction
THERAPY · Endocrine therapy · Chemotherapy · Radiation therapy
RECOVERY
WHERE HEALING BEGINS RECOVERY CARE PRODUCTS CURASUPPORT COMPRESSION CURASUPPORT COMFORT
CURASCAR GARMENTS CURASCAR SILICONES
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WHERE EVERYDAY LIFE CONTINUES BREAST CARE APPAREL LINGERIE WELLNESS
ACTIVE SWIMWEAR
LIVING
SECONDARY SURGERY OPTIONS · Reconstruction with implants · Reconstruction with autologous transplant
WHERE CONFIDENCE GROWS BREAST FORMS & SHAPERS ADAPT
CONTACT
NATURA
ESSENTIAL
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ENERGY
RECOVERY CARE PRODUCTS
SCARS TELL YOUR LIFE STORY What you can do for your scars You look in the mirror and see scars on your chest. This can trigger memories to surface and cause psychological pain. But it also tells your life story and what you’ve already achieved. So your scars are not only a sign that you have successfully overcome cancer with the help of an operation, but they are also witness to how far along the path you have already travelled. You’re probably familiar with the saying “Time heals all wounds” – this is not just a comforting saying, but it’s very true for scars. Because patience is definitely a virtue here.
immobility. You should therefore strive for optimal scar treatment immediately after your wound has healed. This can improve both their aesthetic appearance as well as their functionality and how big they are. Scar tissue can still change up to two years after formation. You will therefore have the opportunity to improve your scars during this period. There are various therapy options for this. A combination of scar compression garments and silicone scar patches has already proven to be a successful therapeutic approach. You make the difference – you can improve your scar quality. Amoena are happy to help you with this. Our growing product range, from Amocura Support & Amocura Scar, provides the right combination for the needs of every individual, regardless of surgery, to create optimal healing conditions.
Unfortunately, your scars cannot be made invisible. All breast surgery leads to scarring to a certain degree, and it’s a natural part of the healing process. Scars are sometimes hard to look at, as they can become darker and thicker. Here, however, it is not just the visual factor that plays a role, but scars can also cause pain due to hardening, itching and
Healthy skin tissue
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after an injury. Effective treatment can minimise its severity.
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Combination of mammilla circale and anchor silicone patches with Leyla seamless compression bra after reconstruction
Combination square silicone patch with Panty 2-ZIP-BO compression garment after reconstruction with autologous tissue
DID YOU KNOW? Compression and silicone can help scar treatment Silicone and compression can be ideally combined for scar treatment. When used early in the treatment phase, this combination therapy can act as a prophylaxis to minimise the risk of excessive scarring. Looking at compression clothing from Amoena, it has been shown that therapeutically effective pressure exerted on a closed wound area can result in numerous positive effects. These include, among other things, reduction of scar thickness, fading and avoiding uncontrolled growth and proliferation, as well as a possible reduction in itching and pain. When the constant surface pressure applied by compression clothing is combined with silicone, this can result in further positive influences on scar healing. The silicone creates a moist environment for the scar, which prevents it from drying out. It keeps the scar soft and has a positive effect on scar tissue. For optimal scar healing, we recommend using Amoena scar compression garments in combination with our silicone scar patches – Recovery Care Amocura from Amoena.
Surface pressure from compression garments Compression garments
Silicone patch
Scar therapy with compression and silicone
Healed skin after successful scar therapy
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6 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR SCAR Cleanliness
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Ensure optimum hygiene when taking care of your scars, in order to prevent inflammation. Keep your scars clean and clean them daily. You can also keep scars supple by applying cream if you do not use a silicone patch. Talk to your healthcare professional about this in advance.
Compression garments
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Has your doctor recommended compression garments for you? In order to be able to achieve therapeutic success, you should wear your Amoena compression garments according to your doctor’s instructions. Optimum hygiene is also important here. Wash your compression garments daily as indicated on the care label to maintain medically effective pressure. This also prevents residues and soiling from having a negative impact on the sensitive skin on your scars.
CuraScar Silicones
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You can only start scar treatment with silicone once the wound is completely closed. After this, silicone can help prevent excessive scarring. CuraScar Silicones scar patches are self-adhesive and can be applied directly on the skin. They keep the scar tissue nicely moist and keep scars soft and supple. Care must also be taken to ensure that you clean the silicone patches daily as described in the care instructions.
