Karen Giblin and colleagues at 2017 NAMS Annual Meeting
Lisa Chism, DNP; Dr. Faye Robyn; Karen Giblin; and Diane Pace, PhD at NAMS annual meeting
Dr. Afarin Greight and Karen Giblin at The North American Menopause Society in Philadelphia
The post Pictures from NAMS 2017 Annual Meeting appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
The Red Hot Mamas is excited to announce that we have been chosen by Medical News Today’s 10 best menopause blogs! We have been cited as a useful source of advice, tips, and anecdotes from healthcare professionals and women who are in the midst of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. To see the entire list please visit Medical News Today.
The post The Red Hot Mamas named “10 Best Menopause Blogs” by Medical News Today appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Our friends over at Healthywomen.org have recently launched a campaign that provides detailed information on Parkinson’s disease (PD) psychosis. PD, which is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that affects nearly 1 million people in the United States, can cause hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms of PD psychosis occur in about 50 percent of people with PD at some point during their illness.
We would like to share the following information from their campaign.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis
Medically reviewed by Karen Elta Anderson, MD, Neuropsychiatrist, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
Imagine learning to care for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that affects nearly one million people in the United States. He may move slowly or is rigid, lose his balance easily or shake uncontrollably while resting, which are common symptoms of PD.
But then other symptoms begin to occur. He starts asking why the kids are in the car, but your kids have grown up and moved away. Or he thinks someone is watching him. And, of course, no one is there.
Hallucinations and delusions like these are symptoms of Parkinson’s disease psychosis, which occurs in about 50 percent of people with PD at some point during their illness.
Sometimes described as “tricks” played by the brain, hallucinations can cause a person to see, hear, feel, smell or even taste something that isn’t real. A person with hallucinations may say they see people or animals that aren’t there. As their hallucinations become more frequent, they may not be able to tell what’s real and what’s imagined and may react to things that aren’t real.
Delusions occur less frequently than hallucinations and are generally more difficult to treat. Delusions are fixed, false beliefs not supported by evidence and often have paranoid themes. A common delusion that occurs in people with Parkinson’s is that their partner is having an affair, even if they have been married for decades and their spouse is with them nearly all of the time.
When a loved one is experiencing hallucinations and delusions, it can add more frustration to the already challenging physical limitations of Parkinson’s. Research has found that hallucinations and delusions can lead to increased distress, greater responsibility for caregivers, and even nursing home placement.
Yet, as difficult and distressing as these hallucinations and delusions may be, only about 10 percent to 20 percent of patients who have hallucinations or delusions associated with PD proactively report the symptoms to their health care providers.
That may be because they don’t understand that these symptoms are associated with PD or are embarrassed to report that they are experiencing visions and false beliefs. Sometimes these “invisible” symptoms can cause more problems than the motor issues-especially if people with Parkinson’s don’t seek help.
Hallucinations and delusions usually appear later in the disease’s progression and often catch caregivers by surprise if they and the doctor are focused on motor symptoms, which are easier to identify.
Causes of Parkinson disease psychosis
The cause of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s is not clearly understood. The drugs commonly used to treat PD, which raise dopamine levels to improve motor control, can cause physical and chemical changes in the brain that may lead to hallucinations and delusions. In addition, the natural progression of Parkinson’s disease may cause brain changes that trigger symptoms.
Treatment for Parkinson’s disease psychosis
A health care provider can help to identify hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s, monitor signs that symptoms may be progressing, and offer ways to help manage any related challenges.
The first step is for the physician to confirm that the hallucinations and delusions are caused by Parkinson’s disease by eliminating other possible causes. Once the diagnosis is made, the health care provider will decide how to treat the symptoms. Treatment may involve adjusting or switching PD medications. Antipsychotic medications also may be used, including an FDA-approved treatment option specifically for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease that may be appropriate for some people.
For more information about Parkinson’s disease and its non-motor symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, visit www.parkinson.org.
The post Understanding Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Having a healthy diet is not only intended for you to lose weight. Accordingly, weight gain is not the only indicator of a bad diet. Although there are quite a few effective and great weight loss plans and healthy diets today, a lot of people unknowingly utilize diets that are bad for their health.
So, how would you know that your diet is doing no good for you? Again, gaining calories and weight is not the only sign that you are doing a bad diet. The human body expresses a lot of reactions that clearly show you need to change your diet.
Here are some of the most apparent warning signs that indicate you need to change your diet now:
You’re Fatigued
Living a healthy lifestyle is not tiring, Yes, it may entail effort, time, and a few sweat, but it won’t let you feel fatigued and stressed almost all the time. If you are feeling tired and restless most of the time while you are on your diet, it means that you are not getting enough energy.
Now, if you are not getting the right amount of energy, it only goes to show that you are not eating the right foods. Hence, you are only missing the most important and essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly.
You’re Constipated
Another warning sign that your diet is not good for your body is when you feel constipated always. There is a possibility that you are missing a lot of fibers from your food. Eating fiber-rich foods such as oats and fruits will help you have a better bowel movement.
Also, constipation means you are not getting enough liquids and water. Missing these is largely an indicator of a bad diet.
Constant Hunger
While you are determined and ready to go full blast on your diet, there is a large chance you will end up eating a whole plate of burger and bag of chips in the middle of the night. Yes, the right mindset is there but is your diet the right one for you?
Many people fail their fitness goals and diet plans due to the diet itself. If you are not eating the right foods, your brain will send signals to your system that you need to give what it needs to function properly.
This table will show you the bad and good foods that you need.
|
Bad |
Good |
|
Buttered |
Fresh |
|
Fried |
Baked |
|
Creamy |
Roasted |
|
Thick |
Steamed |
|
Glazed |
Broiled |
|
Breaded |
Grilled |
Depressed or Angry
It is a common knowledge already that fitness routines and exercises are largely beneficial in aiding and fighting depression or anxiety. These activities release the happy hormones that are enough to fight depression and negativities. Therefore, if you still feel depressed and stressed even on a diet, it only means that you are not doing it right.
In addition, people who usually suffer from depression and anxiety are those who have hormonal imbalances. These imbalances normally are seen from people who have unhealthy habits and diets.
You Can’t Sleep At Night – Even Though You’re Tired
In parallel to depression and anxiety, these negativities are usually the causes of your restlessness at wee hours even you know and feel tired the whole day. This is a very stressful situation for most people. Essentially, people who do their exercises and diet routines properly always attain a good night sleep. This is basically the reason why people who suffer from insomnia are always advised to go on a proper and balanced diet because it helps alleviate insomniac symptoms and problems.
You Feel Overly Full, Bloated, or Even Sick After A Meal
There are those times that you feel very bloated and full after eating a certain meal. And while you think you just ate a few bites of these foods, feeling these sensations are indications that something is wrong. The truth is when you feel these things after a certain meal, it only tells you that you are stuffing your system with the wrong types of food. Hence, you might want to check again your plans and lists of foods to eat.
Only a few would be bothered if they feel these kinds of things on a daily basis. Sadly, people often neglect these symptoms and warning signs. But, it is important for you to listen to what your body tells you.
