Stripping off might not feel like the nicest prospect in icy temperatures, but it could help keep you in glowing good health, as my recent article in The Daily Express and Daily Mirror showed.
Wrapped up in snug layers, we don’t see a lot of our bare bodies during the winter months. But it’s a good idea to hike up the heating, bare your body and give it the once-over to check for any changes you may otherwise miss in the colder months.
For example, it’s really important to MONITOR MOLES
“The vast majority of moles are benign, but occasionally they can turn into a skin cancer – melanoma,” says Dr Adam Friedmann consultant dermatologist for Stratum Dermatology Clinics (stratumclinics.com) “Stand in front of the mirror, to thoroughly search your skin for any mole that stands out differently from others,” says Dr Friedmann. Look for changes in size to an existing mole, irregular or blurry borders, changes in colour, especially black or blue colours, multiple colours or pale areas and any crustiness, itching or bleeding. Examine areas you never normally clock – such as your calves and back. If you have any concerns, see your GP or book a mole check at a dermatology clinic.
The article also looked at the importance of good posture for overall health, plus watching your weight around your waist and checking your shoulders and back for any red marks which show your bra is a bad fit which could cause neck, breast and shoulder pain.
“The underband of your bra should provide roughly 80% of the support,” says Alexandra Pluthero from bra company Wear My Freedom (wearmyfreedom.com). “Red marks on your shoulders mean the straps are doing too much work and your underband is too loose. Try going a band-size down. If the band of your bra is leaving deep red marks, it’s probably too tight so try the next band size up. Remember the importance of sister sizing – if your cup fits you well, and you increase the band size by one then you need to decrease the cup size by one to keep the same cup fit.” Check out the bras at Wear My Freedom – with no underwires, they are the COMFIEST – but look stylish and are supportive, too.
EXAMINE BREASTS AND TESTICLES
Checking your breasts and being aware of any changes is key to early detection of breast cancer says Julia Ross, Head of Cancer Care, Bupa UK. “Some warning signs include a lump or thickening in the armpit and any change in the look or texture of your skin – it may be red, puckered or look dimpled like the skin of an orange,” she says. “Check for any redness, rash or crusting around the nipple or unusual discharge – or a change in shape or direction of the nipple. Also look for changes to the size and shape of your breast – particularly when you move your arms.”
“From puberty, men should check their testicles regularly. The best time is in the shower or bath, or just afterwards. The warmth will relax the scrotum and make it easier to feel anything unusual. Roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb – they should feel smooth, without any lumps or swellings. Towards the top, at the back of each testicle, you’ll feel a soft, tender tube. This is called the epididymis, and stores sperm, so don’t mistake it for a lump.”
For more advice on how to check yourself visit the health information pages at Bupa.co.uk