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How to Get Your Metabolism Moving

January 21, 2013 by

Did you know that you’re burning calories as you read this post? In fact, your body burns calories even when you’re not moving a single muscle. Every single thing you do—from breathing to eating to sleeping—uses energy. The number of calories it would take just to lie in bed all day is called your resting metabolic rate, which is unique to every person.

Although you can’t exchange your genetics or turn back the clock, there’s still plenty you can do to be a fast calorie burner. All you need to do is remember these four metabolism truths:

1. Cardio charges your metabolism for hours afterward. A pound of muscle at rest does burn three times as many calories as a pound of fat, but that doesn’t mean you should only focus on weight training if you want to blast calories. Cardio is every bit as crucial for keeping your metabolism cranked up. Do just two to three vigorous bouts of exercise per week for 45 minutes, and you could lose a pound of fat every two weeks from the combination of calories expended during exercise plus what you burn afterward.

Pro-tip: Any sweat-inducing activity you can sustain for 45 minutes will do the trick.

2. Beauty rest is the new calorie-burning boost. Though contrary to expectations, more sleep makes for a quicker metabolism. In fact, a single sleepless night reduces your resting metabolic rate by about 5% several hours into the next day, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. So put away the laptop, and be sure you aim to give yourself nine hours of sleep  each night.

3. Age doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy metabolism.Sure, it’s hardly a myth that women tend to gain weight after the age of 40. But according to a new study in Cell Metabolism, estrogen levels may be the cause. Less estrogen, it turns out, equals a sluggish metabolism—you burn 50 fewer calories a day. Compensate by hitting the weight room three times a week. In 12 weeks, you’ll add enough muscle  mass to burn an extra 45 calories per day.

4. Timing is everything when it comes to blasting calories. Drops in blood sugar can make your metabolism stall during the day. That’s because the primary food for your brain is blood sugar, and when you let it drop, your brain has to set up defenses to sustain its fuel. In other words, low blood sugar leaves you with less muscle, which makes your metabolism sluggish. To keep your blood-sugar levels even throughout the day, eat smaller meals with 100- to 200-calorie snacks in between.

What are some ways you keep your metabolism fired up? Share your tips in the comments section below!

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8 Tips to Instantly Boost Your Energy

January 14, 2013 by

Are you feeling lethargic and fatigued before it’s even lunch time? Do you notice yourself daydreaming more and more about a mid-afternoon nap?

If you’re searching for ways to feel more energized throughout the day, look no further than these 8 tips. In no time, you’ll be amazed at how bright-eyed you feel!

  • Embrace the midday yawns: Turns out, yawning is your body’s way of cooling down the brain, which helps wake it up. So enjoy your workday yawns, and recharge your brain naturally!
  • Take a 10-minute walk:You’ll feel revved up a whole two hours afterward, and it’s good for your heart.
  • Have a good laugh: Laughing raises your blood pressure and boosts your heart rate, too, which can pump you up when you’re feeling lackluster.
  • Start seeing red: According to research from the University of Rochester, spotting the color red makes your muscles move faster and work harder, giving you a burst of energy when you need it most. Keep crimson flowers in your sight line to pep up a jam-packed day.
  • Sprinkle on the energy: Forget the espresso shots that can make you crash after a few hours.Instead, get your energy from chia seeds. They’re packed with a revitalizing combo of B vitamins, fiber, and protein, so they pick you naturally. Simply stir them into your morning bowl of oatmeal and enjoy!
  • Take time for an invigorating stretch:Stretching warms up your muscles and gets your blood moving, both of which will make you feel more alert. Raise your arms above your head, and then touch your toes. Stand up, and spread your arms out, pushing your chest forward. Hold each pose for 30 seconds.
  • Hit the gym: Before you head to work in the morning, consider carving out a little time to get in some exercise. Most women feel energized the rest of the day after a good workout.
  • Eat nutritious food: Load up on healthy foods throughout the day—especially foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, which improve mood and brain function. Try incorporating a little more salmon or avocados into your diet, and start reaping the benefits of in your workday.

