Yai Yai, Life N’ Style, 10/30/12

Hello again! With October being breast cancer awareness month, I decided to dedicate this column to our pink warriors. These mighty souls battle with a horrifying condition, painful treatments, an altered image, weakness and sickness.

I have had the painful honor of serving many of them and assisting in their image adjustments. I can honestly say those tasks were some of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my entire life.

As hairdressers, we grow to love our guests as family, so sharing such conditions greatly affects us also. With the need to be the strong one, finding solutions for them, I discovered that this service is one of my purposes in life.

Chemo therapy is a very difficult process. It is designed to destroy cancer cells, however it also destroys healthy cells, causing side effects like low energy levels, weight loss, nausea and vomiting. Chemotherapy can also decrease the immune system and put a person at risk of developing a sickness or infection.

Due to the strength of the treatments and the effect they have on the body, it is necessary to replenish the body with the proper nutrients. Here are some recommended foods: oranges boost immune system with vitamin C; beef is a power food rich in zinc, which increases the production of white blood cells; protein helps to maintain energy levels and prevents the body from using its own tissue for fuel; beans are rich in zinc, which will prevent infections and keep the immune system strong; and whole milk is a power food that is high in protein, calories and fat, preventing weight loss, and can be added to various meals.

For added protein, there are several protein powders on the market to make shakes. Also, it is very important to add strong multi- and B vitamins to the diet as well.

You will need to use extra moisturizer on your skin; shea butter is a wonderful ingredient to look for. Your nails and hair may change as well, requiring additional moisture. Use a cuticle oil or vitamin E oil on your cuticles, nails and skin.

Ask your hairdresser for a deep-repair treatment with heat penetration. If you wish to treat the hair at home, use a deep-repair conditioner, cover with a bag and apply heat for five minutes, then rinse.

As far as thinning of the hair, some people experience it and some do not. There are many forms of hair replacement that are human hair, synthetic hair, modern styles and a lot of fun. Some patients choose hats and turbans. Whatever fulfills your style needs and makes you feel comfortable.

The most important thing is to focus on your healing and maintaining a positive attitude. Receive the love around you, don’t be afraid to ask for help, know your limits with physical activity, get plenty of rest, maintain a strong spirit and know you are still an amazing woman inside and out not matter your condition!

Last but not least, know that you always have a friend in me! Feel free to message me for my complimentary care packet. Thank you for the inspiration you all give to the world. Your impartation of strength and courage is life changing; a prayer for a cure, much strength and a lot of love to all of our pink warriors.

Yai Yai has 20 years of international hairdressing experience and has been a Citrus County business owner since 1996. She can be reached at yaiyai@yaiyai.me, 352-795-7625, www.yaiyai.co or www.yaiyai.me.