Newsletter No. 54

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Our Motto iswe will survive

Spring 2013 No. 50

T heM enopause

G angNewsletter

Spring 2014 No. 54

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, youranswer may reveal your fu ture risk o f getting d ementia.

A recent collaborative study from Findland, involving the follow-up of 3,559 adults for 30 years, has found that a simplequestion about self-rated physical fitness in midlife may reveal individuals who are at an increased risk of developingdementia. Those who reported poor self-rated physical fitness in midlife, at the mean age of 50 years, were four timesmore 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 largepopulation-based study investigating associations between self-rated physical fitness during the three decades from mid-life to later life and dementia risk, says Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Jenni Kulmalafrom the Gerontology Research Cen-ter at the University of Jyvaskyla, Findland.

The association between poor self-rated physical fitness and dementia was most pronounced among non carriers of theapolipoprotein E 4 allele, that is, people who did not have a strong genetic susceptibility for dementia. A strong associa-tion was also observed among people with chronic diseases.

Chronic conditions independently increase the dementia risk. Furthermore, if a person additionally feels that his or herphysical fitness is poor, the risk is even higher. In terms of dementia prevention, maintaining good physical fitness seemsto 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, lackof social connections, lower education, high body mass index and smoking. Perceived poor physical fitness thereforeintegrates 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 andsocial 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 demen-tia, 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; theNational 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 cardiovas-cular risk factors and cognition and dementia.


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Lise Fox PublisherThe Menopause Gang Newsletter

Contact: (441) 297-0928Email: [email protected]

Website: www.themenopausegang.com

Editor Carole Sousa

Contributors Caroline Ivaliotis

Monica JonesTrish Wan

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

Inside this issue

We wish to say thank you to Carole Sousa. She has contributed arti-cles to the newsletter for many years. Carole will be our Editor fromnow on and will no longer be a Contributor.

Menopause Corner

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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 personwho reads this. It is only intended to share the emotional aspect of going through menopause. The Publisher

Trish Wan has renamed her column Tales from Trish. She will con-tinue to write occasional travel articles, but intersperse them with in-teresting tales such as the one featured in this issue. (Page 3)

Congratulations! Youre a grandparent or soon to become one. Al-though this transition is less challenging than becoming a parent, itdoes have its challenges and joys. (Page 4)

Is there a difference between name brand and generic drugs? (Page 5)

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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)

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


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Our Motto iswe will survive5 Lines from Caroline Brand Name VS Generic Drugs, Will The Slight Difference Agree With You?

Is there a difference between name brand and generic drugs? What it boils down to is the opportunity to significantly reduce thecost of ones medicine by substituting a very close alternative generic drug for an expensive name brand medication. In most casesgeneric drugs treat symptoms just as well as their name brand counterpart. However, some doctors still prefer to prescribe name

brand drugs to treat certain conditions.

Pharmaceutical companies spend millions of dollars developing, testing and marketing new brand name drugs. After the drug isapproved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), the pharmaceutical company applies for a patent. The patent gives thepharmaceutical company the exclusive right to distribute the medication for a specific period of time and a brand name for thedrug is assigned.

When the patent on the brand name drug is close to expiration, pharmaceutical companies can apply to the FDA for permission todevelop a generic form of the brand name drug. The generic form of the brand name drug can be composed of different inactiveingredients and dyes than the brand name drug. According to the Mayo Clinic, the company producing the generic version of adrug must match the chemistry of the name brand drug and manufacture a product that meets the strict FDA standards. The phar

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 genericdrug is approved, it is called by its active ingredients name.

It is a good idea to keep a few doses of the name brand drugs on hand when switching from a name brand drug to its generic form.Monitor how, if at all, the generic version of the drug is affecting you differently from the brand name version. If you experienceany adverse side effects, switch back to the name brand medication and see if the side effects subside. Keep a record of lab resultsand note any significant changes in lab scores after changing medications.

Pay close attention to the condition the new drug is meant to treat. Is the symptom improving or getting worse? For instance,sleep is interrupted after changing a sleep aid medication or depression sets in after switching an antidepressant drug.

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 canaffect an individuals reaction to a drug. It is possible to be allergic to the inactive fillers and dyes in the generic drug. When twodrugs are bioequivalent, there is an absence of significant differences in the rate and extent to which the active ingredients in thetwo drugs perform in the body. This insignificant difference can affect the performance of a time released medication.

Many doctors still prescribe a brand name drug when the effectiveness of the drug is highly dependent on the bodys absorptionrate of the medication. Examples of these types of drugs are hormones, Cortico steroid 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 any medication, observe your body and report any unusual side effects to your doctor. Your pharmacist is also a good resource andcan share valuable information about drug choices. Stay tuned into your body!

YOU KNOW YOURE IN MENOPAUSEWHEN.

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, on your way back to the car, you see the dummy and this

time you say Good Afternoon. WHO'S THE DUMMY NOW....