A simple negative sign from your body indicates that there is something wrong. It is better to recheck and recap with what you are apparently doing on your diet. This may save you a lot of time and effort. And help you achieve your healthiest self.
Michael is a writer who loves to write an article on various health & fitness topics. He believes workout is very important as it helps to boost our metabolism & improve our health. In his writings, he also suggests people how to follow your diet plans & stay healthy.
The post 6 Warning Signs You Need to Change Your Diet appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Am I the only one who feels a bit overwhelmed during the holiday season? The shopping, the eating, the cookie making, the endless parties and the decorations (which have taken over my house). Do not get me wrong, I love the holiday season but feel that the pace of it all is a little bit faster than I prefer. I need to constantly remind myself to slow down, enjoy the moment, and breathe.
As a mother of two teenage daughters, who love the holiday season, I am thrust into continuing all of the traditions. I continue with the shopping, baking, and decorating for them. I want them to have all of the positive memories that I had during the holidays growing up and have a new-found appreciation of what my parents did during the holidays to make it so special for me.
I personally do not enjoy fighting for parking spots at the mall, bringing in the clutter of the decorations, and breaking my budget buying gifts. It takes a bit of work to get the “Scrooge” out of me and to enjoy all that this wonderful season has to offer.
I have learned a few things to keep me grounded during the holiday season.
Be Good to Yourself
Try and keep the holiday simple and be good to yourself. Many people, including me, find themselves overwhelmed during the holidays because schedules go out the window. It is extremely important to pace one self and not overdo it. Try to maintain a schedule for yourself by prioritizing which holiday events to attend. If you are planning the holiday event, keep it simple, for example make one or two types of cookies instead of twelve. Even better, ask your guests to bring something to contribute to the festivities. If you are attending parties, try not to overindulge in fatty foods and sugars as these items have been associated with an increase in depression. If possible, try to keep your exercise routine and spend plenty of time outdoors. Some experts believe that seasonal affect disorder, which is caused by lack of sunlight causing the reduction of the number of endorphins distributed to the brain, can contribute to the winter blues. If you are alone this holiday season, try to reach out to someone else in need. There are many hospitals, food pantries, and local organizations looking for people to volunteer their time. In addition, it may make you feel better to positively influence or help someone during this season.
Be Good to Your Wallet
Shopping can be very stressful. Make a list of the people you need to purchase for, set a budget, and stick to it. Keep your costs down as we all need to remember that in this season of giving it could cause financial hardships for some. Many people agree it is the thought or gesture of kindness that really matters and not the amount of money one spends on gifts. Shopping through catalogs or online could also be helpful to avoid the chaos of shopping malls. If you do plan to spend the day shopping bring a healthy lunch or dinner as we all know the quick mall food isn’t going to benefit your well-being.
Be Realistic
During the holiday season, many people find themselves out of their normal life routines. They may make unrealistic goals for themselves thus setting themselves up for failure. One may look at the overall state of their life over the past year and become depressed at all that was not accomplished. Be real. Start with a simple plan and stick to it. Begin with small steps in order to obtain your larger goals. A little accomplishment may go a long way by giving you the ambition to go even farther. Positive thoughts may help to bring positive outcomes.
Be Kind
Some people, such as the elderly, widowers, divorcees and military personnel, feel a real sense of loss during this time period as they get lost in the shuffle. They are now guests at events in which they used to host. They miss the loved ones that may not be around now and depression may be present due to this. If you are this person, remind yourself that it is normal to feel sadness and it is okay to cry. Try to remember your loved ones and the special memories you may hold. Share these memories with others if possible. If you are the younger generation, try to be sensitive to these people during this time and try to include them by making new memories with them. Make them feel sincerely needed and welcome. If possible start new traditions for yourself.
In closing, I am going to try to follow my own advice as I enjoy the delicious smell of hot apple cider, fresh fir trees, cookies and cakes baking in the oven. I am going to enjoy the wonderful colors that the holiday brings with the backdrop of snow glistening in the cool, brisk air. I will look forward to family gatherings, new traditions, and being in control of making my own joyful memories of this holiday season. The reindeer frolicking in the snow, the laughter of children anticipating Santa Claus or the presents of Hanukkah. So as I continue on to 2018 I will keep all of these tips in mind that I need to be good to myself, be good to my pocketbook, be realistic, and be kind. Have a happy, healthy holiday and a wonderful new year.
Cynthia Niles is the daughter of Karen Giblin and resides in Charlestown, RI.
The post How to Survive the Holiday Season appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
The holidays make up a month-and-a-half long season of celebrations and parties. If you are considering hosting one of these holiday get-togethers, ensure that you have created a safe and welcoming space for all the attendees.Think of the people who get left out of the holidays and making them comfortable at your social gatherings- whether they are thrown at your home or place of business.
Fun in the Workplace
If you have found yourself in charge of planning the holiday party for your workplace, there are many aspects to consider to successfully throw an all-inclusive party. The norm is to provide an array of different alcoholic beverages to inspire co-workers to “loosen up” around each other. For those who struggle with alcoholism and addiction issues, the holidays can be a particularly trying time to maintain sobriety.
This doesn’t necessarily mean having a dry (alcohol-free) event but instead steering towards not having an alcohol-centric party. Attempt to add more depth to your party than the standard drink-and-mingle scenarios. Organize games, a gift exchange or put together a contest that appeals to your group. The end of the year is a great time to have an awards ceremony and recognize the outstanding team members that you work with. An added benefit to moving away from an alcohol-fueled celebration is that there will be less gossip in the break room when you all go back to work after the holidays.
Holiday Feasting
An essential part in keeping with holiday traditions is copious amounts of food. Decadent treats, cakes, pies and hearty meals are what many of us look forward to as the weather turns cold and the decorations go up. If you are thinking about initiating a bake-off at work or having guests to your home for a holiday meal, it is important to recognize the rising number of food allergies.
Before going out of your way to prepare a beautiful meal or dessert to share, inquire if the participants have any dietary restrictions that need to be considered. If one person has a food allergy in the office or at the dinner table, perhaps make it a stipulation that any contributions to the potluck or bake-off must be made with those restrictions in mind.
Sharing a meal or food with the people closest to you is a long-time tradition — food brings people together. In order to create an inclusive space, make sure that there is something for everyone. Those with food allergies or who choose a particular diet grow accustomed to just refraining from partaking and not speaking up. To ensure that no one goes hungry at the next get-together, get the conversation going about how to best include everyone at the table.
Santa’s Elves
To allow children or not to allow children to your holiday get together? This has been a point of contention for many different groupings of people. If it is a workplace party, it is the most considerate option to invite employees to bring their children and leave it to the parent’s discretion. As a holiday gift, you could offer your employees complimentary babysitting services to allow for them to enjoy their evening without having to supervise their kids. If you are hosting a party in your own home, create a “kid zone” with coloring sheets, crafts and games to play to keep them occupied while the adults socialize.
Leaving children out of the holiday celebrations can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety in children, especially in children of recently divorced homes. While those that do not have children may see them as a burden, perhaps they can be convinced otherwise by attending a party full of children’s laughter. Having kids present during holiday festivities allows for us to be reminded of the fantastical world of Santa and his elves. Of course, it is the host’s decision whether or not to welcome the presence of children, but holidays are supposed to be about joy and inclusive happiness for all — not just adults.