What are some ways you fight fatigue during the day?

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How to Keep a New Year’s Resolution

January 7, 2013 by

It’s hardly surprising how quickly most of us tend to break our New Year’s resolutions (some before the end of January!). Yet each year, we take the time to reflect on our aspirations and set goals to improve our lives, even though less than 12% of resolution-makers succeed.

So what’s the secret to actually seeing these goals through?

If you really want to see results this year, it’s critical that you set your goals with sincerity, and concentrate on the intention of your resolutions. Read on to discover 5 ways to create attainable resolutions—and keeping them:

1. Be specific. A common mistake people make is setting ambiguous goals like, “I’ll lose weight.” Instead, make your resolution specific, with a tangible, achievable outcome. Determine how much weight you want to lose and what diet or exercise regime you will begin. Ask yourself, why do you want to lose weight, and what will you do once you reach your goal? Remember to visualize the good that will come when your desires are met.

2. Put it in writing. Write down your goals and outline the small, manageable steps you’ll take in order to achieve them. When you set a big goal, like learning how to silversmith, it can be overwhelming and frustrating if you don’t have a plan that lays out smaller steps toward achieving the larger goal. Plan ahead and focus on accomplishing one small thing at a time to keep yourself on track and optimistic.

3. Give yourself enough time. Be sure to set aside ample time for yourself to achieve your goals. If you want to exercise more, plot out time in your weekly schedule for runs and time at the gym. Additionally, you’ll want to make time to track your progress, either with monthly measurements, heart rate monitoring, or weigh-ins.

4. Find a partner. Having someone to keep you accountable is one of the key ingredients to changing your life. Try finding a friend who has a similar resolution, and check in with each other every week to talk about your progress and challenges. Or, ask a family member or significant other to keep you accountable—just make sure they’re supportive and encouraging. You can also seek professional assistance, such as a personal trainer to help you meet your fitness goals, or a tutor to help you finally learn French.

5. Take a deep breath. When you’re stressed or overwhelmed, it’s easy to get off track from your goals. Spend time every day collecting your thoughts and getting centered. You may try a breathing exercise, a scenic stroll, or even a little yoga. Be sure to push away self-sabotaging thoughts, such as: “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do it.” The truth is, you can do it, but you have to fully channel all your intentions into achieving what you want.

What are your resolutions for 2013?

 

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10 Easy Health Tips to Start the New Year Right

December 31, 2012 by

With 2013 right around the corner, it’s time to gear up for a year full of optimism and good health!

If you’ve been waiting to write your resolutions until last minute, consider incorporating any—or all—of these health tips into your plan for a shining new year:

1. Drink more water. Many of us may not even realize that we go through our entire day dehydrated. If you feel tired often, take a look at what you’re drinking during the day—dehydration is known to cause fatigue and muscle cramps. This coming year, make the resolution to drink more water. After all, it’s calorie-free and readily available.

2. Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine is fine for an early morning boost, but if you need a cup of joe, tea, or soda just to get your through the day, you’re training your body for dependence. In addition, too much caffeine can disrupt your sleep and lead to dehydration, so consider replacing one caffeinated beverage each day with a healthier alternative, such as water.

3. Get more beauty sleep. Make 2013 the year of feeling bright-eyed and busy-tailed by getting more sleep at night. A number of experts agree that we need seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel adequately rested.

4. Celebrate in moderation. If you want to live a healthier lifestyle in the New Year, choose to celebrate in moderation and reduce your alcohol consumption.  Not only will you help keep your liver happy, but you’ll also avoid extra calories. Try to limit your intake to no more than one drink of alcohol per day (1 drink = 12oz. of beer, 5oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of liquor).

5. Quit smoking. We’ve written extensively about how smoking can increase your risk of breast cancer and generally wreak havoc on your health. But a new year is as good a reason as any to finally kick the habit for good. If you need help, click here to read more about tobacco quitlines.

