Self Exam

We all live busy lives.  Sometimes its hard to get in some of the small, simple, self care tasks that we should be doing.  For example, I have been known to skip flossing if I've had a really long day.  Breast self exams can be one of those things that easily fall between the cracks.

There has been lots of debate over how often you need to do a self exam, if at all and how often you need a mammogram.  While these are choices are yours to make and should be discussed with your doctor, I am under the belief that a monthly self exam might catch something early and can't do any harm.

That being said I wanted to share a few tips for fitting in your monthly self exam.
1.  Pick a buddy.  If you and a buddy remind each other monthly to perform your self exam.  Once you have both completed your self exam, go out for ice cream or coffee.

2.  Put it on your calendar.  You write down your hair appointment or kid's soccer practice, why not write down your self exam?  Its important after all.

3.  Wear a tee.  It will remind you and others to perform your self exam.

If you want some tips on what to look for and how to perform your self exam, take a peek at what the Susan G. Komen foundation offers: http://ww5.komen.org/Content.aspx?id=5310

So while I can't offer medical advice, I can offer a friendly reminder that a monthly self exam is part of a good health and wellness routine and should be done regularly.