We are pleased to bring you the very latest new products from Shock Absorber – the market leader in Sports Bras

Zipped Front Sports Bra – Great Value Price

The new front fastening bras is aimed for the women who like the ease of a fully front opening bra and it replaces the Plunge bra (B4395).

Front Features

-       Front zipped opening for easy on/off.

-       Plunging neckline for an ultra feminine look.

-       Wider inner panel so there is no skin contact with the skin.

-       A safety hook and eye for added reassurance of security.

Back features

-       Bright, contrasting piping for a fashionable eye catching statement.

-       Breathable power mesh on the back for added comfort and temperature control.

-       High performance, moisture management fabrics for comfort.

-       Racer back with no fastenings- ideal for floor work and freedom of movement.

RRP:  £25.00    OUR INTRODUCTORY PRICE £22.00

Size Range: 32- 38 B/C/D/DD      Product Code: S00BW       AVAILABLE NOW

NEW ACTIVE D+ UNDERWIRE:

Many exercising women wear a normal underwire bra for exercise:

Shock absorber have developed an addition to their very popular N109 range by producing THE ACTIVE D+ FLEXI WIRE –

This product is designed to provide the reassurance of support with shape enhancing and extra lift and structure.

Features of the front:            

-   Rounded silhouette and fewer seams on cups give an improved aesthetic.

-   High neckline for extreme support & full coverage for bigger busts.

-   Advanced flexible underwire for optimal comfort

–  Flexes in harmony with the body. Wire is firm but not rigid, with bendable tips.

-       Laminated, breathable mesh panel in key hot spot areas

Features of the back:

-       Wide, padded & adjustable straps for optimal fit and comfort.

-       Adjustable back closure with a cross over, racer back option.

-       Soft, non rub hook & eye with added row for extra support.

-       High performance, moisture management fabrics with added lamination for supreme comfort and additional support.

RRP: £28.99      PRE-ORDER PRICE ONLY £25.00

Size Range: 30-40 D-G  and 32-38 GG & H    Product Code: S00BV  AVAILABLE END OF MAY

STUNNING NEW SPRING/SUMMER COLOUR COLLECTION

The new spring colours for the ever popular 5044 – ‘RUN’ bra and the Active Multi Sport Support  – 4490 are selling very quickly.

         B5044 RUN Bra        B4490 Multi Action Sports Bra                                  

The pink and purple colour range is proving to be a real winner with our customers and is selling very fast.

We have stock at the moment but some sizes are starting to run low, so don’t miss out if you would love to add this colourway to your spring/summer sports apparel.

The post Fantastic New Products from Shock Absorber appeared first on Boobydoo.

Spring is in the air, hopefully the weather is brighter and the evenings are longer. Many of us are getting out more, exercising and keeping fit. Maybe you’ve signed up for a marathon or sponsored walk.

So what’s the best way to get your fuel for energy and performance?

Boobydoo asks nutritionist Jenny Phillips.

“The food choices you make have a direct impact on how you feel and how well you function. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car to Scotland with a low fuel reserve, don’t do the same to your body.”

Energy is made in every cell of your body, primarily from carbohydrate (although you can also use protein and fat).

But a healthy active body also needs nutrients – amino acids (from protein), vitamins and minerals – to optimise energy production. Here are Jenny’s top tips for eating for vitality:

1. Eat real food. You’ve been conned into thinking it takes to much time. Yes you need to plan a bit better, but its not hard or time consuming to eat well.

2. Choose slow release complex carbs from starchy vegetables to sustain energy levels, butternut squash is a favourite in our house.

3. Up your vegetables, they’re packed full of nutrients. Mushrooms are an excellent source of energy producing B vitamins.

4. Add coconut oil to your fitness-eating plan for an excellent energy source (eating good fat DOESN’T make YOU fat). Stir into porridge, spread on rye bread or eat off the spoon.

5. Alcohol and processed foods deplete you of valuable nutrients. Replace them with real food.

Recipe – Energy boosting cashew and spinach soup.

You need: 1 onion, 1 clove garlic, 60g cashew nuts, 2 tsp bouillon, 150g roasted butternut squash, 1 tbsp cream cheese, 500ml hot water, 2 large handfuls of spinach

1.    Steam or sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
2.    Add the cashews and bouillon to a blender, blitz into a powder.
3.    Add the onions, garlic, squash, cream cheese and hot water. Blend until smooth.
4.    Add the spinach, blend once again until smooth.

