Get a Mammogram today! Information on low cost exams and more!

Mammograms are probably the most important tool doctors have, not only to screen for breast cancer, but also to diagnose, evaluate, and follow people who’ve had breast cancer. Safe and reasonably accurate, a mammogram is an x-ray photograph of the breast. The technique has been in use for about 40 years.

I just got my first mammogram. I am 35 years old, and the Doctor wasn't worried, but thought that this would be an opportunity to get my first mammogram, since I am also trying to get pregnant.

I wasn't sure what to expect. Some women told me that it is a painful experience. This gave me tense anticipation for the event. Well, let me tell you that it didn't hurt at all. It may have been uncomfortable, but there was no pain. Of course, this was just my experience, and maybe there are some technicians that aren't as kind!?!

Anyway, the technician left the room for a few minutes, while she checked to make sure the X-rays would be suitable for my doctor. As I was waiting, I found information in the office that I wanted to share.

Some women who may be reading this blog do not have medical insurance and are not rich! So getting a mammogram may seem impossible...well not right now. When I found this info, I felt compelled to share this information quickly, since this is such an important subject for me.

Free or reduced mammograms can be found. You can try your local health department to see if they have a list of participating doctors that would offer this service locally. You may also visit http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp or call 18888426355. Please don't wait until it is too late, especially if there is a history of Breast cancer in the family.

For more information, you can also visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm

http://www.breastcancer.org/

5 Important Things to Know About Mammograms

- They can save your life.
Finding breast cancer early reduces your risk of dying from the disease by 25-30% or more. Women should begin having mammograms yearly at age 40, or earlier if they're at high risk.

- Don't be afraid.
Mammography is a fast procedure (about 20 minutes), and discomfort is minimal for most women. The procedure is safe: there's only a very tiny amount of radiation exposure from a mammogram. To relieve the anxiety of waiting for results, go to a center that will give you results before you leave.

- Get the best quality you can.
If you have dense breasts or are under age 50, try to get a digital mammogram. A digital mammogram is recorded onto a computer so that doctors can enlarge certain sections to look at them more closely.

Other tips:
Bring your past mammogram films/results with you. If you’ve been to the same facility before, make sure your past results are available to whoever is reading the study.

Once you find a facility you have confidence in, try to go there every year, so that your mammograms can be compared from year to year.

Have more than one radiologist read your study, if your insurance covers this.

Ask if your center has CAD — computer-aided detection — a tool that assists the radiologist in finding any areas of concern that need further attention.

If you’ve been referred for a mammogram because of a suspicious lump or a finding on another test, make sure your doctor includes a detailed note as to why the mammogram has been ordered. For example, if the doctor felt a lump in the upper portion of the breast, closer to the underarm, the note might say, “palpable mass in the upper outer quadrant, left breast, rule out abnormality.” Be prepared to talk about previous unusual findings or symptoms with the technologist who performs the mammogram.

Work with your doctor to compare your mammogram results with any other tests you may have had done, such as ultrasound or MRI.

On the day of the exam, wear a skirt or pants, rather than a dress, since you’ll need to remove your top for the test. Don’t wear deodorant or antiperspirant, since these can show up on the film and interfere with the test results.

Avoid scheduling your mammogram at a time when your breasts are swollen or tender, such as right before your period.

Discuss your family history of breast and other cancers — from both your mother's AND father’s side — with your doctor.

If you don’t receive any results within 30 days, call your doctor or testing facility to ask for the results.

- Mammography is our most powerful breast cancer detection tool.
However, mammograms can still miss 20% of breast cancers that are simply not visible using this technique. Other important tools — such as breast self-exam, clinical breast examination, and possibly ultrasound or MRI — can and should be used as complementary tools, but there are no substitutes or replacements for a mammogram.
An unusual result requiring further testing does not always mean you have breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 10% of women (1 in 10) who have a mammogram will require more tests. Only 8-10% of these women will need a biopsy, and about 80% of these biopsies will turn out not to be cancer. It’s normal to worry if you get called back for more testing, but try not to assume the worst until you have more information.

- When to get a mammogram
There's a lot of confusion out there about when and how often to get a mammogram. For now, the recommendation is that women get a mammogram once a year, beginning at age 40. If you're at high risk for breast cancer, with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have had radiation treatment to the chest in the past, it's recommended that you start having annual mammograms at a younger age (often beginning around age 30). This, however, is something that you should discuss with your health care provider.

Have you heard of the Cleavage Caddy?

I heard about this item a few months ago, but just rediscovered it tonight. It's an interesting concept, to say the least.

