It wasn’t until I moved to the Gold Coast 1-year ago and during the move, I noticed that a mole on my chest was bleedingNot only was it painful but it freaked me out because I knew I hadn’t stayed on top of checking my skin spots and of course I have a brilliant excuse (cough cough)… I put my career first and my health second. I was too busy to organise an appointment with a dermatologist, it was hard enough just getting to the doctor for scripts.

I had only been here for 2 days and I got an appointment to go to the dermatologist to get my bleeding mole checked. Thankfully it was bleeding because I had rubbed and knocked it in the physical move and they needed to remove it, on the spot with a pair of scissors snip (ouch). It could have turned out a lot worse for me though, but sadly for others,there can be a different outcome. In fact; 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.

So, is there something in-between that can help us stay on top of checking our skin spots? To make it a part of our regular routine without having to rush to the dermatologist each time we are concerned about a spot? Yes, and this solution has already detected over 50,000 skin cancers.

I was approached to try the SkinVision skin cancer detection app and it truly is a game changer. The app scans your skin spots and within 30 seconds you have a result and recommendation. SkinVision is TGA approved, clinically validated by dermatologists, and can detect the most common signs of skin cancer with up to 95% sensitivity in less than 30 seconds.

Looking after our health shouldn’t be a chore or a second thought. Given the scary statistics surrounding skin cancer it’s not something we can ignore. we spend so much time in the sun, not only as adults, but you need to remember a lot of the damage was done when we were kids and carries through.I know you remember the pain of being a burnt lobster from the fun family trips away. If there is an option to help you stay on top of checking your skin spots without having to go to the dermatologist to check skin spots that you’re not sure about, why not try it? Dermatologists are incredibly important in this process and this app doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go . . . but it can put your mind at ease or point you towards the dermatologist if you’re worried about a skin spot. You can also monitor the same skin spots to see if they change, the app even sets reminders to check.

Keep yourself and your family safe

SkinVision | Skin Cancer Melanoma Detection App | SkinVision

I have delayed two surgeries in my life knowing that I did not have the support around me to help in the post-op stages . . . often my abdominal area was too tender to walk to the toilet let alone walk my Moodle (A moodle is a very cute little fluffy dog). Your tummy just doesn’t feel supported – it’s almost like everything might fall out.

So, when I was asked to try the new Belly Band I jumped at the chance. 

The thought of something actually helping me through my recovery and easing the pain was a welcomed opportunity.

Often I feel we are sent home with pain killers, an ice pack and told to rest and take care. But how do I take care? And what can I do to ease the pain on my tummy?

What I very quickly learnt from the www.bellybands.com.au range was that abdominal surgery recovery does not need to be as painful. I rarely promote products and if I were to do so, it would be something I genuinely believe in. I was contacted by @bellybands4u about trying their Belly Band and Heal Better Kit for post abdominal surgery.

All I can say is I wish I had this 5 Endometriosis surgeries ago. It is such a vulnerable feeling when you feel like your abdominal area is not supported but in the same instance, you are also in so much pain that you are wearing the loosest pants and knickers you have to keep pressure off, whilst spreading your arm the full length across to hold yourself together and give some kind of support to your inflamed abdomen.

This band is soft, supportive and can be adjusted to whatever pressure feels comfortable.

You can get the Belly Band separately or included in the Heal Better Kit, which includes eight essential healing items that help reduce infection, ease pain, manage scar healing and treat post-op bloating, lessening the risk of some complications.

There is also a FREE Heal Better mobile app that helps with your post-surgery recovery journey. Belly Bands worked in consultation with a healthcare professional to develop this app, which includes helpful information and videos about post-operative exercises, diet, home preparation, wound care, and scar therapy.

I would highly recommend trying the Belly Band and Heal Better Kit for your next Endometriosis Surgery.”

Mel Greig

Media Personality

Endometriosis Ambassador

I have put on 10kg and I feel unhealthy, the day I resigned was the day WHO Magazine rang me and asked if I’d like to take part in their 10-Week Best Body Reboot and I didn’t hesitate. Today the before shots came out and in 10 weeks my transformation will be on the front cover, I can’t wait to regain my health and move forward as the best version of ME.

https://www.who.com.au/mel-grieg-weight-loss-challenge

Have you seen the memes that have a photo of a cat and it’s ridiculously dishevelled and doesn’t know what day or year it is? That’s how I feel every morning when my 3.20am alarm goes off, it honestly feels like you’ve been on a bender every day and you check the bed to see if someone is in it and you’ve done something stupid and you finally realise it’s only Tuesday night and you’re just dazed from being once again woken up from your deep sleep.

So, when it comes to dating during the week you look and act like one of the Walking Dead, sometimes even literally trying to chew your own arm off at 5pm because that’s your dinner time but your date isn’t until 7pm . . . which is normally your bed time. I don’t remember the last time I had someone over and we did something simple like cook a meal together, I miss that.

