Health and Wellness

Holiday Manners We Forget

November 17, 2015 by Gail

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, it’s safe to say it’s holiday season!

With company events, parties, dinners, and holiday celebrations galore, there are so many fun events to attend in the coming month.

However, all of these gatherings bring up an important topic: proper holiday etiquette. We may not be Miss Manners, but it’s always great to have a reminder this time of year on how to be a fabulous guest.

Read on for 5 holiday etiquette tips!

Don’t come empty handed

Always offer to bring something to a party ahead of time. Even if in years past, the host has taken care of everything, it’s so important to call ahead of time and see if there’s anything you can bring to lighten his or her load.

If you’re already planning on bringing food, it’s gracious to call well in advance to give the host an option of telling you what would best complement the meal (and ensure no duplicates).

Bring a gift

Even if you’ve been told to not bring a thing, it’s always nice to show up with a small gift such as wine, cookies, or a decorative ornament.

If you were planning on giving the host a holiday gift, this is also a great opportunity to bring it (and avoid the extra trip!).

However, it’s inappropriate to hand out holiday gifts to more than just the host at the event, unless the party has been specifically designated as a gift exchange.

Be helpful

Don’t just offer to help; step in and start assisting. Hosts often don’t want to ask for help, and simply asking “Is there anything I can do?” sometimes just isn’t enough. If you see somewhere you can be of help—just go ahead and put yourself to work!

Thank your host

At the end of the event, make sure you thank each host. It’s also considerate the next day to call and say what a wonderful time you had and thank them again.

Send invites in advance

Of course there are etiquette rules for the host as well! You should offer plenty of advance notice of the time and date of your event. There is a lot going on during the holidays, so giving a heads-up will be helpful for your friends’ planning out their holiday calendars.

Please share your holiday etiquette tips below or on our Facebook page!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: holiday etiquette, holiday manners, holiday party tips, party etiquette

How to Teach Your Kids to Give Thanks

November 10, 2015 by Gail

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this time of year serves as a reminder to express our gratitude for all of the wonderful things in our lives.

It’s also the perfect time to teach your children how to give thanks for all of their blessings, so they grow up to be adults who understand the importance of giving back to the community.

It’s easy for kids to get wrapped up in all of the hype the holidays bring.

That’s why it’s so important to remind our kids of an important aspect of this time of year: giving thanks and giving back to the community.

However, it can be hard for a child to understand the concept of gratefulness. That’s why we’re sharing 6 ways to teach your children to give thanks this season.

Journal

A fun tradition to start during the holidays (and carry throughout the year) is to start journaling as a family. Each evening, write down what you are grateful for in a journal.

Perform random acts of kindness

Make a goal for each day to go out of your way to do something kind for someone else. When you’re journaling that evening, each family member can share his or her random acts of kindness.

Deliver cookies

Baking and delivering cookies to your local fire station, police station, or food bank is a fun activity that your kids can be actively involved in. They will feel great that they actually helped make the cookies you deliver—and handing them out to people who appreciate the gesture will teach your children how good it feels to give back to the community.

Volunteer

Donating your time is one of the biggest ways you can help others, and teaching this to your kids at an early age is so important. Try volunteering at a variety of places, such as the local senior citizens center or homeless shelter, to see what interests your child.

Share your love

Don’t forget to tell your kids how incredibly grateful you are for them! Showing them how thankful you are for the wonderful things in life is the best way to set an example.

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team wants to give thanks to all of our amazing patients.

You inspire us each and every day, and we’re so thankful to be able to do what we love.

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: counting blessings, giving back to the community, giving thanks, Showing gratitude, Thanksgiving

How to Keep the Weight Off During the Holidays

November 3, 2015 by Gail

Do you hear that?

The holiday season is officially upon us, and with the holidays come the sugar and fat!

This time of year brings so many good things: time with family and friends, fun events, and time off from work and school.

Unfortunately, this time of year can bring some less pleasant things, such as a few unwanted pounds.