Avoiding sunlight and excessive cold
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The skin on fresh scars is very sensitive and thin. It should not be exposed to any excessive cold or sunlight. Direct sunlight can change the shape and colour of the scar. Cover your scar tissue during the initial period and protect it from the sun.
Mobilisation
5
Scar treatment also includes mobilisation of scars. You should talk to your healthcare professional in advance to determine the right form of therapy and the right time for this. Targeted physiotherapy as well as ergotherapy can help to improve circulation in the scar tissue and soften the connective tissue, which can have a positive effect on the scar quality.
Patience
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Unfortunately, scars do not disappear, nor do they improve overnight. However, they can be improved up to two years after they have formed. In other words: be patient and stick to your regime, because it takes time for scars to improve. Often, a visible result is not immediately apparent, but can be seen over time. Don’t lose faith.
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BREAST FORMS & SHAPERS
Our innovative Adapt Air Technology has won two International Design Awards
AMOENA BALANCE ADAPT AIR ADAPTABLE The integrated air chamber technology enables the individual adjustment of the breast form by simply adding or deflating air.
CLOSE TO THE BODY Easily adaptable to any chest wall for a snug fit and perfect skin contact.
LIGHTWEIGHT The air chamber ensures reduced weight and perfect wearing comfort.
VISUAL SYMMETRY Adapt Air can be tailored to any woman’s unique silhouette or type of bra, for one symmetrical appearance, so that the woman can enjoy her life carefree.
PLEASANT FEELING ON THE SKIN The temperature-equalising Comfort + technology in combination with a structured back offers optimal ventilation and ensures the ideal temperature between the chest wall and the prosthesis.
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AMOENA AND ME
Women sharing their experiences with Amoena products
“Amoena products are like a part of me.”
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Every day we work with great joy and energy to make Amoena‘s vision come true - to support the self-confidence of women who want to lead an active life after being diagnosed with breast cancer or who are dissatisfied with the appearance or shape of their breasts for other reasons. Although our customers are at the heart of everything we do, sometimes in the day-to-day stress of our work we forget what a great difference our products make to women. That‘s why we‘re so pleased to be able to feature Barbara who uses our Amoena products to give us an insight into what they mean to her . Today we would like to thank Barbara for taking the time to answer our questions. Barbara lives with her family in Dortmund and has known Amoena for over 16 years. Barbara is also a model for us and was immediately thrilled to be able to give an insight into her experiences with Amoena.
What do you find special about Amoena products?
When did you first come into contact with Amoena products?
The best quality I have experienced in the course of my work at Amoena! I was also lucky enough that my medical supply store at the time recommended an Amoena breast form plus bra! Just a lucky timing!
I first came into contact with Amoena products in July 2005. Which Amoena products (breast forms, shapers, underwear,…) do you use?
What buzz word comes to mind when you think of Amoena?
In the course of my modelling work for Amoena, I have had the pleasure of trying out almost all the breast forms! My favourite would be the Adapt-Air, which I have been wearing with enthusiasm since 2020, the Contact Light 2S and the Energy Cosmetic 2S! I also like the Essential 2 A and the Natura Light 1 SN, but I would single out the Natura, which feels super soft and comfortable, like a caress on the skin! I prefer bras without underwire (I also wore them before the operation)! The bras all fit great from “Mona to Carmen, Karolina and Aurelie“!
It may sound cliché, but it‘s true: “Like a part of me“! I don‘t miss anything, especially since a post-mastectomy reconstruction was in the cards for me at the beginning. Do you have a message that you would like to share with our employees who work every day on the development, production, improvement, distribution, etc. of our Amoena products? Continued success and many new impulses in the further development of products that make life easier and more beautiful for women who have had breast surgery! In the case of my daughter, who has a disfigured breast after a capsule removal (an en bloc operation)! For these women it would also be nice to have the appropriate compensatory parts available!
What influence do these products have on your daily life? The products give me security and a sense of well-being in everyday life.
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THINK PINK SUCCESSFULLY EXPANDS ONLINE SUPPORT SERVICES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19.
