Breast Cancer Research Donation

Minneapolis Financial Group supports Breast Cancer Research. Maura Steblay of Eden Prairie, who works with the Minneapolis Financial Group, presented a check for $1,000 to Minnesota Breast Cancer Awareness Association president, Ann Harris, on November 30th. This was presented at Underneath it All, an Eden Prairie business which helps women who have had breast cancer. Lorraine Dressel, owner, and Karen Wolf, Office Manager, assisted with the presentation.

Coobie Bras

The Coobie Bra is simply the most amazing bra you'll ever buy! Ultra comfortable, supportive, and inexpensive--it's the perfect combination! The Coobie Bra provides shape and support and can be worn in place of a camisole or tank top. It fits almost every body.

The Coobie Bra is seamless, therefore no hooks or clasps, and the back is smooth. Each bra has removable pads as well.

Stop by our store and try them on. You'll fall in love at how good they feel! And, we have several different colors! They are fun, and they feel good!

Top Women in Finance 2011

LORRAINE DRESSELAND CATHY RIECKENBERG
Underneath it All

Cathy Rieckenberg and Lorraine Dressel went into the durable medical equipment business when bankers were still asking women if their parents would co-sign their loans.

A durable medical equipment conference they attended in 1988 was equally discouraging. "We were the only nurses and the only women, and the bankers told us that we'd probably give the business away," Rieckenberg said.

After 10 years, the business was bringing in about $550,000 a year, and they sold most of it to the Waconia Medical Center. They opted to continue fitting and selling prostheses and mastectomy bras to women who'd had breast surgery, and they renamed the company Underneath it All.

"People think of these prostheses as big, white, ugly bras with batting in them," said Marti Auringer, RN, BSN, the cancer care coordinator at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee. "They have beautiful lingerie. ... And it's very nicely decorated so you feel when you're going in there that you're going into a boutique. You're not going into a clinical setting."

Dressel and Rieckenberg also bring humor into their clients' lives, said Auringer; who has referred patients to them for 12 years. "They get patients to smile and laugh, and it's amazing how they can turn such a negative situation around into a positive situation," Auringer said.

Rieckenberg has passed that attitude to her son,Rob, who lost his right leg above the knee when he was run over by a train in Minneapolis in 2005. He now uses a prosthetic leg, does downhill skiing and volunteers for a foundation called Wiggle Your Toes, which helps amputees regain independence and mobility. He nominated his mother and her business partner for this award.

"It is amazing how life gives you zigzags, but everything works out. You don't know the reason why, but it does," Cathy Rieckenberg said.

The same goes for their clients, Dressel said. "Every woman is in a different point in her journey. It can be extremely emotional for them and for us, too," she said. "It's the best job I've ever had as a nurse because people are so appreciative, and you really feel like you've made a difference in their lives."

-- Nancy Crotti

The Breast Cancer Legal Project

Cancer Legal Line's Breast Cancer Legal Project provides free legal services to low-income breast cancer patients and survivors in Minnesota.

Attorneys will assist clients with legal issues, which include employment rights, access to public benefits, and preparing wills, powers of attorney and health care directives.

Their goal is to make the journey easier by assisting with the legal and financial issues which all too often accompany a breast cancer diagnosis. By receiving help, clients are able to focus their energy on treatment and living life rather than an endless loop of "what-if" and worry.

Cancer Legal Line is a nonprofit organization, and they are the only organization in Minnesota providing pro bono legal assistance to the Minnesota cancer community. They work to provide the right help at the right time to anyone in Minnesota affected by cancer.

They educate, inform, and empower. Contact Cancer Legal Line at 651-472-5599, or 888-231-6942. Their website is www.CancerLegalLine.org.

Bras for a Cause

During the month of October we will be collecting new, or slightly used, bras. Please stop by with your bras!

Underneath it All is involved in an event with My Talk 107.1 Radio and the Ridgedale Shopping Center. They will be collecting bras for the entire month and will hand them off to Underneath it All on October 26th at Ridgedale Center in a 'live' broadcast of the Lori & Julia Show from 3:00pm-6:00pm. We will be donating them to great causes, such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Anna Marie's Alliance for Battered Women, and other non-profit organizations.

