I want to keep my breasts. Screening options for high-risk women who don’t want prophylactic mastectomy.

Angelina Jolie. Christina Applegate.  These two Hollywood superstars have something in common that millions upon millions of other women also share:

Having been labeled HIGH-RISK for breast cancer, they opted to have both of their breasts removed preventatively.

If faced with the same dilemma, what would you do?

Chances are, your gut reaction would be, “take ‘em both off.”  That’s a completely understandable thought if you know that many women in your family have had breast cancer and your doctor’s analysis based on family and medical history places your risk level squarely above 20%.  Knowing there’s a high likelihood you will develop breast cancer can be scary and overwhelming. Preventative surgery -- otherwise known as prophylactic mastectomy -- can seem like a reassuring solution.

Yet the decision to go ahead with such a major procedure is far from easy. As I show in my novel, Bedside Manners, these decisions can be costly. Removing both breasts is both physically and emotionally strenuous—not to mention irreversible, and life-altering.

As a breast imaging specialist, I often have discussions with women about their breast cancer risk and what they can do about it. With so much information out there, the options can be confusing and difficult to sort through. While prophylactic mastectomy is one choice, it may not be the right one for everyone. If you are not ready to take this step, there are still many powerful screening options that will allow you to be proactive about finding any potential changes that may signal it’s time to take action:

● Annual screening mammography. This is by far the best way to make sure your breasts remain healthy and cancer free. Mammography is the only test that has been proven to save lives. If your center offers 3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, you should definitely choose this option. This newer type of mammogram is better at finding subtle cancers and also decreases the number of women who need to return for additional pictures.

● There are several other tests that can be used for supplemental screening in conjunction with your mammogram. By far, the best additional test for high-risk women is the Breast MRI. This test is extremely sensitive and can detect nearly all cancers when they are small and treatable. Screening breast ultrasound, another test used for supplemental screening, is not as useful as Breast MRI. It finds fewer cancers and requires many more benign biopsies to diagnose these cancers. Other screening tests, such as breast-specific gamma imaging, are less commonly used.

● Develop a relationship with a breast specialist. Some large centers offer high-risk clinics, but in most parts of the country this will mean making an appointment with a breast surgeon. This doctor will go over your history and help you develop a screening regimen that works for you. Some women prefer to have their mammogram and breast MRI performed on the same day. Others choose to stagger these tests every six months so they are being screened at least twice a year. Your breast surgeon will also examine your breasts on a regular basis to assess for subtle changes.

● There are also several medications that can help you stay cancer free. Taking medicine to decrease your risk is known as “chemoprevention.” While these medicines have been shown to decrease your chances of getting breast cancer, they also can cause side effects such as hot flashes and blood clots. Set up a meeting with an oncologist to discuss the pros and cons to help you decide whether chemoprevention is right for you.

● Know your own breasts. While the medical professionals are important, you are the ultimate expert on your body. If you notice something feels or looks different—a lump, an area of thickening, nipple discharge—let your doctor know immediately. Also, set a time to examine your breasts at least once a month and call your doctor if you notice any changes.

It’s also important to know that women who are considered high risk can have widely different chances of developing breast cancer. Women with known BRCA positive gene mutations have been shown to have up to 72% risk of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime while other “high risk” women have closer to the 20% lifetime risk. Your level of risk will factor into your discussion with your doctor and help you come up with a plan to move forward with this new information.

You can do this. It’s always better to be educated and informed than bury your head in the sand. Congratulations on taking control of the situation and being proactive about your breast health.

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Heather Frimmer is an avid writer and reader when not practicing radiology. Her debut novel, Bedside Manners, will be published by SparkPress in October 2018. To find out more, visit www.heatherfrimmer.com.

Bathroom Budget-friendly Design & Remodeling Ideas

There is always some work around the house – from decluttering and deep cleaning to the big ones such as remodeling. One of the most popular candidates for remodeling is the bathroom, because it is probably one of the most used areas of the home. If you think it’s time to give your bathroom a makeover, the possible costs are probably giving you a hard time – and not without reason, because these are pricey, plus surprisingly, more than two-thirds of renovation projects go over budget. A good plan will help, and here are some additional ideas.