6. Walk more. Walking is a great and easy form of exercise. Not only does it burn calories, but it helps build muscle as well. It’s also low impact and most people can do it comfortably and effortlessly. If you’re looking to improve your health in the New Year, you don’t have to walk much; only 30 minutes a day at a brisk pace will dramatically improve cardiovascular health and help maintain a healthy weight.

7. Lift weights. Make the resolution to build your body’s strength this year with moderate weight training. Not only will you help protect your bones, but you’ll also prevent the muscle loss that occurs with aging. Try lifting weights or doing resistance exercises for 20 minutes 2 to 3 times per week to keep your body healthy and active.

8. Focus on eating in moderation. Forget the diets that pervade most people’s new year. If you deprive yourself too much and remain hungry all day, you’re more likely to overindulge, particularly in the evening. Focus on moderate eating by enjoying healthy, mini-meals every few hours to keep your energy up throughout the day.

9. Cut back on the sweets. Last year, nearly 2 million people were diagnosed with diabetes. Eating too much sugar or carbohydrates floods the body with insulin in response to the spike in blood sugar. In turn, this can lead to a condition called “insulin resistance.” Over time, insulin resistance may develop into type 2 diabetes. In 2013, do your body a huge favor by cutting back the sweets and increasing fiber to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.

10. Take vitamins. Ask your doctor what nutrients you may be missing and how you may benefit from nutritional supplements. For example, if you’re a vegetarian, it’s important to make sure you get plenty of vitamin B12. You may find a daily multivitamin can help fill in the nutritional gaps within your diet.

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2013? Share your aspirations in the comments section below!

 

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Quit Smoking for Good—for Vanity’s Sake!

December 26, 2012 by

Image Above Taken From: www.webmd.com

At the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we always advocate for what’s in the best interest of your health, which is why it’s time to revisit our long list of reasons to kick the smoking habit once and for all. Smoking is particularly harmful for women. In fact, female smokers have a 25 to 32 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer.

Though most of us have heard the popular (and worthy) reasons to quit smoking—such as it causes cancer and emphysema and is an expensive habit, to boot—we decided to look at the more obvious ways smoking effects the body, both mentally and physically. Without further adieu, here are a few lesser-known reasons to inspire you or a loved one to give up cigarettes for good:

  • Get fresh: Cigarette toxins change your face’s oil secretions, which causes breakouts. To add insult to injury, according to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, dermatologist and author of The Perricone Prescription, when we inhale just one puff of cigarette smoke, more than a trillion free radicals are produced in our lungs, which then trigger an inflammatory response that circulates throughout the body. No thanks!
  • Stay sharp: Ex-smokers have better memories and reasoning skills than smokers do. Quitting smoking is an easy way to keep your wits in fighting condition! Not to mention, the logical move to stop smoking is contagious. Studies found that if you kick cigarettes, your spouse is 67 percent more likely to quit also, and friends are 36 percent more apt to quit, too.
  • Forever young: Puffers are four times more likely to go gray early, and the average smoker has ten times more wrinkles than non-smokers. Additionally, smoking causes the microscopic muscle fibers in the walls of the blood vessels to contract, causing smokers to have pale skin. In fact, a single cigarette can reduce the blood supply to the skin for more than an hour. Giving up smoking will improve the blood supply to the skin and give previously pale skin a more glowing and youthful appearance.
  • Your figure will thank you: As if maintaining an enviable figure wasn’t hard enough, smoking can create an imbalance in women’s hormone levels, which can lead to changes in body shape. Smoking affects the endocrinal system, or the glands that secrete hormones, and changes the body shape by increasing the waist-to-hip ratio and altering the way the body stores fat.
  • Build your self-esteem: Quitting is hard—if you can do it, you’ll feel more confident to take on other goals in your life! You’ll also have more energy to accomplish those goals. So go ahead and sign up for that 5K you’ve been thinking about, or take that yoga class, and watch your achievements continue to climb!

Have you ever quit smoking? If so, what made you decide to make the change?

