As I get older I become even more resistant to all the "advice" that comes flying at me via the tv, radio and, of course, the
internet, but at the same time I realize that there are gems of information that I can use to benefit my health. Sifting through all of it and trying to determine what is valid and effective can give you a real headache! That's why I try to pull out bits of articles for you each month like the ones listed below.
Just like all the "health food" and supplement tips....if you don't take the time to read the small print you're possibly wasting your time and money. You each have your own health radar that tells you when something sounds legitimate. You've also had experience with what works for YOUR body and I believe we are all
becoming more self-educated which is to our ultimate benefit.
As many of you know, I found walking to be the perfect exercise for me about 4 years ago, but it took literally one month of forcing myself out the door each morning before I started seeing the benefits. Even when I did notice that I was losing weight, could breathe easier and my back didn't hurt as much, I still needed extra motivation to keep doing it. That's when I started taking my camera on my walks which provided a much needed distraction to what I consider very boring exercise! I know not everyone has a beautiful path to walk, but even everyday scenes and objects can become something special when you zoom in on it or catch it at the right time of day.
Anyway, I'm getting off topic (which is what happens to me when I talk about photography). My point is that it's not easy to get healthy or stay healthy before, during and after menopause, so we have to keep talking, keep trying, keep searching for what works. I am a prime example of what happens if you don't pay attention to your health until AFTER it starts going downhill. It's so much harder to recover and you're more susceptible to illness than if you can "nip it in the bud" and take precautions like eating healthy (for YOU) and exercising regularly (at YOUR pace, with YOUR routine).
Squeezing in gym time with ample responsibilities already on your plate might seem like an impossible task. Luckily, some of those tasks on your to-do list may actually burn a significant number of calories. Here are 10 chores that can help you maintain your dress size while keeping everything in line at home.
Testosterone isn’t just a male hormone. Low testosterone levels adversely affect both men and women. A decline in testosterone can cause elevated levels of bad cholesterol, premature aging, tissue and bone loss, dangerously fluctuating blood sugar levels, deteriorating stamina and energy levels, weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Men with low testosterone are at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
There are many potential causes of low testosterone, but a major culprit is age. Men in their 30s and 40s undergo andropause, or “male menopause,” a phase characterized by a drop in androgenic hormones (male sex hormones), such as testosterone. Nutrition also plays a part, especially the consumption of foods high in phytoestrogen. Phtyoestrogens are estrogen-like chemicals found in plant foods such as grains, seeds and legumes, and they can throw hormonal balance out of whack for both sexes. Pine pollen balances estrogen levels in women and acts as a detoxifier, improving skin elasticity and protecting against oxidative stress. Maybe best of all for women, pine pollen offers support during menopause and can significantly boost libido. Some experts even claim that pine pollen can aid in weight loss!
Until next time!!
Dee