1.    DIY Where You Can

It’s possible to downsize the total cost by doing some or all of the work yourself. Of course, this still comes with a price, no matter how skilled you are. If you are particularly handy, you will still have to count in the cost of the tools (new or rented), equipment and other supplies – and you won’t even have to look everywhere to find them, as they are sold all around Australia. Things you can definitely buy individually, if you want to replace them, are mirrors, lighting, hardware and appliances.

2.    But Be Realistic

Sometimes, being the project manager for the big renovation will save you some money, but the time investment will be so huge, it won’t be worth it. It’s best to put everything in writing and dig up the calculator: you will probably need designers, plumbers, electricians, tile installers, carpenters, and a handyman. Where can you save? NSW has great professionals, but can you do anything yourself, and do you think it will benefit you and the total cost? It’s important to be realistic, especially if your bathroom is fairly old and needs serious work. To make a fully informed decision, find info on different professionals’ bathroom renovation cost in Sydney, so you can have the desired quality and cost-efficiency of the works.

3.    Limit the Tile

Of course, the most sleek-looking bathrooms are the ones that are covered in tiles, but that actually costs an arm and a leg. What you can do instead is tile the area that is bound to be hit by water often, such as floor and around the shower and sink; or tile one or two walls and paint the rest (the ones you are turning your back on when doing something with water). A good way to make tiles look amazing is not to have the walls covered by this one artistic style, but use it as an accent alongside a cheaper tile. A lovely design trick that will definitely be noticed!

4.    The Secret Is in the Details

Sometimes you are just plain bored of your bathroom you see every day, and that’s stopping you from realizing that you can change it by updating items so little they don’t even seem to matter. But they do! Things like light fixtures, towel racks, soap holders, drawers and sink faucets cost relatively little, but updating them can make a big difference in how your bathroom looks (and feels!). And don’t even get us started on colorful towels and a plant on the window!

5.    Freshen Caulk and Grout

When grout picks up dust, the bathroom can never look as if it’s brand new. So clean it! It’s a tedious and boring work, but it makes an immense difference. Also, make sure to add clean lines of caulk around the tub and sink. This is a very cheap and effective way to freshen up your bathroom.

6.     Change the Vanity

This is the most noticeable detail in the bathroom, so if you want a change, but don’t feel like changing the bathroom completely, find a cool vanity that will freshen things up. Add new, better lighting – because this is where you probably spend the majority of your time grooming – and enjoy your morning and evening rituals.

Whatever you do, think of the bathroom renovation as an investment. And it truly is one – not only will you enjoy your time in the “new” bathroom more, but this will add value to your home. If you decide to sell it one day, you’ll recoup as much as 100% of the renovation costs. Not bad, huh? In the meantime, you get a beautiful bathroom. Sounds good.

Bills, Bills, Bills: How To Save Money On Your Monthly Expenses

Money seems to disappear from bank accounts as soon as it goes into them. Paychecks are eaten up by daily expenses and small treats, but primarily by monthly bills. Money-saving apps are everywhere now -- from Qapital, to Digit, to Acorns, and more -- with the goal of designing clear budgets for you that are easy to follow. While these apps may be perfect for people who simply need to prioritize their spending and work on saving, other people need immediate, tangible solutions. Here are some active ways to save on some common bills that tend to overtake the budget.

Cellphone

You first want to make sure that you are getting the best deal with your carrier and plan. Do some comparison shopping between different carriers, and see if you can take advantage of any seasonal deals. You will also want to make sure that you aren't paying for a bigger plan than what you use. Check how much data you actually use in your phone's settings, and see if the average data you use is below the data cap on your plan. Consider using Google Voice for calling and texting. Depending on your carrier, you can make free unlimited calls and texts with Google Voice, allow you to leave your carrier's texting plan entirely.

Cable/Internet

If you feel like you're paying for a lot more than you use with your cable and internet package, you probably are. Look into changing providers or downgrading your plan. If you had a plan that covered everyone in the house with a lot of channels, but your kids recently moved away or left for college, consider cutting what you don't use. When you call your cable and internet provider to make these changes, sometimes it pays off to just ask for a lower price. Be persistent and upfront about what you need and don't hesitate to ask for a manager or the customer care department, as they are often willing to make concessions to keep you as a customer.

