menopause gang newsletter no. 61

7/25/2019 Menopause Gang Newsletter No. 61

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The

Menopause

Gang

Winter Issue 2016 No. 61

Our Motto is...we will survive...

'Age is Just a Number'

By Pauline Girling

I'm not sure that I ever liked accepting middle age when I moved into my 50's but that stageof life has passed for me. Now I'm into my 70's I definitely don't want to "think old" orexperience all the physical issues that could be on the horizon for me now I'm a fully-fledged senior! I guess a lot of women of my era felt like this and I know if I want to holdoffthoseachesandpainsandcomplicatedmedicationregimesforaslongaspossiblethen

I have to find ways to stay physically active and to eat sensibly.When I retired five years ago I was probably luckier than some women of my age groupbecause I wasn't on any prescription medication. This could be due to lucky genes but

more likely because I have stayed active most of my life and had been involved in some form of regular exercise eversince high school days.

Because of this, I have always understood and like the jump start that doing something physical provides but when thechildren were young or when I was working full time and life got busy I just couldn't find the time to get to the gym orwork out regularly. But I also knew the more physically active I was the less stressed and happier I was in my everydaylife.

Now my working days are over I have much more time and far more choices. I have the luxury (at last) of planning mydays. So, in my 70's, I have renewed my commitment to staying fit and active and have found lots of interesting waysto stay involved.

First of all, I found a gym that I felt comfortable going to. It's a women only club so not too many "body babes" wanderingaround in skimpy workout clothes. There are no guys there to impress! It's close to home too and with a good selectionof classes and on site trainers to personalize your own program. Now this is where I go at least a couple of morningsa week to take a class or go through my fitness program.

Another fitness activity I have taken up in my retirement is tennis! I had never played before and it's taken quite a timeto feel adequate when I walk on the court to play! I began by pushing myself to join a local club and then enlisted thehelp of the tennis pro and signed up for group tennis lessons. Through these sessions I met quite a few "people likeme" who were learning to play the game too! As a group we have progressed and moved on from the fundamentals.Now we meet up at least once or twice a week to play friendly games. I am so pleased I pushed myself out of my comfortzone and learned to play tennis. I find it such a fun and social activity and I so enjoy all the new friendships I've madealong the way.

And now I have just come across another "motivator" to keep me moving. I've recently bought myself a FitBit watch totrack some basic daily activity: how many steps I take, how far I've walked, how many flights of stairs I've climbed, howrestful my sleep is (when I wear it overnight) and my estimated calorie burn on these stats.

I can't explain it, but wearing the FitBit motivates me to move more! I love seeing my stats, my all-time best records andthe days that I break them. It is a little reminder that I think about throughtout the day and it motivates me to make a moreactive choice. I think of it as my daily reminder to move and it truly works as a motivator. I think it's so important for weightloss and overall health because, as studies show, even people who exercise are putting their health at risk by beingsedentary for so many hours in a day.

Gadgets may come and go, but I'll keep using my FitBit into the foreseeable future. I think it offers people like me themotivation to keep moving and moving and moving!


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Our Motto is...we will survive...2

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.It is only intended to "share the emotional aspect of going through menopause".

All Your Office Needs...All Your Office Needs...

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TOPS Ltd. was pleased to produce thisOPS Ltd was pleased to produce thiscolour edition ofolour edition ofTe Menopause Gange Menopause ang

Lise Fox Publisher

The Menopause Gang Newsletter

Contact: (441-297-0928

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.themenopausegang.com

Editor

Carole Sousa

Contributors

Caroline Ivaliotis

Trish Wan

Dr. Danielle MarrBermuda Diabetic Association

Fiona Couper-Smith

Sherrie S. Outerbridge

Monica Jones

Louise Francoeur

Pauline Girling

Menopause CornerInside this issue

Age is Just a Number...My friend Pauline has encouraged me to get aFitBit and I enjoy following in her footsteps for keeping healthy. (Cover

Page)

Tales from Trish...Welcome to grandparenthood Trish. It's the mostwonderful feeling in the world. When your little ones call you Nana, it willust melt your heart. (Pages 3 & 4)

Lines fromCaroline...Wisewordsfrom Caroline:Manage your time, takecare of yourself and watch your stress melt away. (Page 5)

