Cancer Awareness Month: Your Self-Care Hygiene IQ Matters
Take a deep breath
Day to day, we can easily notice the needs and challenges of others. As women, we can be the strong shoulder and the extra push for others even when life’s curve balls blindside us.
Identifying our values and feelings is impactful. Knowingly, ups and downs will occur, but this does not have to eliminate your awareness. Usually, these are the times when we need it most.
If you asked a woman what the scale range would be for their self-awareness? You may get a response, "it is nonexistent."
How come?
Each of us step into a new day with possibilities. Providing for our loved ones to help the day go smoothly is part of being a mom, a wife and even a sister or daughter. But if you neglect the time essential for you, you overlook the fact that your health matters just as much.
When it comes to taking care of yourself, it is about taking a breath or two when needed. The more self-aware we are, the more likely we are to experience restoration and assurance.
As October is cancer awareness month, consider taking a few minutes while continuing your daily routines to take a breath. This simple act can be impactful, as you take that time to absorb the space you are showing yourself that you matter.
Cancer awareness month
Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Johns Hopkins Medical Center states, "Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important." This is something we can do monthly without seeking an annual visit to the nearest doctor's office. Even though this can be scary, it is a way we can take care of ourselves. So pick a day in the month where you can include this self-care routine of a 5-minute check-in with yourself.
Ways to detect breast abnormalities:
Using the 3 middle fingers of your hand
Check the entire breast and armpit area pressing down with a light, medium and firm touch. Check both breasts feeling for any lump, thickness or discharge.
Using a mirror
Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Then raise arms high overhead. Check for any changes in nipples and swelling.
Lying down
The breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Use a light, medium and firm pressure as with the three middle finger method. Do the same for the left side.
Squeeze the nipple. Check for discharge and lumps.
Taking these precaution measures help us align our health with our daily lives. When we give time to ourselves as we deal with our daily stressors, the reactions of our body response will decrease by applying routines to enhance our self-care IQ.
Here is a resource to learn more about breast self-awareness.
Regina Murden is an educator, inspired Bible teacher, and writer. Her purpose is to encourage women to experience the joy of a fulfilled life. She knows this can only come from a close relationship with God. She currently resides in Memphis, TN. She takes long walks, love horseback riding, and enjoy traveling.
