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61
The
Menopause
Our Motto is...we will survive...
Gang
When I retired five years ago I was probably luckier than some women of my age group
because 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 ever
since high school days.
Because of this, I have always understood and like the jump start that doing something physical provides but when the
children 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 or
work out regularly. But I also knew the more physically active I was the less stressed and happier I was in my everyday
life.
Now my working days are over I have much more time and far more choices. I have the luxury (at last) of planning my
days. So, in my 70's, I have renewed my commitment to staying fit and active and have found lots of interesting ways
to 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" wandering
around in skimpy workout clothes. There are no guys there to impress! It's close to home too and with a good selection
of classes and on site trainers to personalize your own program. Now this is where I go at least a couple of mornings
a 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 time
to feel adequate when I walk on the court to play! I began by pushing myself to join a local club and then enlisted the
help of the tennis pro and signed up for group tennis lessons. Through these sessions I met quite a few "people like
me" 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 comfort
zone and learned to play tennis. I find it such a fun and social activity and I so enjoy all the new friendships I've made
along the way.
And now I have just come across another "motivator" to keep me moving. I've recently bought myself a FitBit watch to
track some basic daily activity: how many steps I take, how far I've walked, how many flights of stairs I've climbed, how
restful 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 and
the days that I break them. It is a little reminder that I think about throughtout the day and it motivates me to make a more
active 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 weight
loss and overall health because, as studies show, even people who exercise are putting their health at risk by being
sedentary 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 the
motivation to keep moving and moving and moving!
Living Wills............................................................. 10
Dancing.................................................................. 11
Bucket List Ideas for Women................................. 11
Welcome to Inner Balance Bermuda..................... 12
Health Benefits of Walking....................................
12
Menopause Corner
Age is Just a Number...My friend Pauline has encouraged me to get a
FitBit and I enjoy following in her footsteps for keeping healthy. (Cover
Page)
Tales from Trish...Welcome to grandparenthood Trish. It's the most
wonderful feeling in the world. When your little ones call you Nana, it will
just melt your heart. (Pages 3 & 4)
Lines from Caroline...Wise words from Caroline: Manage your time, take
care of yourself and watch your stress melt away. (Page 5)
Divine Nature & Inspirations...The moral to Monica's story is simply this:
If there's something you think you can't do and you're presented with the
opportunity 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 a
menopausal body. (Page 8)
Bermuda Diabetic Association...Sara McKittrick shares the 5 simple
steps to a healthier you in 2016. (Page 9)
Living Wills...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. (Page 10)
Dancing...Dancing can bring you many benefits. Did you know dancing
is an excellent way of exercising. (Page 11)
Bucket List Ideas for Women...There is no time like the present 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 energy
and bringing in the new with Reiki. (Page 12)
Website: www.themenopausegang.com
Editor
Carole Sousa
Contributors
Caroline Ivaliotis
Trish Wan
Dr. Danielle Marr
Bermuda Diabetic Association
Fiona Couper-Smith
Sherrie S. Outerbridge
Monica Jones
Louise Francoeur
Pauline Girling
In One Place
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".
- 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, and
change 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?
By Monica Jones
Emancipation is celebrated every year at Cup Match and it's noticeable how everyone is happy but I wonder what it was
like 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, to make their 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 it was like but I have thought about it in the limited context of my own life growing up in a family where
women were classed as inferior. The definition of success for women was to marry. To elevate, or at least not to diminish,
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 few female role models in the business world were often divorced women who'd been forced to find a way to 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 does
this 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.
No society can be healthy while we dwell on ideas of superiority and inferiority. Rather we have to celebrate and embrace
differences of all types, to focus on the potential of each person and throw away labels.
Labels keep us stuck. They can make us feel secure, but the main purpose they serve is to limit the human experiences
and 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 the
opportunity to "try" don't shy away. Seek help and advice and go for it. You may find a new love.
Monica Jones is a Bermudian artist and writer. Monica paints in pastel, charcoal and encaustic. She lives in Ber- muda with
her husband Arthur (lifelong sweetheart and supporter) and three ducks. Monica has three children, two grandchildren, a son
and daughter-in-law and grew up in Paget, Bermuda.
Contact info: email runaway@northrock.bm if you would like to receive regular newsletters from the author and be added to
the mailing list.
Cell: 441-332-2753...Website: http://www.monicajonesartist.com Copyright Monica (Smith) Jones
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 degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. She furthered her 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
10
LIVING WILLS
By Sherrie S. Outerbridge
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) dominate
the 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 copy
should 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 take
the time to think about your medical future? Give yourself the comfort of knowing you are still in control of your life despite
being unable to communicate.
**Please consult your attorney for comprehensive legal advice on this subject matter. This article is submitted to inform
you of your medical options, only.
(AYS ASSOCIATES - Ad attached to this page)
11
Dancing
By Louise Francoeur
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 move
your body from top to bottom. You move your feet, legs, hips, waistline, torso, arms, neck and head. Wow! That is a
total workout! If you dance a few minutes a day, say 20 minutes, it will help you lose those unwanted pounds. It will also
trim your waistline. As we get older, we tend to lose muscle density and even if I dislike to admit it, but yes, we become
more 'flabby'. Therefore it is very important to 'move it or lose it'. Go away wasted muscles, we want healthy ones. All
our 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. So
while you dance, Alzheimer will have to wait! Remember the old saying: a healthy mind in a healthy body! While you
dance, you help your blood circulation thus distributing more oxygen to your heart, lungs and brain. The music will bring
back 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 happy
and 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 many
benefits. And guess what, it is free and you can do it in the comfort of your home. You can dance to the music you like
and 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
moving on to a new chapter in her life. I am proud to call her my friend. "Continue to be yourself, never change..."
12
by Fiona Couper-Smith
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.
Goals and new ideas are created. This is the time to clear out the old energy, negative thoughts and clutter, leaving space
to draw in the new.
One thing I've found with Reiki and Reflexology (both energy therapies) is that they can help support and change you
in positive ways.
Reiki is a gentle non-invasive therapy where the hands are placed on or sometimes just above the body in either a
sequence following the chakras or used on known injuries or areas of concern. The experience can feel different each
time depending on your needs and the current level of your health or stress levels. You don't need to be unwell to have
Reiki. 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 may feel like to you. Some people fall asleep. Others feel like they have been meditating. The practitioner's hands
may feel very warm or even hot and occasionally cool. Reiki may be subtle or intense usually leaving you feeling
peaceful, relaxed, balanced and grounded. Reiki has been known to reduce pain, anxiety, fatigue and support recovery
after 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 to
your higher self. This helps you to see the things you need to let go of, the ones that are not serving you, so you can
move 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