This holiday season, open your heart and home to others while being considerate of their needs and backgrounds. Spread the holiday cheer by being a thoughtful host and creating a comfortable space for everyone to eat, drink and be merry within.
Brooke Faulkner is a mother of two and animal lover from Portland, Oregon.
The post Creating a Welcoming Holiday Space for People of All Walks of Life appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
We’d like to share some very interesting and important information from the NE Journal of Medicine.
Source://https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2668205
By Amy Orciari Herman
Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD, and Richard Saitz, MD, MPH, FACP, DFASAM
Transdermal estrogen combined with oral progesterone lowers the risk for depression in perimenopausal women, suggests a small trial in JAMA Psychiatry.
Some 170 nondepressed perimenopausal or early-postmenopausal women were randomized to receive transdermal estradiol (0.1 mg/day) or matching placebo for 12 months; oral micronized progesterone (or matching placebo) was also given for 12 days every 3 months.
Hormone recipients were significantly less likely than placebo recipients to develop clinically significant depressive symptoms (17% vs. 32%). This benefit seemed limited to women in early perimenopause. Additionally, the benefits were greater among women who had recently experienced stressful life events. Hormone recipients had more spotting, heavy bleeding, and prolonged bleeding than did placebo recipients.
The researchers say that if larger studies confirm their results, providers “may consider” such treatment to help prevent depressive symptoms in this patient population. Editorialists, meanwhile, call the results “provocative” but caution that they don’t support a change in current hormone therapy guidelines.
JAMA Psychiatry article (Free)
JAMA Psychiatry editorial (Free)
Background: NEJM Journal Watch Women’s Health coverage of USPSTF guidelines on hormone therapy (Free)
Background: NEJM Journal Watch Women’s Health coverage of NAMS guidelines on hormone therapy (Free)
The post Hormone Therapy Appears to Reduce Depression Risk in Perimenopausal Women appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. This damage is often a result of an abnormally high amount of pressure in the eye. At first, glaucoma affects peripheral vision, and then becomes more widespread.
It’s one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S., and can occur at any age, though it’s more common among adults over the age of 40 years. The most common type of glaucoma generally has no warning signs. It only develops gradually, and you might not even notice any change in your vision until it reaches an advanced stage.
Unfortunately, the vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be recovered. It’s therefore important to go for regular eye checkups that include measuring your eye’s pressure. When glaucoma is recognized early enough, vision loss can be prevented or slowed down. And if you develop the condition, it’s highly likely that you’ll require treatments for the rest of your life.
Types of Glaucoma
Most cases of glaucoma occur in 4 forms:
What are the Dangers of Glaucoma?
Since chronic glaucoma can destroy your vision even before the signs and symptoms become apparent, it’s good to be aware of the risk factors. Here are the common risk factors for glaucoma:
Preventing Glaucoma
While you might not be able to prevent glaucoma 100%, there are certain steps you can take to help you detect is early enough, slow its progress, and limit any vision loss.
Going for regular eye checkups: when comprehensive eye exams are conducted regularly, they can effectively detect glaucoma in its early stages before any irreversible damage occurs. As a rule of thumb, it’s good to go for a comprehensive eye exam every four years, starting at age 40 onwards, and every two years once you hit 65 years. If you’re at a high risk of developing glaucoma, you may need more frequent screening. So, ask your doctor to recommend a convenient screening schedule for you.
Exercise safely: moderate and regular exercising can help to prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. If you’re at risk, consult your doctor for an appropriate exercise regimen.
Know the eye health history of your family: glaucoma generally tends to affect people in families. So, if you’re at an increased risk, you should make arrangements for more frequent eye examinations.
Taking glaucoma eyedrops as prescribed: taking glaucoma eyedrops can significantly lower the risk of high pressure in the eye progressing into glaucoma. For the eyedrops to be effective, they need to be used as regularly ass prescribed by the doctor, even when there are no symptoms.
Wearing eye protection: as we mentioned earlier, serious eye injuries can cause glaucoma. Wearing eye protection when performing activities such as playing high-speed racket sports or using power tools can help protect your eyes from severe injury in case of an accident.
Author’s Bio-
Meredith Rogers is a Registered Nurse and health writer that has witnessed many devastating stories that result from Glaucoma. She is a writer and editor at GeriatricNursing.org is determined to raise awareness about this horrible and secretive disease as a part of the Glaucoma Awareness Month.
The post Here Are The Risk Factors of Glaucoma and How To Prevent It appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Good Morning America/ ABC News Medical Unit reached out to the Red Hot Mamas looking for 5 volunteers who are currently in menopause or who have recently finished menopause and feel comfortable talking about their experience for a segment for their show. The date and time is TBD but ideally, they are looking for woman in the NYC area. If you fit this description and may be available please email the Red Hot Mamas at kgiblin@redhotmamas.org and we will forward your information to the appropriate people.
The post Looking for Women in the NYC Area to Be on Good Morning America appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause blindness. Over 3 million Americans have glaucoma. It is often called
“the sneak thief of sight” since many people are unaware that glaucoma has few symptoms or warning signs in its early stages.
It is more common in women than in men and it also may run in the family.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. It can steal sight without any warning.
Are You at Risk For Glaucoma?
Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages. So, everyone is at risk for glaucoma.
There are certain groups than others that are at higher risk. It’s important if you are at high risk to become aware of early symptoms, increase early diagnosis, and start treatment to preserve vision.
People at high risk for glaucoma should get a complete eye exam, including eye dilation, every one or two years.
The following are groups at higher risk for developing glaucoma.
African Americans
After cataracts, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African Americans and people of African descent. Glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than in Caucasians.
People Over 60
Glaucoma is much more common among older people. You are six times more likely to get glaucoma if you are over 60 years old.
Family Members with Glaucoma
If members of your immediate family have glaucoma, you are at a much higher risk than the rest of the population. Family history increases risk of glaucoma four to nine times.
Hispanics in Older Age Groups
Recent studies indicate that the risk for Hispanic populations is greater than those of predominantly European ancestry, and that the risk increases among Hispanics over age 60.
Asians
People of Asian descent appear to be at increased risk for angle-closure glaucoma. Angle-closure glaucoma accounts for less than 10% of all diagnosed cases of glaucoma. People of Japanese descent are at higher risk for normal-tension glaucoma.
Steroid Users
Some evidence links steroid use to glaucoma.
Eye Injury
Injury to the eye may cause secondary open-angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma can occur immediately after the injury or years later.
Blunt injuries that “bruise” the eye (called blunt trauma) or injuries that penetrate the eye can damage the eye’s drainage system, leading to traumatic glaucoma.
The most common cause is sports-related injuries such as baseball or boxing.
Other Risk Factors
Other possible risk factors include:
Glaucoma TreatmentsThere is no cure for glaucoma-yet. However, medication or surgery can delay or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease. That’s why early diagnosis is very important.Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of any of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma
The post January is Glaucoma Awareness Month appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
When approaching the new year, many of us want to create a new image for ourselves. Some get a new haircut, buy a new pair of shoes, or have an entire makeover.
