Prevention through the ages (2 of 2)

Your 40s

You could be losing one percent of bone from your spine every year during this decade.  That’s why you need to be especially diligent.

Diet/Fitness  In addition to keeping up the calcium (still 1,000 mg), you should add weight training to your workouts, to help strengthen muscles around your bones.

Doctor visit  If you experience early menopause, get a bone-density test; you’re greater risk for osteoporosis than if you go through menopause at the average age (51).

Your 50s and beyond

Bone loss accelerates at menopause;  you can lose up to 20 percent of bone density in the first 5 to 7 years.

Diet/Fitness Your calcium requirements go up to 1,200 mg; add another serving of calcium-rich foods or an additional supplement.  If you  didn’t start weight training earlier, now’s the time.  Lifting even light weights will make you stronger and protected you against falls, a serious threat as you get older and sustain fractures more easily.

Doctor visit  Find out where you stand.  Ask about a bone-density test;  if your mineral stores are low, your doctor may suggest hormone-replacement therapy (estrogen) or raloxifene (brand name: Evista).  These can cut the risk of a fracture by 39 to 50 percent.  Other drugs that can help: alendronate sodium (Fosamax) and risedronate sodium (Actonel), which help build new bone. – Sally Katigbak

 

[Via http://funwithfitness.wordpress.com]

Herbs in Alveo (Part 3)

HORSETAIL
Equisetum arvense
Horsetail is said to be one of the oldest recorded plants on earth, discovered approximately 600 million years ago.  It is rich in the trace element silica which aids in the absorption of calcium, and is a basic element in the growth and repair of bone and tissue (strengthening bones, hair, nails and teeth).  Herbalists claim it is useful in the repair and regeneration of the damaged connective tissue disorders.  Another long standing use of horsetail has been as mild treatment in the prevention and treatment of kidney stone formation, bacterial and inflammatory disorders of the lower urinary tract, and as a diuretic.  Horsetail has been a traditional treatment for allergies, pulmonary tuberculosis, cystitis, kidney stones, water retention, fevers, eye diseases, gout and rheumatism.

 

 

 IRISH MOSS
Chondrus crispus
Harvested from the water off the European coast, Irish moss is actually a seaweed.  Rich in proteins, iodine and other substances, many herbalists also considers it is excellent “nutritive tonic”, and traditionally it has been prescribed for ulcers, dysentery (infectious diarrhea) and the other gastrointestinal disorders.  Contemporary herbalists consider it a valuable soothing agent (demulcent) for dry coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis and other upper respiratory tract ailments.  It is also thought to help in the treatment and alleviation of peptic and duodenal ulcers.  Considered to have anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, blood-pressure lowering, and other potentially beneficial properties, Irish moss is also thought to have healing properties beneficial in treating ulcers and other problems relating to the digestive system.

 

 

LAVENDER
Lavandula angustifolia
In an age of extremes lavender is essentially able to produce a balancing and harmonizing effect, by having a pronounced regulating effect on the nervous system.  Stress has long been known to deplete the immune system, and can be the cause, or the precipitating agent, for all types of illness and disease.  With this in mind, lavender is thought to have a restorative effect in cases of a weakened nervous system and have a calming effect on those prone to be stressed or agitated.  For years herbalists have used the calming effects of lavender to treat nervousness, anxiety, worry and depression.  Lavender is used as a symptomatic treatment of stress-related conditions.  It has been used for insomnia, headaches, and immune as well as digestive problems.

 

 

LICORICE
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Long ago, in China, licorice acquired the name of “The Great Detoxifier”.  They believed that continuous consumption of licorice root would help to rid the body of poisons and could contribute to the body’s blood building efforts.  It has since been used in many Chinese prescriptions treating dry coughs and lung disorders, asthma, sore throats, laryngitis, ulcers, as well as inflammation of the urinary and intestinal tracts.  It is sad that licorice root increases vital energy, and that it is able to strengthen digestive and metabolic function.  It is believed that licorice root “harmonizes” the ingredients in an herbal formulation and eliminates any harshness, thus promoting smooth activity of the herbs.  Licorice is useful in the treatment of peptic ulcers, abdominal colic, stomach inflammation, colitis, and has been used as an expectorant in cases of bronchitis.