Jenny Phillips is a Biochemist and qualified Nutritional Therapist who found food as part of her recovery from cancer. She offers consultations, cookery classes and functional tests to evaluate nutrient deficiencies. FB/InspiredNutrition4Health

Www.inspirednutrition.co.uk

The post Eating your way to Fitness appeared first on Boobydoo.

There are always familiar sites such as the most outrageous fancy dress, spotting the odd radio DJ or presenter and of course, the nation’s favourite sports stars taking part.

Did you take part in the marathon, half marathon or even a local race for charity? Or did the marathon inspire you to want to start running and getting active?

Remember, it is so important to wear a sports bra whilst running. Here are our reasons as to why:

Reasons to wear a sports bra whilst running:

It is a known fact that about 40% of women do not wear a sports bra when running, but the motion of running puts even more stress on your breasts, as the movement is not only up and down, but in a figure of ‘8’ motion. The breast movement can be up to 14cms if unsupported, this can be reduced by up to 78-80% by wearing the right sports bra, which is twice as much as a normal bra.

Wearing a supportive sports bra will eliminate embarrassment of excessive movement, and enable ladies to concentrate on their technique and performance rather than ‘the bounce’.

For running we recommend wide padded straps for additional comfort to avoid straps digging into shoulders, and bras which have padding behind the hooks and eyes to prevent chaffing.

High performance moisture wicking breathable fabric helps keep you cool, dry and regulate your body temperature for added comfort.

We have an entire selection of sports bras specifically for running. Check out some of our favourites below:

Moving Comfort Juno (350025)

This gravity-defying, super supportive bra combines innovation and moderate contouring this stylish racer-back bra.

This is the USA’s No.1 Sports Bra!

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/moving-comfort/moving-comfort-juno.html

Shock Absorber Run Bra (B5044)

 This shock absorber run bra is the first bra to be produced specifically for running. The bra is developed to provide absolute support & friction-free comfort whilst running. Reduces up to 78% bounce!

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/shock-absorber/shock-absorber-run-bra.html

White Ultimate Sports Bra (5021_White)

The ultimate sports bra with super smooth shape and flat seams so that it won’t show under sportswear!

Reduces movement by up to 83%!

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bra.html

Do you want to become more active or become involved in running? Check this website to find running groups, routes and events near you: www.runengland.info

The post The London Marathon 2013 appeared first on Boobydoo.

Boot camps are no longer the latest fad and have been growing in popularity all over the world. Boot camps are strenuous exercise, with significant physical results including increased aerobic and anaerobic fitness. People sign up for a regular weekly, 2 or 3 times a week sessions or an intensive programme residential camps for a week. There is a programme to suit everyone, either as a exercise regime to compliment an existing programme or designed for specific goals such as weight loss programmes.

WHAT IS A BOOT CAMP?

Boot camps are designed around circuit training sessions to suit all ages and abilities. Based in the outdoors, the equipment is adapted as much as possible from the natural environment.

Natalia Giers, a Personal Trainer described the exercises she has in her boot camp: we box, run, jump, skip, crunch ,use resistance tubes, bike racks, benches, fallen wood logs and gates, all this happens in the beautiful setting of Burnham Beeches Nature reserve.

BENEFITS OF BOOT CAMPS.

-        Fat loss, weight loss and body toning

-        Improved heart and lung function

-        Increased speed and stamina

-        Increased muscle strength

-        Improved energy levels

-        Improved posture and flexibility

-        Lower blood pressure

Natalia can think of no better way to kick start your fitness regime. Her ‘Strictly Fit Boot Camp’ is designed to improve fitness, strengthen your mind and body away from the artificial light, air conditioning, computers, mobile phone and the daily grind of modern life.

Training with a group of like- minded people also has its own benefits, to encourage you through the barriers and help give support. It’s more fun and psychologically rewarding.

This type of circuit training once, twice or three times a week can significantly improve your overall fitness has been shown to burn more calories than a traditional gym workout.

The rewards of circuit training have shown an increase in energy levels. The release of endorphins improves your feeling of well-being, which in turn will provide a happier and more positive attitude.

Review by a regular boot camp participant:

‘I have been doing boot camp in Burnham Beeches for nearly 5 years and  this is the longest I have stuck to any form of exercise.  I enjoy being outdoors as it is a healthy way to exercise and there is much research to suggest that outdoors is better than a stuffy gym and it’s also very social.  