Come and support this cause!

Award received for "Top Women in Finance"

Cathy Rieckenberg and Lorraine Dressel, owners of Underneath it All, recently received a Top Women in Finance award by Finance & Commerce, Inc.

The award honors outstanding efforts of women who are making notable contributions to their professions, their communities, and society at-large throughout Minnesota.

Underneath it All is a company dedicated to meeting client needs after breast surgery. Together, registered nurses Cathy and Lorraine have more than 40 years' experience as certified mastectomy fitters.

"This year we honor four CEOs, six partners and shareholders, several presidents and a few business owners," said Steve Jahn, vice president and publisher of Finance & Commerce, Inc. "The honorees represent a very strong showing of some of the top women in the Minnesota business community."

The 50 honorees will receive their awards Thursday, November 10th at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis.

"Night Out @ Lone Oak"

"Night Out @ Lone Oak" event - September 22 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Come join us for a night of fun, in-store specials, getting to know the other area businesses,and a grand-prize drawing for those that complete a passport, stamped by each participating business! Underneath it All will have 20% off everything in the store, cash and carry only, for those 4 hours! We will also have 30% to 40% off selected items in the store and a giveaway for participation. See you at Lone Oak!!

FREE Cervical Screening

St. Francis Cancer Center in Shakopee, Minnesota, is holding a FREE Cervical Screening on Tuesday, September 20th, from 6:00-7:00pm. This screening is intended for the uninsured and underinsured only.

Before the screening make sure you haven't had a PAP smear within the last year, won't be due for menstrual cycle, haven't douched for 48 hours before the screening, haven't had sexual intercourse for 48 hours before the screening, and haven't used tampons, birth control foams, jellies, or other vaginal creams or vaginal medications for 48 hours before the screening.

To schedule an appointment, please call St. Francis Cancer Center at 952-428-2000.

We are now carrying "Shapeez" -- Shapes, Supports, Slims and Smoothes

Underneath it All is now carrying the Shapeez product, which shapes, supports, slims and smoothes! This product provides support and is very cozy. The "smooth-back" design is made from a breathable moisture-wick microfiber that draws moisture away from the body to keep you dry and comfortable.

We carry the Ultimate and the Shortee. The Ultimate provides breast support while slimming the waist, tummy and back. This product is a bra/cami/torso slimmer, for the woman who wants an "all-in-one" bra solution. The design eliminates all visible bra lines, back bulges, and even the feared "muffin top." The Shortee bra is a cropped version of the Ultimate and provides great back-smoothing and support. This bra could serve as a sports bra.

Both bra options come in several sizes ranging from cup sizes A through E. Come and try one on -- you'll be sold on its comfort and durability!

Look Good...Feel Better

This program is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Look Good...Feel Better is a free service which teaches you, as a cancer patient, beauty techniques to help enhance your appearance and self image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Classes are held from 6:30pm-8:30pm. For the remainder of 2011 the sessions will be held on July 25th, August 22nd, September 26th, October 24th, November 28th, and December 19th.

To register call The American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. Classes are located in the 1515 St. Francis Building on the 2nd floor, in Shakopee, Minnesota. Please follow the signs.

St. Francis Women's Connection -- Support for Women with Cancer

The meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month, from 7:00pm-8:00pm in the Specialty Clinic which is located on the second floor in room #250.

For the remainder of 2011 the following are the scheduled meeting dates: July 25th, August 22nd, September 26th, October 24th, November 28th, and December 19th.

For more information call 'Ask St. Francis' at 952-428-2000, or call Marti Auringer, RN, Facilitator at St. Francis Breast Center 952-428-2700.

Getting the Right Fit

How many of us are wearing the wrong bra size? More than likely a lot, and probably a whole size out. When a bust isn't supported properly it can lead to back and neckache, and bad posture. Getting measured professionally means the right bra and right fit can work wonders for the fuller figure and your confidence. Additionally, it puts your curves back in all the right places totally transforming your silhouette.

