California integrated medicine by The Center for Optimal Health
 

OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH
Integrated Medicine for Menopause

MAY 2006

May is Women’s Health Month, and our team has decided to focus on menopause. We have a very full newsletter this month, so brew a cup of green tea, grab a healthful snack and take a few minutes to read and relax. Also, be sure to scroll down and read about our upcoming events. We have so many great things happening at the Center, and we’ll be adding more as the weeks roll by.

MEDICAL NEWS
Menopausal Madness in the Research World

 
   
It has been almost 4 years since the proverbial bomb dropped, when the Prempro (combined Premarin and Provera) arm of Women’s Health Initiative study was abruptly stopped in July 2002 due to increased risk of breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes seen in the hormone therapy group. Experts in the field of menopause are still in heated debate over the validity and implications of WHI. Findings from the WHI have shaken up the menopause field with unexpected findings like HT leading to increased heart attacks, low fat diet NOT reducing cancer risk, calcium supplements NOT protecting from fractures. (See the nutrition article below for more information.) Read on to learn truths about WHI that you have not been told by the media coverage.

Learn why WHI should not be taken at face value...

 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEWS
Menopause & the Maturing Woman

 
   

Menopause is a time not only of physical change, but emotional and relational change as well. Increased depression and anxiety are possible at menopause, but generally occur in women who have already experienced episodes of depression or prone to anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety and panic disorder. Although it is critical to recognize and treat such problems, other changes occur that are more positive. Many women come into my office at menopause and declare, “This is my time.” But what do they mean? Generally, menopause signals the end of one’s reproductive years. Although one may still have teens at home, the role of mother is essentially closing. Now there is time to focus on one’s self. More than that, though, women at this age often report that they feel more assertive and less concerned with what others may think about their actions.

Read more about the psychological changes...

 

EXERCISE NEWS
Exercise Helps During Perimenopause

 
   

Research has shown that proper exercise can help manage the symptoms of pre- and post-menopause; decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases associated with menopause (e.g. heart disease and osteoporosis); improve strength, stamina, and weight loss; and condition your heart, lungs, and muscles.

Find out more about the benefits of exercise...

 

 

NUTRITIONAL NEWS
Confusion About Calcium Supplements & Low Fat Diets

 
   

Is calcium necessary? Many women and doctors alike were confused when the WHI results in the calcium and vitamin D sub-study reportedly showed no benefit of calcium and vitamin D supplementation in preventing bone fractures. Before you throw away your calcium and vitamin D supplements, note that there are good reasons why one should not jump to agree with the WHI conclusions.

Read more...

 

SEXUAL HEALTH NEWS
Whole Person Perspective: Aging & Sexual Function

 
   

Patients are often surprised when we ask about their sex drive and satisfaction with their sex life. We welcome this opportunity to talk about what’s happening to your body, your vitality, and your interest in sex itself while you are our willing ‘captive’. At the Center for Optimal Health, we delight in taking the “whole person perspective”. We are able to evaluate any hormonal fluctuations or imbalances which may lend itself to your sexual function, as well as the physical, social, emotional, and environmental factors. Our integrated wellness team is here to provide both your mind and body support in the journey to optimal health. One very important aspect of wellness, especially through the changes of menopause, is sexual health.

Read more...

 

SUPPLEMENT CABINET
Can’t Sleep? Consider Natural Sleep Aids

Restful sleep is too often elusive for a lot of people, and women going through the menopausal transition are particularly prone to insomnia and sleep disruption. Yet having adequate sleep is essential to not only our mood and energy level, but also to our metabolism. Sleep deprivation has been shown to increase our appetite and expand our waistline, increasing risk of diabetes.

Natural strategies that may improve sleep...

 

OTHER NEWS

Upcoming Classes

We have FREE lectures on a variety of topics every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. As an added benefit, if you attend a lecture during May, you will receive a $10 gift certificate, good for any purchase of $50 or more at The Center. The certificate can be used for supplements, books, aromatherapy and other products.

View our upcoming classes and lectures...

Menopausal Relief & Sleep Enhancers on Sale - 10% OFF

In May, supplements used for relief of menopausal symptoms are 10% off. In addition, all natural sleep enhancers are 10% off during May and June. Come in and view our selection of oral supplements and aromatherapy products.