The Cleavage Caddy is an insert for your bra that allows you to tuck away your keys, credit cards, lipstick and more! The caddy can be ordered with or without an added lace accent to to enhance your attire with a feminine influence. If you choose the lace version, the lace covers your cleavage, adding an extra element of modesty, while still allowing you to carry all of your personal items discretely tucked in your bra. These are worn anchored to the bra by the elastic strap with a snap.

Great concept for shopping, safety when alone, and going out partying.

They sell for about 30.00 each, plus shipping costs. The cost seems a little high in my opinion. You can find the site at http://www.mazantricreations.com.

What do you think about them?

Social Networking and Your Business Platform

Hello everyone,
I was asked in one of my Ebay groups to put a little something together about social networking and how it has affected my business platform. Well, all I can say is that it is definitely worth the time and energy that is put into it.

I am on several networking sites. They include Myspace, facebook, twitter, pulse, blogger, plurk, ning, linked in, friendster, squidoo, yahoo groups, ebay groups, ebay blogs, youtube, blog talk radio, top 100 sites, and seller circle. That is one heck of a list huh?!? I think I may have missed one or two! Let me take this opportunity to let you know why I have put myself out there as I have.

The most places you put your name / store / self, the more chances of someone running into you that may not have otherwise. Myspace opens the possibility of having millions of people run across you page..or maybe even billions..lol! You literally may get your product out to so many people. You have the space (page) to sell yourself, be personable, while also being professional. Show pics, make the page unique, show the possible client that you are the person to buy stuff from. Check out my myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/naughtyandnicelingerie to see what I am talking about. Myspace has loads of resources and support to really make your page stand out, even if you do not know HTML. And, if you don't know HTML, but want to learn the basics, you can easily google html basic resources and all the info will be right at your finger tips. Myspace has blogs, comments, status updates, groups and so much more. It is there own little community.

Twitter is a mini blog site...you can give people tidbits of things about your products, with the help of http://www.tinyurl.com to help you showcase your item but still remain within character limit. You send little messages to other "twits" to chat, network, and just have fun!

Pulse, linked in and squidoo are more stagnate sites..at least by my experience. It not as interactive as Myspace or twitter, but you can set up profiles and send messages to other community members. Squidoo lets other members rate your site and pays you having other members click on ads through your page! How great is that!

Yahoo groups, ebay groups and ebay blogs are all more interactive communities I joined. I chat it up in the groups, exchange ideas and experiences, help other sellers and have fun as well. Blogs (any blogs along with blogger) are where you can share ideas as well...and even specific information on your product. For example, I blog about special offers, bra care tips and so on. It's a great place to show how knowledgeable you are about your items! I use ebay blogs and groups especially, because there is the community I can really market to (since I do have an Ebay store) and are looking to spend money as well! They are already registered members, so all you have to do is sell them!

Youtube is another great site...it is like a video blog! Again, you can make a mini commercial, showcasing your store, or instructions on items you sell..to make your buyer feel comfortable buying your item! Blog talk radio is probably one of the most interactive of them all. You can actually call into a radio show and have customers talk to you live on the air..and they can really "hear" how personable the seller is. So it is not just buying a product over some cable wires..but actually feeling like you know the person. I personally have been interviewed on two VTR shows. My links are on the side under my networking sites here on my blog.

One more site that I have heard success stories from, but have not put too much time into is Craigslist! You can list something and watch to see what happens. All of these avenues have given me success in one way or another. Don't underestimate the power of networking sites! I do not pay for advertising at all. While I do not discourage it, because you have to spend money to make it, I concentrate on these avenues to cut that cost..not that it cuts my time on the internet though..lol! You have to weigh the pros and the cons for yourself. Everything you do is a personal decision to make things work for you.

OK..I think I covered most of them...some are self explanatory and I know I wrote enough to keep you busy a bit..lol. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Most of these sites let you personalize the page you have, so you can check out all my sites, which are also linked through my Ebay "me" page or the sidebar here, to actually see my work in action. There are so many more out there..but these keep me pretty busy for now. So much to do, so little time! LOL

Shapeez Launches New Shapewear Bra and Expands Distribution to Canada

Shapeez, a shapewear brand began with a bra/body slimmer known as the Unbelievabra. Since the Mini and the Ultimate experienced so much success, Shapeez launched an additional silhouette known as the Shortee, a t-shirt bra that virtually eliminates back bulge and enhances the bustline.

The Shortee uniquely features underwire foam cups and a no-roll curved front to prevent ride up. Made of breathable, cool-tex lycra, the lightweight Shortee will appear smooth under your snuggest sweaters and your slinkiest shirts. As with the other Shapeez styles, sizes A - E are available so nearly everyone is included! This style retails at $75 and is available at Shapeez.com and numerous boutiques throughout North America. So get ready to say hello to beautiful cleavage, but goodbye to back bulge with these items.

How is the Lingerie Industry Faring in the Economic Crisis?

