In sharing his story, and all about Volunteering at LYS, Sam inspired me to take ownership of my own health and I'd like to take the opportunity to share my learnings as a "cancer avoider" and Masters of Public Heath student in the hope of spreading the message - show you care, be breast aware.

Sam sadly lost his beloved sister, Connie Johnson to cancer. In her loving memory, Sam and hIs sisters, Connie and Hilde created Love Your Sister (established 2012). To date, through their dedication, passion - and with the support of Aussie's just like you and I, LYS has raised a whopping $20M for Breast Cancer research and support.

The Importance of Regular Breast Checks - Keep Abreast and Check When You Rest!

A self breast check can be performed easily in the shower in a non-invasive way in comfort of your own home. Under lovely warm water, simply form circular motions around the breast, feeling for any lumps or abnormalities using two - three fingers. Then, start from the top of the breast and stroke downwards gentally pressing down as you move your fingers towards the areola area. Repeat this process until you have worked the entirity of your breast and then move on to the other. Be sure to be aware of any lumps or tissue changes that are new.

I conducted my first self breast check, after learning all about LYS, when I was 33 years old. Now, this may seem young for the onset of breast cancer - however research (rb.gy/f6tks2) has advised that the incidence of breast cancer amoung females aged 20 to 39 is increasing.

If you do discover any abnormalities then ensure you contact your GP to advise them. The GP will then preform a full breast screen, and if necissary send you for a precautionary mamogram. From experience, the process is non-envasive, easy to perform and allows you to be aware of any changes - taking action if needed.

The mamogram process is quite easy too, and is a quick way to further screen and assess any abnormalities that are identified. In my experience, I simply booked my mamogram appointment at a local (15 minutes down the road!) Pathology Centre and attended a 30 mintute (including wait time!) appointment.

The process itself envolves two perspect screens for your breasts and the practitioner will perform the test as such. The results are then provided to your GP, whom I contacted for  follow up the week after my mamogram was undertaken. It is recommended that your perform self breast screens every month to keep abreast of any changes (rb.gy/lksxbj)!!

Breast Cancer Types - Cells, Proteins and Breast Cancer Development:

The formation of cancer can be attributed to three causal effects: mutations, or unfriendly changes within cells, defects in the role of proteins within the body and shortening of telomeres.

There are several different forms of breast cancer, including; 'ductal cell carcinomas in situ', lobular cell carcinomas in situ' - otherwise referred to as 'non-invasive' carcinomas. These cancer types are predominately found within the ducts or lobes of the breast, rather than the tissue itself. Cancers found in the tissue are known to be more invasive - 'invasive ductal carcinomas' (IDC) and 'invasive lobular carcinomas' (ILC). (rb.gy/p4bh9u)

Furthermore, other breast cancer types include:

• Pagents Disease of the Nipple - Where cancer cells form in the area around the nipple. Unexpected changes in and around the areola and the nipple can be the first signs of tumour formation.

• Phyllodes Tumours: This cancer is a rare form of cancer, mainly found to be begnin however, some tumours are found to be malignant (cancerous). (Reference: the role of proteins in phyllode tumour formation - (rb.gy/vjdffj)

• Imflammatory Breast Cancer - Although rare, this is an agressive form of breast cancer. Often it does not cause a lump - making it difficult to recognise - this cancer blocks the lymph in the breast, leading to imflammation.

• HER2 - Commonly found on progesterone, oestrogen and HER2 proteins, this form of cancer is particularly agressive - known as triple negative - meaning surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is recommended as an effective form of treatment for patients. Target therapies - such as immunotherapies - are also being investigated for effective and non-invasive treatment options.

• Other: Metaplastic, Medullary, Mecinous.

The Role of Hormones in Breast Cancer:

Hormones also play a key role in ensuring homeostasis (holistic balance) for your body. Having balanced hormones can assist in overall energy production, stress management, anxiety symptoms and cancer prevention.

In some forms of breast cancer, certain proteins (or hormone receptors) can attach themselves to either estrogen or progesterone which can lead to the growth of breast cancer. This is known as HR+, or Hormone Receptor positive Breast Cancer.

Speaking of hormones - a mum of two, I attended regular Maternal Health appointment with my Maternal Health nurse and bub. This is also a great time to be aware of any changes in breast tissue as you go through your breastfeeding journey and those hormones work their magic!!