Water

For homeowners who pay water bills, investing in your plumbing and water fixtures can save you money in the long run. You can save about 10% on your water bill by fixing easily corrected household water leaks. Leaks around faucets, drains, and within your plumbing could be costing you without you being aware of it. You can also look into installing low-flow toilets and fixtures. While some people may dislike this option because they strongly prefer high water pressure in the shower, those who can make it work will save money. Conserve water you use during a shower by taking Navy Showers, in which you jump in and get wet, turn off the water, soap up and scrub, and then turn it back on the rinse.
Oftentimes the smallest changes will make the biggest difference. When it comes to bills, every tiny thing adds up and you'll find yourself saving the most when you trim away what you don't need.

The Best Breast Pump For New Moms

 

Breast feeding is by far the best and least expensive way to feed your baby. It has more benefits then you can even begin to imagine which is why most mothers opt in, sometimes we have to leave our sweet little babies at home or we have issues where babies don't latch properly to a mothers breast and it is extremely important to be able to pump your breast milk to keep the flow going and the health benefits maintained. But how do you know which breast pump is the best? The Ardo Calypso To Go has everything you need! 

Ardo Calypso To Go - Pump Kit 

The Ardo Calypso To Go provides a fully mobile breast pumping solution. Includes extra bottles, cooler bag for quick and safe storage, an easy to transport breast pump bag, breast shells, optiflow inserts and an Amaryll handle for easy conversion to a manual pump.

Benefit #1 - "Vacuum Seal" Technology

The proven “Vacuum Seal” technology serves as a 100% barrier against bacteria and the closed system ensures that no breast milk or impurities can enter the connecting tube or pump. This provides reliable protection against contamination of the breast milk and thus prevents infection.

Benefit #2 - Ultra Silent and Gentle

Calypso is the quietest breast pump in the market today. According to a market research study, the level of noise made by a breast pump is an important feature for most breastfeeding moms. A noise study was conducted to observe the noise levels emitted by the Calypso breast pump in comparison to other top commercially available electric breast pumps on the market. The results showed that the Calypso was 50% quieter than all the other pumps tested.

Benefit #3 - Individual Phases

All Calypso breast pumps can be adapted to the mom’s personal needs and to the baby’s individual suction pattern at any time. The vacuum intensity and cycle settings can be individually adjusted to get the most comfortable stimulation or expression mode any time. User friendly controls offers 64 adjustable Vacuum/Cycle (suction/speed) settings in total.

Benefit #4 - Unique Guarantee

With its extended guarantee, irrespective of the purchase date, Calypso comes with a complete function guarantee for an operating time of 400 hours.

5 unique craft projects to try with your kids this year

1.    Woodwork

Woodwork is a noble and engaging activity that would be perfect for you and your kids to try out. 

This type of activity really does a lot of good to the child, as it helps them to engage their creative processes and focus on a particular project till completion. This helps to teach them skills such as patience, resilience, determination and so much more. Some of the simple woodwork craft projects that you can try with your kids include a small ladder, a simple miniature boat, or a birdhouse. It will grant your kids a lot of joy and fulfillment to see some of their work being put to use, such as feeding the birds through the birdhouse, therefore, try the activity.

2.    Painting

Painting has been a pastime favourite activity for many, including adults. One can paint with watercolours,

oils and create beautiful complex or simple pieces for display. A new trend, however, is diamond painting. 

This kind of painting involves the use of small diamond-like shapes which can be used to create different pictures using different colours. This can be quite fun for a child and can be an exciting project to do as a group. You can buy diamond painting kits online and try out this new method. It will be definitely a fun and pleasant tool to use with your kids.

3.    Tie and dye

Instead of throwing away those old and plain white t-shirts and pieces of cloth, put them to good use and 

use them in tie and dye. The activity has endless opportunities and styles as there is a broad category of 

patterns and colours to choose from. You can allow your kids to go all out and push their creativity and let them try out this fun craft using all sorts of patterns, and you may actually find yourself with beautiful pieces that you can actually wear.