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10 Winter Skincare Tips

December 19, 2012 by

Image Above Taken From: www.prevention.com

If you’re like most people, you probably already know (and are possibly experiencing) the havoc winter inflicts on skin. From chapped lips to cracked, dry hands, your skin takes a real beating in the chillier months—even here in Charleston!

Make healthy skin a priority this winter with these tips to combat the cold and keep your skin nourished all season:

  • Ask your doctor. First and foremost, when in doubt about your skin condition, it’s best to seek professional guidance. Going to an esthetician or dermatologist even once is a good investment because such a specialist can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using.
  • Invest in a good moisturizer. Your skincare needs vary depending on the season. Even if you love the moisturizer that kept your skin silky-smooth all summer, your skin demands a more hydrating lotion in the winter. Opt for a moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. You can also look for lotions containing “humectants,” a class of substances that attract moisture to your skin.
  • Slather on the sunscreen. Sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Exposure to the winter sun can still damage your skin, increase the signs of aging, and cause skin cancer. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they’re exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside.
  • Give your hands extra attention. The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands, meaning it’s harder to keep your hands moist. In cold, dry weather, your hands are especially prone to itchiness, dryness, and cracking. Be sure you have moisturizer at the ready when you travel, and always wear gloves when you go outside.
  • Avoid wet clothing. Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema. Keep your body warm and dry this winter, and add layers for more protection.
  • Don’t forget your feet. Try finding thicker lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerine—your feet will thank you. If your feet are dry, be sure to use exfoliants to get the dead skin off so that your moisturizer will sink in faster and deeper.
  • Reconsider your facial cleanser. If you’ve been battling the dry-skin blues all winter, try avoiding peels, masks, or alcohol-based face cleansers—they’re likely stripping vital oil from your skin. Opt for foaming cleansers and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based, to save your skin’s natural moisture.
  • Plug in the humidifier. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. To disperse moisture throughout your home, you may want to place several small humidifiers around the house.
  • Protect your pout. Be sure you’re armed this winter with the most soothing lip balm you can find. Double-check to make sure it has sunscreen to keep your lips nourished and smooth.

How do you keep your skin healthy all winter long?

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Delicious Low-Fat Holiday Desserts

December 17, 2012 by

Image Above Taken From: www.Health.com

During the holidays, a little indulgence is the status quo. But who says the holidays have to compromise your healthy diet?

With these recipes, you can have all the flavor of your favorite holiday desserts, minus the guilt or added fat. Give them a whirl, and enjoy!

Whole-wheat sugar cookies
This year, keep your heart healthy with these whole-wheat sugar cookies topped with a delicious lemony glaze.

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 1 ¼ cups flour
  • ¼ cup whole-wheat flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract

Icing

  • 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions: For cookies, whisk together first 4 ingredients (through baking soda) in a medium bowl. Beat butter and sugars together in a separate medium bowl until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl, and add the egg white and vanilla and almond extracts, and beat until just combined.

Add flour mixture, and stir until incorporated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 325°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Dust a work surface with flour. Turn out chilled dough directly onto work surface. Roll dough out to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes in dough, and gently transfer them to baking sheets. Bake cookies for 12 minutes or until set but not browned. Remove cookies from oven, and cool for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing, whisk together all the icing ingredients in a large bowl until completely smooth. Mixture should have consistency of a glaze. (If it’s too thin, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of lemon juice.)

Transfer icing to a pastry bag (or a zip-top plastic bag with a small hole in one of the bottom corners). First, outline the cookie or desired design, then fill it in. Let icing harden before serving. Cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Buttermilk Pralines
Enjoy a rich holiday treat that won’t do much damage to your diet! With a base of pecans, you’ll get plenty of good fat as well.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup whole buttermilk
  • 1 ½ tablespoons light-colored corn syrup
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • Dash of salt
  • ⅔ cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions: Combine first 5 ingredients in a large saucepan. Cook over low heat until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Continue cooking over low heat until a candy thermometer reads 234° (about 10 minutes). Stir occasionally. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes.