Divine Nature & Inspirations...The moral to Monica's story is simply this:If there'ssomething you think you can't do and you're presented with theopportunity to "try", don't shy away. (Page 7)

Inside Out Wellness Center...Acupuncture helps to normalize an over

active nervous system. Dr. Marr advocates this treatment for amenopausal body. (Page 8)

Bermuda Diabetic Association...Sara McKittrick shares the 5 simplesteps to a healthier you in 2016. (Page 9)

Living Wills...While this is not a subject we care to give thought to, it isimportant to address this now for your peace of mind later. (Page 10)

Dancing...Dancing can bring you many benefits. Did you know dancingis an excellent way of exercising. (Page 11)

Age is Just a Number.............. .............. .............. ..... 1

Tales from Trish...................................................... 3 & 4

Lines from Caroline................................................. 5

Bda Cancer & Health Center Home Page.............. 6

Divine Nature and Inspirations................................ 7

Inside Out Wellness Center Home Page................ 8

Bda Diabetes Association Page............................. 9

Living Wills............................................................. 10

Dancing.................................................................. 11

Welcome to Inner Balance Bermuda..................... 12

Bucket List Ideas for Women...There is no time like thepresent to make

a list of things you would like to do but have always put off. (Page 11)

Welcome to Inner Balance...Fiona writes about releasing the old energyand bringing in the new with Reiki. (Page 12)

Bucket List Ideas for Women................................. 11

Health Benefits of Walking.................................... 12

Health Benefits of Walking...Walking is by far the most popular form ofphysical activity in the United States. (Page 12)


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Tales from TrishA FLURRY OF GRANDCHILDREN

I became a triple Grandma this year, welcoming our first grandson in April, then in June a twin granddaughter andgrandson! These were long-awaited and joyful events, however tinged with the regret that we were not 10 years

younger.

My daughter generously gave me her old i-Phone which wasnt too traumatic because Id been practicing my skills on

my hubbys superseded i-Pad. Ive now almost mastered the Smart phone, although initially I was reluctant to give up

mybeloveddumbphone!Iproceededtorackupanovernightbillof$180fordataafterinadvertentlyswitchingonMusic

and being unable to stop it. The following afternoon the billhad escalated to $350 before I sought help and it was turned

off. Traps for new players, indeed.

The i-Phone has become my Grandmas Brag Book, where photos of the babies taken by the camera phone are stored

as attachments to emails, emailed to friends and air-dropped to their parents. My friends remain willing for me to showthem the latest photos of the children. Thus Im increasing my grasp of technology incrementally though how it all

works is still a mystery!

They (the babies, that is) have begun to coo and laugh, emulate sounds like yay and hullo (spoken by us in a cartoon-

like voice), begun lifting their heads and shoulders, rolling, clasping and chewing their hands and batting toys hanging

above the play mat. With support my 4!months old grandson loves to use his little legs like springs and walks across

the table one foot after the other! He naturally has the art of walking and I foresee he may not bother to crawl. At 6

months, the oldest grandson has five razor sharp toothies and on command of GO will bounce up and down on

anyones knee riding horsie, rekindling those almost forgotten memories of our own children as they reached these

milestones.

Its a privilege to spend each day helping my daughter with the twins, feeding, changing poo-namies (think tsunami

and you get the idea of the poo which sometimes bypasses the diaper and envelops the entire body and Wondersuit.)

But especially its the wonderful bonding time of cuddles, standing up playtime, smiling, cooing, and the quiet time

when, wrapped in their Woombies, their eyes close as you rock them almost asleep and tuck them in.

In November we will undertake a week-long family excursion to Hong Kong: mum, dad, baby, Nanna, Grandma and

Grandpa, all happily ensconced in a plane for 9 hours, playing pass the parcel with a lively 7 month old. We know this

first boy child of a new generation will be swamped with attention from doting Great-Aunties and Uncles. Just say a

prayer that we older folk survive the heat as we pound the overcrowded pavements to sightsee and shop, sally forth

on underground trains for morning yum cha and catch taxis sans seat belts or baby seats (mandatory in Australia) toenjoy evening banquets.

Of course we know the very best part of being grandparents, dont we? At the end of the day we can wave the babies

goodbye and head off for a good nights sleep!