Happy Hormones supplements provide an effective and efficent way for you to balance your hormones. Feel more energised and loose the dreaded bloat with Happy Hormone supplements.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October:

Did you know that October is Breast Cancer awareness month? Donate now to support break-through precision medicine research across Austalia at loveyoursister.org - you can even register your own Breast Cancer fundraiser to show your much valued support!! Get creative with ideas for you, your friends and your loved ones - from hosting movie nights, to manicure brunches, gala dinners, fashion parades, or family friendly BBQ lunches - the choice for an engaging and memorable event is yours...and your donations go to a fantastic home-grown organisation, making great strides in the support of precision medicine research across our beautiful country.

Stay tuned to the blog for plenty of fun and exciting fundraising events leading up to Breast Cancer Awareness month!!

On until 30 June 2023, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, this world of light will transport you into the beautiful French country side where you can enjoy a moment of quiet reflection and wonderment.

Details

Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (west end), 5 Convention Centre Place - South Warf.

When: Now until 30 June 2023

Below are my picks of the best houseplants for detoxing your home. Placing houseplants ontop of your tall cabinets - or in hangers or on shelving - to keep them well away from pets and little fingers, can help to clean and purify the air within your home, improving your overall health and well-being. 

Aloe Vera 

In my first home we had a neighbor that had the habit of chain-smoking every night, and that smoke tended to waft on over to our bedroom window - right near where our precious baby boy’s crib and our bed were situated. Unfortunately there’s not too much I can do about this (trust me I researched!), however I decided to place a few pots of Aloe Vera on top of a cabinet under our bedroom window. Why? Because Aloe Vera has been known to filter out nasty toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. Your body detoxes most when sleeping, so Aloe Vera plants, and many other purifying houseplants, make the perfect edition to any sleeping space.

Areca Palm

This plant helps to restore moisture levels, so it is the perfect choice to have near the laundry, where the dryer might be running. Areca Palm also helps to purify the air by absorbing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and carbon monoxide. 

Mother In Law Tounge  

Mother In Law Tounge is an easy choice for a houseplant. It is adaptable and resilient, making it the perfect choice for first time plant adopters. This plant, also known as ‘snake plant’, is great at filtering out formaldehyde and grows well in most conditions, even in low light. It’s possibly my favourite houseplant of the bunch just based on the vibes it adds to any room. 

Spider Plant 

Spider plants are similar to the aforementioned snake plant, in that they are easy to grow in most conditions. Spider plants can help illuminate formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and carbon monoxide from your home, so it is a good choice to keep near the garage.

English Ivy 

Ivy adds a beautiful touch to any room.  According to NASA English Ivy is the best choice when it comes to air-filtering houseplants, and when NASA recommends something you know it’s top notch! Ivy grows super quickly so be sure to trim every so often to ensure it doesn’t overgrow, or come into contact with little hands. Ivy helps to absorb nasties such as benzene, xylene, toluene and formaldehyde and removes mold to help keep your air clean and pure.

Thanks for reading.

When: Saturday 30 November 2019 from 10am until 3pm.

Where: Abbotsford Convent - 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford VIC

More Info: Visit the Abbotsford Convent website for more information.

Where: Melbourne Showgrounds - Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

When: Sunday 10 November 2019 from 10AM - 6PM

More Info: World Vegan Day Melbourne

When: Tuesday 5 November 2019 from 5pm until 9pm (date TBC)

Where: Testing Grounds, 1 City Road, Southbank VIC

More Info: Visit @nakedgreensmarket on instagram for more info.

The Details 

Where: Shop G01/31–39 Norcal Rd, Nunawading VIC

Hours:* 

Monday - Friday: 7AM - 4PM

Saturday and Sunday: 8AM - 4PM

*Hours subject to change, please visit Mr. Robertson’s Cafe website for up to date opening hours. 

Playgrounds nearby:  

• Wood Park Playground - 3 Wood Street, Nunawading

• Cow Playground - 1 Wren Close, Nunawading

Celebrate International Coffee Day with us by visiting one of Melbourne’s best coffee spots - we’ve complied our fave’s below, and many of these cafes also serve up some delicious vegan and/or vegetarian options too:

Kinfolk - Melbourne

Fabulous coffee, delicious organic dishes and a cosy vibe awaits you at Kinfolk. This lovely little community-minded cafe gives back to charity, and is staffed by a team of committed volunteers. Keep an eye on their website for special events too!