You meet new people, enjoy good conversation and exercise in a group that encourages and motivates.   We go out in all weathers, including the rain and snow and although this may sound off-putting, once you are out exercising you do forget about the weather. 

It is a great feeling to be in the Beeches on a lovely day and at the end of the class you feel mentally and physically stimulated, ready for the day.   

Lastly, but not least of all is our instructor Natalia. With her bright and bubbly personality she makes the class fun to do and the time just flies by.’       

Liz.

Natalia Giers – http://strictlyfitpt.co.uk/bootcamp.html

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

To make the most of ‘boot camps’ having the correct equipment isn’t essential but will make your participation more enjoyable.  With any form of exercise the two most important pieces of kit are trainers and a good supportive and comfortable sports bra. It’s preferable that the trainers are water-proof (due to our unpredictable weather!). The sport bra should be suitable for maximum impact, especially if you are running and jumping. Fitness clothing should be comfortable and manufactured out of moisture wicking fabric that will help you maintain a constant temperature and keep you dry. A good purchase is also light weight waterproof jacket.

Shock Absorber sports bra

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/shock-absorber/shock-absorber-max-support-sports-bra.html

Nike filament tight or choose  capris or shorts

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/clothing/running-sports-pants/nike-filament-tights.html

Nike sports top

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/clothing/sports-tops/miler-ss-v-neck.html

Nike windfly jacket – very versatile

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/clothing/sports-tops/nike-windfly-jacket-fuchsia-reflectivesilver.html

Boobydoo provides a selection of clothing suitable for wearing at Boot camps, and our excellent service includes free return sand exchanges, and Free postage for any order over £50 in value.

www.boobydoo.co.uk

The post Boot Camps appeared first on Boobydoo.

What is your pelvic floor?

Jenni began by explaining why the pelvic floor is so essential to health and wellness. “It’s the foundation of the trunk,” she said, “sitting within the pubic bones which support the legs and affect the way we walk, as well as holding the body up. Everything above the pelvic floor rests on it (especially your reproductive organs). The health and strength of your pelvic floor affects the shape of your bum, the flatness of your lower abs, the shape of your thighs and even the position of your knees and of the arch of your feet as well as overall posture!”

One of the key things Jenni teaches in her workshops is how profound the rewards of a stronger pelvic floor can be and how easily debilitation can be avoided. “The pelvic floor is a set of muscles,” she explained, “and, like any muscle, you have to work on keeping it strong for life, especially since the rewards can be visible aesthetically and experienced intimately. The difference between the pelvic floor and our other muscles is that debilitation affected by childbirth, age, surgery, weight, incorrect exercise choice, menopause and even asthma, can be embarrassing, isolating and soul destroying, leaving a sense of hopelessness for a better outcome.”

It is so important that we become aware of what our pelvic floor does, where it is and how we can work it. Sensory pathways from the brain control all muscles and the pelvic floor is no different, so we must learn to engage it. Although we can’t see it, we can see and feel the signs of a strong or weak pelvic floor.

How strong is your Pelvic Floor?

Jenni suggests we all look for the following tell-tale signs:

- if you sneeze, laugh, jump, push or pull, and experience a leak, your pelvic floor is weak. This can happen at any age, any body shape and regardless of your size or weight. The key is to strengthen your pelvic floor, rather than mask the problem. 

- if you’ve been pregnant, and particularly if you had a natural vaginal birth, the nerve endings in the vaginal canal and pelvic floor will need strengthening. The benefits will be huge: you more likely to avoid permanent diastasis recti (splitting of the abdominal wall), you’ll enjoy levels of pre-baby intimacy, your peace of mind will grow, and you’ll be able to do lots of different activities with confidence (and continence!)

- High-impact sports (including running), can put an excessive ‘load’ on your pelvic floor, so it’s important to have a strength and conditioning programme in place that will prevent you from experiencing incontinence during exercise. This isn’t something you should just put up with – it’s a sign that your pelvic floor isn’t strong enough yet for the impact of your choice of exercise.

- if you have a chronic cough, or asthma. The coughing will places a constant downward pressure on your pelvic floor which can give way to a prolapsed bladder.

- if you’re overweight. This will impact your pelvic floor, added excess pressure that can cause incontinence or prolapsed pelvic organs.

