Be Breast-Aware

As if the general population wasn't aware enough of it already.

But the reality is that, perhaps we, ladies, should be more conscious of it than ever before.

Take the brassiere, for example. It's a universal fact that a significant number of us wear the wrong size bra due, in part, to vanity. This wardrobe basic has been around long before Miz Scarlett tightened those stays on her corset but our voracious appetite for frilly delicate confections–on the cheap–has supplanted proper fit.

One manufacturer touts "18-hour comfort" with their products but that pales significantly in comparison when compared to those with affordable sex-appeal and the promise to "lift and separate." As women, we sometimes put more value on form over function and we allow ourselves to suffer as a result.

The realm of sports bras has not escaped this value judgement either and yet it's even more critical to have supportive comfort to make a workout a pleasant recurring experience. A $30 investment on a sports bra may seem high but the benefits outweigh the price. Proper fit with excellent support, moisture wicking properties and quality construction will sustain you through an active lifestyle and repeated washings.

Breast awareness–specifically–breast cancer awareness is no less important in our efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With a sobering statistic that one out of eight women will develop breast cancer, it is something not to be taken lightly. Like the brassiere, fit-ness should not be compromised. Early detection is important whether it's a simple self-check or a yearly mammogram for those 40 and over. Though uncomfortable at best, examinations are an important part of awareness and critical to making proper assessment.

So in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, let's take the time to think about the value of our choices. Consider a re-fit and invest in a great bra at your local retailer or have a thorough breast examination done this month through your health care provider.

We have a saying at my fitness club and I think it qualifies as a golden rule: you can't manage what you can't measure and there's no better time than today.