I’m moving back to Sydney because I’m single, childless and that’s where the opportunities are for me. Every single friend I have in the Illawarra is either married or has children, majority are both and I honestly couldn’t be happier for them, but it does make you feel like the odd one out.

In Sydney majority of my over 30 girlfriends are single and it’s a completely different lifestyle. I’m not saying that you can’t achieve both a career and a family in Sydney, but if you don’t have a family it is easier to throw yourself into work and that’s what I’ve been craving . . . and to wear heels and slap on make up on a regular basis rather than the traditional 3.20am outfit of Ugg boots and trackies.

It’s easy to become complacent and comfortable, to go through the motions of everyday life with the same routine day after day. 

But if deep down you have a goal or a dream that you aren’t pursuing, you will always wonder what if?

If you stay in your comfort zone you will always be safe never to experience what else might be out there for you. The unknown is incredibly scary, I’ve been feeling all kinds of emotions making this decision to pack up and leave but at the end of the day I’m going to follow that passion and determination.

So, here’s to packing your bags and moving into the confined space of a ridiculously expensive studio apartment and making shit happen. As well as continuing to write for Yahoo 7 BE, my first project kicks off in the coming weeks and it’s going to take me straight out of my comfort zone and into the ‘FML zone’ but the result will be worth it #newchapter

Today our pleas were heard, today is a huge step forward in ending the silence on the Chronic Condition that affects 1 in 10 women and it doesn’t discriminate. It affects High profile women such as Olympian Swimmer Emily Seebohm, Emma Watkins the Yellow Wiggle or even one of the worlds biggest icons Marilyn Monroe.

Today, Endometriosis Australia stood next to Health Minister Greg Hunt as he announced the National Roll Out Plan for all sufferers.

It’s hard to believe that a condition that affects so many women has never been given any funding towards research and awareness, but that changed today with 4.5 million being pledged to help find a cure and to change being misdiagnosed by a GP.

I remember 40 years ago my mums GP had to fly to the UK to find out what these giant brown balls were hanging from her ovaries . . . back then it could have been baby alien sacks for all they knew, they had no idea what they were dealing with.

20 years ago, the amount of Endometriosis Specialists started to really boom, choosing to dedicate their profession in understanding this condition.

5 years ago, we started to hear and see the word ENDOMETRIOSIS through mainstream media, the stigma was starting to break down and sufferers weren’t feeling as alone or ashamed and most importantly the media and politicians were honest in not understanding the condition and didn’t realise it affected so many of us. We even received an apology. We are now in a stronger position than ever before to hopefully find a cure for the next generation.

Today is a great day for Endo Sisters. We were heard. Action is on the way. July 26^th 2018 is a day to remember.

So, for the past week I have been able to monitor my sleep patterns and it’s so fascinating to see the pattern. I’ve been able to play with my new toy the Fitbit Versa and it not only tracks your sleep patterns but your lady cycle too, exercise, health EVERYTHING.

After night one I was surprised to wake up to the report that over a 12-hour course of sleep (it was Saturday, Saturday is my don’t set an alarm day) I had only covered 9 hours of actual sleep the rest was time spent awake or restless, and of the 9 hours only 4 hours was deep sleep and the other 5 light sleep. I woke up 13 times through-out the night and spent a total of 1.5hrs completely awake just lying there.

I had no idea that my sleep pattern was like that and the other fascinating fact that I’ve discovered is how many steps I actually do in a day. They say that 10,000 steps per day is the daily target to hit but to achieve that can seem unrealistic without actually trying . . . or is it? You really can underestimate how far you walk each day.

Yesterday for example, between 4am and 12pm at work I had gone to the toilet at least 15 times (I drink a lot of water) and the toilet is at least 100 steps there and back each time which means I hit 1000 steps just by going to the toilet. That’s just the toilet, by the time I had finished an 8hr shift at work I had done 3600 steps. I then walked my dog for 20mins and gained another 2000 steps and then I went shopping for 2hrs and by 3pm my wrist started vibrating and showcasing balloons and streamers . . . 

I’d hit 10,000 steps but I didn’t feel like I had to sweat my ass off to do it.

Let the Fitbit Versa motivate you further, once you incorporate it into your daily routine you will realise how active you are, you’ll get a better understanding for your health and sleeping patterns too. Not to mention the new look is sexy, it’s like wearing a cool watch that matches every outfit you don’t need to take it off (unless you shower or get a spray tan) 

I can even read my text messages on it and play my favourite music as I’m falling asleep.

Our health is important, and I don’t put enough focus on it, I can get lazy . . . but if I’m tracking it I have more control and more motivation.