 

 

KOREAN GINSENG
Panax ginseng
People have long used ginseng in their health practices, claiming it has the power to balance one’s energy.  It appears to have the quality to help regulate and strengthen body functions, improving metabolism, increasing both immune system resistance and respiratory performance.  Extracts from this herb have been used to provide a mental stimulant, thought to improve memory and cognitive power, and many claim that with regular use it can often reverse mental deterioration.  It can also lessen the effects of menopause.  Among its many uses, Panax ginseng is beneficial in treating fatigue, providing increased physical energy, increasing metabolism, fastening recovery from illness and surgery, and empowering its users with an increased alertness and power of concentration, as well as instilling a general sense of well-being and vitality.

 

 

PASSIONFLOWER
Passiflora incarnate
Passionflower has found worldwide acclaim in the reduction of nervous tension, alleviating irritability and anxiety, and lowering blood pressure.  It is also used to promote restful sleep.  As an antispasmodic it has also been successfully used in the treatment of bronchial asthma.  Passionflower has an overall soothing and calming effect over the entire body, offering relief from stress and stress-related headaches and pain.  It has been employed in the treatment of muscle cramps, premenstrual tension, and disturbances often associated with menopause.

 

 

 

RED CLOVER
Trifolium pratense
Red clover is rich in isoflavones, including genistein and biochanin A (an antioxidant which protects against cells aging).  Used as an antibiotic, it has been used in fighting bacterial infections and dealing with kidney and liver diseases.  Over the years it has been tried with some success as a tumor and cancer remedy (for breast and prostate cancer in particular).  Red clover has also been used as a treatment for skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, as it claims to cleanse the blood.  Herbalists also recommend red clover for reducing uncomfortable menopausal symptoms, and improving overall health, including its use as an expectorant to clear chest congestion caused by coughs, colds, asthma and bronchitis.

 

 

To be continued…

 

Until next time…Stay healthy

Katarzyna

How to Battle Career Menopause

A Work in Progress:

Throughout our lives, it’s inherent in our nature to question our purpose in life.  It’s natural for us to wonder whether or not we’re taking the right steps towards achieving that in which we view as success. As years fold into decades, it seems harder and harder to wash away our worries and concerns. It seems that our fears and apprehensions have precipitated into our daily lives,  making it more difficult to complete day-to-day tasks. We reach a certain age where death becomes an imminent reality - our hopes become eclipsed by the shadows of mortality. We don’t feel like ourselves anymore. We feel as if there’s something missing in our lives, we feel incomplete. As we age, our bodies begin to change, and as our bodies change, so do our values, our goals and our idea of success. We’re constantly changing who we are, improving who we are and shaping the person who we want to be.

A Mid-Career Crisis:

Career menopause is a term used to describe the frustration and restlessness experienced by men and women in their careers. Although our careers are an integral part of what we do, we can’t use our careers to define who we are. The only thing we fear more than change is permanence. We’re afraid that our careers will eventually plateau – we fear that all the joy and pleasure that we used to get out of our career has been sucked dry.

What You Can Do:

So what’s to blame for career menopause? Be it a mid-life crisis or a mid-career plateau, the anxiety, heart palpitations, night sweats and mood swings are all a direct result of hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalances affect millions of men and women each year, many unknowingly. The good news is hormonal balance is not a disease and it can be corrected with proper attention and specialized treatments. One of the most natural and effective ways to treat underlying hormonal imbalances is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT uses bioidentical hormones to replace the hormones that your body no longer produces, using hormones that are molecularly identical to the hormones your body would produce naturally. Unfortunately, chances are it’s not the job, it’s you. The good news is you can do something about it! You don’t have drudge on throughout the workday anymore, now you can regain your passion and rekindle the joy and pleasure that you used to get out of your career. Rediscover you!

