October 2008

In This Issue

	Pink Power
	Reader Reward
	Linea Intima Mastectomy Fitting
	What’s Instore
	Newsworthy Notes

In Our Next Issue

	Sleepwear update: pretty new bed partners.
	Festive and glamorous bras and panties.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

October is the perfect time of year to remind ourselves about the importance of breast self-examination.  Don’t forget to do yours!

PINK POWER

Our on-going support of The Breast Cancer Society of Canada continues this month.  For every bra you purchase in October, we’ll donate $1.00 to this wonderful organization that funds vital research and works to increase awareness about this disease.  To learn more about the BCSC, log onto www.bcsc.ca.  We look forward to helping you select a new bra for the cause!

READER REWARD

It’s our bi-annual Customer Appreciation Days and we want to thank you for shopping at Linea Intima.  Click here to print the Reader Reward coupon and bring it into one of our five locations on October 14,15,16 and save the PST/GST on anything you purchase.

LINEA INTIMA MASTECTOMY FITTING

A kinder, gentler service, combined with the expertise to deliver the perfect result.

We feel this is one of the most important services we provide.  Here are some facts about mastectomy fitting.  Please share them with someone you think should know

• A mastectomy fitting should achieve two key results.  Physically, it should restore balance to the body and emotionally, a sense of normalcy and improved self-esteem.
• The Ontario Government pays a percentage of the cost of a prosthesis...why?  Not only to improve physical appearance, but mainly because it’s a health issue.  The government recognizes the importance of a prosthesis to your health and wellbeing.
• The important first step is a bra-fitting, to determine which bra size the prosthesis will best fit.  Only then can the right one be selected to match the healthy breast.  Since 80% of women wear the wrong size bra, the logical place to begin is with an expert bra-fitting.
• An important element is Balance.  Body alignment is critical to good health and when weight is lost on one side, a prosthesis needs to be worn to compensate.  If the balance is off then the body will shift position, affecting back muscles, posture and digestion.
• Each woman’s situation is different, requiring an expert evaluation and often some creativity in the solution.  And, every procedure is not straightforward.  Someone who has had a radical mastectomy on one side and a lumpectomy on the other, will need two different prothseses to attain the proper fit and balance.  There is such diversity in the products available now, that it allows us to fine-tune and individually customize to each woman’s special requirements.
• A prosthesis should be worn ALL THE TIME, not only for physical appearance but more importantly for health reasons.  Doctors and nurses have many issues to discuss with you and given the fact that most women wear their prosthesis to a checkup, they may not mention how important it is to ALWAYS wear your prosthesis.
• Feminine bras are a welcome option.  In addition to traditional mastectomy bras, which are similar to athletic bras, some regular style bras can be adapted to fit a prosthesis, allowing you to select fashionable colours, delicate lace fabrics and pretty feminine details.

WHAT’S INSTORE

Improvements in mastectomy products make a world of difference and help achieve a natural look and feel.

Prostheses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, weights and colours.  There are products to fit left, right, firm, saggy, symmetrical, asymmetrical and suited to different activities and facets of a busy lifestyle.  All help us achieve optimal results for our customers.

Amoena Climate with ‘cool pad’
Features an innovative pad that sits between the prosthesis and chest wall to help regulate body temperature, keeping skin pleasantly dry due its moisture-absorbing quality.  Ideal for women experiencing heat and perspiration problems resulting from hormone suppression therapy, menopausal hot flashes and perfect for exercise or warmer climates.  Gently hand-wash.  $419.

Amoena Contact with ‘pearl adhesive’
Adheres directly to the skin and stays in place with every movement of your body.  It relieves pressure on the shoulders - especially important for women with lymphoedema or a larger bust.  This prosthesis is easy-wear and care, plus provides more security, self-confidence and freedom in revealing clothing.  Also ideal for sports and swimming.  Full style, $419 and Shaped style, $415.

Nitesweatz
Sleepwear that combats hot flashes associated with cancer treatments and helps to improve sleep and overall wellbeing.
This luxe sleepwear is designed with a unique blend of fabrics treated with the Intera® moisture transfer system that works like magic to wick moisture away from your body, keeping you cool and dry so you get a good night’s rest.  Chemise, Nightgown and PJ styles available in fashion colours, sizes S-XL, from $95.

NEWSWORTHY NOTES

Metro Newspaper – September 23, ‘Find the Right Bra’, reprinted from Best Health magazine

This story includes my comments about the importance of an expert bra-fitting.

GlobeandMail.com

‘Suitable’ column archives includes ‘Don’t be the Office Boob’ which features my recommendations about wearing the right lingerie to work.  Columnist Amy Verner says, "It was my MOST POPULAR Suitable column of all time!"

Until next month!

Liliana