Where: 673 Bourke St, Melbourne

Hours: 7AM - 3PM Mon - Thurs

More info: Kinfolk

Seedling Cafe - Melbourne

With large selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu - plus amazing coffee - Seedling tops our list as one of the best spots in Melbourne.

Where: 275 Flinders Ln, Melbourne

Hours: 7AM - 4PM Mon - Fri

More info: Seedling Cafe

Market Lane - Melbourne

Melburnian’s are well familiar with Market Lane. This Melbourne coffee icon is a specialty coffee roastery, cafe and retailer in one - with locations across Melbourne.

Where: 8 Collins Street, Melbourne

Hours: 7AM - 5PM Mon - Fri

More info: Market Lane

Little Things - Blackburn

Little Things Cafe serve up excellent coffee, nourishing cold pressed juices and nutrient packed meals. There’s some great vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options on the menu, and profits from Little Things go to World Vision Australia - so you can sip away knowing your dollars are well spent!

Where: 78 Railway Road, Blackburn

Hours: 8AM - 3PM Mon - Sat

More info: Little Things

Small Graces - Footscray

Small Graces favours sustainable and seasonal local produce - supporting local farmers. This quaint cafe is allergy-friendly, with some great gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian choices on the menu too.

Where: 57 Byron St, Footscray

Hours: 7.30AM - 4PM Mon - Fri, 8AM - 4PM Sat & Sun

More info: Small Graces

Axil Coffee Roasters - Hawthorn

Axil Coffee is undoubtably one of Melbourne’s best. Good food, and even better coffee located in Melbourne’s East. They also have stores in Melbourne’s CBD and Chadstone.

Where: 677 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn

Hours: 8AM - 4PM Mon - Sun

More info: Axil Coffee

With One Bean - Oakleigh

Your online source for ethical and sustainable coffee beans, With One Bean works directly with communities to support their farmers and families. They also have a drop-in roastery and coffee shop located in Oakleigh - so you can pop in for an amazing coffee hit and pick up some beans for home too!

Where: 42 Regent St, Oakleigh VIC 3166

Hours: 7AM - 3PM Mon - Fri, 9AM - 1PM Sat

More Info: With One Bean Coffee Shop

Ashburton Food Forest is located near the Gardiners Creek bike trail in the outer-Eastern Suburb of Ashburton. This thriving local community food garden was established in 2012, and is managed by a dedicated group of residents. Ashburton Food Forest helps to sustainably increase local food security, reduce food miles, demonstrate sustainable urban agriculture and develop community connectedness. Better yet, there’s even a fun little playground on the grounds too!!

Ashburton Food Forest often hosts fun family events for the community to enjoy. On Sunday 13 October 2019 they are holding a free Nature Awareness Day, providing a chance for families to discover the local flora with interactive educational opportunities and entertaining nature connection games. Join in the nature walks, games and meet like-minded families at this great community event.

When: Sunday 13 October 2019 from 10am until 2pm.

Where: 38 Winton Road, Ashburton VIC 3147

More Info: Visit Food Forest Ashburton for more information.

The Details:

Where: Bunjil Place - 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren

When: Sunday 22 September 2019 from 10AM to 3PM

Visit the Bunjil Place website for more information!

Life is complicated and full of ups and downs. No one is immune to hard days. Sad news. Bad seasons. Difficult times. Stressors. Hardships. Life can throw you a sucker punch to the face, seemingly always when you least expect it. That’s why it’s important to check on our mates and loved ones. A phone call here, a DM there, a chat as you go for a lunchtime walk or a shared cuppa and afternoon tea. Any opportunity can hold space for that important conversation. So, if you’ve noticed that a colleague, a friend or a family member doesn’t quite seem themselves - why not dig a little deeper. You never know when your support may help to change someone’s day for the better.

Ask

Spending time with people you care about, and starting that conversation in a safe space, can help them to open up. A simple question such as - “you seem a bit quiet today, everything okay?” , “how’s things at home?”, “How are you feeling about XYZ?”, “I haven’t seen you out and about in a while, how’ve you been travelling?” - can pave the way for open conversation.

