The Menopause Minute - Volume 88

Over the last decade our country has sustained difficult times. The emotional events of 9/11 are forever chiseled into our memories. We will always remember the victims, survivors and the many that rose in service in response to the 9/11 tragedy. We honor those who continue to live in grief. It is emotional, haunting and surreal, but we must never let it scar our national psyche. Instead, we need to take 9/11 back and let it become a catalyst for positive action throughout our nation. The events and memories will live with us forever, but we can turn our grief and anguish into a positive, united force. We encourage you to explore the many different ways to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 on www.usa.gov.

September is a month for uniting forces and increasing awareness. It's a time to get motivated and launch a plan for positive action- both nationally and personally; physically and emotionally. It's a time to think about what's ahead and put a positive spin on life. September is also Menopause Awareness Month-- so roll out the red carpet! Just what does that mean anyway? It happens to be a month long event which has been designated by United States legislators to increase awareness about the importance of having accurate information to enhance women's health at menopause and beyond.

As you know, Red Hot Mamas is in the business of spreading the word about the importance of educating yourself at menopause. Many of us have been barraged by the never-ending array of conflicting medical advice. So, it's very important to have resources available that can offer the tools to lead a healthier life at menopause and beyond. Our programs, and other educational channels, cover vital topics that help women make the right decisions about their health.

Your bladder is very particular when it comes to food and beverage choices. Overall bladder health can be directly related to what you consume, and issues like an over-active bladder or incontinence can be helped with diet. Here are some easy diet tips to help keep your bladder happy and healthy.

Snacks – Reaching for chips or cookies is always tempting, but you aren’t doing any favors for your waistline or your bladder. Many processed snack foods contain preservatives that can irritate your bladder. Switch up your snack with some apples and plums – they are abundant in early fall and are great for your bladder and overall health.

Currently, about forty-five million US women are experiencing menopause at any given time. And, for a lot of these women, menopause impacts their physical and emotional well-being which affects their happiness and their ability to enjoy life. Health risks increase at this stage of life and often, questions pop up that you never thought you’d be asking. Behind it all, whether you’re in your thirties, forties, fifties, or more, we’re all really looking for the same things – to be strong, remain healthy and live long.

Menopause can be a whirlwind of symptoms and surprises. Oftentimes, our goals get muddled by a cloud of symptoms and we end up losing sight of them. The good news is, with a positive attitude and some small daily steps, we can re-energize our goals and bring them to the forefront of our lives where they belong! Here are some of our favorite tips to help you be strong, remain healthy and live long.

Menopause is no longer in the dark ages. Twenty years ago, mentioning the “M” word was rather taboo. A trip to the doctor could be more awkward than a teenager in a locker room. Asking doctors about the sudden onset of hot flashes or debilitating vaginal dryness just didn’t happen and many women were left feeling isolated and confused. These days, menopause is everywhere. From Roseanne talking about it on The Tonight Show with David Letterman to Rosie O’Donnell asking Madonna for advice, the cat is out of the bag.

The internet is flooded with health sites and menopause information, which allows us easy access to wonderful health information and all types of menopause resources right at your fingertips. Evaluating the information and detecting the good from the unreliable isn’t always easy. Question the source of all information, be a dubious critic and mind your Google!

Here are a few of our favorite organizations that are the thought-provoking leaders in the menopause field: