The thermogram is a test using heat radiating from your own body to detect problems in the breast. It involves no contact with the body, no compression, and is completely painless.

A thermogram combines advanced digital technology with ultra-sensitive infrared camera imaging. It doesn’t use radiation, and can be done as frequently as necessary.

Thermograms work by creating infra-red images that are then analyzed to find asymmetries anywhere in the chest and underarm area. Any abnormality that causes change in heat production is seen on a thermogram, so any source of inflammation such as infection, trauma to the breast, and even sunburn will cause abnormality in the thermal picture.

Breast thermography detects patterns of heat generated by the increased circulation produced by abnormal metabolic activity in cancer cells. This activity occurs long before a cancer starts to invade new tissue.

A breast thermogram has the ability to identify a breast abnormality five to ten years before the problem can be found on a mammogram.

Breast thermograms don’t diagnose breast cancer. They simply detect physiological changes in breast tissue that have been shown to correlate with the presence of cancer or pre-cancerous states as do mammograms. Breast cancer is only diagnosed by a microscopic examination of breast tissue. So a thermogram could let you know that you need a biopsy for further tests.

Thermograms are definitely the wave of the future for early breast cancer detection. Amazingly, most traditional physicians don’t know anything about them and continue to recommend mammograms.

related post : Ode to the Mammogram

Like all products recommended by a friend, it may not have the same effect on you.

We are all different, what your sister experiences is not necessarily what you will, or do, experience.

Cimicifuga Racemosa, is available as a tincture, as drops to put into water to drink, and also as tablets, the most common being Remifemin.

Caution : There is a warning not to use Black Cohosh if you are taking prescribed blood pressure treatments or are sensitive to Asprin or Salicylates.

Black Cohosh was used by the Native Americans who called it “black snake root” because of its gnarled black root. They boiled up the root and drank the tea, and used it to ease menstrual cramps, labour pains and as an abortifacient. ( It produces endometrial stimulation.)

Relief of emotional symptoms

It was originally thought that Black Cohosh had similar properties to plant estrogens, but more recent research suggests that it has more of a serotonin effect. There is a link between low levels of serotonin and depression.

So it’s thought to help with the mood swings, depression and weepiness that are associated with hormone fluctuation.

Many women have reported a lessening of hot flushes, but the researchers say otherwise. Black Cohosh doesn’t alleviate hot flushes, they say.

If you find that it relieves you, then believe your own senses. In any case, all research studies have shown that black cohosh is well tolerated for up to 6 months. Like any therapy that you decide to use, 6 months is recommended.

The Research

The latest study found that the standardised preparation of black cohosh worked no better than placebo for relieving menopausal hot flushes.

There’s still room for large, sound trials testing bigger doses, different dose schedules, or longer treatment periods.

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If you do remember them, then you’re like me, and came across them as a young mother. We did Kegel exercises back then to ‘keep our figure’ and didn’t stop to think that they were originally developed in 1948 for control of incontinence.

Well, it’s time to bring back the Daily Kegel.

After menopause begins and when lower estrogen levels accelerate muscle weakening, you may have problems with bladder control. Small embarrassing moments when laughing or coughing, little accidents while sneezing, exercising or just bending over.

• Leakage of urine that impacts your activities
• Leakage of urine causing embarrassment
• Leakage of urine after an operation.
• An urgent need to rush to the bathroom and loss of urine if you don’t arrive in time
• Frequent bladder infections
• Urinating more frequently than usual without a bladder infection
• Pain related to filling the bladder and/or during urination in the absence of a bladder infection
• Progressive weakness of the urinary stream, with or without a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

First : Find these muscles by stopping and starting the flow of urine. Once you have located the muscles, simply exercise by tightening and relaxing the muscles over and over.

Start off with five minute sessions done twice a day. We should be exercising daily anyway and kegelling can fit in with your routine.

Slowly tighten, lift, and draw in the pelvic floor muscles. At first, you’ll be a little rusty, and your muscles won’t want to stay contracted or tightened too long but try and hold them for a count of five.

If you feel the contraction letting go, just retighten the muscles. Rest for 10 seconds between each contraction.

If you can manage only 1-2 seconds at first, don’t worry just keep at it and you’ll see an improvement as you go along. Progressing slowly over the next few weeks to a goal of 10-seconds. Remember it takes regular practice to see results.

No time for exercising ? No excuse. Kegel for five minutes in your bed before you settle down to sleep.

We have to exercise and maintain the strength of all our muscles as we grow older. I don’t know what you may have planned for your future, but I for one do not intend to become an old Dame in Diapers!