This One's for the Girls!

Every month, "the girls" head out to a different eatery in Toronto. Over the years, we've visited some great eateries and some wicked dives, eaten some epic meals, drunk some lovely wines, entertained many a cab driver, re-defined the purpose and nature of the thong, and consumed more calories than I personally would care to think about!

Girls' Night is a Dionysian tour de force, full of excesses in conversation, food, drink, and honesty. It can be the ultimate "truth or dare" game, but without the dare. It is FUN, sometimes wild and debauched, often raucous, occasionally serious with a soupçon of friction. It is an opportunity for each of us to be celebrated (and occasionally chided) for the marvelous and flawed people we are. Over dinner, the advice flows like the wine, but rarely with the lasting impact of the hangover! There can be moments of disconnect, drama, misunderstanding and hurt feelings.; moments which are always eclipsed by the joy, laughter, outrageous fun, hilarity, and incredible closeness. Girls Night is a celebration of who we are as individuals and as a community, and it is a keen reminder of how important friends are, of how important it is to stay connected against a tide of other commitments, personal trials and tribulations, distance, and expectation.

And the, there is that inevitable point when all the shenanigans stop, when our personal quirks and peccadilloes overcome our party-girl demeanours. It's the dreaded point in the evening, usually after someone has suggested "just one more glass of wine" and we have all agreed, when the bill is delivered to the table. Suddenly, we bonnes vivantes are faced with the hard evidence of our excesses. Speaking personally, I am always, inevitably, shocked.  I spent how much?? The bill is the moment of reckoning when the glasses go on, and the gloves come off. The awesome infographic below (courtesy of http://theoatmeal.com) pretty much sums it up (please note, I am ALWAYS the one with the debit card!):

A friendly reminder: Cop a feel... it could save your life!

A 5-minute frisk can save your life.

Typically, breast cancer cells start in the ducts, small milk producing sacs or lobules. In this earliest stage, the cancer can only be detected through image screening using mammogram, ultrasound or MRI technology. In the beginning, there may be no symptoms. So self-screen, and get intimate with your GP through regular check ups...

Do the five-minute fondle!

Infographic courtesy of http://coppafeel.org

Symptoms of breast cancer include lumps of any size or hardness; swelling in the breast, chest, or arm area; a painful nipple or any change to the nipple, including discharge; and breast skin that is red, scaly, or dimpled.  It cannot be prevented, you can reduce your risk through a healthy lifestyle, including a diet consisting of lots of fruit and vegetables, little red meat, reduced fat,and no alcohol.  Regular exercise can also lower an individual’s risk for breast cancer. A family history of breast cancer, genetic testing can alert you to be more vigilant and in some cases take measures to further reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Here's what to look for:

Something to think about. 

The Canadian Cancer Society has published the following statistics about breast cancer (for more information, visit http://www.cancer.ca):

• MEN and women can get breast cancer. If you have breasts, you are susceptible!
• In 2011, an estimated 23,400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer
• 5,100 women (22% of women diagnosed) will die from it
• An estimated 190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer
• 55 will die of it -an almost 30% mortality rate
• On average, 64 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. 14 die of it. EVERY DAY.
• One in nine women will likely develop breast cancer during their lifetime - one in 29 will die of it.

The good news? Breast cancer death rates have declined in every age group since the mid-1980s.

Breasts are fantastic, fun. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Play with them, get to know them, and encourage your partner to do the same. You could have the time of your life!