Welcome to our first year anniversary publication of Amoena Life. It is hard to believe it has been in print for a year now. We have received such wonderful feedback from our readers and we hope that you continue to enjoy and share Amoena Life with your friends, family members, support groups and other organizations.

I recently saw a news show on a particular program called KIPP, Knowledge Is Power Program. It is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools in under-resourced communities throughout the United States. What makes this program successful is the non-traditional way of teaching. This made me stop and think outside the box for a moment. What if we, the average, American woman, looked at breast cancer in a non-traditional way? Not necessarily in a holistic or artistic way, but in a medical cutting-edge way, just as our doctors.

Where would that lead us? Increased advanced and individualized treatments, additional modern medical research and clinical trials, further legislation to influence public policies that impact breast cancer issues—this is the time we live in and it’s happening now. The National Breast Cancer Coalition recently conducted a survey which revealed that 76% of their respondents considered themselves knowledgeable about breast cancer. However, despite these statistics, the survey shows that awareness is not translating into knowledge.

Knowing risks, signs, treatments, and quality of life issues are the key to educating women about breast cancer. In October, the National Cancer Institute announced breast cancer incidence rates in women decreased 3.5% per year from 2001 to 2004, the first decrease observed in 20 years.

What does this tell us? Perhaps women are exposed to more media every October, breast cancer awareness month, nudging them to have that mammogram. Or they are listening to their doctors about self breast exams, or perhaps the information highway is providing a library of consumer health and wellness information. Either way, this is great news.

We live in a great time. It is important for us to be diligent in our quest for knowledge, demand the best medical care available, and make informed decisions—to think outside the box. Now, more than ever, it is vital we be our best advocate. I hope you find this issue of Amoena Life enlightening. After all—knowledge is power.

Tonya Stephens, Editor

Visit Amoena Life, Winter/Spring 2008 Download Page

You can download full publication in pdf format.

Features
In a Nut Shell
Insurance for the Breast Cancer Patient
Knowing Your Rights
Living with breast cancer has encouraged many women to become crusaders for the cause
The Measure of a Woman
Dealing with the emotional and intimacy issues from losing a breast

Products
Getaway in Style
Leave the winter blues behind with a new swimsuit from Amoena’s 2008 Swimwear
Collection
Discover the Luxury of Comfort Introducing Lara, Amoena’s newest molded foam soft cup bra

Departments
News & Reviews - A rehabilitation exercise; ward off the winter blues; curl up with a good book
Survivor Portrait - Meet Leslie Kestin, lady luck brought her the trip of a lifetime
Professional Portrait - Fran Visco, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition is a true champion
Breast Cancer Survivors Cruise - Beverly Vote shares her experience from the 2007 Breast Cancer Survivors Cruise to Alaska Discussion Forum - Highlights from the Amoena online discussion forum
Feelin’ Kinda Funny - Dianne’s making a list and checking it twice

Visit Amoena Official Website

Amoena provides a better quality of life for women following breast surgery.

We wish to fulfill their need for femininity, to restore a positive body image and renew confidence and self-esteem.

Being close to the women, retailers and other health care providers, we develop, produce and source innovative breast care products and services of the highest quality and design.

With empathy, responsiveness and long-term relationships, we aspire to earn our customers loyalty.

Throughout the world we wish to strengthen our leadership position and further develop the Amoena Brand.

We attract and encourage people who are energetic, committed and have a passion for our business.

Amoena respects cultural differences and responds proactively to ethical, environmental and social responsibilities.

By constantly improving our core competences we provide sustainable growth and increased value for Amoena 's stakeholders.

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