Menopause Symptoms and Memory Loss

While you may experience the misery of hot flashes and mood swings as you enter menopause, one thing you can't blame on the "change" is memory loss.

In the latest study that exonerates menopause as a cause of impairing the ability to recall, Taiwanese researchers compared the memory of hundreds of women before they had any menopausal symptoms to their memory as they entered menopause.

They found the women who were going through the menopausal process scored as well or nearly as well on five different cognitive function tests. Results of the study are to be presented Oct. 4 at the American Neurological Association annual meeting in Toronto.

"When women go into peri-menopause, they don't need to worry about cognitive decline," said Dr. Jong-Ling Fuh, an attending physician at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and an associate professor of Yang-Ming University School of Medicine.

The researchers said the myth of memory loss during menopause is a perception some women have because as they went through menopause, they felt their memory wasn't as sharp as it had been before. Studies suggesting that hormone replacement therapy might protect against dementia strengthened that belief. However, a large study later found that in older women, hormone replacement therapy not only didn't help protect women from dementia, but could actually increase the risk.

To try to answer the question of whether menopause did have any effect on memory, Fuh and her colleagues studied nearly 700 pre-menopausal women living on a group of rural islands between Taiwan and China. The Taiwanese government restricted access to these islands until the 1990s, so the authors report that the study's population was nearly homogeneous, which would help rule out other potentially causative factors of memory loss.

The women were between the ages of 40 and 54. None of them had had a hysterectomy, and none took hormone replacement therapy during the study.

All took five cognitive tests designed to assess their memory and cognitive skills at the start of the study, and then again 18 months later.

During the study period, 23 percent of the women began to have symptoms of menopause.

The researchers then compared the memory of the women who had entered menopause to those who had not, and found very little difference. In four of the five tests, there were no statistically significant differences in the two groups of women.

Only on one test was the difference statistically significant, and that difference, said Fuh, was very slight. This test was designed to assess verbal memory and involved showing the women 70 nonsensical figures. Some of the figures were repeated during the test, while most were not. The women were asked whether they had seen the figure earlier.

"For women, menopause does not mean you'll develop memory loss," said Dr. Raina Ernstoff, an attending neurologist at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. As you're going through peri-menopause and experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, she said, you may feel lousy and have trouble sleeping, which might temporarily affect your cognitive skills.

"I don't think declining estrogen levels are what causes memory loss," said Dr. Steven Goldstein, an obstetrician/gynecologist at New York University Medical Center in New York City. "It's not like your memory is bopping along, doing fine and then takes this big dive during menopause, like bone density can."

Both Ernstoff and Goldstein said they weren't aware of many women who believed that menopause might cause significant memory loss. They also both felt that results from this group of women who were so homogeneous might not apply to different groups of women, such as those living in more industrialized society. And they both said that other factors that weren't studied could play a role in memory loss, such as hypertension, which can contribute to vascular dementia.

Ernstoff also pointed out that the education backgrounds can play a large role in memory loss. Fuh acknowledged the researchers did attempt to control the data for educational differences.

SOURCES: Jong-Ling Fuh, M.D., attending physician, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, and associate professor, Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Steven Goldstein, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist, New York University Medical Center, and professor, obstetrics/gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York City; Raina Ernstoff, M.D., attending neurologist, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Mich., and member, Alzheimer's Board of Detroit; Oct. 4, 2004, presentation, American Neurological Association, Toronto.


To Your Continued Health and Success!
Miss Julia



For more information visit: http://yournewlifeat50.com

Tips to Avoid Winter Skin Problems

Don't let Winter weather pose a new 'wrinkle' for you during this Winter season. Protect your skin with these tips:

• Shorten Your Showers. Frequent, long baths and showers can remove the lipids (fats/lubricants) which help retain skin moisture.

• Moisturize. In the shower, use soaps with moisturizers or add oils t bath water. After your shower, pat dry and replenish moisture with an overall moisturizer.