Think Pink has a team of experienced Breast Care Nurses along with a dedicated group of volunteer professional therapists and facilitators who provide a range of services and programs to assist Think Pink clients. Amoena has been instrumental over the years to assist in providing education and support materials at the Think Pink Living Centre. In the counselling room Think Pink has available a variety of Amoena resources to be utilised when showing clients what is available in this range.
Think Pink Foundation, like many charities and businesses have successfully been able to move its valuable support services to an online platform while ongoing lockdowns continue to impact those affected by breast cancer. The Think Pink Foundation was forced to temporarily close its new state- of- the-art, independent and non-clinical wellness facility centre in Docklands as part of the COVID-19 lockdown and has overcome the impact of the virus by taking all its free services online. This has increased the number of women and men now accessing Think Pink services by 300% since the transition commenced in April 2020.
Andrea Cannon, Breast Care Nurse consultant and Think Pink Living Centre Manager said: “providing ongoing Think Pink services via Zoom has enabled us to break down the tyranny of distance for women and men who could be isolated and may benefit by participating in group sessions or one on one counselling in their own home. The Think Pink online program enables a platform of connections for our five support groups. These support groups are designed to cater for various ages and stages of
Under the guidance of Breast Care Nurse and Manager, Andrea Cannon, Think Pink staff, volunteers and session facilitators developed an extensive, innovative program to break down the social isolation many clients felt during Australia’s lockdown. Think Pink’s Living Centre in Docklands provides professional and caring holistic support completely free of charge to patients, their families, and carers at any stage of their journey with breast cancer. It’s mission is to enable a better journey through breast cancer for patients and their families by providing direct emotional, practical and physical support through the comprehensive range of programs offered. It does not limit the number of visits by clients and most importantly, all of its services are available to breast cancer patients from any treatment centre and at any stage of their journey.
disease along with our Supporting Blokes group.” As Think Pink continues to expand, it has also increased its online program offering which now includes weekly exercise and wellness sessions via Zoom, including Yoga, Pilates, Reflexology and Tai
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“So fabulous, thank you. I’m finding this reflexology so powerful. I sometimes notice immediate and significant relief. I’m also really loving the yoga classes, they are perfect for where my body is at post-surgery, and also the breathing exercises are great. Thank you so much, what a great program.”
Chi; monthly sessions such as Group Art Therapy, Mindfulness and monthly support groups. Prior to going onto Zoom, many of these programs were not available on a weekly basis. To meet the needs of clients, Think Pink’s specialist and highly qualified facilitators run the sessions; Pilates sessions are facilitated by a qualified Physiotherapist/Pilates Instructor who has experience in adapting to meet the specific needs of clients who are perhaps post-surgery. The Bloke’s Group is facilitated by a Social Worker/ Senior Clinician along with our Breast Care Nurse Consultant. Think Pink strongly believes in evidencebased practice and education; therefor support groups often feature guest speakers presenting on a range of subjects such as Oncology and Radiology specialists, a grief counsellor and an Art Therapist.
THINK PINK CLIENT “I can’t thank you and Andrea for all your efforts to support not only the women enduring breast cancer diagnosis surgery and ongoing treatment, but my husband is a different person since joining the Blokes Support group. It was incredibly tough for him during my journey with the COVID restrictions. Thank you x” THINK PINK CLIENT
Clients feel a sense of community and camaraderie as they connect via the program activities, even online and they gain a better understanding of the challenges they are facing through the educational programs.
“Being a scuba diving instructor - with a lot of physical exercise in my job, there has been almost no exercise from me since my double mastectomy and Diep Flap stomach removal - in March 2020. Everything just seemed too hard or too scary to do, and I worried I’ll exacerbate my pain areas.
