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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.
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