Costco Connection - March 2012

health for your

By Karen Roush

MENOPAUSE. All women will experience it, but when and how is different for everyone.

A woman has reached menopause when she goes one full year without a period.

This usually happens around
the age of 50, but it can range from 40 to 60 years
of age. Perimenopause is the transitional time
when estrogen levels are declining, periods
become irregular, and menopausal symptoms,
such as hot ;ashes and night sweats, appear.

Perimenopause can cause a number of symptoms, but hot ;ashes are probably the worst.

They affect about 70 percent of women and range from being a mild inconvenience to being extremely disruptive. A full-blown hot ;ash—rising body heat, ;ushing, sweating, anxiety—leaves a woman feeling sticky, exhausted and frustrated.

Here are some strategies to follow when the heat rises:

✔ Avoid common triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, hot drinks, spicy foods, stress and, of course, heat.

✔ Dress in layers that are easily removed.

Lightweight cotton fabrics are best.

✔ Carry a collapsible fan in your purse and keep it handy for the car, the of;ce or home.

✔ Exercise regularly.

✔ Develop a de-stressing routine: relaxing music, candles, meditation, walking in the woods or a park.

✔ Sleep in a cool room with layers of cotton blankets you can remove as needed.

✔ Cool pillowcases in a plastic bag in the freezer.

✔ Partially freeze water in a water bottle.

Keep one by your bed at night.

✔ Keep a bottle of body spray in a calming fragrance, such as lavender or jasmine, in the fridge and spritz yourself when a hot ;ash comes on.

✔ Rediscover frozen treats; buy or make your own fruit juice ice pops.

✔ Consider acupuncture; evidence suggests it is helpful for both hot ;ashes and night sweats.

If you continue having severe hot ;ashes, talk to your healthcare provider about other options, including dietary supplements, medications and hormone therapy. Some medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and gabapentin, have been found to be helpful in relieving hot ;ashes. Whether to use hormone therapy is an individual decision each woman has to make based on her symptoms and risk pro;le.

You will get through this. During those times when it seems as if the hot ;ashes will never end and you would trade everything you own for a good night’s sleep, remember, there is a whole new life ahead of you on the other side of menopause. Many women ;nd post-menopause to be the best years: a time of increased freedom and possibilities. C

Hot news flash

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Deana Whitlow

Costco Pharmacist / Houston, TX

Costco member Karen Roush, RN, is the author of What Nurses Know ... Menopause (www. demoshealth.com, search “menopause”).

BUILDING AWARENESS of the cancer that affects the colon and rectum is vital, because early detection through regular screening can beat colorectal cancer—the second-lead-ing cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., behind lung cancer.

The Colon Cancer Alliance kicks off the month with Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 2, to get people to talk about this preventable, treatable and beatable disease, and take action through fundraising efforts to work toward a future without it.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March

Cholesterol and Heart Health formula†

Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?

• Men and women age 50 and older

• People who use tobacco, are obese or are sedentary

• Those with a family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or other types of bowel disease

How can you reduce risk?

• Don’t smoke.

• Don’t drink alcohol excessively.

• Be physically active and exercise regularly.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Eat a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains.

• Consume calcium-rich foods such as low-fat or skim milk.

• Limit red-meat consumption and avoid processed meats.

Where can you get more information?
www.ccalliance.org
www.fightcolorectalcancer.org
—David Wight

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†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.