- if you often suppress the urge to go (this is common in people who drive for a living). Don’t suppress the urge to go to the toilet – this can be detrimental to your pelvic floor and trains it to stay shut when it wants to relax. It can cause long-term damage.

Here are Jenni’s top tips for learning to identify and engage your pelvic floor:

1) Learn diaphragmatic breathing in order to optimise the use of oxygen in your body. Inhale through the nose, allowing the air to travel and cause the tummy to expand (just like a balloon), and relax as you exhale. With a diaphragmatic breath there should no upward movement of either the shoulders or the chest. There are so many nerve endings in the pelvic floor, all needing a healthy blood supply. Think of oxygen as nutrition for the body. 

2) Find your position of strength, in which you can identify your pelvic floor and start here initially. It could be standing, sitting, on all fours or lay on your back. Breathe deeply in this position and recognise what you feel within the pelvic floor. Feel the sensations and movements descending as you breathe in and elevating as you breathe out. Master this position first before moving to the next.

3) From here, you can learn to strengthen your pelvic floor in all four positions, to help you as you do exercise and everyday activities.

4) If you’re having trouble identifying your pelvic floor, try this trick: put your thumb into roof of your mouth and suck very hard. You’ll feel your pelvic floor elevate. This is the sensation you want to be able to control yourself – brain to pelvic floor.

5) Recognise that the pelvic floor works on same neurological loop as your lower abdominals. Most women are strong in the upper abdominals. If you want to flatten and strengthen your lower abs, engage from your pelvic floor upwards (rather than from your belly button downwards). This stops you from over-recruiting your obliques and upper abdominals.

6) And keep going! The sensation will come, and once you get the hang of it you can carry on strengthening your pelvic floor for life and enjoy all of its rewards.

Jenni is a true expert on all things pelvic-floor related.

Her book Pelvic Floor Secrets is out now www.pelvicfloorsecrets.com

Check the website for upcoming workshops, book your consultation and enjoy one of her programmes, or enjoy her great tips and facts which will get you on your way to a healthier, fitter, stronger pelvic floor.

The post Benefits of Pelvic Floor Health appeared first on Boobydoo.

A customer mentioned recently of her frustration trying to find a sports bar that fitted her.

She asked –‘ Why is it that manufacturers seem to think that if you have a large bust, that you don’t participate in sports?’

Here at Boobydoo, we know that 70% of our customers buy D+ sized bras and 80% of women wear the incorrect sized bras. So our aim is to provide a large range of sports bra that are specifically designed to give the D+ lady plenty of support and to ensure the right fit.

A Sports bra is designed to encapsulate the whole of the breast tissue in order to reduce the excessive movement that can cause irreversible damage to the ‘Coopers ligaments’. When these do get stretched, it can cause sagging boobs and add to the discomfort for women during exercise especially if you are a D+ size.

One important feature about sports bras to consider are the straps, they are made wider and with more padding than normal bras in order to give proper support during exercise. Plus the fabric that they are manufactured from is designed to keep you cool and confident and help wick the sweat away from the skin.

Getting the right size

When choosing you bra it is important to remember that different manufacturers do vary in cut and size e.g. if you fit a 34” in a Panache or Freya you will need to try a 36” in a Shock Absorber bra. On our website there is a ‘fitting guide’ video which illustrates this perfectly with the model wearing 3 different makes of bras and she needed a different size for each manufacturer. http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/bra-size-calculator).

Choosing the right style

To help you narrow down your search to find the perfect D+ bra, it is important to decide what style of bra you are really looking for.

1. Impact level – dependant on the larger your cup size, then you will need a higher recommended support level e.g. Shock Absorber D+ Maximum Support (N109)

This style bra starts at a D cup and a 30” band size, and increases to an H cup in a 40” band size. The design is cut high on the cleavage to give that extra coverage and support which is necessary whilst exercising.

