Amoena4Life Magazine 2019 - U.S. by Amoena

AMOENA4LIFE amoena.us / amoena.ca

GO WITH THE FLOW: YOGA FOR LYMPHEDEMA Managing the Side Effect So Many Women Face

PLASTICS IN THE OCEANS And What We Can Do To Help — A Practical Guide

HER TURN TO SERVE Meet Carletta, A Survivor Who Says 'Yes' To Opportunity

NATURAL CALM & COMFORT 3 Easy Ways to Soothe Side Effects

FOCUS:

Compression is “Wrapped Up” with Breast Cancer

Issue 2019

FROM AMOENA Dear Reader,

LET'S KEEP THIS CASUAL

We were founded on a vision to support women after a breast cancer diagnosis, and we have perfected many products for that purpose. Amoena remains committed to providing innovative solutions to support your confidence. In line with this vision, we think it’s vital to learn and study what’s happening, not just in the breast cancer world, but in our society as a whole. In this issue, we explore a bit about both. Our features on lymphedema and compression therapy give insight about a challenge many women must face, and most know very little about. We asked the experts: What is new in compression therapy? What can women expect? They have valuable answers and practical advice.

Yes, you can look balanced in your bra. If you need a little help filling your bra cup, it’s no big deal. Maybe the result after breast surgery or radiation leaves you needing a bit more. We have something for you. Ask your retailer about Amoena Balance Shapers. Find an Amoena retailer at amoena.us or call 1-888-900-8998.

In our wider world, we cannot ignore recent news about the environment. Awareness is the first step in creating positive change; we help you with that in our informative article about plastics in our oceans. Most important, we think, are your stories of inspiration.We are collecting them at TheDayIWasTold.com, and hope you will share yours. One such story comes from physician, mother, activist and Amoena ambassador Vera Ora. She is vibrant and eager to spread her message of awareness. We welcome your feedback and hope you enjoy this issue. Lene Ploug Bülow Chief Commercial Officer Managing Director

Page 18 Natural Calm & Comfort

Page 13 Plastics in the Oceans

CONTENT S 04 MEET CARLETTA: HER TURN TO SERVE Carletta Cunningham, our cover model, tells her story and keeps moving toward her fitness goals.

FOCUS:

Lymphedema and Compression

13 P LASTICS IN THE OCEANS

06 COMPRESSION IS “WRAPPED UP” WITH BREAST CANCER

Three quarters of the garbage in oceans is plastic, which endangers sea life. How can you help? Read our guide.

14 A MOENA'S GOLD STANDARD

11 G O WITH THE FLOW:

FOR QUALITY

YOGA FOR LYMPHEDEMA

Amoena takes responsibility for our products and processing, and how they affect our world. An interview with Senior VP Dirk Müller.

hat every woman should know W about breast surgery, lymphedema and compression therapy.

Christine Raab developed secondary lymphedema in her right arm as a result of her breast cancer surgery. But yoga is helping.

REDEFINING "SUPPORT GROUPS"

The newly rebuilt Salt Lake City, Utah chapter of Young Survival Coalition isn't interested in a circle of folding chairs.

20 NATURAL CALM & COMFORT

AMOENA4LIFE amoena.us / amoena.ca

GO WITHE THE FLOW: YOGA FOR LYMPHEDEMA Managing the Side Effect So Many Women Face

There are natural ways to comfort and soothe your skin – and your soul – during cancer treatment. We explore the benefits of ginger, essential oils and energy movement..

PLASTICS IN THE OCEANS And What We Can Do To Help — A Practical Guide

HER TURN TO SERVE Meet Carletta, A Survivor Who Says 'Yes' To Opportunity

NATURAL CALM & COMFORT 3 Easy Ways to Soothe Side Effects

FOCUS:

Amoena4Life 2019, amoena.us | Publisher: Amoena Amoena USA Corporation, 1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Ste. 410, Kennesaw, GA 30144 USA | Editor: Lena Ehmsen Lachenmeier | Contributors: Stella Hombach, Christina Relf, Lee Thrash | Art Director & Design: Sandy Braun | Photography: Jeff VonHoene, WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock, Timo Raab, obs/ medi GmbH & Co., KG artí Sans/Stocksy, Tobias Gratz, Anna Pocaro, Cherish Bryck, Pixel Stories, Nadine Greeff, Stocksy, Adobe Stock | Contact: info@amoena.com | All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents in any manner is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. This brochure is distributed to retailers and medical facilities. Amoena cannot be liable for pictorial or typographical errors. While every effort is taken to ensure the information contained in this magazine is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any use of or reliance on the accuracy of such information. Any information provided is not a substitute for professional care and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you have, or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. No liability for unsolicited manuscripts.