What if you don’t have the time or the money to have an overall makeover? Does that mean you can’t create a better version of yourself? Upgrading your style does not require too much of your time or maxing out your credit cards. Simply follow these tips to a new and more beautiful you, without spending hardly any money:
Part Your Hair on the Other Side
Do you want to have a new look but too busy to go to the salon? A simple trick of parting your hair the opposite side that you usually do will instantly give you the new look that you desire.
If you’ve been parting your hair on the left side, try parting it on the right this time. Parting your hair correctly will give you the volume and life that you want your hair to have. You can even turn to Pinterest for some hair inspiration. You can test out new hairstyles during your free time.
Use Accessories to Your Advantage
If one of your New Year’s resolution is to amp up your style, you should start by using the right accessories to your advantage. The good thing about accessories is that it can instantly complete your look and give you a new makeover without having to spend too much money. Invest in pieces that are classic and timeless, such as a leather clutch bag, or a nice statement necklace.
Wear Red Lipstick
Red lipstick instantly turns you from ordinary to glamorous. Even if you’re just wearing a plain white t-shirt and an old pair of jeans, you’d instantly look chic and classy with a red lipstick.
If you’re a newbie in the red lipstick department, and scared of which hue to choose, go for reds that are blue-based. This hue typically compliments many skin tones and makes your teeth look whiter. Buying a red lipstick is like buying jewelry, select one that you instantly fall in love with.
Modernize your Manicure
Though it only occupies a small portion of you, your manicure can say a lot about you. If you want to look chic and classy, have a nice manicure with great nail polish. You can never go wrong with oval-shaped tips painted with pale pink polish.
To increase your style, it may be time to up your manicure game a bit. Choose warm brown-beige colors to instantly give your nails the best they deserve.
Get a Salon Blowout at Home
Velcro rollers, the ones used decades ago, are now trending again. If you want to get a professional blowout but don’t want to spend the money on it, use this classic styling tool.
They’re also perfect for giving your hair extra volume on days that you don’t wash it. Use a little hairspray, divide your hair into 8 sections and roll your hair under. You can simply improve your hairstyle at home without stepping foot in a salon.
Rediscover Pointy Toed Shoes
Pointy toed shoes are now re-emerging back to the fashion world. Many women are falling in love with these pairs of shoes, since it instantly makes them feel more womanly and classic. It also elongates their legs and compliments almost all body types.
To perfectly create an elongated physique, pair them with a sleek pencil skirt or wide-leg pants. If you want to buy a new pair, consider getting ones that are half size larger than your actual size. This way, you can wear them comfortably without pinching your toes.
Of course, don’t completely say goodbye to a good pair of sneakers or classic shoes. There are plenty of brands that offer cute and fashionable shoes.
Have Glowing Skin
You don’t need a whole skin care regimen to have youthful glowing skin. A good foundation can do this for you. Use a good sponge or beauty blender to create a perfect finish. One that perfectly blends the color and gives an illusion of a perfect complexion.
Want to achieve the red-carpet radiance of your favorite Hollywood actress? You can add two drops of skin luminizer to your foundation and instantly make your skin look young and fresh.
Overhaul Your Closet
If you’re always complaining that you spend 20 minutes searching for an outfit for the day, it’s time to make an appointment for a closet make-over. Examine every piece of clothing, accessories, shoes, and bags. Get rid of those that you haven’t used for quite a long time, chances are you’ll never use them again.
You can either donate some of them to charity or sell them on eBay. You’re hitting two birds with one stone here, you’ll get a clean and organized closet, plus you’ll be able to earn money by selling your used items.
You can use the money earned to update your closet with new items that are currently on trend or items that are timeless. For example, consider buying a new pair of adidas sneakers. They are casual, and can be worn with mostly any outfit.
Turn Your Style Up
An overall professional make-over is good if you have the time and resources. You don’t need to spend too much money, or hire a professional stylist to upgrade your style. By following these simple steps above, you’ll face the new year with a more stylish and confident version of yourself.
The post Simple Ways That Women Can Instantly Improve Their Style appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
You might snicker even at the thought, but believe it or not, your menopause could be the door to creative inspiration, a time of productivity and new interests. How? Well, as the changes your body is going through are exasperating, to say the least, your search for relief from the endlessly exhausting symptoms might just bring you to a pot of gold. And this pot of gold for a menopausal woman, we find, could be gardening.
Why gardening?
Organic gardening is one of the best stress-relieving activities out there, as you create your own little peaceful haven and get lost in it every day, tending to your plants and not thinking about the changes your body is going through. On top of that, you’ll be doing some hard work and building up the sweat: digging, mowing, weeding, planting, bending over to pick up debris, etc. The activities that gardening entails count as the legitimate exercise that can burn between 250 and 400 calories per hour. Your body will thank you for that, as studies have shown that women who exercise daily suffer far fewer severe hot flashes.
Being physically active in a tranquil environment will positively affect your body’s levels of serotonin and endorphins and elevate your mood. All the while, you’ll be growing your own vegetables and ensuring you have organic, fresh produce on the table. Aside from eating healthfully, this is the part where a sense of pride and fulfilment kicks in: You’ve done it; you planted that and cared for it, and now it’s grown and healthy.
So roll up your sleeves and get ready for some liberating mud on your hands. You know the importance of adequate diet during menopause, so we’ve singled out some the healthiest vegetables just to get you started.
Broccoli
This is one of the most important vegetables to consume during menopause, as it is extremely high in fiber and calcium. You need fiber for good digestion, which is usually an issue during these changes, plus it helps you feel full longer, so you’re at a lower risk of menopausal weight gain. An ounce of broccoli has the amount of calcium as an ounce of milk, necessary for your bone health. Broccoli can germinate in soil with very low temperatures; the important thing is to have full sun and slightly acidic fertile soil. See the specifics of planting, growing and harvesting broccoli here.
Beans and legumes
Kidney beans, green beans, soybeans, peas, chickpeas, lentils – you name it, foods from the legume family are heaven-sent. They’re high in protein and dietary fiber, low in calories but packed with nutrients. They are important for heart health and they maintain blood sugar levels, and so the list goes on. They’re not difficult for gardening, and they require less fertilizer than other vegetables, but they do need a lot of water – about one inch of water weekly, so you’ll need to have a proper hose on hand frequently and do some thorough soaking of the soil.
Leafy greens
These vegetables are extremely important for sufficient intake of calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and a number of other things. Particularly during menopause, the omega-3 fats can stabilize mood and lower anxiety. So get ready to plant your kale, spinach, lettuce and swiss chards – these vegetables are shallow-rooted so they don’t demand particularly rich soil. The most important thing for them is plenty of sun and constant watering.
These are just some of the healthiest veggies to get you inspired and planting. Remember to start small to see how it works and what tempo suits you best. You can always expand later and eventually grow a very wide variety of nutritious fruits and veggies that can provide relief from the symptoms of menopause. Expect some discomfort in the beginning, because you will be sweating, after all, and it’s something new and different. But when you get frustrated, pull up a garden chair, sink into it while sipping on some cool lemonade and remind yourself that it’s better to be sweating here, in your comfy work clothes, than anywhere else. The most important thing is to take it easy, enjoy yourself and time spent in your garden will be truly meditational. Plus, you’ll be basking in the sun and getting that much-needed vitamin D.
Author Bio:
Lena is blogger inspired by woman power, and she enjoys reading books about historically important women from all over the world. She believes in constant progress and she is always trying to learn something new. Right now she is learning about healthy diets and web design at the same time. When she is offline, she enjoys spending time in her backyard with her friends and her dog.
The post Plant Your Health: The Hobby That Will Make You Happier appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
The risk of developing age-related kyphosis declines with hormone therapy, which has been proven to reverse bone loss and to help prevent vertebral fractures
CLEVELAND, Ohio (February 21, 2018)—The Women’s Health Initiative found that hormone therapy (HT) use was associated with a reduction in vertebral fracture risk. A new study shows these same benefits may also guard against a woman’s risk of developing hyperkyphosis, an exaggerated curvature of the spine that creates a forward stooped posture. Study results are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
It is well documented that the significant declines in estrogen experienced during the menopause transition contribute to accelerated bone loss. Hormone therapy reverses bone loss and helps prevent fractures. During the first 3 years of HT use, bone density has been shown to increase steadily and then is maintained during continued use. Given that hyperkyphosis is also associated with bone loss and vertebral fractures, the authors of the article “Patterns of menopausal hormone therapy use and hyperkyphosis in older women” hypothesized that HT may also be effective in helping prevent exaggerated spine curvature, sometimes called dowager’s hump.
The study on which the article is based involved more than 9,700 women aged 65 years and older who were evaluated over a 15-year period. Women who reported continuous or remote past HT use had less pronounced kyphosis by the time they were in their mid-80s than never-users, supporting the argument for HT as a possible early postmenopause treatment for women concerned about their posture and fracture risk. Beyond its adverse aesthetic effects, hyperkyphosis is associated with poor physical function, an increased risk of falls and fractures, and earlier mortality.
“Women who reported early use of HT were less likely to develop age-related kyphosis, and the protective benefits continued even after stopping HT,” says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director. “This supports a benefit of prescribing HT close to menopause.”
For more information about menopause and healthy aging, visit www.menopause.org.
###
Founded in 1989, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) is North America’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of all women during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause and healthy aging. Its multidisciplinary membership of 2,000 leaders in the field—including clinical and basic science experts from medicine, nursing, sociology, psychology, nutrition, anthropology, epidemiology, pharmacy, and education—makes NAMS uniquely qualified to serve as the definitive resource for health professionals and the public for accurate, unbiased information about menopause and healthy aging. To learn more about NAMS, visit www.menopause.org.
Source: www.menopause.org
The post New Study Suggests Hormone Therapy Helps Reduce Curvature of the Spine appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
When it comes to vaginal health, women often have several thoughts running through their mind. However, they are either afraid to ask them aloud or rely on myths instead of facts, leading to a scary situation. That being said, it is important for every woman to take care of their vagina be it hygiene or knowing the do’s and don’ts as it can affect their overall health and well-being. If you to want to know about the essential ways to keep your lady parts being healthy, here are the crucial tips that will lead the way:
Let It Breathe
Do you often splurge on expensive innerwear that includes lace-trimmed, satin or silk panties? What about leather pants and skinny jeans and jeggings, which you wear for being fashion forward? If your answer is affirmative to both the questions, then ladies, you’re doing it wrong.
Occasionally, you can always spice up the things in bed with your fancy negligees or dress to impress your partner, but it is not something your vagina approves! This is because tight underwear and outfits will lead to a moist and warm environment that fosters the growth of bacteria and yeast. Surely, you don’t want your body to become a breeding ground for microbes!
With no airflow, you may experience itchiness as well, which leads to severe discomfort.
What you can do instead is switch to cotton panties or panties with cotton crotch. During bedtime, remove any innerwear for better ventilation. This will certainly help your cause.
Take Extra Care During Menstruation
When it is “that time of the month,” make it a point to take extra care of your vaginal hygiene.
Wearing pads for a longer duration or forgetting to change the tampon/leaving it inside your vagina overnight can lead to toxic shock.
Also, wearing panty liners and sanitary pads when the flow is less, can cause rashes in the area near the vagina.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you change the products every 4-6 hours. You can even switch to menstrual cups as an alternative.
Don’t Use Any Chemicals
Using any sort of scented soaps, body wash, deodorants, wet wipes and sprays in the vaginal area is a big NO. It also stands true for heavily scented pads and tampons. These products do more harm than good and may cause infections!
If your vagina smells, then find out the reason behind it instead of masking it with chemicals. Your physician or gynecologist will be the right person to turn to for getting an advice on this. Also, when you wash your innerwear, make sure that you use a mild detergent for the same.
Don’t Use Douche
One of the most common activities women carry out to clean their vaginal area is douching.
It the act of inserting water or other solutions in the vagina to wash it completely. However, this is unnecessary because the vagina automatically cleans itself. But douching hampers the acidic balance and therefore, the chances of irritation in the vagina increases. Moreover, it can also let the bacteria into the fallopian tubes. What you can do instead is wash outside the vulva with lukewarm water.
Know the Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infections occur when there is an increase in the yeast amount present in the vaginal area or due to the introduction of new yeast. One of the common telltale signs of yeast vaginitis or vaginal yeast infection is constant itching in the vaginal area. Apart from that, you can easily detect this when you constantly get a thick, whitish discharge, burning sensation, pain at the time of urination and pain while intercourse. As soon as you get these signs and symptoms, visit the nearest physician.
Say No To Surgery
Seek Counseling Before You Consider Elective Surgery for More Aesthetically Pleasing Private Parts Vaginoplasty, Labiaplasty and Laser Surgery may get all the attention in the world, but you can’t deny the fact that they come with their share of disadvantages.
There are better, safer and effective alternatives that you can always explore. A vaginal tightening stick, for instance, is a 100% herbal remedy that works magic and helps you retain a tight vagina for several days. It costs next to nothing and gives the results within minutes of applying.
Watch Your Hair Removal Methods
Ever got acne down there? Well, it is the result of infections you got from the wrong hair-removal methods such as shaving it with a razor. If you keep getting these razor burn acne, choose a better alternative such as lasering or waxing. However, when the condition persists, consider visiting the gynecologist to check for any underlying infection and start the treatment without any delay. No matter what happens, do not treat any acne in the pubic area all by yourself as this can aggravate it!
Check Vaginal Discharge
A normal discharge is clear, milky and has a subtle scent. This can change with the menstrual cycle as it’s a result of ovulation. If you find that your discharge has a distinct odor and has a different texture and smell, it’s time to visit a clinic.
Check for Signs of STD/STI
Whether or not you have multiple sex partners, you need to be aware of your body and what’s happening with it. This is with reference to Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections, which you can get from intercourse or even when your partner goes down on you. Hence, whenever you spot any abnormal sign and symptom in your vagina or pubic area, get yourself checked for STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections). It also helps when you and your partner exchange information about your sexual past and use protection every time you get physically intimate. Just remember, a stitch in time saves nine!