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Divine Nature And Inspirations By Monica Jones The Story Behind the Painting

Live in Peace: Starry Night on 42nd Street

I believe each one of us is a divine being and capable of much more than we could possibly imagine. Kahlil Gibran inThe 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 toembark 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 basedupon 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 stylesimilar 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 gangviolence, 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 nowfeels 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 ofturnaround 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 toaddress 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 associatedwith violence in a new light a sacred, divine and worthy subject of beauty. Stained glass style highlights the simplicityand sacred nature of our situation. I am communicating my sacred message: Our reason for being here is to evolve andthe 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 tak-ing center stage. I include a bird pattern in the sky above the neighbourhood. Whether you see a sparrow or dove, itrepresents 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 inBermuda with her husband Arthur (lifelong sweetheart and supporter) and three ducks. Monica has threechildren, two grandchildren, a son and daughter-in-law and grew up in Paget, Bermuda.

Contact info: email [email protected] if you would like to receive regular newsletters from the authorand be added to the mailing list.

Cell: 441-332-2753Website: http://www.monicajonesartist.com

Copyright Monica (Smith) Jones


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

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; Ibelieve 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. Thishappens 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, forstars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.

(This article was originally published in the authors website in 2011)

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, head-aches, 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 knowthat 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 isknown to help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. If you are low in magnesium, getting extra magnesiumthrough foods or supplements can help but you should have your doctor monitor your levels to make sure you are nottaking too much.

Stress Management: Most people are aware of the fact that stress causes high blood pressure. The signals releasedfrom various cells in our body when we are stressed causes our blood vessels to contract and function in a way whereour 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 tode-stress by taking walks, journaling, listening to calming music, meditating or doing yoga can help with stress manage-ment. The key is to make it a priority and do it.

Ac tivity Level: Exercise is essential to the health of our blood vessels. It also helps us de-stress and helps us sleep bet-ter. All of which are essential for maintaining good blood pressure. When we exercise, our body releases happy chemi-cals that helps our body to react accordingly. Many people balk at the idea of exercise because it seems to be an addedstress and another thing to do on an already long to-do list. But, I usually recommend to my patients in my clinic of inte-

grative medicine in San Jose CA that they should just make an effort to move. You dont have to carve out 45 minutesand get into work out gear. Id rather you go walk around the block or go up and down the stairs in your office building acouple of times per day in regular clothes just to be active. If you make exercise into a big ordeal, you may not do it. Justthink of it as getting up and moving. Thats all. Then hopefully, youll get some exercise in every day whether its 5 min-utes 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 heavilyinfluenced by the top three factors of stress management, diet and exercise. If you address the top three issues, yourweight and quality of sleep should improve as well. When all these factors are addressed, you have a better chance atmaintaining a good blood pressure range.


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The Power Of Female IntuitionBy Colleen Oakley (WebMD Magazine, Feature)

Just what is th at 6th sense that sometimes guides you? An d 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 themseemed 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 slop-ing porch of a charming 1926 Spanish stucco three-bedroom with our Realtor, I realized my mother was right. It had onlyone 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 whatexactly is it? A 2008 study in the British Journal of Psychology defined intuition as what happens when the brain drawson past experiences and external cues to make a decision -- but it happens so fast that the reaction is at an unconsciouslevel.

But that's only part of it, says Judith Orloff, MD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA and author of Guide toIntuitive Healing: Five Steps to Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Wellness . "Just like the brain, there are neurotransmit-ters 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 Intuit ion

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 warmand 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 morelinear 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 takea 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 backand 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 theway 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 ofmy 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 mightnot be right -- particularly if you're sensing danger. If you listen to it and you're wrong, you've lost nothing. Perhaps youtook 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 safethan sorry." -- Judith Orloff, MD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA.


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Making The Most Of MidlifeBy 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 issuescomplicate 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 inyour 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 and40s 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 spurgrowth...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 homeDeath of a loved oneCare giving for older relativesLoss of a job or approaching retirementSigns 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 facenew, serious medical issues. A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, cancer, or osteoporosis, are just a few conditions that are common towomen during and after midlife. These womens health concerns can trigger the depression and anxiety that characterizes a midlifecrisis.

Although researchers are still looking into whether and how the emotions accompanying a midlife crisis can affect your physicalhealth, 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 rootedin 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 hav-ing the chance to redefining their own peer-to-peer friendships. Moser points out that since so many women now work outside thehome throughout their adult lives, having children leave home is not quite as disruptive today as it was when women had little elsegoing 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, saysMoser. Sometimes a sign of midlife crisis is doing something completely out of character, and wanting to do it with a great sense ofurgency, such as:

Leaving your marriageChanging your job or career pathSmoking 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 recklesschanges may lead to poor decisions that cause heartache later, so you should recognize the possibility that your desires are related toyour 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 thetwo of you putting your heads together to talk about your life, says Moser, who also suggests joining a support group for women fac-ing midlife issues. With some individual guidance and the company of other women chances are you will sail gracefully through mid-life, and perhaps even find renewed meaning and purpose for the next chapters of your life.

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