• Use Sunscreen. Casual sun exposure adds up over time, even in winter. Choose skin products with SPF 15 protection or add sunscreen to your routine.

• Make Your House Skin-Friendly. Use a humidifier, especially in your bedroom while you sleep. Also, avoid exposure to cigarette and cigar smoke as they can accelerate the skin's aging process.

• Stimulate, Exfoliate and Rejuvenate. Winter is a great time to pamper your skin. Scrub your face to remove old skin cells and use face creams with retinoids that can help reduce facial lines and wrinkles. Just don't overdo the scrubbing, too much can remove valuable natural lipids.

Please check with your Dermatologist to discuss your particular skin type and what may be the best recommendations for you to avoid the Winter 'doldrums' for Your Skin.


To Your Health !
Julia Gray, Licensed Practical Nurse
Your Personal Success Coach
Proud Member ~ My VM Team

Google Me ~~ Julia Gray Online

SURVIVING MENOPAUSE (Who Turned Up the Heat?) Part 1 ~ What's it all about Anyway?

Menopause ~ The Change of Life. Consulting with your physician, educating yourself and staying informed are the best ways to help you through this time. This 4 part series will help y0u understand what is going on, how to understand the symptoms, what treatments are available (both hormonal and natural) and finally, how to survive and get through this very significant 'period' (no pun intended) in our lives.

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT ANYWAY?
Changes and Symptoms
Menopause is a normal change in your life (when your period/menstrual cycle stops). This is why this stage is called "the change of life."

During menopause your body will make less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This generally happens between the ages of 45 and 55. You may know that you have reached menopause when you have not had a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months (providing there are no other reasons for this change).

As you near menopause your body may start to exhibit symptoms from hormonal changes. The majority of these symptoms are normal. Unless you have other underlying health issues, most of these symptoms are natural and normal. However always consult with your physician if things don't feel 'quite right'.

SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE ~ Every women's period/menstrual cycle will stop at menopause. Some women may not have any other symptoms. However, other women may experience any, all or a combination of the following symptoms:

• Changes in your period/menstrual cycle ~ the time between periods and the flow from month to month may be different.
• Spotting or Abnormal Bleeding ~ while this is a common occurrence during menopause, if you have not had a period in 12 months and you experience "spotting" you should report this to your doctor to rule out other significant conditions such as cancer.
• Hot Flashes ~ This is the sensation of getting warm in the face, neck and/or chest.
• Night Sweats and sleeping problems may lead to feeling tired, stressed or tense.
• Vaginal Changes ~ The vagina may become dry and thin, this may cause sex and vaginal exams to be more painful. You also may develop more vaginal infections.
• Thinning of your bones (also known as Osteoporosis) may lead to loss of height and bone fractures.
• Mood Changes ~ mood swings may include depression and irritability.
• Urinary Problems ~ such as leaking, burning or pain when urinating, or leaking when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
• Problems with concentration or memory.
• Less interest in sex and changes in sexual response.
• Weight gain or increase in body fat around your waist.
• Hair thinning or loss.

Remember, you may have one or a combination of these symptoms. However, the one all of us will have is YOUR PERIOD WILL STOP!!!!! Stay tuned for Part 2 ~ Treatments for Menopause (Hormonal and Natural).

To Your Continued Health and Success,
Miss Julia

JuliaGrayOnLine.com

Prostate Cancer ~ Early Diagnosis is Key (We Love You Guys - Go Get Checked ~~PLEASE!!)

FACT: More than one in six men will get Prostate Cancer in his lifetime. In the state of South Carolina alone, more than 3,300 men were diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2007. Studies also show that African-American men are more than twice as likely as any other ethnic group to die from Prostate Cancer. Experts believe that this is due to African American men being diagnosed with a more developed stage of the disease.


Dr. Augustine M. Boateng, board certified urologist explains that today, cancer of the prostate is the most common cancer in men over 50. Dr. Boateng further states that "fortunately, we have seen an increase in early prostate cancer diagnosis ever since the development of the PSA blood test. And listen guys, early detection is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT !!