(link – http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/shock-absorber/d-max-support-sports-bra.html)

1. Racer back style, or straight straps -  Shock Absorber  – 4490 (crop top style) has a large range of sizes starting at a 28A through to 40HH, with a fully opening back and double clasps which provide additional support.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/shock-absorber/shock-absorber-max-support-sports-bra-black.html

1. Under-wired or non-wired. If you have a very full bust then an underwired bra can offer a more structured support. – Panache 5021

 (http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/panache.html)

1. Freya 4002 underwired and 4001 – non-wired now produce a sports bra to cater up to a JJ and K cup in selected band sizes and Elomi Energise has extra support on the side of the cups to provide that extra support for the very full bust.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/elomi.html

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/freya.html

1.  Berlei 4915 and B4917 is manufactured up to a FF cup.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/berlei.html

1. Front fastening:  

Sportjock D3 bra (http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/sportjock/sportjock-sjd3.html)

.ENELL SPORTS BRAS

The Enell bra is imported from America where is recognised as a leading piece of ‘kit’ designed specifically for the larger bust.

The support it provides during exercise cannot be matched. With a compression style,  extra wide non stretch straps designed not to slip and a high neckline for coverage, this sports bra has received fantastic reviews. This bra is also very popular with ladies who have undergone breast surgery due to the comfort and support it offers.

The sizes start at a band size: 27-29” and bust size 32-35” (00)

     And increase to band size: 49-53” and bust size 56-60” (8)

As the sizes differ to many other bras available at Boobydoo, measuring up is also a little different. It is advisable, when wearing a good fitting bra, to measure the fullest part of your bust and then your ribcage just underneath your bust. Once you have your measurements, use our guide to determine which size Enell sports bra you require. At Boobydoo we offer a free returns and exchange service, so if the size isn’t correct the first time, let us know and we can arrange a FREE exchange.

There is also an Enell fitting video on the Boobydoo website:

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/enell.html

It is also important to change your bra, if your weight fluctuates to ensure you are always receiving the correct level of support and comfort.

If you need any extra advice about size, style or selection, send Boobydoo an email on info@boobydoo.co.uk  or call us on 01494 441123. We dispatch by 1^st class Royal Mail and offer free returns and exchanges.

The post D+ Sports Bras Article appeared first on Boobydoo.

The post COMING SOON appeared first on Boobydoo.

MOVING COMFORT is a relatively new brand launched in the UK a couple of years ago from America, where it is the Market leader for sports bras.

Dri-Layer is Moving Comfort’s exclusive wicking fabric engineered to keep you dry and comfortable with anti-odour components and made from environmentally innovative polyester-based fabrics.

At Boobydoo we stock a range of stylish Moving Comfort bras and gym clothing which is beautifully designed and superb quality.

SPORTS BRAS

JUNO is a maximum impact bra which is super-supportive, combination style (compression and encapsulation) bra, with seam-free interior moulded cups -this bra gives a lovely shape, and the straps are adjusted at the front. The racer-back provides extra support and stability.

Fantastic support for runners and all high impact sports.

A couple of reviews from the website:

It’s a great design and is soft and comfortable. It has excellent bounce control. Once you familiarise yourself with the style of the bra is brilliant.

This is a really secure and supportive sports bra – probably the most supportive I have ever worn. It also looks great and I love the colour too. Recommended.

Sizes -30 C,D,DD and 32 – 40 B,C,D,DD

JUBRALEE

Maximum impact provided by hidden side and under bust support. This is also a combination style bra with bonded front adjustable straps and concealed hook-and-loop closure. A very flattering, streamlined and sporty design.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/moving-comfort/moving-comfort-jubralee.html

It took me a couple of fittings but as the exchanges are free with Boobydoo this was not a problem. Fantastic quality and a great support at last!! It is sooooo comfortable I could keep it on all day and its shape is very flattering. Thanks Boobydoo for your patience and excellent service.

Sizes: 30 -40 B,C,D,DD,E,

ENDURANCE RACER

This High Impact bra combines super lightweight construction with the powerful support in a sleek and sporty silhouette.

The modified racer-back with ‘j’-hook closure adds support, also a combination style bra.

Sizes: 30-38 C,D,DD

URBAN X-OVER

Another High impact bra which is lightly padded to give a flattering shape and is also a combination style bra.

The cross-back has adjustable straps and offers a great look.

Sizes: XS 30-32, S 32-34, M 34-36, L 36-38, XL 38-40 in A/B cup

And as above in C/D cups.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/moving-comfort/moving-comfort-urban-x-over.html

CLOTHING RANGE

For Gym wear – Moving Comfort quality products are styled to flatter the female form.

