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Menopause literally means the last menstrual period. It generally occurs in mid-life, that is around the age of 40. It is characterized by hormonal changes. Menstrual cycle stops and so does the production of some hormones like estrogen. Menopausal women often experiences weight gain along with weakening of bones.
Post menopause, women have have higher risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases because of the inherent hormonal changes. Hot flushes with sudden bouts of sweating are commonly felt by women. Other Symptoms being failing eyesight, hair loss, weak bones, dry skin and erratic sleep patterns. The key to staying youthful and active even after menopause is to follow regular exercise routine and a nutritious diet.
Regular Exercise Routine:
Going in for an exercise program which addresses the entire body is always beneficial. Even exercises like walking, swimming, jogging, dancing are useful. To get a complete cardio workout, involve yourself in some aerobic exercise. You can also hit a gym for some weight training which will increase your strength. Training with dumbbells at home, but under guidance, can serve the purpose for you. It is important to stretch and relax too. Relaxation helps you overcome depression related to menopause. Exercise will also combat weight gain which a women generally experiences during menopause. Yoga is the most effective way to work out. it not only keeps your body active but also keeps your mind stress-free.
Balanced Diet:
Other important issue to handle the most difficult stage for women is to eat a balanced diet with little add-ons. Diet should be particularly high in Calcium and Phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds, similar to estrogens, found in plants. Phytoestrogens can be easily found in soya and tofu. Diet high in phytoestrogens reduces the hot flush by 40%. This is the reason why Japanese women face less severe menopausal symptoms than their western counterparts. Recommended amount: 10-15g of tofu or 2 cups of soya milk. Dairy products, which are high in Calcium, also reduces bone loss to great extent. Recommended amount: 1000gm. Since Vitamin D promotes the consumption of calcium, it is essential to provide enough amount of vitamin D to body. Normal exposure to sun should provide the body with right amount of vitamin D.
–> Learn more about balanced diet here at http://www.weightloss-health.com/balanced_diet.htm
Since drop in estrogen can lead to weight gain, it is wise to undertake some weight loss program to avoid complexities later in life such as diabetes, joint pains, heart-related diseases.
It is also believed that some vitamins are beneficial, specially during perimenopause. For eg Vitamin E relieves hot flushes, Vitamin B2 alleviates perimenopausal headaches, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 help fight depression.
Tip: If you find having sex uncomfortable due to thinning and drying of vaginal lining, use a water based lubricant.

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What’s the skinny on fashion these days? And anyway, what really is fashion? Is it what happens to be in style this season? Is it the short skirts, the hip boots, or the funny little hats? Let’s take off the fake, and look at what fashion really means to most people.
Fashion is as judgmental as our list of desired characteristics in a mate. What one person purports to be the most necessary piece in the wardrobe, might not be deemed worthy for a foot rug by another. Fashion is one of the most fickle friends a girl (or guy) can have. It comes, it goes, sometimes we fit, and sometimes we just want to hide.
Fashion, as defined by Webster’s dictionary, is “the popular or up-to-date way of dressing, speaking or behaving”. Well, if that’s the case, there are times I want no part of fashion. I believe fashion goes much deeper than that simple statement. I think fashion encompasses more of our personality, our likes or dislikes, and when done “fashionably” reflects a lot about the kind of person we are.
Every year, we see fashion dos and don’ts. We watch them come and we watch them go. And then, every fifty years or so, we watch them swing back around for one more tromp down the fashion runway. Here’s the really funny part: There is always someone you know, that just happens to have retained an “original” piece from the first pass.
The most noticeable thing about current fashion “faus paux” (thought I’d throw that “fashionable” word in, just for good measure) is that any color is acceptable against any other color. No longer do we worry about wearing reds with pinks, or light green against dark green. Today, we wear ANYTHING. I’ve even noticed in some places, they wear the fashion of the moment “painted” on their naked bodies. Now, that’s really comfortable fashion!
Also, we no longer worry about coordinating our shoes with our outfit. Now tell me truthfully, do you really think my New Balance tennis shoes compliment this little black dress? When I was a small child, my mother carefully mixed and matched her clothes and her shoes. Fashion was a word she took very seriously. When wearing a nice Sunday dress, she always chose her nice Sunday heels; not today. Today, you’re just as likely to see a beautiful little strapless number accompanied by a beautiful pair of the latest flip-flops!
As for the few consumers who still fit into the category of “stylishly fashionable”, you must be extremely careful on your next trip to the outlet mall. Finding fashions that I, or my other middle-aged friends would actually like to buy, is like finding a needle in a haystack. I decided a couple of weeks ago, that I needed a new outfit for just a little afternoon get-together. Nothing expensive, or fancy. I just needed a coordinated little outfit for summer attire. This, apparently, is as easy to find as the Holy Grail.
So, as fashions come, and fashions go, I will hope for a return to the days of stylish coordination, when it was fashionable to be well-dressed, and even polite!

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