“It’s lovely to be part of a community/group of people who you know really understand what it’s like to live with a metastatic diagnosis. I am only 18months into my journey and fortunately still feel quite well, but the whole experience is something which is hard for family & friends to properly comprehend. It gives me great hope seeing others on second and third line treatments still leading purposeful lives. It helps me with my initial fear - my body growing resistant to present meds I am taking. It’s great to also have the support & knowledge of the wonderful staff at Think Pink. Thanks so much for being there for us all. It’s gold! “
After attending a Zoom Pilates class this morning, I sat on the floor and cried at the fact I have finally found something I am able to do and that brought feelings of achievement. It’s made me feel so much better about getting back into some form of fitness and myself. The instructor was amazing in her descriptions and advice in the exercises, and I will definitely be back for the next class. Thank you so much to her and the time she places in to help us and guide us through Pilates in her classes and thank you to the hard-working staff at Think Pink who allow this to happen.” THINK PINK CLIENT
THINK PINK CLIENT Some of the wonderful Think Pink volunteers
www.ThinkPink.org.au 15
BREAST CARE APPAREL
It is more important than ever to be at ease with yourself when spending long periods of time at home alone. Selfsufficiency serves as a source of strength and leads to inner balance for body and soul. This is the reason why we have chosen the theme “Love Yourself” as a continuation of self-care. The woman, our customer, is the centre of attention, and the focus for this seasonal collection. Whether she is ‘perfect’ or not, she is always herself - she is beautiful, able to love and be proud of herself and celebrate her individuality. With this clear message and with this new collection Spring 2021 we want to give her back her self-confidence more than ever before. Little sayings and heart motifs are integrated delicately into the products to always remind her of her own beauty. Love yourself, because that´s who you´ll spend the rest of your life with - welcome home.
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” Coco Chanel
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be yourself Padded Soft Bra
Brief
44754 black/taupe
44756 black/taupe
AU: 10 – 22 AA, A, B, C, D
AU: 8 – 20
Detail View
be beautiful Soft Bra
Brief
44757 charming off-white
44759 charming off-white
AU: 12 – 20 A, B, C, D
AU: 8 – 18
Detail View
be amazing Wire Bra
Brief
44769 tender taupe/rose kiss
44770 tender taupe/rose kiss
AU: 12 – 20 A, B, C, D
AU: 8 – 18
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Detail View
COCOONING – THE HOMELINESS TREND More and more people are enjoying spending time at home. This retreat to private life is known as cocooning. It’s not a new phenomenon, really. The American researcher Faith Popcorn came up with the term cocooning as early as the 1980s. Its origin lies in biology, where it describes the pupation of insects, such as butterflies. In her book “The Popcorn Report: Trends for the Future”, the author describes cocooning as a stimulus to retreat within your own four walls, for example when the outside world becomes too rough and frightening. People find protection and security in their cosy homes, just like the butterfly caterpillar in its cocoon.
feel safe, relax and unwind. Instead of being tossed around at the mercy of the stressful, complicated, overwhelming world, we retreat into our own small and manageable home. We swap a restaurant visit for a delicious meal at our own table, or an evening at the pub for a box-set binge on the sofa. Copious mugs of hot tea and soothing music are also available on demand. The door closes behind us, the mobile phone is switched off, and we snuggle down on the sofa and escape the hectic pace of everyday life. Your personal nest is the perfect place to relax and switch off.
This behaviour is particularly noticeable during crises. It’s not really surprising that the term cocooning was coined during the time of the Cold War. Faced with economic uncertainty, consumers retreated into their own homes.
Our cocoon needs to be furnished with beautiful things: a simple sofa enhances a cosy living area where you can spend the whole day. A variety of light sources, green plants, carpets and textiles such as pillows and blankets make the living room an oasis of well-being. Cocooning represents a new campfire mentality and is closely linked to other home furnishing trends, such as the Danish hygge style and the Swedish Lagom attitude to life.
The home thus becomes your central living space and a place of retreat. A place of warmth and intimacy. A place where the world is still OK. Somewhere to
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TIPS FOR A RELAXING TIME AT HOME:
But a cosy evening at home isn’t just about a comfortable couch and the right blanket to wrap yourself in. Your clothing must also be made of warm and cosy materials. Banish your office clothes to the wardrobe, the tight blouse and the stiff jeans – and replace them with a soft sweatshirt, pyjama bottoms and fluffy knitted socks. A warm, comfortable, layered look is also perfect for cuddling up on cold days when you prefer not to leave the comfort of your own four walls.
1. MUSIC The right music is indispensable for a cosy day at home. There are some Spotify playlists for relaxing moments, for example “Relaxation Music - the best music for relaxing”. What helps you switch off better than reading a book to background piano music while cuddled up on the sofa?
