Spring 2013 No. Spring 2014 No.

5450

The Menopause Gang Newsletter

Our Motto iswe will survive

Self-Rated Physical Fitness In Midlife An Indicator Of Dementia Risk

By Suomen Akatemia (Academy of Findland)
How would you rate your own physical fitness? Is it good, satisfactory or maybe even poor? Surprisingly, your answer may reveal your future risk of getting dementia. A recent collaborative study from Findland, involving the follow-up of 3,559 adults for 30 years, has found that a simple question about self-rated physical fitness in midlife may reveal individuals who are at an increased risk of developing dementia. Those who reported poor self-rated physical fitness in midlife, at the mean age of 50 years, were four times more likely to get dementia during the next three decades compared to those with good self-rated physical fitness. Previous research has shown that self-rated health is a strong indicator of adverse health events. This is the first large population-based study investigating associations between self-rated physical fitness during the three decades from midlife to later life and dementia risk, says Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Jenni Kulmalafrom the Gerontology Research Center at the University of Jyvaskyla, Findland. The association between poor self-rated physical fitness and dementia was most pronounced among non carriers of the apolipoprotein E 4 allele, that is, people who did not have a strong genetic susceptibility for dementia. A strong association was also observed among people with chronic diseases. Chronic conditions independently increase the dementia risk. Furthermore, if a person additionally feels that his or her physical fitness is poor, the risk is even higher. In terms of dementia prevention, maintaining good physical fitness seems to be especially important for people with chronic disease, Kulmala says. Poor self-rated fitness is known to be affected by lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, poor mental wellbeing, lack of social connections, lower education, high body mass index and smoking. Perceived poor physical fitness therefore integrates several unfavourable aspects of lifestyle that have all been previously linked to increased dementia risk. The perception of poor physical fitness is most likely affected by different factors for different people. Therefore, I would encourage those who rate their fitness as poor to think about the factors behind this perception. Increasing physical and social activity, making better dietary choices or quitting smoking, for example, could change the rating into more positive. Individual choices that make you feel physically better may substantially decrease your future risk of developing dementia, Kulmala says. The participants in this study came from the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) study, which is an ongoing joint effort of the Department of Neurology at the University of Eastern Findland, Kuopio; the National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Findland; and the Aging Research Center of Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. The aim of the CAIDE study is to investigate the connection between social, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors and cognition and dementia.

Inside this issue

Tales from Trish. Becoming a Grandparent. Lines from Caroline... Bda Cancer & Health Center Home Page Divine Natures And Inspirations.. How To Maintain Good Blood Pressure. Divine Natures And Inspirations Contd. The Power of Female Intuition. Making The Most Of Midlife.

Our Motto iswe will survive

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Menopause Corner
We wish to say thank you to Carole Sousa. She has contributed articles to the newsletter for many years. Carole will be our Editor from now on and will no longer be a Contributor. Trish Wan has renamed her column Tales from Trish. She will continue to write occasional travel articles, but intersperse them with interesting tales such as the one featured in this issue. (Page 3) Congratulations! Youre a grandparent or soon to become one. Although this transition is less challenging than becoming a parent, it does have its challenges and joys. (Page 4) Is there a difference between name brand and generic drugs? (Page 5) Divine Nature and Inspirations The story behind the painting. (Page 7) How To Maintain Good Blood Pressure...For many people, blood pressure isnt something we think about every day. (Page 8)

Lise Fox Publisher

The Menopause Gang Newsletter Contact: (441) 297-0928 Email: menopausegang@hotmail.com Website: www.themenopausegang.com

The Power of Female Intuition rings a bell with me. Ive always had intuition, even scary at times (Page 9) and I found Making The Most Of Midlife quite interesting. (Page 10)

Editor
Carole Sousa

Contributors
Caroline Ivaliotis Monica Jones Trish Wan
Disclaimer: The information set forth in this pamphlet is not in ANY way (either written or implied) to substitute for and/or give medical advice to any person who reads this. It is only intended to share the emotional aspect of going through menopause. The Publisher

