People have always been told how important it is to stay healthy. Living without illnesses means you can get more out of life and have the energy to pursue your dreams. The typical way to achieve this is by exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet. Doing a light cardiovascular workout at least 15 minutes a day improves your endurance, stamina, and flexibility. Consuming more lean meats, fruits, and vegetables gives your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs to boost your immunity to diseases.

Another way to prioritize your overall wellness is by taking regular medical screening tests, such as a mammogram, to ensure your body is functioning properly. Online breast cancer CE courses will tell you just how crucial this procedure is.Follow these simple tips so you can feel much more at ease when you have your breasts examined for the first time:

Schedule Your Appointment a Week after Your Period

Do you experience swelling, tenderness, or sensitivity in your breasts before or during menstruation? If so, it’s best to have your mammogram a week after your period when your hormone levels have normalized. This ensures that you feel as little pain as possible when the test is conducted.

Don’t Put Anything on Your Armpits and Breasts

The chemical substances in antiperspirants, deodorants, powders, lotions, perfumes, and creams contain particles that can affect the accuracy of your captured X-ray image. This can lead to an incorrect interpretation of your test results. Don’t wear these products so you avoid having to reschedule. If you want to know the other factors that can compromise the quality of your mammogram, you can take online breast cancer CME courses.

Be Mindful of What You Wear

The best thing to wear for a mammogram is a two-piece outfit so you can easily remove your top and bra. Don’t bother wearing jewelry since you’ll be asked to take them off anyway. Also, make sure you’re wearing comfortable footwear, such as sneakers and ballet flats. You’ll be asked to stand and lean forward or back while your breasts are being examined; wearing high-heeled shoes may throw you off balance.

Let Your Radiologist Know If You Feel Any Pain

Tell the radiologic technologist operating the mammogram machine if you’re uncomfortable. Speak up if you feel even the slightest bit of pain, so they can momentarily stop the imaging process.

Get into the Right Position

You’ll be instructed to face the mammogram machine as the technologist places your breasts between 2 plates. If you need to move a little bit to get into a comfortable position, just turn your head. Avoid turning your hips or feet because it will cause lower back pain.

Now that you know how to prepare for a mammogram, you can enroll in breast cancer CE courses to understand the importance of this procedure. They are available online and can be taken at your own pace.