The ‘FLOW’ Pant and capri have a wide waistband with a hidden pocket, and stretch drawcord. The fabric is a soft medium weight, suitable for all seasons and is incredibly forgiving, due to its 4-way stretch and moisture management design.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/clothing/moving-comfort-flow-pant.html

URBAN GYM CAPRI

These stylish Capris also have a hidden pocket in the waistband, the mid-rise shape has a PowerFit band that slims and stays put.

The adjustable drawcord at side hem gives a lovely shape to this versatile capris.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/clothing/running-sports-pants/urban-gym-capri.html

The Urban Gym Tank is a 2-in-1 tank, with a fitted interior and a relaxed exterior tank, the fabric has been cut on the bias so it drapes well giving a fitted but relaxed look.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/clothing/urban-gym-tank.html

Team the capris up with the Urban Gym Sweatshirt for a great, comfortable look. The fabric has a subtle sparkle detail and the fabric is soft and cozy a very relaxed look.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/clothing/urban-gym-sweatshirt.html

For Yoga and Pilates the Serendipity tank has an internal bra with removable cups. The adjustable straps give a great look to this unique top.

The Flow Burnout Jacket and Tee are manufactured from cotton and polyester fabric which offers a soft and lovely feel and look to the items.

http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/clothing/moving-comfort-flow-burnout-jacket.html

The quality and style of the range of Moving Comfort bras and Clothes has been designed and manufactured so woman feel as good as they look during their workout.

The post Fabulous new Moving Comfort Range from the US appeared first on Boobydoo.

Did you know that one in 50 women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime? We think it’s time to get educated about this “silent killer”, so we talked to Dr Emmanouil Karteris, a specialist based at Brunel University, who is currently investigating the effects of stress on ovarian cancer and working on developing new technologies for a more accurate diagnosis.

In 2010:

7,011 women in the UK were diagnosed with ovarian cancer

There were 4,295 deaths from this ovarian cancer

(Figures from Based on information from Cancer Research UK)

“Ovarian carcinoma is the gynaecologic malignancy associated with the highest mortality in industrialised countries,” said Dr Karteris, “with a 5-year survival rate of < 30% reported in some series. In 2005-2009, approximately 40% of ovarian cancer patients in England survived for five years or more.”

However, Cancer Research UK tells us: “When UK survival rates for ovarian cancer are compared with those of other countries, including Australia, Canada, Norway, and Sweden, they are significantly worse. Differences in data quality and coding practices across Europe may contribute to some of the variation, but the consistently lower levels for UK countries suggest real differences in survival”.  And a recently published study in Gynaecological Oncology showed that advanced stage ovarian cancer patients are less likely to survive in the UK than in similar countries around the world.

It’s clear that we all need to be aware of the warning signs so we can catch this “silent killer” as early as possible and do our bit to reduce those statistics.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

“Women do not experience any specific symptoms until it is discovered that the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage,” said Dr Karteris.

“Early symptoms appear to be mild and general, making this disease difficult to detect. Some early symptoms may include: unusual feeling of fullness or discomfort in the pelvic region, persistent stomach pain, indigestion or bloating, back pain and pain during sexual intercourse.

However, I should emphasise that these symptoms are comparable to those occurring in non-malignant conditions. I would personally recommend that women experiencing persistent and frequent symptoms should visit their GP for further testing.”

What is the treatment for ovarian cancer?

The three main types of treatment of ovarian cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and these are often used in combinations. Unfortunately, they don’t always improve the prognosis. So there is a desperate need not only for an earlier diagnosis but also for more effective treatments. “Extensive research into the molecular mechanisms of the uncontrollable cell growth that occurs in cancer has enabled clinicians to embark on numerous clinical trials testing new chemotherapeutic agents,” Dr Karteris told us.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

We asked Dr Karteris to bring us up to date. “The most common tools used today are measurement of the serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and transvaginal ultrasound,” he told us. “Unfortunately, CA125 does not appear to have the required specificity and sensitivity for routine screening of the general population. For example, the CA-125 blood test can return “positive” in pathologies unrelated to ovarian cancer, such as endometriosis, pelvic infection, or other non-gynecological problems. Indeed, a USA-based study that screened almost 40,000 women depicts a bleak picture regarding ovarian cancer diagnosis. Scientists have shown that there was no significant reduction in mortality from ovarian cancer in this cohort of women derived from the general population who were screened for ovarian cancer with 6 annual CA-125 tests and 4 annual transvaginal ultrasound examinations! To this date there is no comprehensive screening test for ovarian cancer with very high specificity and sensitivity.”