Update: Since 'It's Not Okay', my piece on domestic violence, a coroner has ruled it unforeseen that Luke Batty would

be murdered by his father, who has psychological issues and committed suicide in jail. Rosie was assured her son

hadn't died in vain in light of new initiatives to protect the innocent. Cont'd on page 4


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Our Motto is...we will survive...Our Motto is...we will survive...4

Contact Tracey Caswell

to purchase these books at:

Email: [email protected]

Tales from Trish Cont'd from page 3

- 100 people rallied at an I Stand Up board paddle in Currumbin, Queensland. Large crowds assembled in

major cities in support.

- High profile football players released TV ads asking violent men (cowards) to seek help, man up, andchange their attitudes.

- A teenager whose mother was murdered by her dad when she was 11 received an award for speaking

publicly about crimes occurring behind closed doors.

- A change of Prime Minister saw the budget for domestic violence assistance increased by 100 million

dollars for initiatives to increase victims safety and for refuges.

Statistics revealed that in Australia between January and September 2015, 65 women and children were murdered

in acts of domestic violence. If annually 65 Aussie military men and women were killed in combat in the Middle East

there would be outrage, so can we continue to ignore domestic carnage?

Note from the publisher:

I was blessed over the holidays to have my little granddaughter spend some time with us. She is

the light of mylife and I never thought that being a 'Nana' would be so special and bring so much

oy to my life. Can't wait to have another one from out West...Hint!...Hint!


5/12


Lines from Caroline

Are Your Time Management Skills Causing You Stress?

Stress is a state of emotional strain caused by taxing situations. It is normal to experience stress in daily life. Luckily,

the body is equipped with an alarm system that produces protective hormones to respond to it. Everyone experiences

stress but too much causes illness in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize what triggers stress in your life

and learn how to manage them.

Accordingto The American Psychological Association, 75% of adults surveyed reported experiencing moderate to high

levels of stress daily and that it is a top health concern for high school students in the United States. According toThe

Regus Group, all major global economies are experiencing increased workplace stress. China's workplace stress has

risen 86%.The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellencereports that approximately 13.7 million working

days are lost each year as a result of it.

When thebody recognizes stressit goes into 'fightor flight' mode. Theadrenal glandsbecome stimulated andadrenaline

and cortisol hormones are released. Adrenaline increases the heart rate and blood pressure and cortisol increases

glucose. A chemical reaction takes place that helps the body cope with the stress. When the body senses that the threat

is no longer present it returns back to normal. If the body is experiencing chronic stress one may experience headaches,

chest pain, back and neck pain, stomach issues and insomnia. If stress is not managed serious health conditions can

develop such as anxiety, depression, cancer, digestion and heart disorders.

A positive attitude is the first step in managing stress. Surround yourself with positive people, places and things. Come

to grips with the fact that you can't control all the stressors in your life but you can control your reaction to them.

Reduce obligations and prepare for the unexpected. Allocate time for traffic and last minute family duties. Relax,strengthen your immune system with plenty of sleep, nutritious food, exercise and relaxation techniques such as yoga,

massage and meditation.

Just say No! There is a fine line between being charitable and foolish. When your personal and professional plate is full,

its full! It is O.K. to give yourself permission to decline requests. Strangely enough, when you set boundaries those

aroundyou will respect and appreciate your present generous nature. Saying No may also help youto balance and enjoy

a manageable plate.

Triage your to do list. Handle time sensitive and important tasks first. Let the dishes sit in the sink overnight and pay

your bills that are due tomorrow. The dishes can wait. Believe me the dishes are not going anywhere.

Chronic complainers have a knack of seeking out people who have an 'open door policy'. Whether these selfish people

are co-workers or friends and family, politely let them know when you are busy working on time-sensitive matters and

have deadlines to meet. Offer to schedule a short time to speak with them on a future date and time. Let them know that

you would prefer not to discuss issues that you have already commented on. Your time is valuable, don't give it away.

Time cannot be put on hold. Once its used it is gone forever. Time like health cannot be bought or reversed. Manage

your time, take care of yourself and watch your stress melt away.