The PSA is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (this is a prostate-produced chemical in your blood). Dr. Boateng explains that while it is normal to have a certain level of PSA in your bloodstream, elevated levels could indicate a prostate infection, enlargement of the prostate or cancer. If you do have unusually high PSA levels, your physician will perform certain other diagnostic exams to identify the cause.


PROSTATE CANCER SYMPTOMS
POINT ~ Early prostate cancer has no specific symptoms. Men with prostate cancer are often unaware of their condition.

REMEMBER ~ A PSA screening can detect prostate Cancer before symptoms appear. And early detection is essential for successful treatment.


Prostate cancer symptoms may include the following:

• Urinary difficulty
• Reduced or interrupted urine flow
• Erectile dysfunction
• Frequent pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Pain or burning with urination
• Blood in urine or semen

These symptoms may indicate other conditions as well as a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate. Contact your doctor immediately if you should experience any of these symptoms.

Come on guys ~~ do it for us !!!



To Your Continued Health and Success !
Julia Gray, Licenced Practical Nurse

Google Me or Visit me online at JuliaGrayOnline.com

Why Women Hesitate To Call 911 During a Heart Attack

Women too often hesitate to call 911 during a heart attack. This could be for any number of reasons, such as not believing they are really having a heart attack or just not wanting to raise a false alarm. Women must remember to never take a wait and see approach to a heart attack. The longer you wait the more damage a heart attack can cause. Take your symptoms seriously, because they are.

A recent CNN report states that women make other, often critical, mistakes that delay their treatment in these situations. Some women will downplay these symptoms, while others will self-diagnose themselves as having heartburn or other minor health issues.
These delays and mis-judgements can cost you your life. Don’t wait around for symptoms to worsen. Just call 911.

When emergency personnel arrive, clearly and completely describe your symptoms. For example, if your chest pain feels like someone just parked a car on your chest—tell them that exactly. If you have a unusual nausea or shortness of breath, tell them how unusual it is. If you have a family history of heart disease or if you have a history of heart attacks in your family, tell your paramedics about this as well.

All of this information is vital. By giving the paramedics a complete history of your symptoms, they can prepare emergency physicians and other medical personnel to provide you with the best treatment possible. This can save your heart and your life.

To Your Continued Health and Success!

Julia Gray, Licensed Practical Nurse

JuliaGrayonLine.com

RED DRESS ALERT! WOMEN ~~TAKE THIS TO HEART!

Heart Disease is the number one killer of American women. Statistics show that it accounts for nearly one-third of all female deaths. That is six times as many deaths as is caused from breast cancer. Wake up ladies!

In 2004, in the state of South Carolina alone more than 144,00 women suffered from heart disease. In local communities more than 500-600 women a year are sent to hospitals with some form of heart disease.

Still we find that many women do not recognize heart attack symptoms. Many others simply delay calling for assistance (either because they don’t understand or they are just plain afraid); this puts their health and their lives in jeopardy.

As women, we need to know our unique heart attack symptoms. Please understand these can be quite different from a man’s. IF YOU EVEN THINK THAT YOU MAY BE HAVING A HEART ATTACK ~~ CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY, WITHOUT DELAY! Even if it is a false alarm, when your life is at stack this is the least of your worries.

Point to Remember ~ When thinking of heart attack symptoms, you may think of someone gripping their chest in pain or gasping for breath. You would be right - some of the time.

While chest discomfort may be the leading cause of heart attack in both men and women, in women it can feel a lot different than we would even expect.

OUR UNIQUE SYMPTOMS
Very often a woman’s heart attack feels like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. It usually starts in the center of the chest, lasting for sometimes no more than a few minutes.

During a heart attack other areas of your upper body may experience discomfort as well. You could have pain in your arms, back, neck, lower jaw, or stomach. This may be accompanied by shortness of breath or other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.

