Teen Guide to Healthy Breasts
Breasts are an important feature on every female body. That is why it is important to start taking care of them from the moment they start to develop. Teenage girls are typically excited when their breasts start increasing in size; however, many do not understand how to take care of their breasts. They wear ill-fitting bras, and do not practice good posture. These things among others can seriously impact the way a girl’s breasts will age. 1. The average breast weighs 1.1 pounds and is 4-5% of a woman’s total body fat. 2. Breasts swell when they are aroused and during PMS. 3. When the nipples become erect, they are on average three-eighths longer. 4. Today the average breast size is actually a 34DD, but most women wear cup sizes one to two cups too small. 5. Breast milk actually contains more nutrients (Vitamin E, iron, essential fatty acids) than cow milk. It is also sweeter and contains less sodium. 6. Smoking leads to saggy boobs because the chemicals break down the elastin that makes breasts firm and perky. Breast Exams The sooner girls start giving themselves monthly breast exams the sooner they will know how their breasts are supposed to feel. This will make it easy to notice any lumps that might appear later in life.When you start going for annual checkups, the doctor will perform breast examinations; however, it is important for you to be able to perform BSE (breast self-examinations), also. It is best to perform a BSE one week before your period each month. This is because breasts will become tender and swollen during your menstrual cycle. It only takes a couple of minutes to perform a check-up on yourself. First, look at yourself in the mirror. Try to see if you notice any changes. Look at your breasts from different angles. Look for anything unusual bumps, dimples, or anything out of the ordinary. Even bend down and see how your breasts change. Become aware of what your breasts look like. Next, you will feel your breast to see if there are any changes. Lie back and place a pillow or towel under one shoulder. Place that same arm behind your head. As you exam your right breast, this arm will be under your head and vice-versa. Take the first three fingers of your left hand and make small circular motions on your right breast. Start from the outside and work your way to the middle. Also, start with light pressure and increase to a heavier pressure. It is normal to feel lumps. Each pair of breasts is different. Just get adjusted to how yours feel so you can tell if something appears later. Breast Development Breasts are comprised of fatty tissue. The nipple area or areola is at the center of your breasts. As they start to develop, you will notice a bud underneath the areola. The areola will also change colors normally going from a lighter to darker color; however, there are all sizes and colors. Breast development happens when a girl hits puberty. When this will start is normally dependent on genetics. This will determine how quickly a girl’s breasts develop and the size. Many teens want to increase their breast size quickly, but be patient and let nature take its course. Breast Tips 1. Stay away from tanning beds and use sunscreen. It may be a popular thing to have tan skin, but these machines are not nice to skin or breasts. They cause the skin to become dry and develop early wrinkles. This will only make your breasts look droopy. 2. Your breasts, like you, are like no one else’s. The only way to find proper fitting bras and clothes is to realize that your body is unique, and you must dress it accordingly. Your breasts will not look the same in the clothes that fit your friend’s body. 3. Wear bras that support the shape of your breasts. Each breast shape needs a specific kind of bra for support and coverage. A small chested girl should normally not purchase the same style bra as her busty friends. It will not offer the right support and will probably be very uncomfortable. 4. Start eating healthy at a younger age. It is becoming more and more obvious that diets high in fat are one of the causes behind cancer – specifically breast cancer.
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