How is the lingerie industry doing? Signals and stories are mixed from various industry sources. On the manufacturing front, relocation stories continue. US lingerie giant Frederick’s of Hollywood is moving their remaining US manufacturing to the Philippines. In response to unprecedented macro economic conditions, Frederick’s is “continuing to reduce operating expenses, primarily through reductions in personnel,” said executive chair Peter Cole. While Frederick’s looks to reduce their operational costs, other US manufacturers have shut down including Prima Lingerie Inc., New Waves Apparel Inc., Blue Horizon Logistics & Sourcing Inc. and Sensuous Lingerie Inc. (from Dennis D. Estopace)

Retailers have mixed reports. In a press release BeCheeky reports “a 75% increase in sales volume and an 85% increase in turnover on prime Mega Monday - 8th December 2008, compared with the same day in 2007. The lingerie specialists are now set to be 50% up this December on last, impressively bucking current retail trends, and highlighting how promising growth opportunities can still be found.” (BeCheeky Press Release). In the US, dismal figures were released the day after Christmas. “Overall apparel sales were down 19.7 percent, with women’s apparel dragging down the sector with an astonishing 22.7 percent decline.” Additionally, apparently bad news for luxury lingerie retailers: “Sales of luxury goods at jewelry, leather and department stores dropped 34.5 percent.” (ABC News)

In the UK, retailer John Lewis reported “improved sales in the final four days before Christmas. Its department store sales rose by 2.5 percent between December 21 and December 24. The store benefited from strong sales of items such as iPods, fragrance and lingerie.” (Times Online)

The trade show sector will suffer with Lingerie America’s shutting down.

Caring For Your Dog On A Tighter Budget

I got this from the Pedigree website and thought this could be useful to other dog owners.

With a troubled economy, many dog owners are trying to give their pets the best care they can on a tighter budget. For some, it's a matter of simply buying fewer treats and limiting visits to the groomer. But some veterinarians say they're seeing pet owners skipping checkups and scaling back on medications. Yes, this may cut expenses, but it puts their dog at risk.

To some dog owners, it may seem fine to drop heartworm or flea and tick preventives. However, those problems can be much more expensive to treat than to prevent. What's more, infectious diseases and degenerative diseases in dogs—such as heart problems, kidney disease, and arthritis—can go untreated or unnoticed when their owners skip well–pet visits. And waiting until a pet needs emergency care can be far more costly.

The bottom line: keep up with your regular vet visits and look to economize elsewhere. Some ingenuity and these smart shopping tips can help you save money and still give your pets the care they deserve.

Look for discounts and coupons. Dog food coupons are widely available in supermarket mailers and online—and while you may think the couple of dollars of savings does not mean much, the savings do add up. If a catalog has a low price for heartworm or flea and tick preventives, see if your vet will match it.

Consider bartering for pet care services. See if you can swap your talent or services for dog walking or sitting. Or find fellow dog owners who are willing to care for your dog.

Buy in bulk. Look for dog treats and chews from online dog supply catalogs and store them in the freezer until you need them. You'll save money by purchasing a larger quantity of dog food, too. If you have a little dog, keep a small amount out in an airtight container, and keep the rest in an airtight container or sealed heavy-duty trash bag.

Find free or low-cost rabies vaccinations. Look for vaccination days at a pet supply superstore instead of the vet's office. You can also try contacting animal shelters and nonprofit humane societies for spaying, neutering, and other services that they may provide for less than you would pay a vet.

Ask your vet about a payment plan. Vets are typically compassionate people, so don't be afraid to ask if you can work out a weekly or monthly payment plan. Many practitioners are willing to negotiate if you can't afford to take care of the full cost up front.

Groom your pet at home. Save the cost of visits to your groomer with regular brushings. This is also a great way to reduce the amount of dog hair around your home. And learn how to trim your pet's nails on a regular basis. It's not difficult and you may also save your floors and household furnishings in the process.

Resolve to Use a Sports Bra in the New Year

We all know that one of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight. But before you can lose the weight, you need to make preparations. Start paying attention to your diet, join a gym, sign up for one of those classes you will hate later – but one of the most important preparations you can make is to buy yourself a sports bra! According to the Omnibus Company and Kelton Research, 3 out of 4 of you aren’t wearing a specialty sports bra when exercising. Some of you think your regular bra is good enough – wrong! An ordinary bra only reduces breast movement by about 38% but in a recent test, Shock Absorber bras were found to reduce movement by about 74%! Some of you think that smaller breasts don’t need the extra control a sports bra provides – wrong again! Even when Shock Absorber tested 34A chests, the breasts moved significantly during exercise. The average movement is 40mm away from the breasts’ resting position. Sports bras are beneficial even if you aren’t running or bouncing around – they are even beneficial for light exercise, like while walking or doing yoga. By wearing a sports bra regularly, you will be more comfortable during exercise, your breasts will be less sore after exercise, and you may help slow breast sag.