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BERMUDA CANCER & HEALTH CENTER HOME PAGE


7/12


Emancipation is celebrated every year at Cup Match and it's noticeable how everyone is happy but I wonder what it waslike back in 1834? What actually happened? One minute people were required to work for nothing and the next they

were free having wanted and longed for freedom to be free to make decisions, for their children not to be in bondage.

Free to work for a salary, to provide their own accommodation, tomaketheir own decisions and to move at will. I suspect

many freedoms were not exercised simply because the habit of "being free" hadn't been formed yet. I've realised that

I can't imagine what itwas likebut I have thought about itin the limited context of myown lifegrowing up ina familywhere

womenwereclassedasinferior.Thedefinitionofsuccessforwomenwastomarry.Toelevate,oratleastnottodiminish,

the status of the family. Women were made whole by men. We were weak, soft and needed protection. Women who

didn't marry were labelled as "old maids/spinsters" i.e. as inferior, flawed and incomplete. Women were to defer to men

as we clearly didn't have as many brains.

In my teen years I fought this belief system: rebelled and raged against it as I pursued a career to prove I had a brain,

I was capable and as good as or better than men.The fewfemale role modelsin thebusiness world were often divorced women who'd been forcedto find a wayto support

themselves and their families. They had to be tough to navigate in a man's world.

In my younger years I thought I'd emancipated myself from feeling inferior or less than men. I thought I had my own true

voice but even now in my 60's I'm still uncovering and liberating myself from my own thought patterns which tell me I'm

not adequate.

To have my own opinions. To create my own vision. To be wiling to learn about "stuff" I've always thought was nothing

to do with me. Like house renovations men's work. Men's decisions. But I have strong views and a vision of my own.

One I'm learning to express. Haltingly at times because I don't know the language of construction. Uncertainty at times,

because I'm learning about electronics men's stuff but I'm fascinated to think it's not as difficult as I thought.

I was learning not to be afraid to ask questions, such as: "When you say these words, what do you mean?" "What doesthis word mean in this context?" to not feel stupid for asking questions which are obvious to other people but not to me.

In the early days of our marriage I used to rebel, argue and try to prove I'm right. He wasn't better than me. I held onto

this thought for years. I rarely doubted it. Eventually it started to fall away. I started noticing little cracks flaws how

human he was. After I got over my disappointment I moved into acceptance and eventually saw him again as wholly

human.

Emancipation is not only for the person in need of freedom, it also gives the "oppressor" permission to be fully human

i.e. to be flawed, to make mistakes and to be equal.

Nosociety canbe healthy while we dwellon ideas of superiority andinferiority. Ratherwe have to celebrateand embrace

differences of all types, to focus on the potential of each person and throw away labels.

Divine Nature and Inspirations By Monica Jones

Labels keep us stuck. They can make us feel secure, but the main purpose they serve is to limit the human experiencesand then we're not living fully. This applies no matter what age we are.

The moral to today's story is simply this: If there's something you think you can't do and you're presented with theopportunity to "try" don't shy away. Seek help and advice and go for it. You may find a new love.

on ca ones s a ermu an art st an wr ter. on ca pa nts n paste , c arcoa an encaust c. e ves n ermu a w t her husband Arthur (lifelong sweetheart and supporter) and three ducks. Monica has three children, two grandchildren, a sonand daughter-in-law and grew up in Paget, Bermuda.Contact info: email [email protected] if you would like to receive regular newsletters from the author and be added tothe mailing list.

Cell: 441-332-2753...Website: http://www.monicajonesartist.com Copyright Monica (Smith) Jones


8/12


Inside Out Wellness Center By Dr. Danielle Marr

Medical Acupuncture Another Way To Regulate An Overactive Nervous System

WhenMedical Acupuncture (akaNeuro-functional Acupuncture) became thenew treatmentmodalitypracticedby many

chiropractors, I decided I should get my certification to have as another "tool in the belt" yet another way to help mypatients.Traditional Chinese Medicine hasbeen aroundfor thousandsof years,and forso many reasons,it works.Many

people have a hard time fully understanding some of Traditional Chinese Medicine theories (the energy flow, and the

'Chi'), but when breaking it down to simple body science, it's easier to make sense of how these little needles can have

such a large impact on the way our nervous system functions.

