Vitamin D For Swine Flu Prevention

I'm a big fan of Dr. Sorham Khalsa's book on Vitamin D called The Vitamin D Revolution----I've recommended it to a lot of people and I have given it as a gift. Dr. Khalsa has an article in this week's Huffington Post, it's worth checking out. Although I have already taken my Vitamin D today, it's sunny and beautiful here in Charlotte, so I may head out for a walk in a bit. Have a wonderful day everyone!

HRT Might Up Incontinence Risk In Postmenopausal Women

Most of you know I am not a fan of Premarin (or any synthetic hormone for that matter) and this article in Medical News Today gives me one more reason to advocate for bioidentical hormones. As a side note, bioidentical testosterone cream, used vaginally along with Kegel exercises, can really alleviate urinary incontinence in women.

Does Estrogen Help Women Survive Colon Cancer?

I ran across this article on ABC News (and have since seen it on several news services) about a study that shows estrogen does help women survive colon cancer. And oh, by the way, if you are over 50 and have not gotten an initial colonoscopy------why not???? (My father had colon cancer and it runs in families so I am a pain in the butt about this---so to speak!)

Red Clover, Soy and Other Phytoestrogens Pose No Heart or Cancer Risk

I get a lot of questions about this---whether phytoestrogens act as synthetic hormones do and raise a woman's risk of heart problems or cancer. This article will likely put some of those fears to rest.

Studies Show Vitamin D May Help Prevent Flu by Strengthening Immune System

OK, if you like mushrooms, great------but actually the purpose of this article is my semi regular reminder to get adequate Vitamin D! I need it today, it is gray, rainy and icky here in the Southeast----I was planning an outing to the rose garden but we had to go to plan B (lunch and movies with some ladies from one of my groups). If you are not taking Vitamin D, please talk to your doctor about it at your next visit!

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Can Help Manage Urinary Incontinence In Older Women

A lot of you have likely heard of Kegel exercises, but probably few of you practice them on a regular basis. This article from Medical News Today might change your mind! I learned about them years ago, after a car crash in 1992 crushed my pelvis. I had an amazing physical therapy team (good thing, too, because the doctors involved were morons!) who taught me the Kegel exercises. Urinary incontinence is an issue with some menopausal women, particularly those who have had a number of children. Enjoy the article, practice your exercises, and have a great day (it is rainy and gloomy here in Charlotte, perfect day to curl up with a book when I get back from doing errands!)

6 ways exercise can cure depression

I would modify that title to 6 ways to ease depression----but whatever, this article lists some of the reasons to think about incorporating regular exercise into your routine to help with the common symptom of depression in peri/menopause (and yes, I know, the artitcle comes from an Iranian newspaper-----but the information included in it is pertinent no matter what your nationality).

If you are interesting in seeing Suzanne Somers in person---

She is going to be in Toronto in late October (click here for more information) --- tickets are up to $135. She is likely going to be doing these talks all over the US, as her new book on alternative cancer treatments is coming out in late October. Just thought I would let you know.

Testosterone spray may help post-menopausal women fight dementia

This is a very small study, but it's interesting to see how hormones affect every system of the body (bioidentical hormones go way, way beond hot flashes, everyone!) Click here to read about how testosterone affects the brain activity of older women.

How to Stay Sharp as a Tack

Not to be confused with being sharply tacky (sorry, I'm in a silly mood this morning!) This is an excellent article from Natural News on ways to keep your cognitive function at optimal levels as you age.......and in the last year, this has become a particular passion for me, as I have two friends who are dealing with dementia.

Watch for depression during and after menopause

I know from reading emails from blog readers this is a major issue----check out this article from Reuters. Have a great day!

Over 65s should take high dose vitamin D to prevent falls, say researchers

First, this is a prime example of how much confusion there is about what constitutes a "high dose" of Vitamin D (I've long said the appropriate dose for you is what you and your doctor decide on --- for me it's 5000 IU's daily). Although this article from Physorg.com might not seem relevant right now (if you are not considered elderly) it does point out the need for Vitamin D, and it's also worth talking to your parents, grandparents, etc. about to help them live healthier lives.

Hot Flashes and Chills Coming Off Birth Control Pill?

I'm not endorsing (I don't know anything about it) the Hippocrates Health Lifestyle program, but I wanted to share this article with you (also a You Tube video that's basically just an audio of the article). The article discusses why a woman coming off birth control pills would experience both hot flashes and chills (something not uncommon---I hear it from a lot of women). Two points:

I plan on taking bioidentical hormones the rest of my life---I'm not figuring on spontaneously regenerating hormones even when I'm post menopausal (there's a lot of disagreement in the BHRT community on this one).

The last sentence of the article: " ........ find a way to make a smooth landing - bioidentical hormone replacement would be a big help here - that’s easy to do under the care of a good bioidentical hormone therapy doctor." cracked me up! Maybe this physician does not understand how hard it is to FIND a good bioidentical hormone doctor, especially one who charges less than the cost of a house for a consultation. Sigh, we have a long way to go in educating the public and other physicians----------have a great weekend, everyone!

Diabetic Women Experience More Hip Bone Loss at Menopause

From HealthandAge.com-----this morning's article concerns diabetic women losing more hip bone loss at menopause. I am not diabetic but thought this might be of interest to some of the blog readers. I do know, however, that after three years of bioidentical hormones, my last bone density scan showed enough improvement in my bone density that I no longer have osteopenia, and in fact, my bone density measurements in the hip, spine and femur indicate that I am comfortably in the normal range!

Getting fatter in mid-life may worsen hot flashes

(I'm so sorry, I thought this posted early this morning------I just realized the post was saved as a draft but not posted to the blog!)

I would have worded the title of the article a little differently but-----the information is important reading. This morning's article is from Reuter's, and you can access it by clicking here.