You can also read Amoena4Life in digital format at amoena.us — anytime, anywhere. At home or on the go, on your PC, tablet or smartphone. 3

Compression is “Wrapped Up” with Breast Cancer

Issue 2019

TAKE US WITH YOU! amoena.us

IT DIDN’T STOP HER. Instead, it started a string of fitness challenges. After that first tri, which took place nearly a year to the day after her first chemo treatment, Carletta knew that staying active would serve her well both physically and emotionally. “I continue to cling to my ‘Keep It Moving’ mission because it helps me to not focus on the ‘what-ifs’ that come with cancer. I choose to live my life with and on purpose.” She has even toyed with the idea of climbing a great mountain, like Mount Kilimanjaro. “I’ve not completely convinced myself I’m crazy enough to try it,” she says. “Right now my ultimate goal is to adopt a sustainable healthy lifestyle,” and she’ll undoubtedly be a role model for others in that quest, because so many of us can relate.

"KEEP IT MOVING“

A STORY TO TELL

HER TURN TO SERV E Carletta Cunningham has shared her story countless times, for more than a few breast cancer awareness and support efforts. It‘s her way of keeping a promise to herself to give back. Tennis was Carletta’s first love, athletically. “I started playing when I was 30,” she tells Amoena4Life, and she continues to play on a women’s team in Atlanta’s active tennis community. It isn’t lost on her that the word “service” is both a tennis term and her way to give purpose to her breast cancer experience.

SERVING ACES AS A VOLUNTEER Carletta says that over the last couple of years, she has been focused on volunteer work with local non-profits. “I serve on the board of directors for It’s The Journey (the sponsor of the GA 2Day Walk) and for Loving Arms Cancer Outreach,” she says. “I promised myself that once I finished with treatment I would give back to organizations that gave so generously to me. I’m incredibly proud of the work that is done right here in our local community.” And when she isn’t volunteering, you’ll find her outside, on the go. “By establishing physical goals for myself, both big and small, I’m able to keep my mind focused on the things I can control and manage,” she explains. “I love my active lifestyle… it keeps me healthier in all facets of my life.” She intends to keep it moving — beyond fear and onto the path of her hopes and dreams.

Of course she sometimes feels nervous about speaking in front of audiences. “I always get butterflies. But that’s passion, right?” What matters is the message, not the polish, she notes. Photo: Jeff VonHoene

speaker or motivational coach? “No,” she laughs, “when I was younger I did have aspirations to write a book. But for now, I’ll stick to my day job.” (She’s an operations manager who’s worked for IBM for 22 years.)

“As long as the opportunity allows me to advocate, build awareness, and motivate others,” she says, “I will say yes. The choice to use my breast cancer platform to enlighten and empower others is definitely a privilege — I am humbly aware that we all need something to inspire us during our darkest moments,” she wisely notes.

Diagnosed in 2013 at age 41, Carletta’s life since breast cancer has been pretty non-stop. Her motto, “Keep It Moving,” fuels her for adventures that are decidedly physical, like kayaking, tennis and even triathlons. She had started training for a triathlon in January of that year, but her momentum was interrupted with the breast cancer diagnosis in March.

C A R L E T TA C U N N I NGH A M

Carletta’s diagnosis also inspired her to tell her story — frequently. It wasn’t necessarily intentional, she says. “I’ve always believed God directs my footsteps, guides me to the path I should take and the people I should meet. So, if He directs me to it, I go,” she explains. In the six years since her breast cancer story began she has been an ambassador and model for Amoena; a team captain for the Georgia 2Day Walk for Breast Cancer (her team has raised over $94,000 in 5 years); an athlete and fundraiser with Project Athena Foundation’s 3-day bike and kayak challenge; and a spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website’s Bring Your Brave campaign. And those are just a few of many examples.

We asked if Carletta envisions more from this type work – does she dream of becoming a professional

Focus: Compression and Lymphedema

“ C ompression garments are one of the four cornerstones of the management of lymphedema.”