Listen

When you take the time to genuinely listen, without purely listening to respond, you can help someone feel valued and cared for. By letting the conversation unfold naturally the individual has the opportunity to share how they are really feeling, and it also gives you the chance to encourage them to explain points further. If the individual becomes visibly upset or angry, don’t take it personally. It can be hard for people to open up at the best of times let alone if they are struggling. There is value in silence, so don’t be put off by moments of quiet thought. Sometimes, just having someone show they care can mean so much.

Encourage

Is there anything you can do to help? Encourage them to think about what some of the next steps may be. Empower the individual to explore strategies that they can implement themselves (or with the help of others) to help them through.

Follow Up

Follow up and check in with your colleague, friend or family member. There may be times where you (and/or they) feel more assistance is needed, and in this instance there are many support services available - such as Lifeline, BeyondBlue, your local GP and/or your workplace Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Today is R U Ok Day - and whilst mental health is as complex and diverse as we are as humans - I think this day is a great reminder to look out for our friends, colleagues and family - not just today, but every day.

“As consumers, you want food you can recognise and trust. Buying organic products supports food safety, health, good nutrition and the environment. Products that carry the logo of an accredited organic certification body are guaranteed to be genuine organic.” - Costa Georgiadis, Ambassador - National Organic Week.

Here in Melbourne, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to having easy access to a variety of organic food stores, organic beauty products and farmers markets carrying a wide range of organic produce.

So, how do you know if the food you’re purchasing is organic? Keep an eye out for one of the Australian Certified Organic logos, or if you are at your local farmers market simply have a chat to the farmer. Organic products are GMO free and also free from any harmful additives.

Why not go organic for National Organic Week?! Check out our pick of the best organic goods stores in Melbourne here! To learn more about National Organic Week visit organicweek.net.au

The Little Food Festival is a free event, providing the chance for your littles to learn all about food and where it comes from, how food choices impact our health, and the significance of sustainable food practices.

Through art activities, playful workshops, cooking demonstrations - and much more, your little ones will be engaged and inspired to learn all about the positive impact of good food and the importance of looking after our environment and the community around us.

When: Wednesday 25 September 2019 and Thursday 26 September 2019 from 10am until 3pm

Where: Fed Square - Cnr Swanston Street and Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

More Info: Visit www.littlefoodfestival.com or www.sandrodemaiofoundation.org for more information

The Details 

Where: 370 Hampton Street, Hampton VIC

Hours:* 

Monday - Friday: 6:30AM - 5:30PM

Saturday and Sunday: 7:30AM - 4:30PM

*Hours subject to change, please visit Paperboy Coffee’s website for up to date opening hours. 

Playgrounds nearby:  

• Peace Park - 7 Linacre Rd, Hampton VIC

The Details:

When: Saturday 10 August 2019 (3PM - 5PM)

Where: Unwrapped Pantry - 164 Colby Drive, Belgrave South VIC

Cost: $22.92

Tickets: Via EventBrite

Snacks

Snack life is the best life! My toddlers are both snack happy, and love to have something to eat on the go (what toddler doesn’t?!). We love to use this super-cute elephant lunchbox from Boon and these stackable snack containers (perfect for the nappy bag or a backpack) to store our snacks when on our playground adventures.

Dinnerwear

It’s always exciting seeing your little one use their own cutlery and growing more independent around meal time as they enter their toddler years. We tend to favour bamboo dinnerware in our household, such as this set from Bobo and Boo.

Building Blocks

My toddlers both love to build towers, and my eldest likes building massive robots out of blocks too. We have a range of blocks at home (somehow they keep finding creative places to hide the pieces of the different sets!), but our favourite are these Wooden Blocks by Everearth.

Racing Cars

These racing cars provide so much fun! They are also a great way for your little ones to learn ‘cause and effect’. This bamboo Car Racer by Everearth makes a special gift for your toddler, it is finished with water-based non-toxic paints and is seriously built to last.

Puzzles

Puzzles are a great problem solving activity, and also a good way to learn about the overall theme of your pieces. For example - if you have an animal puzzle you can play “what sound does that animal make?”, if you have shape puzzles you can ask “what is that shape?” or “where does the triangle go?”, allowing your toddler to learn while problem solving and having fun!

Shape Sorter

The classic Shape Sorter is always a good toy to have in the collection. We love the Melissa and Doug Wooden Shape Sorter it is very well-built, with lots of vibrant colours!