Understanding vaginal health taking the necessary steps is important for every woman. We hope that these tips helped you get a gist of how you too can keep your vagina healthy. If you’ve similar tips to add to the list, don’t forget to share them with us in the comments!
Author Bio:
Sandy Funches is a freelance writer who enjoys writing. Writing is of utmost importance to her as doing so helps her educate people by spreading her knowledge.
The post Important Vaginal Health Tips for Every Woman appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
FIBROIDS AFFECT AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN DISPROPORTIONATELY
Seventy to eighty percent of American women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50. For African-American women that becomes a staggering 90%. Even with an already high rate of occurrence, African-American women are two to three times more likely to have recurring fibroids or suffer from complications from them. A 2012 study by Harris Interactive featured on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website concluded:
“Multiple lines of evidence suggest that uterine fibroids have a disproportional effect on African-American women. African-American women have a higher cumulative risk of uterine fibroids, a threefold greater incidence and relative risk of fibroids, and an earlier age of onset…In addition, African-American women are 2.4 times more likely to undergo hysterectomy and have a 6.8-fold increase of undergoing uterine-sparing myomectomy. At the time of hysterectomy, African-American women have higher uterine weights, more fibroids, a higher likelihood of preoperative anemia, and more severe pelvic pain.”
Extensive research is still needed to understand why fibroids develop in the first place, why African-American women get them more frequently and with more severity than other races, and how they affect fertility.
FERTILITY UNDER THREAT: FIBROIDS & THEIR TREATMENT CAN DESTROY A WOMAN’S CHANCE OF HAVING A BABY
African-American women are also affected by fibroids on average more than 5 years earlier than other women. In today’s society, women often wait longer to have children, establish their careers, and create more stable environments to raise children before having them. In parallel, age becomes a challenge to fertility, and the increased risk of developing fibroids, or contending with fibroids that have been left to grow compounds fertility complications. Women can get pregnant in their 40s, but there are higher risks to both the mother and the baby, and the rates of success due to quality of a woman’s eggs diminishes exponentially after 35.
THE FACTS ABOUT FIBROIDS & PREGNANCY
African-American women are three times more at risk of pregnancy-related complications. While the location of the fibroid often matters the most when it comes to fertility, the rapid growth of a fibroid in any location can affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant and carry to term.
“If they aren’t bothering you, you don’t need to do anything about them.” This phrase uttered in so many doctor’s offices minimizes the risks fibroids pose to women’s health and their future ability to get pregnant. Patients are left thinking that they don’t need to treat them unless symptoms like heavy bleeding or pelvic pain interfere with their daily lives. Fibroids can lead to heavy bleeding by increasing the surface in the uterine lining, and can cause anemia. Allowing fibroids to grow rather than having them removed early when they are small can result in patients being told by their doctor that their only option is to have an invasive, open procedure, as sadly, many doctors are not trained in laparoscopic techniques. Even worse, hysterectomy over myomectomy (fibroid removal).
A myomectomy is a more complex procedure that requires the surgeon to remove the fibroids from the uterus, and then repair the uterus from the areas where fibroids were removed, as well as the incision used to access them. Some procedures like robotic fibroid removal, the uterus is not repaired by hand, which increases the risks of damage to the uterus during pregnancy. The uterus must be repaired by hand with strong sutures to ensure it is able to withstand carrying a baby to term. Delaying surgery and allowing fibroids to continue to grow makes the surgery more complicated, and reduces the chances of the patient being able to have a laparoscopic procedure, unless it is a hysterectomy.
PROTECTING FERTILITY: TREAT FIBROIDS EARLY
In a study conducted in the United Kingdom of women who suffered recurrent miscarriages (3 or more), those who had fibroids, and had them removed reduced their miscarriage rate to 0%. While the study was small, and much more research is needed with a larger group of participants, the findings are sparking a larger conversation.
Women with fibroids trying to get pregnant can now find experienced, state-of-the-art options that weren’t available when their mothers struggled. Modern minimally invasive fibroid removal techniques performed by GYN specialists can be performed in outpatient settings with patients returning to work in 2 weeks or less. While large or multiple fibroids of any location can also be removed with these new procedures, the benefit of fast recovery with small incisions means that women can address fibroids when they are smaller, and less likely to cause uterine damage or distortion.
INCREASED RISK OF OPEN SURGERY FOR FIBROIDS
Improving access to advanced-trained laparoscopic GYN surgeons is essential for better patient recovery. Many surgeons are not highly skilled in laparoscopic removal of fibroids. Patients who experience open fibroid removal procedures, whether a myomectomy or hysterectomy will need at least 6 weeks to recover from painful surgery. In many cases full recovery is much longer.
Advancements in treating fibroids can be performed with smaller incisions in minimally invasive outpatient procedures with women returning to work in 2 weeks or less, but access to these procedures is often dependent on physicians being willing to share this information with their patients, and also be willing to refer them to laparoscopic specialists. It is essential that the medical community is current on all treatment methods, their short and long-term side effects, and that they are informing patients of all of their options.
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE GYN CARE
CIGC surgeons have performed over 20,000 GYN procedures for conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis, and are constantly finding better ways to improve outcomes for patients. For more information, call 888-SURGERY or visit CIGC online on innovativegyn.com.
The post A Community in Crisis: Fibroids Severely Affect African-American Women appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Menopause is often associated with significant body changes, including weight gain and a loss of muscle mass. Over time, this can increase your risk for coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, and depression, among other conditions. Regular exercise can be helpful in combating these conditions, and some studies have shown women who perform aerobic activity or strength training have lower mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and cancer. While it’s easy to understand the benefits of exercise throughout your lifetime, actually incorporating a fitness routine into your day-to-day life can be a major challenge.
While gyms offer a variety of options for workout spaces, exercise equipment, group fitness classes, and one-on-one professional guidance, relying on the gym to reach your fitness goals isn’t for everyone. For many people, the gym can be a socially daunting place. Whether you’re just beginning or you’re revamping your current fitness routine, walking into a room full of chiseled bodies can make you feel vulnerable or even defeated at the outset. Also, it’s not always clear where you should start in order to target specific muscle groups and achieve other fitness goals, and staring out across the array of weights and machines can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, advances in fitness technology can help you take advantage of exercise options within and beyond the gym, helping you to exercise more frequently and stick to your goals. You may already be aware that fitness trackers, apps, and wearables can record factors like your heart rate, the number of steps taken, and the amount of calories burned. However, they can also guide you in setting goals and selecting specific training programs, and they can perform in-depth analysis of patterns associated with your weight, diet, and sleep.
Here are some of the major benefits of incorporating fitness trackers into your exercise routine.
Encouraging You to Maintain Your Routine
One reason many of us fail to maintain (or even set) fitness goals is because we’re too busy to exercise consistently. Often, it’s just not possible to carve out large spans of time for exercise. It’s also easy to lose track and forget which exercises to do and when they might fit into your schedule. However, fitness apps can encourage you to exercise in small bouts throughout the day, rather than larger time commitments. With some planning up front, you might be able to find gaps in your schedule to exercise.