Compression and Breast Cancer Are Carefully Wrapped Up Together

for 15 days, according to Jean-Claude Ferrandez, a masseur and kinesiotherapist in Avignon, France. “The bandages must be combined with certain exercises to ensure the maximum decongestion possible. Being active physically is particularly helpful during this phase,” he adds.

Most women know that breast cancer comes with a wide variety of side effects and follow-up therapies. Compression of the chest area is common post-surgical practice and sometimes years later, compression of the arm on the surgery side. Why? We’ve spoken

Kelly: “You should feel like you are getting support from the garment. But it should be comfortable while providing the support,” she advises. “The compression bra or vest should not hurt or pinch any area, or cause any irritation to the chest, axilla or thorax spine.”

If your breast cancer involved your surrounding lymph nodes, it is likely that some or all of them were removed during your mastectomy. Sometimes lymph nodes are also affected by radiation therapy. These disruptions to the lymphatic system, while necessary to prevent the spread of cancerous cells, can cause lymph fluid to build up; the resultant swelling is known as lymphedema, and it can happen soon after treatment or much later — even years later — usually in the arm on the affected side.

Immediately after breast surgery, doctors often recommend a compression garment for stability while the surgery site heals. Its purpose: Protecting the surgery site from infection;

Helping reduce post-surgical bruising, scarring and swelling;

Keeping implants or tissue-flap reconstruction in place;

Preventing the build-up of lymph fluid, which can lead to lymphedema.

FASHION AND FUNCTION

“Compression garments are one of the four cornerstones of the management of lymphedema,” Kelly explains. The other three are skin care, manual lymph drainage, and movement.

STAGES OF LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT In the first stage of acute treatment for lymphedema, compression bandages are wrapped around the affected limb by a qualified professional, and changed daily – this is called “intensive decongestion treatment,” and typically continues

From the name “compression garment,” it may seem like a post-surgical compression bra should feel very tight around the chest. Not necessarily, argues

1. Do measurements right away after diagnosis, to establish the baseline size of the wrist, the forearm, and the upper arm. Then pay attention and re-measure every so often. A physical therapist or lymphedema specialist can do this every few months. “If you’re monitoring yourself, you’ll know whether there’s been a change that needs to be addressed,” Burkart says.

2. Have an arm sleeve or gauntlet fitted for preventive care, “because you never know when lymphedema might develop.” Wear it when traveling, or whenever your doctor advises.

Being proactive about your care will give you peace of mind. Ferrandez emphasizes that “patients must learn to participate, themselves, in treating this circulatory defect. They [can also] learn to perform self-drainage or self-bandaging. Among the new decongestion techniques are self-bandaging devices that xtake less than two minutes,” he notes.

Nancy Burkart, a certified fitter for lymphedema products in the U.S., says there is good news about wearing a lymphedema sleeve: “Fashion colors.

Photo: WavebreakMediaMicro /Adobe Stock

Burkart advises that every woman who has breast surgery learn about lymphedema and its prevention, and she recommends taking the following precautionary steps:

In the second “maintenance” stage, bandages are often replaced by a compression sleeve, which stabilizes the result of decongestion and prevents a recurrence of swelling. This is a sleeve that many women wear for the rest of their lives, particularly when traveling or exercising, to prevent lymph fluid build-up. “When the sleeve should be worn depends on the woman’s lifestyle,” Ferrandez notes.

WHEN LYMPH NODES ARE REMOVED

HOW ARE BREAST CANCER AND COMPRESSION LINKED?

ADVICE FOR EVERY BREAST CANCER PATIENT

Manual lymph drainage, a type of massage, may accompany the bandaging therapy. MLD “should feel as if a butterfly is landing on your skin — it’s that gentle,” Kelly says. Too much pressure will not allow for the lymphatic vessels under the skin to do their circulatory work.

to several health practitioners who help explain.

“When we think of compression garments, most of us picture our elder relatives who wore compression stockings or tights due to swelling in their legs,” says Sasha Roche Kelly, a registered general nurse and manual lymph drainage (MLD) therapist in Wexford in the U.K. “These garments were difficult to wear due to the rigidness of the material,” she says, but compression has come a long way in the past twenty years. Wherever you need compression therapy — arms, legs, chest or trunk — materials are now designed to be “easy to wear, easier to get on and off, and kinder to your skin.”

For the longest time, everything has been ‘medical beige,’ but now there are so many options that are fashionable,” she says. Having stylish options actually helps women stick to their maintenance program. “Patients really do have to wear it, to manage their lymphedema. It’s the hardest obstacle for most women — they just don’t want to wear it.” But with more colors and styles to choose from, they feel more confident.