The Benefits:

Improved blood flow if you put a needle in a tissue (i.e.; muscle tissue), it improves blood flow to the area: improved

blood flow = improved function!

If a muscle is in spasm, acupuncture will help it to relax.

If a muscle is not firing properly, adding a gentle current of electric stimulation will help to encourage more of the musclefibers to contract (Contemporary Medical Acupuncture includes adding electric stimulation to the needles to increase

the benefits of regular acupuncture on its own).

Certain systemic points encourage our body torelease endorphins our "feel good" hormones we could all use a

little more of those! (Note: mood regulation).

Acupuncture helps tonormalize an over active nervous system need I say more when it comes to a menopausal

body!?!

Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, night sweats, mood changes, weight gain/slowed metabolism, etc. are all symptoms

that may stem from a change in hormones, but also have an effect on every other system in our body. Acupuncture

needles can reach spots our fingers and hands cannot. Acupuncture can be used functionally for conditions of themuscles and joints, or systemically for a full body effect needed with more complex conditions (ie: menopause). It all

comes back to trying to bring the body back to a state of balance if it's overactive, that system is down regulated; if

it's underactive, it's stimulated). Acupuncture used in addition to chiropractic adjustments is an excellent way to help

target full body, systemic changes related to not only menopause, but many other life transitions that can affect multiple

body systems.

Danielle Marr: After her undergraduate studies in the Honours Kinesiology program at Wilfrid Laurier University, Dr. Marr went on

to obtain her Doctor of Chiropractic degreefrom the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. She furtheredher education

by obtaining her diploma in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University and has been certified as an ART(Active

Release Techniques) provider. As an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition coach, Dr. Marr is a strong advocate for healthy

living. She currently practices out of Inside Out Wellness Centre in Hamilton, Bermuda Contact: 296-2225 Inside Out Wellness

Centre 4th Floor Dallas Building, 7Victoria Street, Hamilton HM11

Note from the Publisher:

I have enjoyed this treat-

ment over the years with

no ill effect especially

when I was in meno-

pause.


9/12


Bermuda Diabetes Association Page

5 Simple Steps to a Healthier You in 2016

1. Feed yourself within 2 hours of waking up!Skipping breakfast is a major stumbling block tolosing weight and believe it or not is also a trigger for blood sugar problems. Eating breakfast on aregular basis will help boost your metabolism and sets you up for better food choices for the rest ofthe day. If you are not a breakfast eater, even a small meal of fruit, or toast and peanut butter is agood start. Try to include a fruit, wholegrain carbohydrate and a low fat protein choice in yourbreakfast to get a good nutritious start in the morning.

2. Make a swop to fruits or vegetables at snack time.When feeling hungry, grab a piece of fruitor cut veggies instead of chips or cookies as a snack. You will make a huge saving in calories, notto mention increasing your nutrient intake. Many of us need to add more servings of fruit andvegetables in our diet, and to turn to these at snack times is always a healthy option. If you feel youdon't have the time to peel or cut, go with pre-cut packages that areavailable in many grocery stores.Use some low fat yogurt or hummus as a dip to give you extra calcium and protein as well.

3. Replace at least one of your favourite grain products with its whole wheat version. Dietaryguidelines recommend increasing our intake of whole wheat and wholegrain products. This will notonly increase daily fibre intake, but also provide an array of antioxidants not found in fruits andvegetables. The easiest way to do this is to replace refined grain products such as breads, pastaand rice for their wholegrain counterparts. If you bake, substitute up to half the white flour with wholewheat pastas and brown and wild rice mixes which make a healthy grain alternative to include atmealtimes.

4. Give up thesodas andnon-nutritivesweet drinks. Regularsodasandmanyothersweetdrinksoffer nothing but empty calories in the form of sugar and lots of it. One serving of soda a day canincrease your risk of Type 2 Diabetes by almost 25%. Give sweet drinks up for good and substitutewater as your healthiest option to reduce calorie intake and prevent chronic disease. For a changedrink herbal teas, regular tea and coffee in sensible amounts, or a glass of low fat milk for additionalprotein and calcium. If you are having a hard time giving up juice, take a small amount, 4 oz and fillthe rest of the glass with water or sparkling water for a reduced sugar alternative.