While chest discomfort may be the primary symptom, studies show that almost a third of all women experience no chest pain at all. Instead they experience shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain or pain in the lower jaw.

Of course these symptoms will vary from woman to woman; pain can come and go, it can either be mild or severe. The thing to know is that it is an unusual~ pain, different than one you have felt before. When this is the case call 911 or your local paramedics immediately.

LISTEN MY SISTERS ~~DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL!!


To Your Continued Health and Success
Julia Gray, Licensed Practical Nurse
JuliaGrayOnLine.com

Can Fast Food and Meat & Potatoes Really Equal Weight Loss?

Fast Food
Drive-thru food is great because it's quick and it tastes good. But there are ways to get the
"fast" without the fat. Many burger places offer grilled chicken sandwiches and salad bars. If
fried chicken is your weakness, picking off the breading strips calories while retaining the
flavor, says Susan McQuillan, RD, a registered dietitian in New York City.

Overall, sub shops are a pretty safe bet--if you go easy on the mayo. And your grocery store is
a great place to pick up healthy convenience foods such as reduced-fat hot dogs, low-fat frozen
dinners, or stir-fry ensembles for quick meals at home.

But when you just can't shake the craving, it's perfectly fine to hit your local hot dog stand
or burger joint--just mini-size your meal. Menu To make losing weight easy, it has to fit into your busy lifestyle. Here are some options you can grab on the go.

Breakfast 8 oz fat-free plain yogurt 1/3 cup strawberries 1 slice whole wheat toast with 1 Tbsp
fruit spread. Wash and slice fruit the night before, or thaw the frozen kind in your refrigerator overnight.

Lunch 1 fast-food hamburger 1 small order fast-food french fries 1 12-oz cola. For a more filling meal, load up on low-calorie extras such as tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and pickles.


Dinner 3 fish sticks, frozen 1/2 cup spaghetti with marinara sauce tossed with 1/2 cup cooked
spinach and 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1 whole wheat roll. Jarred tomato sauces with vegetables are still pretty light on fiber. For more bulk, microwave frozen veggies, and add them to the sauce.

Snack 1 banana 4 oz orange juice

Total: 1,739 calories; 56 g fat


Meat & Potato Lovers
The key to losing weight while still eating the comfort foods you grew up with is learning how
to prepare them with fewer calories. Start with smart choices: Lean cuts of red meat such as top
round, sirloin, and London broil average 240 calories per 3-oz serving compared with their fattier cousins: prime rib, T-bone, and filet mignon, which weigh in at 340 calories for the same-size portion. Then grill or saute them in olive oil spray instead of butter to cut calories even further.

For variety, try pork tenderloin or tuna steak as hearty red-meat substitutes. And explore other
side dishes such as sweet potatoes and whole grain rice or pasta. They have the same starchy
feel as potatoes but boost your fiber intake to fill you up faster.

Menu The protein from meat and the carbohydrates from potatoes are a great way to control your hunger. And with a little planning, they can help control your waistline too.

Breakfast 1 cup bran flakes 1/2 cup 1 percent milk 1/2 cup blueberries

A high-fiber breakfast will help move some of the fat and calories from last night's dinner out
of your body.

Lunch Ham sandwich: 2 slices whole wheat bread 1 oz reduced-fat Swiss cheese 2 oz turkey ham 1 roasted red bell pepper Romaine lettuce 1/2 cup macaroni salad 1 medium banana.
For fewer calories, ask if your deli prepares low-fat or fat-free side dishes.

Dinner 1 cup tomato soup made with 1 percent milk 1 serving Sauteed Steak and Mushrooms 1
serving Guilt-Free Scalloped Potatoes 1 cup steamed broccoli. If you stick to the 3-oz serving size, you can eat meat most days of the week.

Snack 1 apple 12 potato chips. Having a piece of fruit along with the chips can stop you from eating the whole bag.

Total: 1,530 calories; 51 g fat


Happy Eating !
Julia Gray
Proud Member My VM Team

Google Me ~ Julia Gray Online