Remember, it’s a good idea to get properly sized yearly (or even more often). But when you start exercising and melting away those pounds, you should get sized every couple months. Weight loss can significantly affect your breast size. You want to make sure you’re wearing the right bra so you look your best while showing off your new body!

My List of Social Networking sites...can you keep up?

I'd appreciate a follow, tweet, comment, whatever! I have so many, it's hard to keep up with me...can you? Come on, show some love!

http://www.myspace.com/naughtyandnicelingerie

http://www.twitter.com/naughtyandnice

http://naughtyandnicelingerie.blogspot.com/

http://www.twittermoms.com/profile/NaughtyandNiceLingerie

http://www.linkedin.com/in/naughtyandnicelingerie

http://www.friendster.com/naughtyandnicelingerie

http://naughtyandnicelingerie.myplaxo.com/

http://www.bebo.com/NaughtyandNiceEbay

http://www.youtube.com/naughtynicestore

http://www.sellercircle.com/evey_c

http://myworld.ebay.com/evey_c

I may have even forgotten one or two...it's a lot to keep up on..lol!

GPS and Lingerie?

Some people are calling it a “21st century chastity belt.” Others think it will help them keep tabs on their wives and girlfriends. But Lucia Iorio, the creator of the new lingerie set with a built-in GPS system, says that it is none of those things. The “Find Me If You Can” line from Lindelucy is aimed at the modern, tech-savvy woman who wants to have some flirty fun and games with her lover.

Comprised of a white flyaway babydoll with garter straps (and a very visible GPS device) with some matching panties, the set “is a wink to women and a challenge to men because, even if she gives him the password to her GPS, she can always turn it off,” according to Iorio. “Some women are now interested in buying it for protection” she said, adding that in a crime-prone country like Brazil, where the company is based, the set should be selling out quickly. She’s only sold a few yet, and at the price of $800-$1,100 they might be moving slowly! If women want to start using this for protection, maybe it would be better to work the device into something a bit simpler and more likely to leave the bedroom?

Here's a you tube video regarding the GPS lingerie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVxD3xqREg0

A poem I found about...yes...lingerie!

French Dressing by Charles M Green

It's the gift wrap on the present,
the garnish on the plate,
It's the exotic spice for the sweet vice
you love to contemplate.

It's the bottle that contains the wine,
the veil that hides the face;
It's the fog that shrouds the valley
in a mist of sheerest lace.

It's the pleasure in the morning
that you savor in the night;
It's those slinky satin secrets
you keep hidden for delight.

It's the subtle flash of stocking top
held tight by garter strap;
It's the slender strip of silk charmeuse
That baits the tender trap.

It's a way to tempt your lover
when you don't know what to say,
It's all this whispered in one word;
that word is...lingerie.

Twitter Moms: The Influential Moms Network

Check out the Momfuse.com Valentine's Day Gift Guide!

Click on the button to be taken to momfuse.com for more info and to enter the giveaways!

Join Sassy Sisters in Sales Yahoo Group!

I would like to invite you to join a fabulous group that helps support and promote women in business! The Sassy Sisters in Sales currently has around 20 wonderful members. You can join as a shopper and take advantage of all of our great deals! Many members feature member only sales and gifts, so what are you waiting for?? Why not join, after all, membership is free!

Check it out for yourself and apply to join if you are interested. (Membership requires approval by group owner.)


Please tell them Brenda from Naughty and Nice Lingerie sent ya!

Click on the pic below to get forwarded to the group home page where you can read more information:

Proud member of Sassy Sisters in Sales Yahoo Group

10% off almost EVERYTHING in my store and more!

I wanted to give back to all my loyal customers, so I decided to create a 10% off almost everything in my store. You have to check it out!

And, as a special bonus, if you email me your order (and not make the purchase through Ebay), you will receive an additonal 10% off, whether the item was on sale in Ebay or not. Sounds like a great deal to me!

Today's food for thought about lingerie (of course)!

Hi everyone (waving),

I just found this quote and wanted to share with everyone as it pertains to lingerie (of course..lol):

“Everyone has one or more alter egos hidden within themselves. You can either hide them but also accentuate them. With my lingerie and lingerie accessories you can accentuate them explicitly. Every woman can show her own fantasies with my lingerie. To others, but especially to themselves.”

-Fashion designer Annelies Nuy

And here are the four "p"s of lingerie (for those that are familiar with the four "p"s of marketing):
Please (naïve and innocent)
Play (playful and naughty)
Passion (tempting and seducing)
Power (strong and provocative)

I guess this is just some food for thought today!