5. Try to make physical activity a part of every day! We hear of the benefits of exercise constantlyto lose weight, boost metabolism, lower blood sugar and blood pressure and generally increaseenergy levels and sense of well-being. Many of us feel we do not have time to exercise daily but lookat ways at how you can make your day more active. Take stairs wherever you can instead ofelevators, run an errand yourself at lunchtime, get off the bus earlier or park and walk further justto get to where you have to go. When starting an exercise, choose a time that suits you, althoughoften time best to do it first thing in the morning to not let anything get in the way as an excuse notgo! Find an activity you enjoy and enroll a friend to join you to keep your interest up and support eachother. Studies have shown that 150 minutes of exercise a week, 30 minutes 5 days a week, helpssiginificantly to prevent people diagnosed with Prediabetes from developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Just get moving!


10/12


While this is not a subject we care to give thought to, it is IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS THIS NOW

FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND LATER.

It should first be noted that a Living Will does not cover issues of financing and/or property. It is about HOW YOU WANT

TO BE TREATED IN THE EVENT THAT YOU CANNOT SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. It is a legal document that speaks

on your behalf when you are medically incapacitated.

A Living Will is accompanied by a Declaration which confirms the choices you have made, in advance. It should be

reviewed regularly and changes made where applicable at that time. The document can also be revoked (cancelled).

In the event you do not make any changes or do not cancel the Living Will while capacitated, the document remains

legally binding from the date it was signed until and unless revoked. Hence the need to review on a regular basis.

Think About It: Would your spouse/children be able to agree about my treatment going forward? If left to the children

would they agree or would their lack of agreement (for any given reason love and emotional ties inclusive) dominatethe prolonging of my life, against my silent desire?

So What Do You Want and Under What Circumstances?

- Life continuing or sustaining treatment

- Nursing Care if at all; to what extent; at home or a facility; by an individual

- Faith requirements do you want your Minister to visit and pray for you

- Who can visit me and who would I prefer not to visit me

- Do I want to be an organ donor (if not one or do I want to discontinue)

- Funeral arrangements

Then have the document drawn up and witnessed. Ensure that a copy is given to your family, doctor and lawyer. A copyshould also remain with your official documents so there is no question should the issue arise.

We take the time on other matters such as financing, meal preparation and vacations, on a regular basis. Why not takethetime to think about your medical future? Give yourself thecomfort of knowing youare still in control of your life despitebeing unable to communicate.

**Please consult your attorney for comprehensive legal advice on this subject matter. This article is submitted to informyou of your medical options, only.

(AYS ASSOCIATES - Ad attached to this page)

LIVING WILLS By Sherrie S. Outerbridge


11/12


Dancing By Louise Francoeur

BUCKET LIST IDEAS FOR WOMEN by Lise Fox

My bucket list idea for the new year will be learning how to play Squash. Since I'm on a health kick I figured why nottry it. I also want to learn sign language. Here are some other 'Bucket List Ideas' that you might enjoy trying:

Ride a gondola in Venice Travelalone Take one photo a day for a year Go on a road trip Learn a new language Ride a Segway Take a cooking class Take dance lessons Make a difference in at least one person's life Learnto meditate Learn to knit Volunteer at an animal shelter....

The possibilities are endless. Visit www.bucklist.net for ideas.

Through the years, dancing has always been part of the human specie. It was part of rituals, ceremonies, gatherings,celebrations etc. Either it was to ask for rain or to be grateful for a good hunt or crop. To fall in love or to celebrate an

union.

Dancing can bring you many benefits. Did you know that dancing is an excellent way of exercising? It makes you moveyour body from top to bottom. You move your feet, legs, hips, waistline, torso, arms, neck and head. Wow! That is atotal workout! If you dance a few minutes a day, say 20 minutes, it will help you lose those unwanted pounds. It will alsotrim your waistline. As we get older, we tend to lose muscle density and even if I dislike to admit it, but yes, we becomemore 'flabby'. Therefore it is very important to 'move it or lose it'. Go away wasted muscles, we want healthy ones. Allour lives we will need our muscles to support us so why not do it in a pleasant way by dancing.