It also helps that you’ll be working toward measurable goals rather than simply holding vague intentions of achieving better fitness. For example, you might plan to walk 10,000 steps every day. With a fitness tracker, you’ll be able to clearly tell how close you’ve come to your goal. Using fitness trackers to hold yourself accountable can actually change the way you think about exercise, making it more like a game. Soon you may find you’re looking for small ways to reach your goals, even without prompting from your fitness tracker. This can foster lifelong habits that will keep you healthy over time.
Recording Data and Analyzing Patterns
While a variety of sensors in wearable devices are responsible for gathering information about your fitness habits, you’ll also need an app or other software to make sense of all the raw data. Many devices come paired with software, though these may not have all the features you’ll need to detect larger patterns and make effective changes in your lifestyle.
For example, one app might display the number of steps you’ve taken in a day as well as the various intensities of exercise, while a more complex app could also collect data about your mood, the particular hours of the day you’re more likely to be productive, the days of the week when you’re most active, and which music you were listening to, among other factors. Some software can even draw data from other apps you use, such as a weather app. Being able to see a breakdown of such a wide array of details, you can identify where your greatest strengths lie as well as areas where you could improve.
Some apps also allow you to create custom tracking tags to keep up with factors that might not be built into the software. This could include things like particular foods you eat, places you go, hobbies, medications, and medical symptoms. Combining all these possibilities, you can get a thorough and clear picture of how your lifestyle impacts your fitness goals. That perspective can mean the difference between failure and success.
Promoting Community
Although fitness trackers allow you to work more efficiently on your own, they can also help you connect with a variety of online communities. The value of individualized fitness plans is only increased with the support of other people who may have similar goals and struggles. Some communities are centered around specific purposes like weight loss, running, and strength training, while others are useful for general fitness.
By sharing your progress online, you can get feedback, compete with yourself and others, and identify new challenges and strategies for achieving your goals. Some of these websites can also help you manage your diet and nutritional habits by allowing you to input your meals and estimate the amount of calories you’re taking in.
Monitoring Specific Health Conditions
Fitness trackers are changing the way medical professionals understand and respond to their patients’ behavior and health issues. By asking their patients to use wearable technologies and apps for telemedicine, doctors can monitor a person’s vital signs remotely and respond to unstable physiological states. Fitness trackers can also remind you about medication dosages and frequencies as well as any specific instructions from your doctor.
For women going through menopause, fitness trackers can help you to record your symptoms, such as night sweats, hot flashes, changes in your sleep patterns, palpitations, and more. By recording these and tracking their frequency and severity, you can more easily work with your healthcare provider to find the treatments that will work best for you.
Fitness trackers don’t simply offer doctors and patients the benefit of real-time monitoring. Over time, medical professionals could amass useful data from wearables that could help them provide better treatment plans for individual patients as well as recognize larger trends among different groups in society. This is especially true for people living in rural areas who may have little access to doctors and specialists. While this may not directly apply to your particular fitness goals, taking part in the rising trend of people who use fitness trackers could help these technologies to expand beyond personal fitness and improve the overall health of our society.
If you decide to experiment with wearable devices or apps, you should do some initial research to ensure you choose the right fitness tracker to reach your goals. Typically, the more you pay, the more features your device will provide. Also, some fitness trackers are specifically designed for certain activities, so it’s worth making sure that whatever device you choose has software that will recognize your favorite exercises, like swimming, running, or yoga.
It’s important to note that the task of improving fitness habits presents a number of challenges that will vary for each individual. You should always consult your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise routine as they can help you identify the best types of exercises to fit your needs. A fitness tracker might not be the best solution for everyone, yet for many people they can be a strong motivator, allowing for insight and improvement.
Author Bio
Brooke Faulkner is a mother of two and animal lover from Portland, Oregon.
The post How Fitness Trackers, Apps, and Wearables Can Inspire More Frequent Exercise appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Whether you’ve had regular running practice in the past or you’re thinking about taking up this type of workout routine for the first time, it’s never too late to start running. When you’re over 40, however, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to get the most out of your workouts. Try these five tips to find your stride over 40.
Learn the Proper Form
While you should run in a way that feels natural to you, keep in mind that adopting an improper form can lead to injury and muscle strain. As a general rule, you should run with a relatively short stride, make sure your foot stays under your knee, and use your core to maintain balance. Keep your hands relatively relaxed, and loosen your elbows, bending them no more than 90 degrees. Always step as lightly as possible rather than landing with the full force of your body.
Invest in the Right Gear
Having the right running gear is key to performing and feeling your best. Whether you prefer to run in shorts or pants, make sure you’re wearing breathable fabrics that wick away moisture and help you stay as cool as possible. Don’t hesitate to pick up a new pair of sneakers, as the right running shoes can make or break your run. You’ll want to hit the pavement in a pair of shoes that provides cushion for your joints, support for your ankles, and enough room for your feet to expand as you move.
Eat a Balanced Diet
For the best possible run, fuel your body with healthy food. Eat a diet that emphasizes whole foods over processed items, and consume a balanced diet of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Whether you want to lose or maintain your weight, always make sure you’re consuming the right number of calories and a healthy balance of macronutrients to meet your fitness goals.
Set Reasonable Goals
Whether you’re already in great shape or you’re jumping back into running after a long break from regular exercise, take care to set reasonable fitness goals. For example, you can try alternating between walking and running or do interval training, which switches between high- and low-intensity running. You can also extend your running time every week to build up stamina gradually. You can also download an app, like Lifesum, to help you track your progress and monitor your goals daily.
Let Your Body Recover
Remember to let your body rest and recover between runs. Recovery is especially important if you aren’t accustomed to running or working out regularly. Aim to run every other day or three days per week to start. Be sure to warm up before and cool down after each run to prevent injuries and keep your body feeling strong.
Running can be a fantastic exercise option at any age as long as you approach it from a healthy perspective. Keep these tips in mind to make sure you hit your stride.
Author Bio- Anna Sonnenberg is an experienced writer and editor who focuses on health and wellness, travel, and digital marketing — but rarely all at once. With her background in research and the arts, Anna has a solid sense of the art of storytelling, along with a drive to gather the supporting data.
Image via Flickr by Peter Mooney
The post 5 Tips for Finding Your Stride Over 40 appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Severity of Menopause Symptoms Could Help Predict Heart Disease
New study evaluates effect of menopause and depression on vascular function
CLEVELAND, Ohio (April 11, 2018)—Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women. A study of 138 menopausal women examined the association of mood, symptoms, and quality of life measures with the key markers of vascular aging, a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Study results are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
It’s no secret that the menopause transition is marked with a number of adverse health effects, including hot flashes and depression to vascular aging, which is typically seen as artery stiffening and endothelial dysfunction. With these problems all occurring around the same time in a woman’s life, the authors of this latest study sought to determine whether menopause symptoms and depression are related to CVD.
The results, as reported in the article “Vascular dysfunction across the stages of the menopausal transition is associated with menopausal symptoms and quality of life,” confirmed that. Across the stages of menopause, arterial stiffening and vascular dysfunction were associated with more frequent and severe menopause symptoms and a lower quality of life. No association, however, was found with depressive symptoms.
