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Woman-t0-Woman
Helpful Hints for a Seasoned Life |
Please email your helpful hints,
encouragement, and advice for this section to info@beyondthebend.com.
Exercise is thought to have a positive
effect on mood. During exercise, hormones called
endorphins are released in the brain. They are "feel
good" hormones involved in the body's positive response
to stress. The mood-heightening effect can last for
several hours, according to some endocrinologists.
Consult your doctor before starting a rigorous exercise
program. He or she will help you decide which types of
exercises are best for you. An exercise program should
start slowly and build up to more strenuous activities.
Women who already have osteoporosis of the spine should
be careful about exercise that jolts or puts weight on
the back, as it could cause a fracture.
Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grain
cereal products, especially those high in vitamin C and
carotene. These include oranges, grapefruit, carrots,
winter squash, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and
green leafy vegetables. These foods are good sources of
vitamins and minerals and the major sources of dietary
fiber. Fiber helps
maintain bowel mobility and may reduce the risk of colon
cancer. Young and older people alike are encouraged to
consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day.
Make time for yourself. Even
though your kids are grown (or nearly grown) we still
often struggle with over commitment. Learn to say
"No!" when necessary and make sure to take the time you
need just for you!
~JH, Iowa
Are you tired often? Dark circles
under your eyes? Check your iron
levels...you may be anemic. I was feeling tired
all the time and my circles under my eyes were getting
more pronounced, so I had the doctor check and sure
enough, my iron was extremely low. I've been on
iron pills for 6 months now and am feeling much better!
If you take iron, you may need to take a stool softener
or increase your fiber intake as iron tablets tend to
constipate.
~ ACB, New York
Dress in layers. When hot flashes
come you can then just remove a layer or two until it
passes.
~CR, Kentucky