With so much food temptation surrounding us this time of year, it can be difficult not to indulge and pack on weight as a result.

In this post, we’re sharing a few tips to help you keep the weight off this holiday season, despite the temptations that lurk around the corner.

Eat before you go to parties

Fill up on healthy snacks before you head to holiday parties, and vow to skip the calorie-ridden appetizers. When your stomach is growling, it’s more difficult to keep yourself from making poor food choices.

Bring a dish

If it’s a potluck holiday meal, bring a healthy option that you can enjoy minus the guilt. This way, you know there will be at least be one thing you can enjoy—and we bet the other guests will be happy about being offered a healthy alternative as well!

Be the host

If you’re really trying to prevent holiday weight gain, the best way to take control of the food options is to host the party.

There are so many healthy twists to your favorite holiday recipes. Just a few substitutions can make a huge difference! The dishes are still so delicious, but won’t set you back a few pounds.

Fill up on protein and veggies

When it comes to filling up your plate with delicious holiday food, opt to first fill up the majority of your plate with protein and vegetables. Next, you can add small portions of other less-healthy dishes.

Indulge a little

It’s the holidays! Some of these amazing foods only come around once a year. Figure out which food choice you would be disappointed not to enjoy, and allow yourself to enjoy it at your holiday feast.

Send home the leftovers

Especially at Thanksgiving, the majority of the weight-gain damage doesn’t happen the day of—it’s eating all of the leftovers the following week! Send those leftovers home with family and friends to avoid the temptation.

Have more ideas for keeping the weight off during the holidays?

We’d love to hear in the comments below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: healthy eating tips, holiday weight loss, Holidays, prevent holiday weight gain, weight loss tips

10 Important Breast Cancer Facts

October 20, 2015 by Gail

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to highlight the significance of this serious illness. Below you’ll find a list of 10 facts about breast cancer.

This post pairs well with our 10 Breast Cancer Fundraising Ideas post. If you want to raise money for awareness, the ideas we shared in that post will help get you started.

Now let’s go over these very important facts:

1. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The bright side of this is women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. How? With a mammogram — the best screening test to detect signs of breast cancer.

2. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

3. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. It is estimated that over 40,000 women will die from breast cancer every year.

4. Men get breast cancer, too. Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

5. Breast cancer rates vary by ethnicity. Rates are highest in non-Hispanic white women, followed by African American women. They’re lowest among Asian/Pacific Islander women.

6. Genetics have a role in breast cancer. Breast cancer risk is approximately doubled among women who have one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with the disease. On the other hand,more than 85 percent of women with breast cancer have no family history.

7. Breast cancer risk increases as you get older. Even though breast cancer can develop at any age, you’re at greater risk the older you get. For women 20 years of age, the rate is 1 in 1,760. At 30, it significantly jumps to 1 in 229. At 50, it’s 1 in 29.

8. It’s the most feared disease by women. Yet, breast cancer is not as harmful as heart disease, which kills 4 to 6 times the amount of woman than breast cancer.

9. The majority of breast lumps women discover are not cancer. But you should still visit your doctor anyway, even though 80% are benign.

10. There is so much HOPE! There are currently more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone — and this number continues to climb each year.

It’s important to understand the facts about breast cancer, and learn how you can support loved ones and friends who are suffering from this illness, or have been affected by it. To learn more about breast cancer, you can download a PDF about the last 2013-2014 breast cancer facts from cancer.org.

To learn more about our mission, our practice, and our team, start here and meet our doctors.

Filed Under: Breast Cancer Awareness, Health and Wellness Tagged With: breast cancer awareness, breast cancer survivor, Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, Charleston breast surgeons

5 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

October 6, 2015 by Gail

Sometimes we forget to view food as the fuel for our body.

It’s so important to remember that what we put into our bodies is what gives us energy, not what gives us comfort, cures boredom, or alleviates stress.

Many foods even have the power to actually give our metabolism an added boost.

Our metabolism’s function is to break down our food and beverages into molecules, and convert their calories into energy to help our bodies function better.