We spend a lot of time chatting on the phone and I have no problem there, all is fine but when it comes to meeting face to face I have this wave of nervy clumsiness come over me which is why this guy is different to the others because this isn’t a common side effect for me.

We had planned to meet at his apartment and go in the one car to a café, he gave me instructions and said to find the visitor carpark when I got to the top. Oh god I’m still cringing when I think about what happened next . . . . I think I cringe more when I think about how much he was cringing.

So, I got to the top and couldn’t see a park I looked further up and saw a car driving out of a second carpark so I thought I’d go up there and try my luck.

I let the van pass through and then immediately drove through to this carpark  . . . BANG . . .

Turns out the carpark had a Boom Gate . . . A Boom Gate that I just drove straight through. OMG. Instant embarrassment and my first reaction wasn’t to check the car to access the damage it was to look around to make sure he didn’t see it happen . . . I look behind me through the back and I can’t see him, through the left and front window phew can’t see him . . .  KNOCK KNOCK . . . FML he is standing at my driver’s door shaking his head in disbelief. I laugh a lot. He does not.

Now is that a warning sign that this isn’t going to work because he didn’t laugh as hysterically as I did? Surely that’s going to be one of those memorable moments down the track? . . . ‘Hey babe, remember that time I drove through your Boom Gate on our first date how funny was that?’ and he be like ‘Remember that time I didn’t go through your “Boom Gate” because we didn’t make it to our second date’  . . . time will tell how this pans out but until then I’ll keep being the imperfect, passionate and nervy clumsy person that I am.

If you embarrass yourself on a date just stay true to yourself . . . laugh that shit off and own it.

I created Troll Free Day to raise awareness for cyber-bullying 4 years ago because once you’ve had a 10-year-old child look you in the eye and say they want to die . . . You can’t sit back and do nothing. 

That innocent little girl honestly believes that death is the better option than life . . . Now imagine if that was your child.

Over the past few months there has been a spike in the media coverage surrounding cyber-bullying after the nation was left distraught over the death of 14-year-old Dolly Everett, it’s tragic beyond words when a child feels that is the best option for them. But sadly, there are other young people like Dolly and there will be more, so what are we going to do about it?

Let’s be mindful too that it’s not one single factor that causes someone to suicide . . . it’s not one mean message . . . it’s the mental health issues that arise from the bullying and the constant negativity and abuse being hurled at you. I was a healthy and well-functioning 30-year-old when mine and other lives were ripped apart by the 2012 ‘Royal Prank Phone Call’ but what progressed from that was major depression and when you are feeling that low and someone tells you ‘To go kill yourself’ you start to believe it.

We are facing an epidemic and it’s time for action.

As adults we need to set a better example. It’s time to remind people that WORDS DO HURT. If you are watching your favourite reality TV show and you think someone on that show has done the wrong thing and is a horrible person . . . what gives you the right to abuse them? You need to know the difference between having an opinion and being abusive. But you think that person deserves it so it’s ok to call them a slut? Well how about you think about the child that just saw what you wrote and now thinks it’s appropriate to write that to someone in their class.

We all need to play our role in helping fix the epidemic that is Cyber-Bullying because it only gets worse from here. I won’t let a 10-year-old take their own life on my watch. What about you? Please help spread the word. Listen to the www.trollfreeday.com.au radio special and start the conversation. Download a meme from the site to remind people to be kind.

 
Just the other day Kirsty rang through on my 96.5 Wave FM breakfast radio show to share her love story. She has been with her partner for 10 years and they have beautiful 5-year-old twin girls. Apparently, it wasn’t easy bringing those little cutie pies into the world though, it was 3 tough years of IVF and they lost count at $115,000 in IVF Bills but when you are determined to be parents you’ll do whatever it takes.
It was worth it in the end because Kirsty explained to us that her children are so loved and wanted and even on their worst days they’re still the best days of their lives.

This was a solid family unit, something I’ve always wanted.

Yes, they might occasionally argue over bills and not spending enough time together but that’s normal in a relationship, isn’t it?
You know what’s not normal? For both Kirsty and Paul? . . . That they can’t get married. They are in same sex relationships and even though their relationships are like everyone else’s we as a Country don’t acknowledge that. Yet I’m allowed to marry a man and get divorced within 16 months? Why am I so special? My relationship didn’t even come close to the love and strength of theirs.

 
For Kirsty, this is bigger than just being allowed to marry her partner. Her twin girls are about to start school . . . just as these campaigns start to be heard. Her children are going to have to defend their family unity and to sadly be told by some other children or parents that having two mums isn’t normal. Having two loving mums or dads is frowned upon but a Single parent whose partner has walked out and left them stranded is deemed socially acceptable?

A single parent is incredibly capable of raising happy and healthy children without the opposite sex parent there . . . so why can’t same sex relationships do the same?