But it is not just for the cold season – your home is also the perfect place for a relaxing break. In the summer, your balcony or garden can be transformed into a green oasis that creates the feeling of being on holiday. In addition to comfortable cushions and blankets, a hammock is absolutely essential here. And colourful, warm light from lanterns and light chains makes your favourite ice cream taste even better.
www.spotify.com/au/
2. AMBIENCE The A&O for a cosy atmosphere is the correct light. Wall and floor lamps with warm, dimmable light bulbs can work well as indirect light sources. Moreover, there’s hardly any form of lighting that creates such a pleasant atmosphere as candlelight does.
It’s important to create the perfect cocoon for your time at home in both summer and winter. The most important thing about cocooning is: making yourself as comfortable as possible in your own four walls.
3. MEET FRIENDS ONLINE Friends don’t have to be left out during a cosy evening at home. On the contrary, apps such as Skype, Houseparty or Zoom make it easy to bring your circle of friends into your own home digitally. So you can mix with all your favourite people from the comfort of your own sofa. www.zoom.us
4. OFFLINE On quieter days, when you prefer to spend time without friends and in peace, you should put your mobile phone and laptop aside for at least a few hours. Enjoy your free time offline and stress-free, maybe with a good book?
5. FOOD
COMFORTABLE AND BEAUTIFUL: the extremely comfortable Clara SB FC with front closure offers maximum comfort for snuggly evenings in the warmth of your own home. It’s also ideal for wearing while you sleep.
A delicious dinner rounds off the cosy day at home perfectly. You can choose between your favourite home recipe or a takeaway – the preferred option, as it offers even better relaxation. www.ubereats.com/au/
Contact your specialist fitter or an Amoena stockist and see for yourself how comfortable seamless bras from Amoena really are. You can find a list of our stockists at www.amoena.com/au/
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EXERCISE IS GOOD – EVEN AFTER BREAST SURGERY Many women complain of pain in the shoulder and neck area after surgery. A small breast form can have a big effect here – especially in combination with targeted training.
Post-operative posture is often incorrect. Many women tend to hunch, either a little or a lot, with their shoulders pulled forward and arms held close to their body. This is probably an attempt to protect themselves from wound or muscle pain, and perhaps sometimes from the dreaded looks of others. As understandable as this behaviour is, it can lead to further complications. Bad posture can affect the
sensations. Movements become more relaxed and unobtrusive and at the same time your trust in your own body is restored. The goal is an upright posture. Your gaze is straight ahead, your chin slightly retracted. Your neck is stretched upwards, your shoulders are pulled backwards and downwards. Your chest is raised – which emphasises the asymmetry of the breasts. There are high-quality and individually adapted breast forms for precisely this situation – both in terms of shape and size as well as with regard to the respective use, for example, when swimming or under a tight dress at the opera. One of the most innovative solutions is the Amoena Adapt Air. “With its air chambers, it adapts harmoniously to the chest wall. Its integrated air chamber technology makes it possible to adapt the shape of the breast to individual
mobility and flexibility of the arms and shoulders. This leads to pain that can make everyday things such as combing your hair, showering or putting on a sweater absolute torture. Irrespective of the type of breast surgery, it is important to get moving again as soon as possible, but consciously and gently. Do something good for yourself. Long walks, slow swimming or even dancing can help your muscles and create new body
Pain in the shoulder, neck and back is not uncommon after such an intervention. Many women report tension and are sensitive to both touching and moving. This can happen in the case of a mastectomy, the complete removal of the breast tissue, as well as during a lumpectomy, a breastconserving tumour surgery.
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needs. The breast form sits perfectly on every breast,” says Claudia Reichl, Product Manager at Amoena. “It creates an even silhouette and generates trust and self-confidence in all situations.” At the same time, the Balance Adapt Air breast form offers maximum comfort. “The temperature equalisation material, together with the textured back, ensures optimum ventilation. The perceived temperature of the breast form is similar to the body temperature of the wearer,” Claudia Reichl continues. “In addition, the smooth and soft edges create an invisible transition between the breast form and breast tissue, thus guaranteeing a natural appearance and feeling.”
Balance Adapt Air MD 233
For supplementary training, you will find three simple exercises below that you can carry out at home. However, please talk to your healthcare professional as soon as possible beforehand. If necessary, they will also prescribe physiotherapy, which is usually covered by your health insurance.