Natural Menopause Products Show No Signs of Losing Popularity

Many women going through menopause have to make a difficult choice, deal with hot flashes and night sweats, or risk cancer with HRT. However, today there is another choice; natural supplements and herbs. Since 2002, when a federal study found that HRT increased the risk of cancer in women, millions of women have tried natural alternatives with varying levels of success.

Dong Quai Root

Very few of these natural treatment options have been proven to work, but, despite that fact,women are flocking to these alternatives. Another reason that natural alternatives are gaining popularity is the fact that the treatment plans are customizable to the individual needs of the woman. Not everyone goes through menopause the same so it is only logical to treat for the symptoms that you have.

There is a dark side to natural alternative because of the fact that most of them have not been tested and fully researched. The long term side effects of many of these supplements are unknown, which can be scarier thought than hot flashes. Many of the natural products claim that they have compounds that are “bioidentical” to the estrogen that women make normally. The term “bioidentical” is, in fact, a marketing term that has no medical meaning or substance. Prescription drugs have been utilizing hormones that chemically match estrogen for some time.

However, there is a shining light when it comes to natural alternatives. Feminestra, a natural menopause relief supplement, has been clinically proven to work. They, in fact, advertise all the ingredients in their supplement on their website and advertise that they do not use any artificial hormones or chemicals. Feminestra was found effective in alleviating the symptoms of menopause in 90% of women. This clinical study showed that Feminestra has proved effective in significantly reducing the symptoms of menopause, as compared to 8% of those taking the placebo.

When choosing a natural alternative to HRT for menopausal symptoms, make sure to research each of the products you are thinking about taking and consult with a pharmacist or doctor. What might work for some may not work for you and it is important to know how different things will affect you. To learn more about different types of natural supplements Natural Menopause Relief.

The Roundup: September News and Tidbits

[Credit: Special thanks to artist Darryl Willison of whimsicalwest.com. Please visit his site and support his work!]

Because October starts tomorrow, I’m replacing this week’s Wednesday Bubble with the monthly Roundup. Here’s an overview of September’s post in case you missed one or want to revisit it.

Enjoy!

• Wednesday Bubble: Big dietary changes one small step at a time. A guest post by Miz Fit - Carrying around a “freshwoman forty” (or ten)? Fitness expert and author Carla Birnberg shares some tips on how to change your habits, and your body.
• Cougar 101: Pimp your hide -The Cougar Convention hits the West Coast with a roarrrrr. See what a bit of botox, plumped lips and a nip and tuck yield.
• Sinking your teeth into…osteoporosis - Time to bone up on osteoporosis as researchers now link the disease with tooth loss.
• Wednesday Bubble:  Turmeric… too good to be true? – Is this Indian spice hiding some important benefits beneath its yellow facade?
• Overworked, overextended, overstressed and underserved – A global survey reveals that women are not only busier than ever, but they are also shouldering a burden of extreme proportions. What can we do to change this burgeoning problem?
• A is for adiposity, F is for falls, M is for muscle weakness. Together they spell “D” – Research shows the Vitamin D is more important than ever for postmenopausal women: what you need to know.
• Wednesday Bubble: the best medicine – A laugh a day keeps disease at bay. No kidding.
• Calcium conundrum: which supplement should I choose? -When it comes to preventing bone loss, calcium supplements are all the same. Or are they?
• More on breast cancer and HRT – Time to take this killer off the market. More bad news for women who use HRT.
• Wednesday Bubble: Blame it on - Hormones. Women are suicidal and more unhappy than thirty years ago. The reason? Must be menopause.
• Keep it greasy – with Zestra® – Feeling a bit hot below the belt? Despite all the hype, this sensual oil is unlikely to improve your sex life. Or your aroma.

external shows

The other night we felt like slumming it and went to pick up Dominos in Didcot, where we saw the typical weekend chav-rabble cluttering the pavement outside, queuing up for pizzas and fish and chips. Obese. Smoking. Pregnant.

And I wanted to say, excuse me, it appears as if you’ve chosen not to use your god-given bodies for anything but destruction. Mind if we trade? You may as well take this one; it’s trashed with cancer anyway.

