Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
Why is wearing a sports bra important?
Like a running shoe, a sports bra is a technical piece of sporting equipment. In fact, women should not be playing sport or exercising vigorously without a properly fitted sports bra.
Only Berlei Sports Bras are tested, used and approved by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Research conducted by the AIS has revealed that during high-impact exercise, an unsupported 12B bust can bounce up to 8cm and a 16DD bust, up to 19cm. A supportive sports bra is essential to maintaining healthy breasts as reducing breast bounce minimises damage to the soft tissue that gives breasts shape, also known as Cooper's Ligaments.
Berlei and the AIS
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is Australia's premier sports training institute, with an international reputation as the world's best practice model for high performance athlete development.
Over the past decade, the AIS has been working with Berlei on numerous research projects on women and sport, recently focussing on the testing of Berlei’s new bra designs.
The Berlei Sports Bra Support Factor rating
Based on AIS standards, Berlei has developed a Support Factor rating system for sports bras, helping women choose the right bra for their sporting needs.
Support Factor 2
Ideal for medium-impact activities such as jogging, softball and cycling. SF2 sports bras can reduce breast bounce by 45-50 per cent.
Support Factor 3
Ideal for high-impact activities such as running, netball and soccer. SF3 sports bras can reduce breast bounce by over 50 per cent.
Support Factor 4
Ideal for extreme impact activities such as long-distance running, kick-boxing and athletics. SF4 sports bras can reduce breast bounce by up to 60 per cent.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
Since 1998, Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has been working to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, receive the very best information, treatment and support possible, no matter who they are or where they come from.
BCNA is a network consisting of more than 60,000 individual members, and over 290 Member Groups. Membership is primarily made up of breast cancer survivors (over 90 per cent) and those who have personally experienced breast cancer through a family member or friend.
Berlei has been a proud partner of BCNA’s work since 2004, and collaborates with BCNA to offer comfort and support to those affected by breast cancer in several ways:
My Care Kit
There are many challenges that women recently diagnosed with breast cancer face. To make the journey a little easier, Berlei offers a complimentary My Care Kit, which contains a post-surgery bra and soft forms for women following surgery.
Specifically designed for the post-surgery period of 7 to 12 weeks, this bra features soft seams and linings to avoid pressure, extra expansion to accommodate swelling, front and back opening and a soft form insert that can be modified for size.
The fabric is chosen for its softness, and special attention given to the placement and sewing of seams. Pockets are included to hold the soft form in place and, as there is no wiring, it can be worn during radiation treatment.
You can order your My Care Kit through health care professionals and if you need assistance, please contact BCNA at 1800 500 258.
Here’s what women and health professionals think of the My Care Kit:
I write with sincere thanks and appreciation of the bra which you sent me following my surgery. I never thought putting on a bra again would be with such enthusiasm - thank you Berlei. You never realise what a life changing experience breast cancer is until it touches you personally and I am amazed at the help and support available. Thanks.
– Dawn
Thank you Berlei and BCNA so much for the bra you sent me. I can't imagine what it would have been like without it. It has made such a difference to my recovery and I can't thank you enough. - Enid
BCNA are a wonderful service to women and make our job so much easier with the resources that you provide. I would appreciate you passing on my thanks on to Berlei for the donated bra. The service is truly wonderful! – Kathryn, Breast Care Nurse
We (the breast care nurses) think the My Care Kit program is fantastic and are very grateful for the work that Berlei do. – Clare, Breast Care Nurse
Fund-raising Support
$5 from the sale of every post-surgery bra, and specially marked bras during October, is donated to BCNA. To date, Berlei has collected over $360,000 from this initiative.
Berlei Bra Recycle program
The Berlei Bra Recycle program invites Australian women to donate their unwanted bras to women in developing nations, where bras are often costly for them. Moreover, Berlei makes a donation to BCNA for every bra recycled.
In October 2010, Berlei successfully launched the inaugural Berlei Bra Recycle program and collected 2.3 tonnes of pre-loved bras.
Be Breast Aware
It's extremely important to check your breasts regularly for any changes. For tips on how to be 'breast aware', visit the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) website today.
For more information on the work of BCNA, visit their website today.