Health Secrets: Lifeline #3

Good Health Rule #8: Exercise Your Brain

As a woman transitions through life, she may have difficulty retrieving words from memory due to stress or fluctuating hormones. Don’t forget to exercise your body and mind with these activities to preserve memory and mental agility.

5 Tips to Improve Your Memory

  • Keep your mind limber: play bridge, work on crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word searches, etc.
  • If you knit, try doing more difficult stitches to keep your brain engaged and focused on the activity.
  • Be socially active! Volunteer, join a book club, garden, take adult classes, meet friends for coffee, etc.
  • Daily exercise gets your blood circulating. Aim for 30 minutes a day. If you can’t fit that in, try a 10-minute walk.
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stick to lean meat, drink lots of water, and limit your alcohol intake.

Good Health Rule #9: Stay Hydrated during Menopause

Many women experience vaginal dryness during menopause but this doesn’t mean the end of pleasurable intercourse. Try some of these natural methods for improving vaginal moistness and prolonging sexual health.

5 Tips to Help Prevent Menopausal Vaginal Dryness

  • Stay sexually active! Studies show that women who stay sexually active experience fewer vaginal changes than those who don't. Sexual activity promotes circulation in the vaginal area, which helps it stay moist.
  • Perform Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.
  • Use vitamin E creams made from marigold flower, aloe vera, and/or the Mexican yam for vaginal dryness. Use a simple, non-irritating, non-drying soap. Temporarily set aside any soaps, lotions, or bath preparations that are even the least bit irritating or drying.
  • When you’re at home, wear a nightgown, long T-shirt, or other non-restrictive clothing that allows air to circulate by your genitals.
  • Avoid using antihistamines unless absolutely necessary, as they dry out mucus membranes in the body.

Source: holisticonline.com

Good Health Rule #10: Stay Cool

When a woman’s body transitions during menopause, she can experience summer temperatures year round. Here are some tips for how a hot lady can keep it cool.

The 411 on Hot Flashes: 5 Ways to a Cooler You

  • Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
  • Wear thin clothing and fewer layers.
  • Put fans to work at home and in your office to circulate the air and create a slight breeze.
  • Talk to your doctor about creams or even medication to help you cool down.
  • Believe it or not, regular exercising may help reduce hot flashes.
 
 
 
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