1. Flying elbows This exercise helps to improve mobility in the shoulder and chest. Lie on your bed or the floor in a supine position (on your back). Bend your knees and position your feet flat. Cross your hands behind your neck. Point your elbows towards the ceiling. Move your elbows as far as possible to the side, in the direction of the floor and then again in the direction of the ceiling. It may take several weeks before you get your elbows near the bed or the floor. Repeat the exercise seven to ten times.
2. Shoulder blade elongation This exercise helps to improve the mobility of the shoulder blades. Sit on a chair. Move the chair as close as possible to the table, always keeping your back straight against the back of the chair. Place the arm of your healthy side on the table. Bend your elbow at a 90 degree angle with the palm facing downwards. Do not move this arm during the exercise. Now place the hand of the other arm on the table with the palm facing down. However, the elbow on this side should be stretched out. Slide the hand to the opposite side on the table. You should feel the movement in your shoulder blade during this exercise. Repeat seven to ten times.
3. Shoulder expansion on the wall This exercise helps to improve the mobility of the shoulder. Stand at a distance of about 20 centimetres away with your face towards the wall. Place your hands on the wall at the height of your face. Your elbows are pointing downwards. Use your hands to “crawl” up the wall until you can feel the stretch – and slowly return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise seven to ten times.
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PILATES HELPS YOU TO FIND YOUR INNER BALANCE AGAIN Dr Martina Fenselau is a pulmonary specialist and has been a Pilates teacher since 2019. Particularly in times of high stress, regular training helps not only to strengthen the body, but also the mind, she says. An interview. Why is Pilates helpful in coronavirus times? Many people complain of a lack of structure in their everyday lives in these times. Pilates helps to structure your day with defined training times. The exercises are very easy to do at home – you don’t need more than a yoga mat and ideally a laptop. Do you also have online groups yourself? I actually teach Pilates at a sports club once a week. At the beginning of the second lockdown, i.e. in October 2020, we migrated from our beautiful room to the Net. Almost all our participants have stayed with us. Some new ones have even been added. Can everyone deal with the technology? Actually, this is no longer a problem. Perhaps the only positive aspect of Covid is that we have all learned how to use video conference tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Jitsi. Of course, you need a reasonably stable Internet connection. Are home workouts the future? I think they will be offered in addition to classroom sessions. Training alone at home cannot simply replace the community feeling of being in the gym. It is also much harder for the trainer to correct postures over a screen. There are also a number of pieces of sports equipment in the gym that are missing at home. But online training also has possibilities. If, for example, you are restricted by illness or childcare or your journey is really far, you can use this method to join Pilates in a group.
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“Pilates promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates the production of happiness hormones and increases self-perception.”
For now I have to motivate myself at home. Do you have a tip for this situation? It is easy to motivate yourself if you set a specific date. A fixed time on a fixed day. Sometimes it helps to meet up with a friend. It is also important to set realistic goals. For the duration of a single exercise or for the entire training. By the way, every Pilates session should be followed by a ten-minute relaxation phase, during which soothing music can be played. Relaxation is used to better perceive your body and to feel yourself again. In fact, many people perceive this time with themselves and their bodies as a reward. Why do you recommend Pilates to women with breast cancer? Pilates promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates the production of happiness hormones and increases self-perception. The correct breathing, which is an essential component of any Pilates exercise, can help women to rest after the surgery and to find their inner balance again. Long-held stretching exercises for the upper body also increase well-being.
THESE ITEMS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR SPORTS SUCH AS PILATES, YOGA OR QI GONG
Kitty Top (rose nude)
Kitty Soft Bra (rose nude)
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Power Sports Bra
Are there any special exercises especially for the time after breast surgery? In principle, mainly the exercises that train the chest and torso muscles. Examples are the “chair”, “cactus” and “cat cow”. All these movements also help to prevent neck tension. This training is particularly recommended after the operation because it is gentle and careful. How did you come to Pilates yourself? For me it was a rheumatic disorder. I had to urgently think about myself and do more for myself. Due to the targeted movements, harmonious muscle strengthening and correct fascia stretching, I soon felt much better. At the same time, the training gave me firmer muscles. I think my body is nicer now and therefore I have a better feeling of self-esteem. And now you are giving courses yourself. I wouldn’t have thought that either. However, as a doctor, it became clear to me at some point that Pilates would be a great opportunity to offer my patients alternative support for recovery. Although it always takes me a lot of time to put together a training programme, it is great fun to teach other people something. And what is the feedback like? (laughs) Good. My participants encourage me. This motivates me to always come up with new ideas and gives me more self-confidence too.