4.    Origami

This practice is from the Japanese culture and has been adopted in various countries all over the world. The 

advantage of this activity is that it does not get too messy. You and your kids can have loads of fun while folding paper into various shapes, for instance, into birds, puppies or swans. Afterwards, you may paint the paper using various colours and add, for, instance, eyes, noses and teeth into your creations. This is bound to be really enjoyable for your kids and for you as well.

5.    Halloween costumes

With Halloween just around the corner, it is the best time for your kids to start preparing the costumes that they will wear. There are so many choices to choose from, for instance, from their favourite superhero or cartoon characters. Making of the costumes allows the kids to engage in various forms of crafts such as sewing, decorating and colouring for instance, through dyeing. This will engage them in their various mental, emotional and physical capacities as they will be very excited to make something that they will love and wear when they go out trick or treating.

5 Tips to losing weight after having a new baby

If you just had a baby and you are keen on losing weight, you definitely can do it. Now that your baby is here, 
your routine and priorities may have changed but it is still a good thing to get your ideal weight back. Depending 
on your situation and the doctor’s advice, it may take some time before you can regain your ideal weight. 
Nevertheless, it is still important that you become mindful of your weight after your pregnancy to avoid 
overweight and obesity.

Here are five tips to losing weight after having a new baby.

1.    Breastfeed your baby.

One of the most effective ways of losing weight after pregnancy is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is good 
for your baby and at the same time, it adds about an extra 300 calories to your diet per day. A lot of women 
swear that breastfeeding made them return to their weight faster compared to when they bottled feed their 
babies.

2.    Do some small exercises every day.

Now that there’s a new baby, you can be guaranteed that you will always be moving around. So use that to 
your advantage and do some small exercises such as curl ups or sit-ups whenever you have free time. 
You don’t necessarily need to enroll in a gym class or in a fitness center. A few minutes are all you need 
and when you do it consistently every day, you will definitely be shedding that postpartum belly in no time.

3.    Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Hydrating yourself is extremely important to avoid getting dehydrated. Drink plenty of water all throughout 
the day as it also helps fill you up and not eat as much. This can speed up your metabolism and ultimately 
can help you lose weight. Oftentimes, it is not recommended to have eight glasses of water a day, but as 
a guide, you can check your urine if it is relatively clear then that is fine. If you want to lose weight faster, 
don’t forget to drink plenty of water every day.

4.    Get enough sleep.

While it may be a lot harder to get a full 8-hour sleep now that you have a baby, still, try to get enough sleep 
as being sleep deprived can make it harder for you to lose some weight after having a baby. When you are 
exhausted, your body releases cortisol and stress hormones which contribute to weight gain. For this 
reason, make sure that you have enough rest every day.

5.    Avoid a crash diet.

As a new mom, you need to make sure that you are strong and healthy for your baby. Do not try a crash 
diet or very low-calorie diets as it will not do your body any good. After all, you also need to have good 
nutrition in order to heal and recover right after your pregnancy. Also, a low-calorie diet will only make you 
feel tired all the time. Eat moderately and never try to have a crash diet if you want to lose weight healthily.

How to create a low-cost coffee bar at home

Planning to setup your own coffee bar at home? You’re in the right place! This article will show you 4 tips on setting up your very own coffee haven. We’ll look at several factors to consider and make sure you get to plan out your project thoroughly. 

If you’re a household who loves coffee, everyone in your family will appreciate having a coffee bar. They can be their own barista, mix and blend drinks to their heart’s content, and be happy with the overall experience. It doesn’t even have to be a fancy bar filled with top of the line equipment. This article is all about getting your dream coffee bar at a low-cost, but of course without sacrificing quality. Ready? Here are 4 tips you should know about:

1. Get the right furniture

We’re saying furniture because a coffee bar doesn’t literally have to be a bar, right? It could be a small table, a kitchen trolley, or even a repurposed shelf. The purpose of building a coffee bar is just to give your coffee making essentials a designated station in your kitchen, be it as small as a nook, or as part of your breakfast bar table. 