Don't measure yourself, it's difficult to do and there is a chance it will not be accurate. Instead, visit us at Underneath it All for the perfect fit. We look forward to working with you soon!

How to Check Your Breasts

Finding breast cancer early is very important to the treatment that can save your life. Here is what the American Cancer Society recommends:

* Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 and continue for as long as you are in good health.

* Get a breast exam by a doctor about every 3 years if you are in your 20s and 30s, and every year if you are 40 or older.

* Know how your breasts look and feel and tell your doctor of any changes right away.

There are different ways of doing a breast exam. Here are some steps to assist in this process:

* Look at your breast while standing in front of a mirror. First look at your breasts with your arms by your side, then raise them over your head, and finally, press your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles.

* Look for any changes -- size, shape, contour, dimpling, rash, redness, or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin.

* Lie down on your back, put a pillow under your right shoulder, and place your right arm behind your head. Examine your left breast with your right hand and your right breast with your left hand by using the finger pads of the 3 middle fingers. Use overlapping dime-sized circular motions of the finger pads to feel the breast tissue.

* Use 3 levels of pressure to feel all of the breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin; medium pressure to feel a little deeper; and, firm pressure to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs.

* Use an up-and-down pattern, starting at your underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone. Be sure to check the entire breast area going down below your breast until you feel your ribs and up to the neck or collar bone.

* Sit or stand and feel each underarm area. You should raise your arm slightly while checking.

When you first begin checking your breasts, it is hard to know what you are feeling. With practice, you will become familiar with your breasts. See your doctor if you notice any of the following: lump; hard knot; thickening; change in size of shape of the breast; dimpling or puckering of the skin; rash; redness; scaliness of the nipple or breast skin; nipple discharge that starts suddenly; or new pain that does not go away.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society online at www.cancer.org.

"SAVVY in the City" Women of Distinction Award Winners

Congratulations Women of Distinction award winners from Savvy in the City! This event was held May 6, 2011; a day to shop, talk, learn and laugh. Each of the winners have given back more than they have received. The categories were Savvy Business Woman, Savvy Inspirational Woman, Savvy Humanitarian, and Savvy Survivor.

The Savvy Survivor was sponsored by Underneath it All. The winner, Cassie Stech of Chaska, is a mom on a mission. At just 15 months old, her son Gavin Gilbertson was diagnosed with a case of spinal muscular atrophy. SMA destroys the motor neurons that control voluntary muscle movement, making it difficult for children like Gavin, who has Type II SMA, to ever crawl or walk. The life expectancy for children with SMA is not good. Most do not live past age 2. SMA can devastate a family. However, less than a month after his diagnosis, Cassie was done with the crying and ready to take action. Determined to give Gavin the best life possible, Stech mobilized family and friends to raise money for the MDA's Stride and Ride event in November 2010. They ended up being the top fundraising team at the event, raising $6,300 toward research and a cure.

The Savvy Humanitarian Woman was sponsored by Encore Consignment Boutique. The winner, Maura Steblay of Eden Prairie, always gives of her time and talent to others, including to her church, area schools, art, sports and humanities organizations and business and health organizations. Her list of volunteer activities is a mile long and ranges from serving as the co-founder of the Business Women's Circle, board member of the Hennepin County Library Foundation, president of the Friends of the Eden Prairie Library, coach of girls basketball and volleyball, liturgical minister at St. Hubert Church and former board member of the West Suburban Teen Clinic.

The Savvy Inspirational Woman was sponsored by Moms on the Run. The winner, Keila Rector of Eden Prairie, has been inspiring southwest metro residents to lose weight through her Eden Prairie Community Weight Loss Challenge classes. So far, she has helped her students lose more than 30,000 pounds. She helps them not only loss weight, but gain knowledge of proper nutrition to help them keep it off. Keila is active in the community and is a member of the Eden Prairie Lioness Club. Keila has said, "My mission is to help people have faith and belief in themselves so they can accomplish more than they ever thought possible!"