Chili peppers

Health.com shares that chili peppers do more than just give your food a kick—they give your metabolism one, too! Chili peppers contain a chemical compound, capsaicin, which helps give an added boost to your metabolism. They also contain Vitamin C, which helps lower cholesterol and risk of heart disease.

Coffee and green tea

Whether you’re a morning coffee or green tea drinker, you’re in luck! The caffeine found in coffee and the EGCG plant compound found in green tea support your metabolism and burn fat.

Lentils

Protein is vital to your metabolic health, which is why lentils are a must-have. According to MindBodyGreen, 26 percent of lentil’s calories are attributed to protein—making them ideal as an energy-boosting food.

Spinach

Okay, so everyone tells you to “be sure to eat your greens,” but do you know why spinach is so good for your metabolism? According to Medical News Today, this leafy green is packed full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach has been found to increase bone health, reduce your risk for cancer, help your digestive system, and even improve the appearance of skin and hair!

Salmon

According to HealthyEating.com, iron, zinc, niacin, vitamin B6, and B12 are just a few things that make salmon a metabolism super-food. The omega-3 fatty acids found in the fish are also great for heart and blood pressure health.

Share your favorite way to incorporate these metabolism-boosting foods in the comments below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: food that give you energy, foods that boost your metabolism, healthy eating, metabolism, metabolism boosting foods

Healthy Lifestyle: Why Deep Breathing Is Essential

September 15, 2015 by Gail

You’ve heard the phrase, “Just take a deep breath.”

But what does deep breathing really do for your health?

According to the American Institute of Stress, abdominal breathing for 20 to 30 minutes each day will reduce anxiety and stress.

Additional benefits include added energy, better digestion, overall relaxation, and an increased ability to focus.

And guess what else?

Deep breathing is FREE (bet you were expecting the secret to great health would involve a pricey gym membership or therapy session!).

Here are 4 more benefits of why deep breathing is incredibly beneficial for our bodies:

Oxygen provides energy

By drawing in a deep breath, your blood flow increases. When your blood flow increases, the oxygen level in your blood provides added stamina and energy. This is why runners are encouraged to breathe deeply into their abdominal region (or abdomen) when they run in order to provide their bodies that extra needed energy.

Less stress

Increasing the flow of oxygen to your brain helps stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system. This helps give you the overall feeling of calm and relaxation. In addition, deep breathing helps you connect your mind and body by bringing awareness to the flow of your breath and taking your mind off worries and negative thoughts. This is why yoga is such a great exercise for those who wish to lessen their stress level, because the exercise focuses on breathing while holding poses.

Better digestion

When you increase your intake of oxygen, your organs are able to perform at their best. In addition, you’re able to calm down and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body to digest food more efficiently.

Focus

Being mentally present in the moment gives your brain added focus. When you breathe and bring yourself back to your center, your productivity and decision-making skills are greatly improved. When you’re having trouble getting through a task at work, take a moment to close your eyes and take 20 seconds to breathe deeply and slowly, and then try the task again.

Interested in discovering more calming techniques? Read this article.

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: benefits of deep breathing, deep breathing, healthy lifestyle, relaxation techniques

The Actual Difference Between Yoga and Pilates

September 8, 2015 by Gail

Stones vs. Beatles, Yankees vs. Red Sox…yoga vs. pilates?

There are some brand warriors who swear by yoga or pilates.

But we want to know what’s the actual difference between the two?

To us, they both look like a bunch of spandex wearing people contorted into impossible positions—okay, so sometimes we are those people (although, we never seem to look quite like Kate Hudson in the those new Fabletics commercials…).

Even for those of us who have dabbled in yoga and pilates, we still want to know: what is the real difference?

We’ve sent in our private, yoga-pant sporting, detectives to get to the bottom of this never-ending debate.

Yoga

We’ll start with yoga since it’s been around for a couple thousand years. Yoga focuses on flexibility, strength, endurance, and spirituality. Rooted in ancient Indian culture, yoga unites your mind, body, and spirit through movement, breathing techniques, and meditation. Yoga’s primary goal is to concentrate on your breath while deepening into poses.

Pilates

Pilates has been around for about a century, and is also rapidly growing in popularity. Pilates focuses on core strength and precise movements. The majority of pilates takes place lying horizontal on the floor working abdominal muscles, whereas yoga is primarily done remaining vertical—although both include certain exercises that involve the contrary.

PiYo

Here’s a curveball for you—PiYo is an exercise that combines the flexibility of yoga with the muscle sculpting of pilates. Unlike yoga and pilates, PiYo speeds motions up so that you’re not holding positions for a long period of time. For those who get a little impatient with slow movements, this may be the workout for you!

Our Conclusion: Mix it up! Why not reap the benefits of all three? By regularly alternating exercises, you are less likely to get bored and you receive a full body workout.

We’d love to hear your favorite workouts in the comments below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: fitness classes, pilates, yoga, yoga vs. pilates

Mastectomy: Your Questions Answered

September 1, 2015 by Gail

You just found out that you might need a mastectomy.

First, we’re so sorry to hear that. We understand what an overwhelming and emotional time this is for you and your family.

A lot of thoughts and feelings start to rush through your head when you hear the diagnosis, and it’s difficult to focus and ask the questions you need to ask.

In this article, we’re sharing some common questions patients ask about mastectomies so that we can help you get all of the necessary information that you need.

What are the three levels of mastectomy?

Let’s start with understanding the three levels of mastectomy:

1) A total mastectomy removes the breast tissue, nipple, areola, and some skin around the incision. This procedure commonly follows cancers that occur in two or more areas of the breast or those that extend beyond a biopsy’s edges.

2) A modified radical is similar to a total mastectomy, but includes an axillary dissection or sentinel node biopsy. This is now the most commonly performed mastectomy.

3) Previously, the radical mastectomy was the most common procedure—removing muscle, lymph nodes, and skin. However, now this is rarely performed.

Do I really need a mastectomy?

In some cases, a lumpectomy with radiation is as effective as mastectomy.

Given the choice, most American women choose a mastectomy—even when the outcomes of the two procedures will yield the same result. As with any surgical procedure, it’s always advisable to get a second opinion from a surgeon in a different practice.

Recent advances in the mastectomy procedure help save normal body tissue, such as the breast skin and areola, that doesn’t necessarily need to be removed in every patient. Every patient’s circumstances are unique and so are mastectomies. For instance, preventive mastectomies are different than mastectomies for cancer or when lumpectomies don’t work.

Will my nipple be removed, and will there be scaring?

It depends on the individual’s situation, however, it is possible to have a mastectomy and save the nipple.

There are also situations when a mastectomy is done with a “hidden” or “scarless” approach.

Advances in microsurgery and breast surgery allow surgeons to perform mastectomies with hidden scars, similar to a breast lift or augmentation procedure, without leaving scars on the breast skin. Patients who are candidates for this surgery preserve their breast skin—including the nipple and areola.

This technique begins with an incision under the arm, under the breast fold, around the nipple, or down the bottom of the breast below the bra line. Reconstruction involves using a one of the perforator flap techniques (DIEP, SIEA, or GAP), where the relocated tissue fills in and shapes the breast.

Ask if your plastic surgeon works with a breast surgeon who considers these options when planning your mastectomy. Also if a reconstruction is scheduled immediately following mastectomy and you have completed chemotherapy and/or radiation, the mastectomy may be done in a way to make the overall result of your reconstruction better.

Have more questions? Our doctors are happy to provide their expertise.

Filed Under: Breast Cancer Awareness, Health and Wellness Tagged With: breast cancer, breast cancer questions, mastectomy, mastectomy questions

How to Start Your Day on the Right Foot

August 25, 2015 by Gail

The way you start the day each morning directly impacts the rest of your day.

That’s why successful people have similar habits that ensure a productive start to their mornings.

Not a morning person? Here are a few tips that will help you start your day on the right foot.

Prepare the night before

Preparation for a great morning begins the night before. If you bring your lunch, try making it the night before. Think you’re too old for a bedtime? Think again. Having a set bedtime keeps you from the “okay only one more show” mindset that inevitably leads to a groggy morning.

Leave plenty of time

Wake up at least one hour before you need to be out the door. Starting the day in a rush leads to stress that will snowball throughout the day. Allow plenty of time to get yourself ready and in a good mindset.

Don’t snooze

It takes some training, but make a mental decision to never snooze your alarm. Decide on what time you’ll need to wake up and stick to it.

Have a healthy breakfast

Food is our body’s energy source. Start your day with a healthy breakfast to get your brain and body moving!

Review your day

Reviewing your day first thing in the morning is one of the best habits of product morning people. Taking a moment (maybe while drinking your morning coffee) to look over your calendar for the day and mentally prioritize is a great method to start your day on the right path.

Think positively!

Make the conscious decision to think positively when you start each day. It will be infectious to those around you and truly impact your daily outlook.

Are you a morning person? We’d love to hear your strategies below.

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: morning person, productive, tips for success

Traveling Abroad Checklist

August 18, 2015 by Gail

So you’ve decided to finally take the dive and travel abroad.

Exciting!!

Especially for those venturing overseas for the first time, the initial wave of excitement is often followed with an overwhelming feeling of “oh wow, there is so much to do!”

Since we love to travel and know a lot of our patients do to, we put our heads together to come up with everything you need to prepare before jetting off to your fabulous vacation.

Hope you find this checklist helpful and be sure to send us a postcard!

Plan well in advance

By picking your exact dates and the location(s) for your trip, you can start narrowing down more details. Not to mention the earlier you book your vacation, the more options you’ll have.

Make sure your passport is current

Check your passport expiration date ASAP. Renewing or applying for your first passport can take months and waiting until the last minute may leave you high and dry without a way to leave the country.

Buy plane tickets (buying in advance saves money)

Buying plane tickets well in advance helps you plan your trip, as well as save money.

Book accommodations

Especially if you’re going in peak season, your top picks for hotel accommodations will fill up rapidly. Researching places to stay is also a great way to get to know the area.

Book tours and activities

Although it’s wonderful to participate in spontaneous activities when you’re there, one of our biggest recommendations is to have your activities planned beforehand. That way you can spend your time enjoying activities, instead of stressing over what to do each day—and no one says you absolutely have to stick to the plan—it’s just a great place to start!

Create an itinerary

This is a MUST. Between travel plans, multiple accommodations, tours, and restaurant reservations, it’s difficult to keep it straight (or everyone on the same page). Print out a copy for every member of the group, and leave it with someone at home who can always know where to reach you while you’re abroad.

Nail down transportation

Research your ideal transportation for your trip. Whether that involves renting a car, looking into public transportation, or buying train tickets, that’s an important factor to be nailed down in advance. Especially when it comes to train tickets, you can receive an exceptionally cheaper deal when bought more than a month in advance.

Print travel documents, make copies of passports, credit cards

Have a copy of all of your travel documents, passports, and credit cards in both your carry on or suitcase in case of an emergency. It’s also important to leave an additional copy with someone you trust at home as a back up.

Order appropriate currency

Currency conversion can be an unnecessary extra expense. But some planning can help reduce the cost. Shop around for the best rates before you depart. Warning: the worst rates are at the exchange desks at the airport. Also an important note: give your credit card company a call and let them know where you’ll be traveling abroad.

Look into electric adaptors and convertors

Countries have varying power wattages, so be sure to look into what electric adaptors and convertors work in each country you’ll be staying in.

Pack

Easier said than done! Start the packing process many days prior to be sure not to forget anything.

Have a fantastic time!

We can’t wait to hear all about your fabulous trip!

We’d love to see your awesome pictures! Share them on our Facebook page.

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: traveling abroad, traveling abroad checklist, traveling checklist, trip planning