Our Motto iswe will survive

Tales from Trish

ALL SET FOR A WHITE WEDDING Everyone loves a wedding - right? When our son announced his engagement in December we were overjoyed. Our daughters wedding took place 6 years ago, with my role as mother of the bride being to support her decisions and accompany her on frequent shopping expeditions. With military precision my son and his fiancee made a to do list, applying division of labour to achieve their goals within the span of a month. My most pressing concerns as mother of the groom were to supply the family guest list and purchase the perfect mothers dress. Easy! The definition of formal for the 6.00 pm reception at a fine dining restaurant overlooking Sydneys iconic Opera House and harbour became the crux of the matter. We know that formal means tuxedo for men and long gowns for women, but in Australia we dont necessarily follow the formality of U.K. or American weddings. An early April wedding meant that the dressy outfits for last Novembers horse racing carnivals had been well picked over, while the autumn seasons dresses werent due on the racks until February, with the majority of evening gowns to arrive in time for the winter ball season in June/July. As a mum with a mature figure, it was pointless to purchase a gown on-line from the U.S. without trying it on. Bridal websites were awash with elegant evening gowns in tea-length, ankle or floor length, or with fishtail trains. All were shown on slender models who were at least 6 foot in their 4 inch heels, had long upswept hair, and crucially were aged under 30. How did this relate to the mother of the bride or groom with grey hair, tuck-shop arms, the need to dress appropriately, hide her dcolletage and to wear comfortable shoes? Determined to persevere, the elusive garment would eventually present itself and take me from an afternoon city ceremony into an evening reception. Amazement set in when the bride, her mother and I purchased our glamorous gowns within 4 days of each other before the end of January. Job done! So with 2 months remaining I could reflect upon the traditions surrounding modern weddings. Just a few years ago protocol deemed invitations were to be sent by post, requiring a return card of acceptance. My daughter found many invitees had to be pursued to determine if they were actually coming: one negotiated an extra place for a friend to accompany her, but neither attended. Another cancelled on the day despite having booked advance interstate flights. So what happens now in 2014? A useful website allows the happy couple to email Save the Date messages to ascertain if their invitees are likely to attend and this is particularly useful for alerting interstate or overseas guests to make travel arrangements. Invitations were to be printed for immediate family only, with friends of the couple receiving on-line invitations to accept by email. Emily Post would have been HORRIFIED!! The majority of wedding traditions have evolved over centuries - rings made of grass and various metals have been found in archaeological sites worldwide. My research enlightened me about the origins of the veil, garter, June brides, white dresses and the evolution of diamond engagement rings to name but a few. Hands up if youve been to a wedding with 10 bridesmaids and an equal number of groomsmen? That tradition has its origins in Roman times and for an explanation you might consider doing as my high school history teacher recommended when she left a story at a critical point just before the bell rang: visit the library or its equivalent today, your search engine and all will be revealed. We have to thank Sir Tim Berners-Lee for the wonderful world wide web which enables us to do more than send this newsletter around the world as an attachment to an email. We can plan any social activity online including weddings, purchase suitable garments and accessories, send a gift and arrange an overnight hotel stay to avoid being breathalysed on the way home from the reception. Who doesnt love a wedding?

Our Motto iswe will survive

BECOMING A GRANDPARENT By Yale New Haven Health

Congratulations! Youre a grandparent or soon to become one. Although this transition is less challenging than becoming a parent, it does have its challenges and joys. ADJUST TO THE NEW ROLE Hard to believe, but youre a grandparent or will be soon. Get ready for some rollercoaster emotions and the time of your life. How can your child be a parent? Werent you changing diapers just a few years ago? Welcome to the wonderful world of grandparenting where youll forge new relationships with your children, your grandchildren, and the world around you. BECOMING A GRANDPARENT Youre going to be a grandparent! The announcement comes in many different ways. It may be a phone call, or an email, or a surprise visit. You may hear it at home, or in the office, or during dinner in a restaurant. However the news arrives, one thing is certain: Nothing will ever be the same again. For most of us, news of a grandchilds impending arrival couldnt be happier. The thought of a new baby in the family is enough to send us into a dizzying array of emotions, ranging from joy, anticipation, and satisfaction to anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. Like other major events in our lives, no single emotion fits the bill. How could it? The arrival of a grandchild signals the beginning of a new generation in a family. We are growing older. Life no longer stretches endlessly ahead of us. Its the price we pay for the joy of becoming grandparents. And its a bargain. Editors Note: We have recently become grandparents and no feeling in the world can top this. It seems we have a new lease on life at this stage in our lives. Embrace the moment if you are a grandmother or a grandmother-to-be, trust me, its the most wonderful experience. Once you see that little face, he or she will steal your heart forever.