While lymphedema is a lifelong condition, early detection can help you manage it successfully, and you can certainly lead a full and active life post-diagnosis.

NEW BEGINNINGS Every day you take the next step on your journey. With supportive styles, pretty lace, and fresh colors in your wardrobe, you will feel the bright hope of possibility. Lingerie by Amoena.

Magdalena Padded Wire-Free Bra with back smoothing band in nude, sizes 32-42, AA-D.

Clockwise from top: Mara Wire-Free Bra in apricot, sizes 32-44, AA-DD; Karolina Wire-Free Bra in white/light nude, sizes 32-42, A-DD and matching Panty, sizes 6-16; Isadora Wire-Free Bra in white, sizes 32-50, A-G.

Schedule a personal fitting to find the best bra for you. Find an Amoena retailer at amoena.us or call 1-888-900-8998.

FOCUS: Lymphedema and Compression

WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Go with the flow: Yoga for lymphedema In 2014, at the age of 31, Christine Raab was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her

EVERY STORY IS UNIQUE

breast-conserving operation, the surgeons also had to remove some of her lymph nodes. As a consequence, the lymph was no longer flowing properly, and Raab developed

A breast cancer diagnosis turns your world upside down. And every day, women all over the world are going through exactly what you are experiencing. On TheDayIWasTold.com, you can hear other women’s stories about that life-changing day. Every story is unique, and we invite you to share your personal experiences as well. Sharing these stories is one of the most powerful ways that women can help each other.

secondary lymphedema in her right arm. She explained to us how the swelling changed her daily routine and how yoga can stimulate lymphatic circulation.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Being diagnosed with breast cancer can leave you filled with questions and concerns, but also feeling lonely. On The Day I Was Told, you don’t have to feel alone anymore. It is an online community platform where women help and support each other with informative articles, inspirational interviews and good advice. A place where women can feel informed and empowered, even when at their most fragile.

Editor: When did you notice that there was something wrong with your arm? Christine Raab: After one of my last chemotherapy sessions. I sat in the car, looked at my arms and noticed that the right one was somewhat thicker than the left. I then went straight to my doctor. He diagnosed me with lymphedema and sent me for lymphatic drainage.

Visit thedayiwastold.com today to find the answers and support you need throughout your journey. The Day I Was Told is part of Amoena’s commitment to empowering and supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer to feel confident and to live an active life.

Manual lymphatic drainage is a special massage that uses gentle rotary movements to try and work the congested fluid out of the tissue and stimulate the lymphatic circulation. Correct. When the swelling slowly subsided thanks to the massages and a special wrapping technique, I was fitted with a compression arm bandage. I had to wear it every day for two and a half years. I could only take it off at night.

{ It's Carletta! Read her story starting on page 4.

You can visit the website on mobile, tablet and laptop

”The Day I Was Told” is with you every step of the way Photo: Timo Raab

The aim of ”The Day I Was Told” is to support you through your journey

Did you know before your operation that you might develop edema due to the removal of the lymph nodes? No. During chemotherapy, I did see a woman wearing a bandage on her arm, but I did not know why she was wearing it. To be honest, all I was thinking at the time was, “Thank goodness I don’t have that as well.”

FOCUS: Lymphedema and Compression

PL ASTICS IN THE OCE ANS

Moving the shoulders in a circular manner can also stimulate lymph flow in the arms – but that is not a specific yoga exercise.

WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA? Lymphedema is caused when lymph vessels or nodes are damaged or surgically removed, and the lymph can no longer drain properly. In other words, it becomes congested in the tissue and in the spaces between the tissues, causing swelling. The first symptoms are a feeling of heaviness and tension in the affected parts, and the beginnings of swelling. Among women who have undergone breast surgery, secondary, or “acquired”, lymphedema occurs most frequently in the underarm areas or the arms, and sometimes in the breasts or hands.

AND WHAT WE C AN DO TO HELP

YOUR BODY WENT THROUGH A LOT DUE TO BREAST CANCER What has helped you deal with the condition? My positive mindset – not just about my body, but also about the lymphedema. Thinking, “Oh, why do I have this stupid lymphedema and why do I have to exercise and wear compression bandages?” does not make the swelling any better. Instead, I try to remember that my body has gone through a lot because of the breast cancer and needs time to recover.

