The Menopause Minute - Volume 89

I'd like to share my travel tales about AARP's Life @50 national convention held in Los Angeles on September 22-24. Can you believe more than 3 million Californians are members of AARP? And, this event, which was held at the LA Convention Center, attracted 30,000 people from all over the United States.

This was the first AARP event that I've attended, but it certainly won't be my last. Why? Because I was able to converse face-to-face with thousands of women who openly discussed menopause and other health issues. In particular, incontinence problems. I truly learned there is a sisterhood out there that experiences drips, leaks and dribbles.

There are many women who suffer from this problem and are too embarrassed to seek help. It was great to talk to these women, lend them my support and understanding and encourage them to seek help. I met lots of women at the Tena Conversation Couch's booth where bladder control came out of the closet. I was happy that I could be there to bring the problem to light. There were women of all ages from 50-93 and from all walks of life. In addition to meeting all these lovely ladies, there were many powerful speakers making presentations, as well as legends. To name a few...

World Menopause Day 2011: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Red Hot Mamas unites with women across the world to celebrate World Menopause Day on October 18th. On this special designated day, we're focusing on vasomotor symptoms... otherwise known as hot flashes and night sweats, or what I call them "the devilish duo". I truly hope that our conversation will not heat up to the point where we spontaneously combust at once due to our rapid rises in body temperature!

Hot flashes and night sweats are two of the most common menopause symptoms. In fact, as many as 75% of women going through menopause experience hot flashes - sudden, brief increases in their body temperature. Hot flashes, if they occur at night can lead to sleeplessness and insomnia. In about 30% of women, these symptoms can be severe. They can interfere with normal daily functioning affecting our body, mind and spirit.

Prevalence varies throughout the world with 1 in 5 women affected in Asia, in contrast to 74% of women reported in Europe. If you’re in England, you probably call them hot flushes instead of hot flashes. Regardless, the symptoms are the same. A hot flash is characteristically a feeling of warmth that spreads through the upper body and face that is usually accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, perspiration and a subsequent chilled feeling as the hot flash subsides. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night that often make it difficult to get a good night’s rest.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2011: Breast Self Exams The Right Way

Although breast self exams are not recommended as a screening tool for breast cancer, becoming familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel is important. If you feel or see any change in your breasts or underarms, ask your health care provider to examine the area. Breast self examinations should not replace regular clinical breast examinations by a doctor and mammograms.

Timing is everything - The best time to perform a breast self exam is 7-10 days after the start of your period, or 1-3 days after the end of it. If you mark your calendar, you can perform a breast self exam the same time every month and will know how your breast tissue feels at that time of the month. Changes will be easier detected.

Moisturize as you go – Lotion or even personal lubricant can make it easier for your fingers to slide over your skin. It makes your fingers more sensitive and moisturizes as you go. Why not make it like a little mini massage?

Mirror, mirror on the wall – Don’t shoot blindly! Watch and keep track of where you’ve already checked by standing in front of a mirror. Also look for any changes in size, shape or position, or any changes to the skin. Pick up on any puckering, dimpling, sores or discoloration of the nipples.

The fab four positions – There are four breast self exam positions you should be aware of. First, both arms at your sides and look. Second, one arm over your head with one arm on the breast you’re checking. Third, one hand on your hip while the other is checking. Fourth, lean forward toward the mirror and look.