It is pretty very important to talk about breast care especially as they serve to attract a partner as well as breast feeding babies. Boobs look great in gowns but they are delicate organs that can be prone to getting cancer; hence we need to take great care of these super gorgeous appendages.

16 Oct 2001 — Self-examination — Image by © Rick Gomez/CORBIS

A number of misinformation and disinformation are out there, from women’s magazines, non-governmental organizations, university studies and independent researchers. Somewhere in between, lays the truth. It’s good and interesting to know that ladies are beginning to have a conversation about their bodies, especially their boobs. Taking care of the breasts should be every woman’s priority in terms of their health regimen. Often times, this is not always the case as one usually forgets to give attention to the boobs due to busy schedules. It is really of importance to have a care routine as this can minimize the health risk.

Most females seem to be blessed with mammary glands that are continuously perky, while others are not so lucky. This should not be an issue as there are few things that might make the breasts go further south before their time. The following are little tips and gentle suggestions that can be taken and adapted to our boobs’ wants and needs.

It’s fundamental to moisturize your breast and the area surrounding it just like any other part of your body. Although this may seem like a chore, there is no denying the fact that it is good for keeping your breasts happy. The skin on the chest is thin and can be particularly sensitive. It is a cool idea to use creams that do not contain any irritating chemicals to prevent your chest area from becoming dry. If you ever notice redness or rashes around the same area, it may well just be your skin reacting to a synthetic fabric in your clothing or a chemical in your moisturizer. Get this checked by your doctor. Using natural creams can actually help to prevent any irritation.

Massage around your boobs because of the lymph nodes that help fight off illness. The lymphatic system relies on the movement of the body to keep the fluid moving along, and one way of helping it out, is to massage in the direction that your lymph wants to move, that’s towards the heart. Massaging could be very relaxing as it helps to de-stress and cultivate a positive way of touching your body through movements that show care and affection for your body as a whole.

Eating a balanced and a healthy diet can be very beneficial to your boobs since they require balanced meal to keep them going. A well-balanced food that has proteins, healthy fats, nutrient dense foods such as nuts, eggs, milk and vegetables is one way of keeping them fit and whole grains foods like soybeans, tofu have daidzein and genistein which also decreases tumors and cell growth.

Here are few foods that you should include in your diet- salmon, olive oil, broccoli, walnuts and coffee.

When it has to do with whether to wear bra or not to wear bra, there is of course, absolutely, no right or wrong way to wearing a pair of bra. It all depends on your body and its needs. If you do decides to wear, get a comfortable type that fits really well than settling for bras that could get in the way. If the breasts are not properly supported, the ligaments can overstretch and sag. The key is to invest in a well-fitting everyday bra. Find styles and brands that meet your boob needs.

Self examining of boobs is vital. It can help to catch anything unusual about them like the development of lumps. In case you do not know how to perform one, feel free to ask your gynecologist to show you how to do it. The best time to do this, is usually during shower or when applying cream.

Maintain a weight that works for you, excessive weight gains and losses can break down the elasticity of the skin. Your breasts also change size which can cause the skin to stretch and may not always go back to shape, with time it starts looking saggy. Keeping your weight on check can help to avoid it. Constant push-ups for 15minutes every day will make your breasts firmer.

Do not drink moderately, alcohol dries out skin and hair and can make your breasts feel heavy and bloated while smoking of cigarettes reduces blood flow and oxygen to the skin. Tobacco can damage the skin collagen and elastin which can lead to premature wrinkling, sagging and also add years to your body and breasts.

Watch your posture and remind yourself to stand straight. Rounded shoulders and hunching forward can make breasts look heavier and lower. This becomes more important as you age. (Try doing this: play with your posture in front of a mirror and you will quickly notice how different your breasts look?). Appreciate differences; ladies come in all shades and sizes. Your boobs are as unique as your eyes colour or personality not to mention variations on areolae and nipples.

Be active and strong; regular physical activities contribute to your overall health being. Fats cells produce estrogen and high level of that hormone, has been linked to certain cancers. Working-out can shrink the size of fat cells, so your body pumps out less estrogen. The American Cancer Society recommends getting at least 150minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. (Ideally, spread out, not all at once). So try thinking outside bra and add simple weight exercises to build up the muscles in your arms, shoulders and back. Increased physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer by 10-30 percent. So, moderate exercise will help protect your breasts. Manageable target exercise varies for everyone, depending on the time, needs and your body. Do what works for you by going easy on yourself.

Regular care and self-breast examination can keep one away from developing fibrocystic breasts disease and cancer, do hope you find some of the suggestions useful, handy and that they can be part of opening up an inclusive and far reaching conversation about the wonders of your boobs.

Breast care is essential for every woman irrespective of their age- young or old.