ContactTraceyCaswell topurchasethesebooksat: Email:tracey@logic.bm

Our Motto iswe will survive

Lines from Caroline

BrandNameVSGenericDrugs,WillTheSlightDifferenceAgreeWithYou? Is there a difference between name brand and generic drugs? What it boils down to is the opportunity to significantly reduce the costofonesmedicinebysubstitutingaveryclosealternativegenericdrugforanexpensivenamebrandmedication.Inmostcases generic drugs treat symptoms just as well as their name brand counterpart. However, some doctors still prefer to prescribe name branddrugstotreatcertainconditions. Pharmaceutical companies spend millions of dollars developing, testing and marketing new brand name drugs. After the drug is approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), the pharmaceutical company applies for a patent. The patent gives the pharmaceutical company the exclusive right to distribute the medication for a specific period of time and a brand name for the drugisassigned. Whenthepatentonthebrandnamedrugisclosetoexpiration,pharmaceuticalcompaniescanapplytotheFDAforpermissionto develop a generic form of the brand name drug. The generic form of the brand name drug can be composed of different inactive ingredients and dyes than the brand name drug. According to the Mayo Clinic, the company producing the generic version of a drugmustmatchthechemistryofthenamebranddrugandmanufactureaproductthatmeetsthestrictFDAstandards.Thephar maceutical company developing the generic form of a drug does not incur the high cost of research, clinical trials and marketing. Thats why the generic drug can be sold to the consumer at a much lower cost than its brand name counterpart. Once the generic drugisapproved,itiscalledbyitsactiveingredientsname. Itisagoodideatokeepafewdosesofthenamebranddrugsonhandwhenswitchingfromanamebranddrugtoitsgenericform. Monitor how, if at all, the generic version of the drug is affecting you differently from the brand name version. If you experience anyadversesideeffects,switchbacktothenamebrandmedicationandseeifthesideeffectssubside.Keeparecordoflabresults andnoteanysignificantchangesinlabscoresafterchangingmedications. Pay close attention to the condition the new drug is meant to treat. Is the symptom improving or getting worse? For instance, sleepisinterruptedafterchangingasleepaidmedicationordepressionsetsinafterswitchinganantidepressantdrug. What can cause an adverse reaction to the generic form of a name brand drug? The FDA states that there are insignificant differ ences between brand name drugs and their generic forms and that the two drugs are bioequivalent. These slight differences can affect an individuals reaction to a drug. It is possible to be allergic to the inactive fillers and dyes in the generic drug. When two drugs are bioequivalent, there is an absence of significant differences in the rate and extent to which the active ingredients in the twodrugsperforminthebody.Thisinsignificantdifferencecanaffecttheperformanceofatimereleasedmedication. Many doctors still prescribe a brand name drug when the effectiveness of the drug is highly dependent on the bodys absorption rate of the medication. Examples of these types of drugs are hormones, Corticosteroid creams, psychiatric and sleep aid medica tions. Generic drugs can be a safe and inexpensive alternative to brand name drugs. When adding, removing or changing the brand of anymedication,observeyourbodyandreportanyunusualsideeffectstoyourdoctor.Yourpharmacistisalsoagoodresourceand cansharevaluableinformationaboutdrugchoices.Staytunedintoyourbody!

YOU KNOW WHEN.