What is the latest laboratory research?

As well as developing new technologies for a more accurate diagnosis, Dr Karteris and his team are currently investigating two different aspects of ovarian cancer:

- The effect of stress.

- Novel inhibitors of cancerous cell growth.

“Emerging data suggests that low social support may contribute to poor prognosis in cancers,” he told us. “The overall aim of this project is to investigate the role of stress hormones in ovarian cancer signaling. This research will address several fundamental unresolved issues in ovarian cancer concerning the underlying biology of stress in the onset and progression of the disease.

“Our second project deals with novel therapeutics. Here, we intend to block certain key enzymes called kinases, which control complex processes in cells and can drive cancer growth. Our working hypothesis is that by inhibiting certain kinases will improve the success of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. For this, we are currently using numerous human ovarian cancer cell lines as in vitro experimental models.

“The last and very exciting area of research is on the diagnostic field. As mentioned, ovarian cancer screening has been shown to be ineffective for a variety of reasons, and to the best of my knowledge to date, there is no single, specific, clear test to identify the most aggressive tumours, and all testing takes a great deal of time and in many cases requires tissue samples. We are currently working on isolating cancerous cells from peripheral blood. I believe that using novel technologies together with existing techniques we can develop a practical, inexpensive and fast method for screening for ovarian cancer.”

We would like to thank Dr. Karteris for writing this article for the BOOBYDOO newsletter, and if you have any concerns please visit your GP. The 3 charities listed below are also very informative.

www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

www.eveappeal.org.uk

www.ovarian.org.uk

The post MARCH IS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH appeared first on Boobydoo.

Triathlon is one of the most up and coming sports in the UK with participation levels increasing year on year..

What is a Triathlon…? It is a multi-discipline sport including a Swim, Cycle & Run in direct succession. The lengths of Triathlons vary from event to event. However a “normal” Sprint Triathlon would compromise of a 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run. The distance that Olympians Helen Jenkins, Lucy Hall & Vicky Holland competed in at London 2012 was double this; 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run.

Some people decide that that these distances aren’t a big enough challenge and decide to train for Half-Iron Man (1.9km swim/90km cycle/21km run) and Iron Man (3.8km swim/180km bike/42km run) events….

As an athlete who found triathlon after enduring several injuries after running 6 marathons – I have not looked back! I have competed in numerous triathlons in the UK and abroad including the World Championships in New Zealand in October 2012 representing Great Britain as an Age Group Triathlete.

So, if you are thinking about trying a Tri….do!

Here are my 5 top tips of how to get involved;

1. Find an event near you that you want to target as your “A” Race….and enter it! Once you’ve entered you have a goal to work towards. BE CLEAR AS TO WHETHER IT IS AN OPEN WATER OR POOL SWIM – they are totally different!!

2. Try some group training sessions at your local Triathlon/Swimming/Cycling or Running club. Training with others is social, motivating and a fantastic way of learning from others. There will always be someone slower and faster…trust me.

Barnes Fitness has a running club on a Tuesday (6.30 – 7.30pm) at Palmer Park, Reading open to all abilities.

Come along to a Women’s only Triathlon Coaching sessions at Tri2O Swim Centre on Saturday 18 May.

3. Kit yourself out with the essentials;

- A swimming costume

- Goggles

- Cycling shorts

- Top to put on over your swimming costume for your cycle

- A bike

- A helmet

- Well fitting trainers

- A good sports bra!

B5044 Run Bra by Shock Absorber:  http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/shock-absorber/shock-absorber-run-bra.html

Endurance Racer by Moving Comfort: http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/moving-comfort/moving-comfort-endurance-racer.html

Fit Bra by Berlei: http://www.boobydoo.co.uk/sports-bras/berlei/berlei-fit-bra.html

4. Enjoy the experience – encourage your friends to join you… You could always do a Team Relay event where one person swims, one person cycles and one person runs…

5. Transition skills (transferring from swim to bike and bike to run) are the fourth discipline in Triathlon. It is important to practice these regularly and get them as swift as possible; you don’t need to do your hair and make-up in transition!! It is also important to get your body used to going from horizontal to vertical quickly and then get your legs used to running straight after cycling…

If you have any questions/need help with your training – please do drop me a line ellie@barnesfitness.co.uk….

Believe to Achieve.”

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