Scientists have known for years that there is an awful lot of plastic waste floating around in our seas. Why is this so harmful and what can we do, as individuals, to stop it?

There are hardly any genuine efforts to clean our oceans – apart from individual projects by non-governmental

organizations

we all think about our plastic consumption.

WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT?

plastic waste are already floating around in the sea today, from trash bags and fishing

1. Be conscientious about plastic: Use

nets to tiny microparticles

cotton shopping bags

that can barely be

instead of plastic

seen with the naked

bags and buy

eye. Why is that

unpackaged

a problem?

vegetables.

The plastic

Any plastic

particles not Does the lymphedema restrict you in your everyday life? To protect my right arm against excessive strain and heat, I actually had to relearn a lot of things, but I have gotten used to it now. For example, to relieve pressure on my arm I now always carry my handbag on the left-hand side – and the same goes for suitcases and heavy shopping bags. When I am frying something in a pan, I prefer to stir with my left hand, not my right. This ensures that no hot fat splashes onto the edema – because heat and warmth stimulate the blood flow and therefore aggravate the lymphedema.

waste that is

only contain

still created

toxins, but

belongs in recycling bins.

also act like a sort of pollution magnet. In other words,

2. Switch to natural fibers

they collect pollutants which

– not just for your clothing, but

damage the flora and fauna of the

also your bed linen and towels.

oceans. Many marine creatures also

can shed tiny plastic fibers, and

harm their stomachs and intestines.

these cannot be filtered out of sewage treatment plants.

Photo: Martí Sans/Stocksy

WHAT AMOENA IS DOING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Photo: obs/medi GmbH & Co. KG/© BVMed

from polyester, nylon and acrylic

swallowed, the plastic pieces can

Christine Raab, 35, works as a freelance make-up artist, specializing in natural cosmetics. After recovering from breast cancer, she completed her training to become a yoga teacher.

After suffering from breast cancer, you trained to become a yoga teacher. In your blog, you mention that some yoga exercises are also good for the lymph. How does that work? Deliberate abdominal breathing somewhat stimulates the lymph flow – just like exercises where we alternatingly tense and relax our muscles. There are also lots of dynamic movements in yoga. In other words, we do not remain in one position, but we are always moving. This means that the lymph cannot clog up in the first place.

During washing, textiles made

confuse plastic with food – and once

ABOUT CHRISTINE

private

initiatives. It is therefore all the more important that

Experts estimate some 150 million tons of

HEAT STIMULATES THE BLOOD FLOW AND THEREFORE AGGRAVATES LYMPHEDEMA

and

3. Avoid microplastics – by not using exfoliating

Amoena recycles as much as possible. For example, all breast prostheses are coated with an elastic polyurethane film, and the film remnants left behind after production are completely recycled. The company’s recycling rate is currently at over 95 percent. Even during the initial development of new products, Amoena also thinks about non-plastic and non-synthetic packaging.

scrubs, toothpastes or cosmetics that contain microplastics – because the minute plastic particles are extremely difficult to filter out of wastewater. 4. Talk about “plastics in the oceans”. The more people develop awareness of the problem and act responsibly, the sooner the pollution of the seas can begin to be reversed. We're eagerly doing our part by publishing this article!

Amoena's Gold Standard for Quality

EMPLOYEES’ RIGHTS ARE RESPECTED How do you ensure that the foreign partner companies manufacture responsibly and that employees are treated well? All the companies we work with, such as those in Costa Rica and Asia, are certified by the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). BSCI and WRAP are something of a gold standard in the textile industry.

Many companies have their goods manufactured abroad. Dirk Müller is responsible for the development and processing of textiles at Amoena. In this interview, he explains how Amoena ensures that the working conditions at foreign subsidiary companies meet the German standards and how the company is committed to quality and sustainability.

What does “gold standard” mean in this context? The certification is a type of code of conduct that guarantees that the working conditions meet the European standards, and that employees’ rights are respected. In a nutshell, the production conditions are safe, fire safety complies, child labor is prohibited, working weeks do not exceed forty hours, employees have social insurance, there is a right to form trade unions and the minimum wage is paid.

Editor: Do you manufacture the lingerie and swimwear yourselves at Amoena? Dirk Müller: We have our own production sites and longstanding partnerships with our suppliers, in both Central America and Asia.