YOURE

IN

MENOPAUSE

You pass a store that has a dummy in rain gear sitting on a chair outside. You say Good Morning but then realize it's only a dummy so you laugh and move on your way. When you pass again,onyourwaybacktothecar,youseethedummyandthis timeyousayGoodAfternoon.WHO'STHEDUMMYNOW....

Our Motto iswe will survive

BERMUDA CANCER & HEALTH CENTER HOME PAGE

Our Motto iswe will survive

Divine Nature And Inspirations

The Story Behind the Painting Live in Peace: Starry Night on 42nd Street

By Monica Jones

I believe each one of us is a divine being and capable of much more than we could possibly imagine. Kahlil Gibran in The Prophet writes about Crime and Punishment saying the wrong-doer cannot do wrong without the hidden will of you all. As I believe what Gibran says, I am challenging myself to reach beyond the drama of killings and violence to embark on a course of action that says: Lets move forward in peace and evolve to be all the goodness of who we are. So how does this show up in my work? Creating art is a process. I do not paint from my imagination. My work is based upon real subjects, often reflecting current events, my thoughts, beliefs and hopes at any given time. In 2010 I started creating the design elements for a painting portraying Palmetto Road and St. Monicas Road in a style similar to Vincent Van Goghs famous painting Starry Night. Ive always wanted to paint Bermudas 42nd Street in a positive light and after my friends nephew was killed by gang violence, I was compelled to paint it under the mantra of Live in Peace to show a fresh view of that neighbourhood. As I worked on the painting I remembered that New York Citys 42nd Street used to be an area of high crime. It now feels like an American retailing Mecca. I do not intend to say our own 42nd Street should replicate this change; rather it is my hope to inspire the element of turnaround and reconciliation to be embraced in our neighbourhoods with that community being a shining example. I have a deep reverence for the process of change. It is important to challenge and change our views of our environment, situations, neighbourhooods, violence and ourselves. The most painful experiences can be lifes greatest teachers. Poor choices do not denote a bad person, but bad choices, and by seeing people as worthy and equal, we can help them see themselves in a new light. It is the behavior we need to address and how we see the behavior rather than the people. By utilizing a stained glass style in the painting I was, and am, encouraging the viewer to see a neighbourhood associated with violence in a new light a sacred, divine and worthy subject of beauty. Stained glass style highlights the simplicity and sacred nature of our situation. I am communicating my sacred message: Our reason for being here is to evolve and the work of changing and evolving is sacred work. M.C. Eschers stylized patterns can sometimes be seen in my work allowing a theme to be incorporated without taking center stage. I include a bird pattern in the sky above the neighbourhood. Whether you see a sparrow or dove, it represents our interdependence and potential. Contd on page 8

Monica Jones is a Bermudian artist and writer. Monica paints in pastel, charcoal and encaustic. She lives in Bermuda with her husband Arthur (lifelong sweetheart and supporter) and three ducks. Monica has three children, two grandchildren, a son and daughter-in-law and grew up in Paget, Bermuda. Contact info: email runaway@northrock.bm if you would like to receive regular newsletters from the author and be added to the mailing list. Cell: 441-332-2753Website: http://www.monicajonesartist.com Copyright Monica (Smith) Jones