Stir in nuts, butter, and vanilla. Beat with a wooden spoon until mixture begins to lose its shine (about 6 minutes). Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let stand 20 minutes or until set. Note: Store pralines in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Banana pudding
This simple Southern classic is one of our personal favorites around the holidays! Slim up the traditional pudding by using low-fat milk, fat-free sweetened condensed milk and reduced-fat cookies.

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • Dash of salt
  • 2 ½ cups 1% low-fat milk
  • 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups sliced ripe banana, divided
  • 45 reduced-fat vanilla wafers, divided
  • 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
  • ¼ cup sugar

Directions: Preheat oven to 325°. Combine flour and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add milks and yolks; stir well. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Arrange 1 cup banana slices in bottom of a 2-quart baking dish. Spoon one-third of pudding mixture over banana. Arrange 15 wafers on top of pudding. Repeat layers twice, arranging the last 15 wafers around edge of dish. Push cookies into pudding.

Beat egg whites at high speed of a mixer until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue evenly over pudding, sealing to edge of dish. Bake at 325° for 25 minutes or until golden. Note: Banana Pudding may be a bit soupy when you first remove it from the oven. Let cool at least 30 minutes before serving.

Try out these recipes for your family this holiday season, and let us know what you think!

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Holidays on a Shoestring Budget: How to Give Great Gifts Without Breaking the Bank

December 10, 2012 by

Holiday BudgetDuring the holidays, it’s natural to want to give your loved ones the perfect gift…yet doing so may leave your wallet considerably lighter. Not to mention, trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list can be time-consuming and frustrating. Unfortunately for some, holiday shopping means maxed out credit cards—which is a stressful way to start off the New Year.

But the holiday season doesn’t have to be a time to go into debt or to overstretch your means. Take advantage of these easy, low-cost ways to spread the holiday cheer without running up your credit lines:

Use your talents. Take an inventory of your basic talents and skills to see which ones you could put to use to create holiday gifts. Most people appreciate a gift that someone put time and effort into and personally made for them. With an investment of just a few dollars for ingredients or materials and some basic skills, you could:

  • Bake some holiday treats and decorate them just for the recipient.
  • Knit or crochet a scarf, mittens, or a hat—or a blanket for your friend’s pet!
  • Scrapbook an album of special photos, or craft a beautiful greeting card.
  • Paint or draw a picture the recipient can display in their home.
  • Complete household repairs for someone.

Use your imagination, and get creative! The beauty of using your talents is that you can customize your gifts especially for your loved ones.

Give the gift of your time. Another easy way to manage your holiday budget is to give the gift of time. Offer to do a specific chore for someone in place of a store-bought gift. Some ideas could be:

  • Make a home-cooked meal.
  • Do a week’s worth of laundry.
  • Clean their house.
  • Wash their car.
  • Do an afternoon of yard work.
  • Babysit their kids.
  • Walk their dogs.

Remember, you can tailor the offer to the gift recipients needs, and if you know them well, you should have a pretty good idea of what offer would be most appreciated.

Get your family involved. Consider discussing cost-saving strategies with family members, such as:

  • Setting a spending limit on individual gifts.
  • Doing a gift exchange where you each draw a name out of a hat, instead of exchanging individual gifts with each family member.
  • Going in together on a family gift, like a family vacation or a season pass to an amusement park or zoo.

When your whole family can agree on basic gift-giving guidelines, you can save money and ensure your family is on the same page, so everyone can enjoy a happy, stress-free holiday!

Have more ideas? Share your tips for staying on budget during the holidays!

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How to Reduce Stress During the Holiday Season

December 3, 2012 by

According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans already take medication for stress-related causes each week, and the holidays only tend to perpetuate anxiety. Even if you’re one of the lucky people who don’t ordinarily feel stressed under the pressure of deadlines or events, the holidays have a way of sneaking stress into the most carefree lives.