WHAT DOES “STANDARD 100 BY OEKO-TEX” MEAN? The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certifies the safety of our textiles in terms of human health, such as clothing, bed linen and towels, as well as raw and intermediate textile products and accessories such as thread, fabric, buttons and labels. If a product has the certificate, that means it has been tested for pollutants and certain limits have not been exceeded. The certificate is issued by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology (Oeko-Tex).

DYEING WITH AS LITTLE WATER AS POSSIBLE How do you know that the companies you assign do not outsource the work to subcontractors? We pay regular visits and constantly check the quality of every single production run. If the work were outsourced, we would notice. We also carry out regular unannounced inspections. What is particularly important at Amoena is that we do everything we can to manufacture our goods as sustainably as possible. Photo: Tobias Gratz

Does Amoena purchase its materials from abroad because they are cheaper there? That was the reason historically, at least. In order to save costs, almost all larger textile and clothing companies began manufacturing their goods abroad in the 1980s. As a consequence, the domestic spinning factories and sewing rooms formed other subsidiaries in Asia. Markets such as China have now gained a qualitative advantage over us in terms of textile manufacturing. Most of the suppliers of the raw materials and the fibers, are now also in the Far East.

Do you have an example? The materials we use come mostly from suppliers who have their own water treatment facilities. This means that much less water is used than usual in the industry for the manufacturing and dyeing of the textiles. In order to comply with environmental standards, we also only order materials that are certified with the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. This way, we ensure that our textiles do not contain any substances that are harmful to health.

SOCIAL IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT Their very first gathering was in June of 2017. “We had four members and met in a local café for drinks and desserts. We were small but mighty!” Sooz shares. Since that time, the chapter has grown to at least 50 members, with attendance hovering around 15 for each month’s activity. Their calendar has included: Painting pottery at an art studio Service activities like building chemo care kits for current patients A “Brunch and Learn” with Amoena products to touch and feel (see below) P resentation by a sex therapist, answering questions about fertility and intimacy after cancer Dinners at restaurants around town

REDEFINING "SUPPORT GROUPS" The newly rebuilt Salt Lake City, Utah chapter of Young Survival Coalition isn’t interested in a circle of folding chairs.

“I knew there were other local young survivors like myself, who were needing support,” she recalls. “And I didn’t want anyone to feel alone or isolated, like I did when I was in active treatment.” She also knew that something about the stereotypical support group wasn’t quite right for her demographic.

After 20 years, the Young Survival Coalition is nationally known as a supportive, engaged powerhouse of a non-profit for women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40. It hosts large-scale conferences, puts on regional Tour de Pink cycling events, and advocates for young women at every level of research and health legislation.

YOUTHFUL EXUBERANCE Amoena designers and researchers work very hard to provide lingerie and clothing styles – and breast forms and shapers, too – that serve young women well. Whether you’re getting dressed up to go out, posing on a mountaintop with your friends, or relaxing at home, these products are designed to support confidence.

“I wanted the group to help connect women to services and resources, of course, but also to provide a social aspect that I think is less prevalent in other groups.” One of the chapter’s members, Heather Anderson, echoes that sentiment: “My vision of a support group, before I met with YSC, was sitting in a circle exchanging sad stories the whole time.” It’s not exactly uplifting. The new chapter, instead, plans events and outings that women at every stage can get excited about.

But when you zoom in and focus the lens on local chapters, you find the real heart of the organization – friendships that “get it.” One such chapter is being rebuilt from the ground up, largely thanks to Susan “Sooz” Stevens, a 2-year breast cancer survivor who lives in Utah. She became interested in making local connections after she attended the annual YSC Summit conference in early 2017.

Photos: Anna Pocaro

BALANCE SHAPERS Sooz just started wearing Balance partial shapers r ecently. “To be honest, I had no idea how disproportionate I was until I learned how balanced these could make me look! It makes such a difference, not only in physical appearance but also in having a sense of normalcy again.”

SEASONAL COLLECTIONS Each year in the spring and fall, we design new collections of supportive lingerie, active wear and leisure wear with fashion details you can’t resist, like seductive laces, colored and metallic thread, and rich embroidery. Eliza says, “I love my Amoena bras. They are my favorite.”

VALLETTA TOPS Comfort, comfort, comfort. Our popular pocketed tank top with a built-in bra comes in a wide variety of colors. It is so soft, you can wear it all day and into the night. From Heather: “Amoena provides countless options…. Pretty things that I would actually want to wear.”