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Thanks! To all the fitters, breast care nurses and healthcare professionals who were there offering support and advice over recent months, you have done a great job!
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AMOENA: THE ENVIRONMENT AT A GLANCE Sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for even more comfort
MELANIE ZIMMER Product Manager at Amoena
Environmental protection is a central topic at Amoena. Product manager Melanie Zimmer not only develops the most varied breast care textiles, but also decides which materials are used specifically for which product. In the interview, she explains the natural benefits of the materials and what they can do for the wearers.
Why are sustainable and environmentally friendly materials used for Amoena products?
because natural materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, etc. score particularly highly when it comes to breathability.
When developing our collections, not only do we want to meet the highest functional and quality standards, but we also place particular emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly yarns when selecting materials. To this end, we always keep an eye on the biological production of cotton, reduction of water consumption and recycling of materials such as nylon. After all, we want to make a contribution towards protecting the environment while meeting our high standards for functionality and comfort at the same time.
If we look at organic cotton, why was this material used for Becky SB or Lara Cotton SB? Organic cotton is a legally protected term and guarantees that the cotton has been grown under the applicable organic standards. This means that neither pesticides nor chemical fertilisers can be used for cultivation. It not only protects the environment, but is also particularly suitable for sensitive skin. Organic cotton also impresses with the level of comfort it offers: the material, cultivated to conserve resources, is soft, breathable and lasts for a very long time. It is especially skin friendly and therefore also suitable for allergy sufferers. This means that women can enjoy a very pleasant wearing sensation on their skin.
What benefits do environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo and Econyl® offer women? Women who opt for environmentally friendly materials opt for a conscious lifestyle and contribute to more sustainability in their wardrobe. At the same time, you can look forward to an unbelievable level of comfort,
In addition to organic cotton, the range also includes fabrics made from bamboo. Why does
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Amoena use this sustainable variant for Clara SB? Bamboo is considered one of the fastest (re)growing plants in the world. It produces a lot of oxygen and stores large amounts of CO2. In addition, bamboo also has outstanding fabric attributes. It is ideal for sensitive skin, as it is an especially soft material with a pleasant feel. It has good breathability and moisture absorption. This means that the Clara SB is quick drying and leaves a pleasant feeling on your skin. After all, comfort is our focus. In addition to natural materials, recycled yarns such as Econyl® are also used. What are the advantages in relation to this when it comes to the Rome One-Piece swimsuit? ECONYL® is an 100% recycled nylon fibre, which is obtained from fisherman’s nets, among other things, and represents a sustainable alternative to conventional nylon. It has the potential to be recycled endlessly without losing its quality. ECONYL® is therefore a solution to nylon waste, which is also better for climate change and for our marine animals at the same time. In addition to the environmental aspect, the focus at Amoena is on women and they’ll be able to enjoy an array of benefits with this high-quality yarn. For example, the Rome OP swimsuit offers excellent UV protection, which is extremely important for scars. In addition, the material is protected from chlorine, pilling and sunscreen and offers tear resistance. What makes a swimsuit particularly pleasant is drying quickly – which is what ECONYL® offers. If you want to enjoy your swimwear for a particularly long time, which also contributes to sustainability, you need to look after it properly. It’s best to wash it by hand with a mild detergent directly after sunbathing. So the chances of chlorine or salt water damaging it are minimal. Then place the swimsuit flat on the laundry stand and leave it to air dry. Never throw the swimsuit into the dryer, iron it or use bleach. Why is environmental protection also so important for the “Amoena system solution”? As the leading manufacturer in breast care, we have a special responsibility to make sure that we look after our environment. Acting sustainably not only ensures the continued existence of our company, it is also a fundamental part of our values. By acting sustainably, we not only have holistic environmental protection in mind, but we also ensure the quality of our products and processes, which is essential. At Amoena, women come first – this is firmly anchored in our values. We are here, listening and supporting women with breast cancer on their entire journey to a life full of self-confidence. In this way, we are a loyal companion for life. We are absolutely aware of our commitment to women and the environment.
ORGANIC COTTON
No agrochemical products such as artificial fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides are used in the cultivation of organic cotton. This usually results in a lower harvest yield, but the cultivation method has clear advantages such as environmental protection and fewer health risks for the plantation workers.