There are your children’s wish lists to tackle, the holiday expenses to wrangle, the gifts to wrap, parties to plan, cookies to bake and cards to write—all in addition to your normal responsibilities.

Don’t let stress ruin your holidays. Here are some quick tips for how to keep calm during the bustling festivities:

1. Take some “you” time. If there were ever a time to get a massage, this is it. Book one for December to diffuse the chaos of last-minute frenzies. If you’d rather stay in, pamper yourself with a little dark chocolate and red wine—and for solidarity, invite your best friend over to enjoy a much-needed break.

2. Focus on fitness. Not only is exercise  good for the body, but it also releases endorphins that make you feel happier and more content. Frustrated that you couldn’t find that impossible gift for your niece? Take it on the treadmill! You’ll burn calories, improve your state of mind, and give yourself some time to gain perspective. Remember, a fast-paced walk through the mall also counts as an aerobic activity!

3. Volunteer. Consider volunteering at a local charity. In addition to benefitting from what experts identify as “helpers’ high,” you may also meet new friends and make lasting connections that will enrich your life throughout the entire year.

4. Rethink gift giving. Streamline the hectic process of gift giving by buying fewer gifts, doing all your shopping online, or making modest online donations to the favorite causes of friends and family. No matter what the catalogues tell you, the best gift you can give is your time—so spend it with your family and friends and relish every minute of it.

5. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Remember, you can always say “no.” Consider this an absolute necessity for protecting your health and sanity during the holidays. As a bonus, it works well the rest of the year, too! Stay positive, anticipate happiness, and you’ll make it through the holidays with the right attitude in place for the coming year.

What are some ways you combat your holiday stress?

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Packing Guide: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

November 28, 2012 by

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we know the key to a comfortable recovery begins with what you pack for your hospital stay. When preparing for your breast reconstruction surgery, pack the right things can give you some control over the upcoming experience, and can help you prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally. Consider what things may give you comfort and peace of mind, and take those items, along with an optimistic outlook.

Here’s our checklist for things you’ll need to bring along for breast reconstruction surgery, as well as some suggestions for items that will offer you comfort during your visit:

Prepare for Hospital Check-In. Get ready for your hospital stay, and make sure you bring everything you need for check-in paperwork. This includes:

  • Your identification
  • Your insurance card
  • Your checkbook
  • Admission papers (if applicable)

 Pack Relaxed, Easy Clothing. While packing for your return trip from the hospital, keep in mind that you may have surgical drains, dressings, and tender incisions. Make comfort your top priority when you choose your clothing to wear after your surgery, and bring along:

  • Loose tops that close in front. You may not feel like lifting your arms or pulling on anything over your head.
  • Elastic-waisted pants. Not only are these are easy to get into and out of, but also easy for someone to help you slip on.
  • Slip-on shoes with a good tread. If you don’t want to bend down and tie up shoelaces, have some slip-on shoes at the ready.
  • Post-surgical bra. Ask your surgeon which will be best for you—a supportive bra, or a sports bra. Look for a front-closure bra—it may have to fit over your dressings, and having the closure in front gives you more control over getting dressed.
  • Robe, slippers and warm, clean cotton socks. There’s nothing more comfortable than a soft bathrobe—and it’s easy to slip on and off without lifting your arms. And it’s always a good idea to keep your feet warm and covered!

Bring the Comforts of Home. Since you will be staying overnight in the hospital, bag up some soothing items that help you pass the time and give you a sense of reassurance, such as:

  • Your regular medications.
  • Your toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
  • A makeup kit and some skin lotion to help lift your spirits.
  • iPod with earphones so you can listen to your favorite calming music.
  • Novels or magazines to occupy your mind while you recover.
  • A journal, needlework or other items to keep you comfortable and busy as you rest in the hospital.
  • A small comfort pillow for keeping a seatbelt from pressing on your chest during the ride home.

Do you have other questions about how to prepare for breast reconstruction surgery ? Let us know in the comments section below!

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