Our Motto iswe will survive

How To Maintain Good Blood Pressure by Julie T. Chen, MD

For many people, blood pressure isnt something we think about every day. For those with high blood pressure issues, even then, it may not be something they regularly think about. But...our blood pressure is very important in how we feel. Symptoms that may indicate too high of a blood pressure could be, but are not limited to, chest pain, dizziness, headaches, blurry vision and even nausea. There are even symptoms associated with too low of a blood pressure. So, what can you do to keep your blood pressure in the healthy range so that you can not think about it, but also know that youre not thinking about it because its in a good range? The top three basic factors that have a major impact on our blood pressure are diet, stress level and activity level. Diet: A diet rich in vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains are healthiest for your blood pressure management. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals which help your body regulate blood pressure. For example, magnesium is known to help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. If you are low in magnesium, getting extra magnesium through foods or supplements can help but you should have your doctor monitor your levels to make sure you are not taking too much. Stress Management: Most people are aware of the fact that stress causes high blood pressure. The signals released from various cells in our body when we are stressed causes our blood vessels to contract and function in a way where our blood pressure rises. If this is your normal baseline, its not healthy for your blood vessels and your overall health. So, stress management is essential for those with hypertension to help manage your levels. Simply setting aside time to de-stress by taking walks, journaling, listening to calming music, meditating or doing yoga can help with stress management. The key is to make it a priority and do it. Activity Level: Exercise is essential to the health of our blood vessels. It also helps us de-stress and helps us sleep better. All of which are essential for maintaining good blood pressure. When we exercise, our body releases happy chemicals that helps our body to react accordingly. Many people balk at the idea of exercise because it seems to be an added stress and another thing to do on an already long to-do list. But, I usually recommend to my patients in my clinic of integrative medicine in San Jose CA that they should just make an effort to move. You dont have to carve out 45 minutes and get into work out gear. Id rather you go walk around the block or go up and down the stairs in your office building a couple of times per day in regular clothes just to be active. If you make exercise into a big ordeal, you may not do it. Just think of it as getting up and moving. Thats all. Then hopefully, youll get some exercise in every day whether its 5 minutes or 20 minutes or 60 minutes...just get moving. Our weight and regularity of sleep is also important to management of blood pressure. But both these factors are heavily influenced by the top three factors of stress management, diet and exercise. If you address the top three issues, your weight and quality of sleep should improve as well. When all these factors are addressed, you have a better chance at maintaining a good blood pressure range.

Divine Nature and Inspirations

Contd from Page 7

In the words of R. Kellys song: There are miracles in my life I must achieve; But first I know it starts inside of me; I believe I can fly; If I can see it, I can be it. Let us see and believe the best in all our neighbourhoods and people. This happens when we commit to change which involves reconciliation and equality. Change starts within each of us. Live in Peace is represented as a vision and I want to leave you with a few words from Mother Theresa: Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal. (This article was originally published in the authors website in 2011)

Our Motto iswe will survive

The Power Of Female Intuition

By Colleen Oakley (WebMD Magazine, Feature) Just what is that 6th sense that sometimes guides you? And what's the best way to tune in? When my husband and I shopped for our first house, we looked at more than 20 properties on the market. None of them seemed to fit our detailed checklist of the perfect home. I grew frustrated and called my mom. "Forget the list," she said. "When you walk in the front door of your house, you'll just know it." Three days later, as I stepped onto the slightly sloping porch of a charming 1926 Spanish stucco three-bedroom with our Realtor, I realized my mother was right. It had only one bathroom and desperately needed paint and a new air-conditioning unit, but somehow, I knew I was home. Intuition, or a sixth sense, is something many of us rely on for snap judgments and often life-altering decisions. But what exactly is it? A 2008 study in the British Journal of Psychology defined intuition as what happens when the brain draws on past experiences and external cues to make a decision -- but it happens so fast that the reaction is at an unconscious level. But that's only part of it, says Judith Orloff, MD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and author of Guide to Intuitive Healing: Five Steps to Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Wellness. "Just like the brain, there are neurotransmitters in the gut that can respond to environmental stimuli and emotions in the now -- it's not just about past experiences," she says. When those neurotransmitters fire, you may feel the sensation of "butterflies" or uneasiness in your stomach. Researchers theorize that "gut instinct," which sends signals to your brain, plays a large role in intuition. Men and Intuition And contrary to common belief, it's not just women who harbor this mysterious instinct. "Men can be powerfully intuitive, they have the same capabilities as women," says Orloff. "But in our culture, we view intuition as something that's warm and fuzzy, or not masculine, so men have often lost touch with those feelings." American women, on the other hand, are encouraged to be receptive to their inner thoughts, so it appears that they have more intuition than men, says Orloff. "The reality is, girls are praised for being sensitive while boys are urged to be more linear in their thinking rather than listening to their feelings," she says. So how do you tune in? First, pay attention to your physical responses. "Maybe you're trying to decide if you should take a new job that pays twice the salary as your current one," says Orloff. "Your head says Of course! That's a lot of money,' but you notice that you feel a little sick to your stomach or exhausted. That's an intuitive cue that you should step back and really examine the offer." You also need to make sure you aren't mistaking strong emotions for intuition. "Fear, desire, and panic can all get in the way of intuition," says Orloff. "It's important to really focus on that inner voice." Intution Q&A Q: "I live in an unsavory part of town and sometimes when I walk home from the subway, I get that prickle on the back of my neck like something bad is about to happen. Is that women's intuition or just paranoia?" -- Dalila Cullins, 32, actor, New York. A: "Does it matter? I teach my patients to always listen to their gut -- that sixth sense that's telling you something might not be right -- particularly if you're sensing danger. If you listen to it and you're wrong, you've lost nothing. Perhaps you took a longer route home or you ducked into a store until the feeling passed. If you don't listen to it and you're right, things could turn out very badly. More often than not, your gut is right, so listen up! It's always better to be safe than sorry." -- Judith Orloff, MD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA.