Previous studies have shown an especially strong link between hot flashes and increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. In this study, the frequency, but not severity, of hot flashes was specifically associated with greater arterial stiffening and reduced endothelial function.
“Perimenopausal and early menopausal women are more vulnerable to increased risk of cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, NAMS executive director. “With fluctuating and then declining estrogen during the menopause transition, it is important to monitor mood, blood pressure, lipids, blood sugars, and body composition because of the increased risk of abdominal fat. Healthy eating and exercise are encouraged, with individualized discussion about benefits and risks of hormone therapy.”
For more information about menopause and healthy aging, visit www.menopause.org.
###
Founded in 1989, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) is North America’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of all women during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause and healthy aging. Its multidisciplinary membership of 2,000 leaders in the field—including clinical and basic science experts from medicine, nursing, sociology, psychology, nutrition, anthropology, epidemiology, pharmacy, and education—makes NAMS uniquely qualified to serve as the definitive resource for health professionals and the public for accurate, unbiased information about menopause and healthy aging. To learn more about NAMS, visit www.menopause.org.
Source: www.menopause.org
The post Severity of Menopause Symptoms Could Help Predict Heart Disease appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Menopause can seem like a betrayal of the body. After decades of getting used to the first round of puberty, this second major change in the body can cause stress and discomfort. Of course, menopause is not at all a betrayal, but a transition from one phase of life to another. The body goes through menopause when it is done trying to have children, and though it may be a relief to stop needing to worry about birth control and periods, the transition is not easy.
One natural way to deal with the mental processing and to reduce stress is to try mediation. The Huffington Post reported that meditation can help ease the symptoms of menopause due to the stressful nature of menopause. The many benefits of mediation can indeed be helpful to women going through perimenopause and menopause, not only in treating direct symptoms, but also in managing other potential issues they may be going through at the same time.
Menopause, Estrogen, and Cortisol
During menopause, the body reduces its production of estrogen, which can result in physical changes of the body. Symptoms differ woman to woman, but can include less hair on the head, more hair on the face, weight gain, hot flashes, and more. These changes can be difficult to go through for some women, and may cause a lot of stress, or the production of the hormone cortisol.
One way meditation can help you through these changes is by lowering your stress levels. The article by the Huffington Post stated that an increased heart rate can also release stress-inducing hormones. Since one of the purposes of meditation is to reduce your heart rate, it naturally lowers stress levels.
Another benefit of meditation is that it can help you accept the physical changes going on with your body. By clearing your mind, focusing on your breathing, and becoming more aware of your body, you can reduce your mental worries. You can also focus on accepting the changes you are going through by coming up with a few phrases to chant in your mind. You can try the following:
For the last one, you can pick a few of your favorite characteristics about yourself to focus on. They can be about your personality if you choose, but if you are struggling with your physical appearance, make sure to include a few positive remarks about your looks as well. Try to add on to the list every time you meditate.
Meditation and Mental Health
The changes you go through might go even further to have affect your mental health. It is common for women to experience anxiety or depression during menopause, that can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations or physical changes.
Meditation can help with anxiety by helping you focus on your breathing and lowering your heart rate. Focusing on the present can also help you get away from negative internal thoughts and worries, which, in addition to anxiety, can cause certain types of depression.Menopause can create situational depression, worsen existing SAD depression, or intensify chronic depression. and situational depression caused by menopause.
Meditating is also one of the five steps to mental wellbeing. The other steps include practicing mindfulness, managing your thoughts, developing acceptance, and being grateful. Practicing these will help provide you with balance in what can often feel like an unbalanced time in your life.
Additional Benefits
Menopause can be hard enough to handle by itself, but in life, there are usually many things going on at one time. Meditation can help guide you through other personal dilemmas in addition to helping you through menopause.
Meditation, for example, can help you through the process of addiction therapy to enhance the process of recovery. This is because meditation provides an opportunity for you to pause your life, evaluate your feelings and emotions, and move forward in healthy ways.
It can also help improve your sex life, which, in some cases, can suffer through menopause. Spending part of your meditation time appreciating yourself and your body can help you get in touch with your desires and can help give you more confidence with your partner.
Whatever you are going through in life, whether it is perimenopause, menopause, mental health issues, addiction recovery, or a combination of multiple issues, meditation can be a great tool. The best part about meditation is that you don’t need to take a class to do it. If you find yourself in need of meditating, you can find a quiet spot for yourself and spend a few minutes catching your breath and centering yourself.
Author Bio: Brooke Faulkner is a mother of two and animal lover from Portland, Oregon.
The post Menopause and Meditation appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
For many arthritis sufferers, one of the most frustrating parts is how inevitable so much of it can sometimes be. But a big part of that frustration is the result of misunderstanding, so let’s take a moment to debunk some of the most common myths.
It’s just old age. While yes, we think arthritis primarily affects older populations, the truth is that nearly 60% of those with arthritis are under the age of 65.
It’ll take care of itself. Fortunately, fewer people think this than once did, but the truth remains that as many as 6 million Americans are suffering with arthritis but have never seen a doctor about treatment. It seems silly that people would willingly suffer when treatment is available…but that’s essentially what this amounts to.
Nothing can be done about it. That’s just not true. Not only are there many great medications that can help manage arthritis, but there are also sorts of alternative treatments and lifestyle choices you can make that also might help you manage your symptoms and quality of life. No matter when you are diagnosed, proper treatment can help you get your arthritis under control.
It’s just aches and pains. For some people, at first, sure. But arthritis is a major cause of lost freedom and independence, and millions of Americans have seen daily activities curtailed because of arthritis. In fact, more than 100,000 Americans cannot get from bed to the bathroom without help. Arthritis is the most common crippling disease, most common chronic disease, most common cause of mobility impairment, AND the leading cause of physician visits for seniors. Clearly, it’s not just aches and pains.
I’ll never get arthritis. Except odds are good you will. Fully a quarter of the American population (seventy million people) currently suffer from arthritis, and nearly another million are diagnosed with arthritis each year. Just because you don’t have symptoms now doesn’t mean you might not develop them later.
My doctor can take care of my arthritis. Maybe, maybe not. The truth is that treatments continue to improve, and new medications come out every year. Because arthritis does affect so many people, there is a great deal of research being done, and so if your doctor is not fully informed and up-to-date on the most current treatments, you may not be getting the best care. Ask lots of questions, and advocate for yourself, because you deserve the best possible treatment.
There are two many side-effects to the medications. Again, that may or may not actually be true. As medications continue to improve, there are fewer nasty side effects, as well as more approaches to managing those symptoms. Work with your doctor and arthritis specialists, and again, ask a lot of questions.
What your life with arthritis looks like is very much up to you. Are you getting the treatment you need? Are you asking the questions to ensure you get the best possible treatment?
You’re in charge of your quality of life. Understanding what’s real about arthritis-and what’s just a myth-is a huge step toward taking control of your arthritis.
Author Bio: Rebecca Evans is a geriatric nurse who loves seeing her patients learn and take more control of their treatment – and that’s especially true for her arthritic patients, where a little more information can sometimes make all the difference.
The post Common Arthritis Myths DeBunked appeared first on Red Hot Mamas.
Contributed by Meredith Rogers- Guest Contributor