The Savvy Business Woman was sponsored by Chicks for a Cause. The winner, Shelli Nelson, began her health and wellness career in 1985 when she became a registered nurse. In both her professional and private life, she observed that traditional medicine and treatments too often failed. This frustration launched a 25-year quest for integrative methods of improving health--for herself and her patients. Shelli became totally blind at age 24 due to diabetes. The absence of visual distraction has enabled her to access her innate gifts and develop a way of perceiving that is highly accurate and profound. Shelli is the founder, president and lead teacher of Rukhar Academy of Healing Arts & Science. Throughout her careers she has created the first cardiac after-care program for Fairview Health Services; conducted the first clinical research study on energy healing that was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Minnesota; created a stress management program for vascular patients at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina; and successfully implemented energy healing treatments into mainstream care at Fairview Southdale Hospital.

Congratulations, Savvy Women of Distinction winners!

Twin Cities Young Survivor's Breast Cancer Group

This group is dedicated to the unique issues of young survivors with breast cancer in their 20's, 30's, and 40's. Join them once a month on the 3rd Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:15pm for the meeting and social time.

The location for the meeting is at the Hope Lodge, located at 2500 University Avenue SE in Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414. This is several blocks from the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Free parking is available behind the Hope Lodge, and this is where you can enter the facility.

For the remainder of 2011 the following are the scheduled meeting dates: May 19th, June 16th, July 21st, August 18th, September 15th, October 20th, and November 17th. There will not be a meeting in December.

The facilitators are:
Susan Pappas-Varco, RN, MA--Breast Cancer Program Coordinator, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview 612-273-6434, spappas-varco@umphysicians.umn.edu

Ann Cummings, MSW, LICSW--Breast Cancer Program Social Worker, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview 612-273-2151, acummin2@fairview.org

New Product -- Anita Active Sports Bra

We now carry the Anita Active Sports Bra! This bra has been awarded the "red dot" seal of excellence for high design quality in 2011. Additionally, this new sports bra was listed by Oprah as one of the top twelve stylish and high-tech workout wear as seen in her January 2011 magazine.

The high level sports bra effectively supports athletes during high-intensity sports activities. The breathable high-tech fabric provides active sweat management as well as maximum support. Moisture is quickly absorbed and actively transported away from the body. Breathable microfiber and mesh side inserts keep the skin dry and guarantee maximum comfort.

Anita Active Sports Bras have outstanding functionality in comparison to other sports bras. Comprehensive tests guarantee an excellent fit and optimum support for all sports activities, even in the larger cup sizes.

Anita Active has developed a range of bras for Light, Medium and Extreme impact users and caters to sizes B through H. There should be something to suit every user!

Come and see our selection of Anita Active Sports Bras. We have one just waiting for you!

Underneath it All video

How to Care for Your Bra

A woman's bra is an important piece of her wardrobe. A bra gives her breasts shape and contour, while keeping them young looking and perky. When a woman finally finds the right bra, she wants it to last as long as possible. For this reason, a woman must know how to properly care for her bra to make it last as long as it can.

Here are a few tips and suggestions to keep your bras looking new for a long time:

• Wash your bra by hand, if possible. This is the preferred method.
• When washing by hand is not possible, wash your bra in a lingerie bag on the gentle cycle in the washing machine with mild soap, such as Forever New, and in cold water.
• Make sure the hooks and eyes are clasped so the bras do not tangle with one another.
• When you take your molded cup bras out of the wash, reshape the cups with your hands. Don't wring out or stretch your bras.
• Don't put your bras in the dryer. The heat is awful on the elastic. Line dry, when possible. Additionally, keep your lingerie out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
• Wash bras at least every other wearing to reduce discoloration and damage from body oils.
• Wear bras in rotation. When you find a bra you love, buy several bras the same size and style.

It is important to care for your bras properly. When your bras are washed, dried, and stored correctly, they will last longer and give you more support.

Quality of Life

Having a positive outlook and a healtier lifestyle can improve your quality of life.