There is no specific type of furniture for a coffee bar, and since we’re looking at low-cost options, DIY is your friend. You can try repurposing any small table you have into your very own coffee station. Got a kitchen trolley somewhere that’s not being used? That’s a great way to start. Pick a place where you can station your table, make sure it’s near some outlets, and start filling in your coffee bar. Additional shelving and storage can be installed along the way if there’s a need for one, but right now, the most basic thing you’ll need for a coffee bar is the station itself. 

2. Get the right equipment

Getting the right equipment is really dependent on your household needs. You can get the best Keurig coffee maker or the simplest Kitchenaid brewer. Some families enjoy good old plain black coffee with just creamer and sugar, and some prefer espressos and frothy milk on their lattes. Different needs for different families. For the former, a regular coffee maker will do. For the latter, we might be looking into hybrid espresso makers with multiple functions. A coffee bar doesn’t need to be a one-stop shop for all things coffee, at the very least it must be able to prepare family favorites. If you have kids who doesn’t like coffee yet, a good addition to your station could be chocolate drinks and marshmallows.

For coffee stations, it also pays to get your own coffee grinder, if your coffee maker doesn’t come with one. We’re thinking you’ll be stocking up on your favorite coffee beans, and it helps to get them whole, not ground, to preserve its freshness. Thus, a grinder is imperative.

3. Pick the right coffee

As mentioned above, whole coffee beans is the best option if you’re looking for freshness. The bean oils contain all the taste and flavor of a coffee, and it starts to evaporate once the beans are grounded. If you want a strong coffee flavor, grind your beans a few minutes before brewing them to allow for a bolder and more characteristic flavor. It's important to remember, that if you only stick to one type of coffee you are limiting your experiences. Try out different roasts in your local coffee bar or find new beans from alternative coffee roasters Perth (or elsewhere) to try. This can open up your palate and you may even find a new favorite drink! 

Make sure to store your coffee beans appropriately as well. You can use airtight coffee boxes like the Coffeevac coffee containers to keep them fresh for the perfect brew. that being said, experimenting with various coffee beans and properly storing them is key to unlocking the full potential of this beloved beverage, allowing you to savor its rich flavors and aromas with every sip.

4. Consider the aesthetic

Sure, setting up a coffee bar is as simple as dedicating a corner of your kitchen to your brewer and coffee essentials such as milk, creamer, sugar, and a couple of mugs. You could be done in a matter of hours since that's all there is to it, but not if you care about aesthetic, which you should. 

Let’s make things beautiful! Instead of just putting everything on the table, try to get some utensils that are pretty too. Cute mugs, rustic baskets, bamboo trays, and so on. Try to consider a theme and dress up your small coffee nook according to taste.

Farming Is Full Of Opportunity!

In this day and age, there are so many people who purchase their vegetables and fruit from the local grocery store. After all, it's easy, quick and accessible. Unfortunately, there are many people who are eating foods and I don't know the process behind the production. They don't understand the difference between GMOs and organic fruits and vegetables. There are also plenty of people who don't have the access because of their finances. There are so many reasons why it is a great idea to build a farm if you have the land. Consider these three.

1. Access to Food
Once you build your own farm, you have full control over it. You know what the soil is like. You know what pesticides you're using. You can control what happens and how the fruits and vegetables are grown. You have the opportunity to create the organic kitchen that you desire. When you have this type of access, this can help you increase your quality of life and the quality of the food you eat.

2. Business Opportunities
You can decide to start your own business. You can sell your produce to local vendors. You can even sell your produce two different grocery stores. This is also an opportunity to provide jobs for others. You'll need to build a farm that is efficient 4 your employees to work in. You'll need to purchase everything from tools to an automatic farm gate opener. It's an excellent feeling to know that your business can help others make a living. 

3. Charitable Opportunities
When you own your own farm, you also have the opportunity to provide food to those in need. It's a great way to develop a habit of benevolence in order to share with others. You can decide to set a specific portion of your land and assign it to charitable giving. With this portion of land, whatever is produced gets delivered to homeless shelters, food pantries and churches. Reach out to different organizations and develop partnerships that allow you to regularly donate seasonal fruits and vegetables when the harvest is ready.