MEMBER MEET-UP

Get to know a few members of the newly re-energized Utah chapter.

Anna, age 43 Diagnosed at: 37 Family: Single mom, kids ages 9 and 11

Heather, age 34 Diagnosed at: 32 Family: Single, 2 furry kids, 1 cat and 1 dog

Christine, age 46 Diagnosed at: 43 Family: Married with two boys, age 15 and 13

What she loves about her YSC group: “I have felt very much connected to our YSC group, more so than other support groups. Sooz has been a wonderful connection – she has a natural and relaxed way of bringing us all together.

What she loves about her YSC group: “I like that we can get together to have a good time but also discuss what we go through physically, mentally and emotionally. Friends and family are great support and they do their best to understand but nobody can sympathize the way another fighter or survivor can.”

What she loves about her YSC group: “I love anything that doesn’t feel clinical – we are in the hospital enough! I certainly don’t want to sit in fold-up chairs and discuss my feelings when prompted. The second that women are diagnosed, every doctor in Utah needs to tell them about us!”

Favorite activity they’ve done: “We went and painted pottery and had dinner. It was the first time I was able to connect one on one with other survivors."

Favorite activity they’ve done: “Let’s talk about sex, with an amazing sex therapist, who was so gracious and helpful.”

“It’s helpful to connect with other women who are dealing with similar issues, particularly for me, young mothers who don’t have enough time for self-care. We validate one another, lift each other up.” Favorite activity they’ve done: “We gathered for a service project and held space for a cancer sister who just lost her life to ovarian cancer – we held hands in a circle and had a moment of silence – it was beautiful. To be in a space like that with others who understand the fear is a deep love unlike any other. Psst: Anna took all the photos for this article! See a gallery of her work on Instagram: @pocarophoto

Eliza, age 36 Diagnosed at: 35 Family: Married, with 4 kids, 2 cats, 2 dogs and an iguana!

What she loves about her YSC group: “Talking about issues that will affect us, such as the long-term effects of not having hormones. What can that do to your bones, your hair, nails, sex life? What’s it like to go back to work with chemo brain? Asking questions and knowing others who have been there is super helpful.”

Sooz (Susan), age 34 Diagnosed at: 32 Family: Married

What she loves about her YSC group: "Several of our members are college students, some are dating or newlyweds, or they are brand new mothers to small children. I'm hopeful this group can help ladies connect with other who are in a similar stage of life.

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN

SECRET TO SUPPORT GROUP SUCCESS Members agree that what makes it work is the deep, personal level of understanding that they can’t get with other friends or even family. “There’s an unspoken sense of strength that comes from being in a room of women who have known real struggle,” Sooz says. “We’re able to normalize our feelings, surrounded by women who get it – it’s empowering.”

Amoena has a big heart for women supporting women. If you have a non-profit support group and would like Amoena to support a Brunch and Learn or another type of local meet-up, please reach out to us at info@amoena.com or on social media.

It’s also, very simply, a whole lot of fun.

Favorite activity they've done: "This month we organized 15 chemo care kits for ladies in active treatment. We have the best turnout when we host an educational speaker or presentation."

Favorite activity they’ve done: “To be honest I loved the presentation Amoena did, and I’m not just saying that. Every time we get together it is a slightly different group and I enjoy meeting new women and hearing their stories.”

GINGER — EASE STOMACH DISCOMFORT

NATURAL CALM AND COMFORT: 3 Easy Ways to Soothe Side Effects

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Many people swear by the belief – long practiced in Eastern medicine — that ginger can ease an upset stomach. Conclusive evidence by today’s clinical standards is difficult to find, but some research results do indicate that ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is more effective than placebo for reducing postoperative nausea.

There are many natural ways to comfort your body during illness and cancer treatment. Some of them are so basic, we forget to use them — remedies like getting enough sleep, breathing deeply, and spending time outdoors. Nature provides us with other healing options, too. Here, we explore the potential benefits of ginger, energy movement and essential oils.

AROMATHERAPY — FOR SLEEP, NAILS AND IMMUNITY “I wish I had known about essential oils when I was in treatment,” shares breast cancer survivor and wellness advocate Eden Lackey. “Thankfully, I found them post-treatment when I was taking debilitating medicines and dealing with side effects,” she says. Aromatherapy helped Lackey recover; now she is a representative for doTERRA, a global leader in producing essential oils.