Outdoor Toys

We love spending time outside in the garden and in our play area. There’s a slide, cubby house and plenty of outdoor toys to enjoy! My little ones love digging in the dirt and enjoy using their Sandpit Toys to dig up the garden!

Chef Set Toys

This Chef Set, made from recycled plastics, is a great way to distract your little ones when you need to make dinner! They just love pretending to cook, just like mum or dad!

Bath Toys

According to my toddlers, you can never have too many bath toys! These Bath Cogs by Boon stick to your bathroom tiles and provide so much fun for your little ones during bath times!

Books

We love reading books as part of our night-time routine, and usually read a few during the day too (as well as heading to our local StoryTime when we get the chance). Our favourites are the classic Little Golden Books, but we are also partial to anything featuring trains or cars.

Sleepsuits

My little one is in that in-between age where he is still too little to have any toys or blankets in the crib, so we still favour sleepsuits when it comes to our nighttime routine - such as these 100% cotton sleepsuits by Ergo.

What are your ‘must-have’ items for your toddler?

The above blog post contains affiliate links. At times, we share links on PlantBasedMum that are ‘affiliate links’, this means that we receive a small commission if you buy anything through these links at no extra cost to you. We only ever link to products, events, stores and activities that we truly recommend. Thanks for reading!

The Details 

Where: Shop 6&7/45 Edgewater Boulevard, Maribrynong VIC

Hours:* 

Wednesday: 8AM - 6PM

Thursday - Sunday: 8AM - 7PM

Monday & Tuesday: Closed  

*Hours subject to change, please visit Lisica Cafe website for up to date opening hours. 

Playgrounds nearby:  

• Footscray Park: 40 Maribrynong Blvd, Footscray

• Black Sapphire Pirate Ship Playground: 122 The Blvd, Aberfeldie

With 4 million Australians living with an allergic disease, and more and more people cutting out meat, gluten, dairy, peanut, tree nut, parabens, fructose, sugar, egg, soy, GMO and cruelty, the demand for an event catering to allergies and food intolerances has never been stronger. - Australian ‘Free From’ and Allergy Show

The shows are co-located, so one ticket with provide you with access to both events. The Allergy Show is the chance to hear from leading experts in a dedicated forum and speak one-on-one with Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia health educators. Topics covered in the Allergy Learning Centre include Challenges of current food labelling,hosted by A&AA CEO Maria Said, Infant feeding resources by National Allergy Strategy Coordinator Sandra Vale, and Thunderstorm Asthma by Asthma Australia. The Allergy Show is proudly supported by peak consumer support organisation Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA), as well as industry leaders Asthma Australia and The Eczema Association of Australasia Inc. 

The ‘Free From’ Show will cater to those with dietary needs and exclusion lifestyles spanning gluten, dairy, peanut, tree nut, parabens, fructose, sugar, egg, soy, GMO and even cruelty. There will also be a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly brands and education, as well as FODMAP friendly foods.

Visitors will enjoy samples of Twobays Brewing Co.’s famous gluten-free beer; cult classic Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Flavours; a gluten free Asian Hawker-style zone from New Chinese Garden and a range of skin-sensitive beauty products. The robust list of confirmed exhibitors includes: Orgran Health & Nutrition, Rebel Kitchen, Schar, New Chinese Garden, Tumerix, YUM. Gluten Free, Weis, Organic Formulations, Nestle Health Science and JellyFish Mattress.

Check out the Allergy Show and ‘Free From’ Show websites for more details!

The Details:

Where: The Abbotsford Convent - 1 St Heliar Street, Abbotsford

When: 1st Saturday of every month from 9-3pm

Visit the Vegan Market of Melbourne on Facebook for more information!

I’m always on the lookout for vegan skincare brands to try, those that favour organic and natural ingredients - ingredients that I feel safe using on my skin. I knew I needed a lip balm that would stand the test of winter, so I decided to give FranklyEco a go! 

FranklyEco is an Australian owned brand, offering high quality plant based skincare products for both mum and bub. FranklyEco LipBalm is petroleum, paraben, phthalate, paraffin and GMO free. It is made from luscious certified organic ingredients, such as moisturising coconut oil, avocado oil and shea butter, leaving your lips lovely and smooth this winter!