The Menopause Minute - Volume 92

Many of us have made our New Year’s resolutions. Some will work hard to achieve our goals, while others will discard them in a short time. It’s important while making your resolutions to list ones that are truly realistic and achievable. Whether your goals deal with your health, your relationships or others, they should all be carefully looked at to see if they can be adhered to. You should also look to the past if you have set these goals before. If you have failed, take a look at why – what were the chief causes of problems that made you abandon your goals?

For myself, I like to set a limited amount of resolutions, three goals at most. Then, I attach a plan to actually set my goals in motion to accomplish. Next, I try to keep myself grounded. For example, one of my goals this year is to exercise more. So, to make that goal attainable, I set out my gym clothes the night before and plan what activity I will do in the morning. It takes some planning.

It happens every time I visit the doctor. He sits across from me, secretively writing in his secretive file with his secretive pen. He listens closely as I explain my symptoms and sometimes nods his head or briefly makes eye contact, but his pen never seems to stop moving until the physical examination. So what are these secretive doctors writing down about us anyway?

Researchers at Harvard University Medical School and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston recently decided it is time to allow patients access to the doc’s written notes in their charts. In a recent study, they created a new system called Open Notes and invited patients to take a look. Of nearly 40,000 patients in Boston, Seattle and rural Pennsylvania, 90% wanted to see their primary doctor’s written notes.

With access to their records, over half the patients in the Open Notes study thought they would take their medications better if they were taking any, and 90% felt they would be in more control of their care. If given the opportunity to read their notes, at least 80% of patients felt they would take better care of themselves and gain greater understanding about their medical situations.

Did you know that fast walking is great for your brain?

Fast walking for 30 minutes five times per week is linked to 33% less Alzheimer's. If you can't walk, try water walking, swimming, or using a cross-country ski machine. Those in wheelchairs can use a handwheel to get exercise. Ask your doctor before starting any new exercise to see what type of exercise is right for you and how much you should start with.

Make fast-walking a part of your daily routine.

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Note: Please ask your physician before starting any exercising, lifestyle, or dietary changes. AAG's services, products, and content are not intended as specific medical advice, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment and are not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis.