Random Observations - Follow-up!

Rather than post a comment to reply to all the comments on the last post, I decided to post a follow-up as best I can!

The goosebumps thing...
Yep, it's all about the nerves. Since I previously had a hysterectomy, I did a little self-test and there are some spots along that scar that also seem to be missing goosebumps, I just never had noticed. Probably because I'm not in the habit of rubbing my stomach area when I'm cold - I'm more of a rub the arms kinda gal (certainly makes more sense), so I noticed the smooth spot on the arm immediately!

Swimmers Boob
I'm glad you all found it as fascinating as I did! It's made by Amoena, who I'm learning seems to have the worldwide market on breast forms. They call it an 'accessory', rather than an actual breast form. This is another way of saying that if you want it, you're going to pay for it - not your government health plan or your health insurance company. They call it the 'swimform' and here is the official description from their website:

"Clear silicone form with a hollow, concave back allows water to flow through so the form retains its shape in and out of the water."

So there you have it. I was just left wondering how well it fits into one of those super speedy Speedo suits all the olympic athletes were wearing in Beijing! (Hmm, wonder if those come with a pocket sewn in to hold the swimmers boob - I'm guessing not.)

As a further follow-up to the whole bra topic - I officially hate the silly thing, it's just not comfortable, and for the most part, I'm going with the baggy sweatshirt look instead (mind you, I had already adopted this particular look long, long ago, so, truth be told, nothing has changed). After a few more weeks, I can go to a store and pick out a few more stylish options that look just like normal bras, and hopefully will be a bit more comfortable.

The great deodorant debate
Yes, deodorant has aluminum.

In the interest of full disclosure, this is something I've read about as one of the ways to prevent lymphedema in my arm - not something that I was strictly told about by the doctors. In addition to the lymphedema thing, apparently aluminum deodorants have been found to possibly have some link to Alzheimer's, so, if there is an alternative, it's probably worth considering.

Great suggestions on the okologisk products - but, I have to say that in my experience, they haven't found to really work all that well. Interestingly enough, I did find a few types in a grocery store here, made by Sanex, that have that potassium alum ingredient but given the 'alum' part of that I'm not sure it truly qualifies as aluminum free. I'm no scientist (obviously) so I may very well be wrong, but it was enough to stop me from buying without doing more research. The other 'downside' to the lack of aluminum is that the aluminum is essentially what stops the sweat - so while the organic product may be a deodorant, chances are it's not an antiperspirant and therein lies the problem!

One thing I did find was a product made by Adidas - something called Aluminum free Cotton-Tech or some such thing, but it's also apparently very difficult to find and may actually be discontinued at this point depending on which website you view for info.

For now, I'll stick to my normal stuff and see what else I can find out there the big, bad world!