WAYS TO USE GINGER M ake ginger tea. Boil 4 to 6 thin slices of washed, peeled, raw ginger in 2 cups (500 ml) of water, for 10 to 20 minutes. Add lime juice, honey or agave nectar to sweeten.

Essential oils are either inhaled or applied to the skin. Because they are highly concentrated, they are typically mixed and diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, or used in a diffuser.

G inger chews and supplements are easily found in most drugstores. Be sure to check with your doctor before adding any supplemental medicine to your daily routine; ginger is known to have some negative interactions with hypertension, diabetes and blood-clotting medicines.

SIDE EFFECTS SOLUTIONS “ Our proprietary blend for sleep includes lavender, marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood and vanilla bean,” Lackey says. During her recovery, hot flushes and bone pain made sleep very difficult. This essential oil in a diffuser was a welcome relief.

C ook with ginger. Healthline.com says that ginger is “one of the very few ‘superfoods’ worthy of the term.” Add it to vegetable dishes, stir-fry, and soups for a fresh, spicy-and-sweet flavor.

C hemotherapy can weaken fingernails and toenails. Tea tree oil can be used on nails during treatment to help preserve them and assist in their growth and health.

Resources: www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-961/ginger www.healthline.com

Photos: Cherish Bryck; Pixel Stories; Nadine Greeff all from Stocksy

TAI CHI AND QIGONG — STRESS RELIEF In Chinese Taoist and some Buddhist philosophies, a natural “bioenergy” is thought to cause health and healing; disease occurs when it becomes blocked or weakened. Tai chi and qigong are martial arts based on manipulating this energy through gentle movement and intentional breath — a form of active meditation. They are called “natural” therapies for cancer’s side effects because they require neither medicine nor equipment and are available to everyone.

“ Frankincense is the ‘king’ of all oils,” says Lackey. Try it for immune support or as antiinflammatory.

Editor’s note: Always do your research, and talk to your doctor before trying a new or alternative therapy. Even if it seems safe, your doctor should be aware of your intentions, especially if you are still in treatment.

ASK YOUR HEALTH PRACTITIONER Classes are often available in hospitals and cancer centers. Some possible benefits include: R educed heart rate and blood pressure I mproved posture Better balance

WATER WORKS Fitness classes in the pool are nothing new; even your grandmother may have enjoyed water aerobics in the 1950s, when the trend began. But there are many more options today — dive in to see what’s new:

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SWIM IN STYLE. See the complete collection and find an Amoena retailer near you at amoena.us or call 1-888-900-8998.

FLOATING FITNESS Fitness mats are floating up in aquatic centers lately — they are designed to float on the surface, challenging you to use core strength to stay balanced on top. Much like the principles of stand-up paddleboarding, floating fitness classes offer a full-body workout with a soft landing if you fall off! How it works: In a typical class, an instructor leads the class through different modalities including yoga, Pilates, and other moves to get your blood pumping.

AQUA ZUMBA® Across Europe, Aqua Zumba has quickly become a popular workout for women and men who want to maintain cardiovascular fitness but take it easy on their knees and ankles. Classes “blend the Zumba philosophy with water resistance, for one pool party you shouldn’t miss,” according to the Zumba website. What is the philosophy? “Exercise in disguise.”

AQUA CYCLING

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How it works: Zumba’s signature world music sets the rhythm while the natural resistance of the water challenges you to “level-up” your workout.

How it works: While it is obviously challenging to pedal underwater, the buoyancy lessens the impact on your joints; meanwhile, your body temperature is regulated easily with a splash!

Always consult your doctor before beginning any fitness program.

Photo: plprod/iStock

If your pool or spa is equipped with underwater stationary bikes, you are in for quite a ride. Much like spinning classes, aqua cycling pairs coordinated speeds and routines with the low-impact of water resistance for an excellent workout of both the heart and the muscles.

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SHOP LOC AL , SPRE AD HAPPINESS

The experts are right in your neighborhood!

The internet is a good thing, but we wholeheartedly support a local shopping mindset. Why? Here are 3 good reasons: You're nurturing your unique community You can take advantage of shop owners' expertise (they're expert bra fitters!) You do a good deed for the environment (less packing/shipping impact, especially if you carry your own reusable bags). There's an Amoena expert near you. To #shoplocal, find a retailer at www.amoena.us/stores or call 1-888-900-8998.

Find Amoena products by visiting:

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