Breast Exams Are For Everyone

I post this video because it illustrates yet another example that women's breasts/nipples are treated as taboo and are banned on Facebook and Instagram. Man boobs/nipples are not banned. Yet, men get breast cancer, too, and should perform a self-exam monthly just as women should.

Thank you, MACMA: Man boobs for boobs, #TetasxTetas, for getting the word out about the importance of breast exams for early Cancer detection in such a clever way!

Your Feet Have Something to Tell You

I stumbled on something. No pun intended. But it's important. Pay attention. You may learn something important about your health from your feet. And here's more.

1. Hairlessness may indicate poor circulation. “... if you have somebody with a lot of body hair and none on their feet and ankles, it could indicate an arterial issue...”

2. Cold feet may also indicate poor circulation.

3. Swollen, sore big toes could be a sign of gout.

  4. Dry, flaky skin may be athlete's foot.

Hot 'n Steamy

Hot.

Steamy.

Naked.

I recently made a trip to a local spa for a steam bath. I had known about this place for years but had just never been there - till now. There is so much to enjoy at the spa: massages, exfoliating and rejuvenating salt scrubs, hot tubs, steam bath, sauna and even a little deli. Conveniently, there are separate hours for men, women and couples.

When it opened in the 1920s it was nude only, but is now clothing optional to welcome those who are uncomfortable being in the nude. The facility is a little dated, but it is clean, inexpensive, unpretentious, and oh so relaxing. My drive home was a struggle! Have you ever seen a noodle drive a car?

Just look at a few of the benefits of a steam bath or sauna:
Detoxes...sweating flushes toxins
Relaxation and relieves stress
Hydrotherapy
Exfoliation
Cleanses and improves appearance of your skin
Can induce a deeper sleep
Has cardiovascular benefits
Enhances the immune system
Weight Loss

I hope you enjoy a day at a spa real soon.

Bras May Cause Cancer

To wear or not to wear, that is the question.  Unhook your bra ladies, then read this.

• Bras may be doing more harm than good.
• Bras may make your breasts sag.
• Not wearing one is not harmful. 

Apparently I missed National No Bra Day. It was July 8th.  Oh well....next year.

I won't be wearing a bra to work tomorrow....I'll let you know how that goes.

FOLLOW-UP:  I'm such a creature of habit. When I dressed for work the next day, I habitually put on a bra and went to work. When I realized what I had done later that morning, I took my bra off and worked the remainder of the day without one. But, honestly, I was uncomfortable the rest of the day. The cotton shirt I work was rubbing my nipples. Bleh....I think I will continue wearing a bra to work....So much for experimentation and this confirms even more that clothes-free is the way to go! 

MORE FOLLOW-UP:  A friend recommends Nipple Tape as a solution to my previous problem of clothes rubbing on my nipples when going bra-less.  But this brings up a question I have about men's nipples. Do men experience any discomfort of clothes rubbing on their nipples?

Sleeping Naked

Today one of my most favorite bloggers at SpotNaked listed his favorite 3 reasons for sleeping in the nude.

• To sleep better
• To prevent infections
• To lose weight 

But there really are a lot more benefits for sleeping in the buff:

• Be more content and keep your marriage happy.
• Improves blood circulation and increases fertility.
• Boosts anti-aging hormones.
• Let's just state the obvious... it's S-E-X-Y and boosts orgasm.
• Boosts your confidence.
• Lowers belly fat.
• Will totally change your life!

I sleep in the nude, do you?

DO IT! It's good for you!

There are a few good health reasons, psychological and physical, for going nude:

1. Loads you up with Vitamin D - the sunshine vitamin.
2. It's good for the brain. 
3. Barefoot medicine - Going shoeless is recognized as an anti-Alzheimer’s, brain-boosting activity because the soles of your feet encourage neural activity.
4. Prevents infections - tight clothing may cause internal health problems or harbor disease (yeast infections, ouch!). Especially tight clothing in the waist can cause digestive issues according to some doctors.
5. Exposing your skin, all your skin, to oxygen can be healing. And let's face it, dear readers, sometimes our body parts just need some airing out. 
6. "I'm too fat."  "I'm too skinny."  "I have scars."  "My butt is too big." ... or flat...and on and on!  Some studies show that nudists have higher body acceptance. However, for the shy, beginner nudist who may need help developing a more positive body image, try these exercises to learn to love your body. 
7. Even babies need skin-to-skin time and naked time according to doctors. 

I've listed only a few benefits for going nude. Can you think of others I've missed?