–

Anecdote: one of my hospital roommates (of whom more tales to come) was in for a hernia operation. From the other side of the curtain, I heard the surgeon explain to her that they had had to pull her stomach out of her chest.

Pull her STOMACH out of her CHEST.

“Uggh,” she said several times that day. “I feel like I’ve been pulled backwards through a hedge.”

The figurative language, I found, was insubstantial. Surely in such an instance it is more striking to speak literally: I feel like I’ve had my stomach pulled out of my chest.

So this is what I mean now when I say I dread the question “How do you feel?” There is no metaphor for how I feel. The only adequate answer is: I feel like I’ve had a piece of muscle the size of my Riverside cut out of my back, pulled through an incision in my armpit and sewn into my chest where my breast was cut off. Do you know what that’s like?

I’m grateful to have a readership of other BRCA/breast cancer bloggers who can, with some certainty, say yes to that question.

–

It was the same with chemotherapy. How do you explain chemotherapy to someone who’s never had it? Is it like a bad hangover? someone said. Yeah, sort of. And sort of not at all. Unless you’ve ever had a poison hangover.

What IS it “like?” I don’t know. On the FEC I felt like maggots ate my brain. Or like my head had been pressed inside a mammogram machine. On the Taxotere I felt like the someone had sneaked in with steel-toed shoes and kicked me in every joint and muscle while I slept.  But mostly, it’s like: you realize what you’re submitting to might be saving your life, but it makes you want to die.

–

I’m tired of feeling awful — of this terrible awareness of my body and everything that’s wrong in it.

And I resent being told by people who have never had cancer that things will go back to “normal.” It’s as if they can feel better by convincing themselves it isn’t so bad for me, or won’t be. They want you to be normal. When you have cancer, people love to say, “your hair will grow back.” As if you hadn’t realized that, or as if that really mattered.  

Hair seems to mean so damn much to everyone. I suppose because it is the “external show.” Like if you can’t see the illness, it doesn’t exist. But can’t we transcend Piaget’s sensorimotor stage for just a moment, and imagine things that aren’t immediately visible? I grant you, the hair will grow back; that’s one thing. But you can’t have cancer and then return to “default.”

But my breast won’t grow back, for a start. Neither will the muscle in my back.

Then there’s the five years of Tamoxifen, and the menopause which may or may not be permanent. My menstrual cycle won’t go back to “normal.” Or my sex drive. Or my metabolism.

Or my genetic makeup.

To me, to return to “default” would be to not constantly be wondering whether cancer cells are quietly metastasizing inside me, constantly worrying whether and when it will become visible again.

Because as “normal” as you wish you could make it, there is no cure for cancer.

Upcoming Visioning Workshop by the Queen!

Vision your future:  change your Life!

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

How beautiful are your dreams?

Come learn how to vision your best future 9-11 AM on Saturday, October 24th at the Northern Colorado Writers Studio in south Fort Collins.  Life Transformation Specialist Laura Lee Carter will present this interactive “fun” shop, not a workshop!
Did you know your unconscious only “thinks” in images, not in words?  That is why we need to first imagine our best future in pictures before we can even begin to make it come true.

Come have the Midlife Crisis Queen guide you through the process of visioning a new life for yourself.  Get comfortable with the changes you know you need to make to move on, and then watch them come to life before your very eyes, by creating your very own vision board!

Laura Lee has been through a phenomenal amount of personal change in the past decade.  As the writer and moderator of the popular blog:  MidlifeCrisisQueen.com, she constantly assists others as they navigate the vicissitudes of midlife change.

With an extensive background as a scholar/researcher, plenty of real life experience, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology, Laura is well qualified to act as your guide to personal change!

The cost for this workshop is $40, and includes free copies of Laura Lee’s new book, Midlife Magic: Becoming The Person You Are Inside and her Midlife Change Workbook: Tools for Transformation.

Go see her blog and website: www.LauraLeeCarter.com and then send Laura Lee an e-mail with your questions.  Or reserve yourself and your friends a place at this fun and exciting life changing event!

Seating is limited.    Please send Laura Lee an e-mail at MidlifeCrisisQueen@gmail.com to reserve your place!