BAMBOO
Bamboo is a fast-growing raw material that is used as a source of fibre for the manufacture of food, building materials, consumer goods and musical instruments. It is normally grown on plantations without the use of pesticides. Bamboo fibres come from the stem of the plant.
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ECONYL®
To make the products, fishing nets from aquaculture and what are known as ghost nets, i.e. nets disposed of in the sea, are recycled, among other things. The fibre is identical to standard nylon, but can be recycled and reused again and again to produce new products in a way that’s resource-friendly.
SWIMWEAR COLLECTION 2021 For a wonderful day at the beach or swimming pool: our swimwear combines high-tech fabrics with contemporary designs and innovative cuts.
BREAST CARE APPAREL
Maritime Meadow One Piece High Neckline in maritime/flowers, 71464, 10 – 20 B, C, D
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Multiple Styles
Clockwise from top:: Bohemian Chic One Piece High Neckline in water blue, 71439, 8 – 18 B, C; Zen Garden Wire Bra Top in twilight blue, 71447, 10 – 18 B, C, D, DD and co-ordinate High Waist Brief, 71448, 8 – 24; Modern Jungle Half Bodice in twilight blue/leafy green, 71486, 10 – 26 B, C, D; Asian Garden Blouson in black & white stars, 71434, 10 – 26 B, C, D and co-ordinate High Waist Brief, 8 – 26; Asian Garden Full Bodice in black & white stars, 71431, 10 – 28 B, C, D, DD
Discover our new swimwear amoena.com/au/ Aqua Wave
Our swim breast form
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Supporting Confidence
SPECIAL EDITION
Pink October 2021
Sports Bra SB FC Medium Support (44775)
Feel proud in your Amoena special edition sports bra in "magenta love / rose kiss“ supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
BREAST CARE APPAREL
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UNEVEN BREASTS? A NON-INVASIVE SOLUTION EXISTS! Does breast asymmetry cause you, or someone you know, to wear oversized tops or to avoid deep necklines? Does your bra wrinkle on one side? This imbalance can impact quality of life, causing anxiety and diminished self-confidence. In some cases, it can also affect posture and cause back and neck pain. Surgery could create better symmetry and remedy this problem, but it isn’t always the best option. Have you considered a non-invasive solution? Amoena offers a large collection of breast shapers – Amoena Balance – to compensate for missing volume. They’re so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing one. Here are a few reasons you’ll love them: • Made of high quality silicone • Natural feel • No one notices that you’re wearing a breast shaper • Can be inserted into your bra or adhered to your skin
AVANT
• Gives you that little extra boost • Can also incorporate Comfort+ technology to regulate temperature between the body and the shaper and increase your comfort • Also helps very young women when one breast is growing faster than the other • Amoena’s Balance Adapt Air shaper option is the only one on the market that is adjustable to fit
APRÈS
exactly to your unique chest wall or bra style
Your shaper can be held securely in a pocketed bra. At left, our model wears the Amanda Wire-Free Bustier with plunging neckline.
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CURASUPPORT COMPRESSION Our compression garments support the healing of wounds after breast surgery. Stabilising the post-surgical breast during the healing phase, compression garments help protect sensitive scar tissue and reduce irritation, while helping to minimise the risk of post-surgical oedema and pain.
LEYLA ZIP-ST-LOW
Post-surgical bra with a low pressure level Sizes: 10/12; 14/16; 18/20; 22/24; 26/28; 30/32 Cups: universal
44604 rose nude
44605 white
44606 black
RECOVERY CARE PRODUCTS
For more information, visit: Amoena Australia 107 Fergie Street Fitzroy North, Vic, 3068 Australia www.amoena.com/au/ au.info@amoena.com Amoena is an ISO 9001 / 13485 / 14001 certified company. Amoena breast forms, recovery care garments, pocketed bras and pocketed swimwear are labeled with the CE marked. Amoena is a registered trademark of Amoena Medizin– Orthopädie–Technik GmbH. ID 9910 – 07/21 Amoena is a registered trademark of Amoena Medizin–Orthopädie–Technik GmbH. © 2021 All rights reserved Australia, 107 Fergie Street Fitzroy North Vic 3068
@AmoenaAustralia
