The WELLer Network

Thanks Holmes Consulting for having me speak at their Breast Cancer Awareness morning tea in aide of Sweet Louise today - a massive thank you to my dear friend Ally Bray for organising.

It's always good to chat to people about breast health education using my story as a lead in addition to balls, ovaries, skin, prostates and all of the other things.

Today the theme that ran through the talk was self-advocacy.

I can't stress how important it is to advocate for your own health because when it comes down to it no one knows your body better than you do - and in the big picture I am really focusing on importance of both physical and mental health - overall wellbeing.

Key points of my talk this morning were:

1. Know what normal looks and feels like for you so you can identify what is not - regular self-checking is essential as are getting into screening programs when you are of age for them

2. If something isn't normal take note of it and if symptoms persist or worsen get to your GP as soon as you can to have it checked out. Try not to let symptoms normalise and leave it for months!

3. Do not be told you are too young, too old or too anything by anyone, medical professional or otherwise - trust your gut, seek professional advice and push to be referred for further testing

4. Have healthy conversations with your friends and family where and when you can

5. Invest in medical insurance if you are in a financial position to do so

There is no way to sugar coat these conversations and sometimes I find it really hard to share the reality of cancer and illness, so please, do your best to be your own advocate.

"Look after your body - it's the only place you have to live" - Jim Rohn