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Our Motto iswe will survive

Making The Most Of Midlife

By Madeline Vann, MPH, Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH
Many factors can come together to make you feel like youre heading for a midlife crisis, and certain womens health issues complicate the emotional picture. Somewhere between the ages of 40 and 60 you may hit what is commonly termed a midlife crisis. This can be a big turning point in your life related in part to the normal changes that take place for all women, or it may pass with little fanfare. Midlife Crisis: Understanding Triggers I think there is something to the idea that women and men both are working so hard to move their lives along in their 20s and 30s and 40s that, whatever the (midlife) catalyst is, something comes along and the person says, this is my life, this is it, says Elena Moser, LCSW, a therapist in private practice and clinical director of the Womens Therapy Center in El Cerrito, Calif. That realization can spur growth...or it can trigger anxiety and depression as a response to stressful events. Common stressful life issues that seem to trigger a midlife crisis include: Children leaving home Death of a loved one Care giving for older relatives Loss of a job or approaching retirement Signs of declining physical health Midlife Crisis: The Impact on Womens Health As women reach middle age, they begin to experience some expected bodily changes, like menopause, but may also suddenly face new, serious medical issues. A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, cancer, or osteoporosis, are just a few conditions that are common to women during and after midlife. These womens health concerns can trigger the depression and anxiety that characterizes a midlife crisis. Although researchers are still looking into whether and how the emotions accompanying a midlife crisis can affect your physical health, it is known that some women develop (or revisit) an eating disorder as they try to cope with midlife issues. Midlife Crisis: Cutting Through Stereotypes Not all women experience a midlife crisis, says Moser. I think the idea that all women go through a midlife crisis is probably rooted in the stereotype of women being mothers and then, with children going away from home, being left with nothing to do. The reality is that many women adjust to the empty nest and report feeling good about watching their children mature and about having the chance to redefining their own peer-to-peer friendships. Moser points out that since so many women now work outside the home throughout their adult lives, having children leave home is not quite as disruptive today as it was when women had little else going on in their lives. Midlife Crisis: How to Cope A midlife crisis may sneak up on you. For different people, that (midlife crisis) can spiral into a depression or states of anxiety or intense questioning or reflection, says Moser. Sometimes a sign of midlife crisis is doing something completely out of character, and wanting to do it with a great sense of urgency, such as: Leaving your marriage Changing your job or career path Smoking more, drinking more, or seeking other escapes, such as shopping, to feel better Moser cautions that wanting to change your life isnt necessarily a bad thing: Thoughtful changes can lead to growth. But reckless changes may lead to poor decisions that cause heartache later, so you should recognize the possibility that your desires are related to your temporary emotional state. I think a good way to get through a midlife crisis is to really think about what you want for your life and talk about it with somebody, says Moser. Therapy can be very beneficial at this point. The goal of therapy is to have a conversation with another person, with the two of you putting your heads together to talk about your life, says Moser, who also suggests joining a support group for women facing midlife issues. With some individual guidance and the company of other women chances are you will sail gracefully through midlife, and perhaps even find renewed meaning and purpose for the next chapters of your life.