Dancing will make you exercise your memory because you need to remember your steps and your different turns. Sowhile you dance, Alzheimer will have to wait! Remember the old saying: a healthy mind in a healthy body! While youdance, you help your blood circulation thus distributing more oxygen to your heart, lungs and brain. The music will bringback some nice memories and will bring a smile to your lips and if the memory is not so good well, change the music.

You can dance alone, with your spouse, with a friend or with several friends. If you are alone, it will make you happyand will make you forget your daily problems. If it is with your spouse, it can be a nice romantic moment. With friends,it will turn into a party moment. However you look at it, it will be a pleasant and positive time that will bring you so manybenefits. And guess what, it is free and you can do it in the comfort of your home. You can dance to the music you likeand to the rhythm you enjoy and at the speed you want.

I love to dance and I hope you do too. Keep on dancing and be happy.

Note from the Publisher: I have known Louise for 60 years. She is a very energetic person who loves to live

life to the fullest. Louise retired in 2014 and hasn't looked back. She's in the process of selling her house and

movingon toa newchapterin herlife. I amproudto call hermy friend. "Continueto beyourself, never change..."


12/12

Welcome to Inner Balance Bermuda by Fiona Couper-Smith

12 Our Motto is...we will survive...

Releasing the old energy and bringing in the new with Reiki.

New year, a time when we are all thinking about what the next year will hold. A chance to start afresh, a clean slate.Goalsandnewideasarecreated.Thisisthetimetoclearouttheoldenergy,negativethoughtsandclutter,leavingspaceto draw in the new.

One thing I've found with Reiki and Reflexology (both energy therapies) is that they can help support and change youin positive ways.

Reiki is a gentle non-invasive therapy where the hands are placed on or sometimes just above the body in either asequence following the chakras or used on known injuries or areas of concern. The experience can feel different eachtime depending on your needs and the current level of your health or stress levels. You don't need to be unwell to haveReiki. The body has its own wisdom and will use Reiki energy to balance and stimulate its own body systems.

What to expect from a Reiki treatment. A consultation form can be filled in with medical, allergy and lifestyle concerns.You need to wear light comfortable clothing as you don't need to undress as with massage. You lie on your back on the

massage couch with pillows under your head and knees. You may be asked to turn over partway through the session.Gentle music is played and you will be covered with a light sheet or blanket to keep warm. This is a nurturing treatment.You just relax and close your eyes.

What it mayfeel like to you. Some peoplefallasleep. Others feel like they have been meditating.The practitioner's handsmay feel very warm or even hot and occasionally cool. Reiki may be subtle or intense usually leaving you feelingpeaceful, relaxed, balanced and grounded. Reiki has been known to reduce pain, anxiety, fatigue and support recoveryafter injury or surgery.

I had a session the other day from a lovely friend of mine. Afterwards my head and eyes felt clearer, my chest lighter(just had a bit of a cough) and I just felt peaceful. It is a great way to be mindful, to be in the moment and connect toyour higher self. This helps you to see the things you need to let go of, the ones that are not serving you, so you canmove forward in your life.

Bio: Fiona is a Bermudian with over 21 years experience as a holistic therapist, trained in Wales and England in various Massage

disciplines, Reflexology, Hot Stones, Nutrition and Reiki. Her practice Inner Balance Bermuda is an oasis of calm providing natural

therapies to support your health and wellbeing.

Contact: 333-5514 www.InnerBalanceBermuda.com

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALKING By healthinfocus.net

Walking is by far the most popular form of physical activity in the United States.

Benefits: Weight loss Increase metabolism Healthier heart Increased self-esteem Tone muscles Increase

energy Stronger bones and joints Relieve stress Strengthens immune system.

Exercising in Nature: Fresh air has more oxygen Greenscapes raise serotonin levels Triggers primal regions of ourbrain and psyche More sensory stimulation Increases feelings of well-being and lowers depression Sun exposureincreases Vitamin D levels and helps optimize hormones.

Thought to reduce the risk of: Coronary heart disease Strokes Diabetes High blood pressure Bowel cancer Osteoporosis.

Walking has too many well proven benefits to skip out on. It's free, and all you need is the time invested and some prettygood shoes to start. Walking, along with a well balanced diet, does wonders for your metabolism...and you can alwaysuse the fresh air.

menopause gang newsletter no. 61

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