One day, a couple had an appointment in Boston, MA.  While walking down the street, they saw this thin, fragile elderly woman on the corner.  She was very well dressed, her hair was done, and she was even wearing some makeup.

Supported on her cane, she was looking around kind of confused, and the couple was concerned as it was a very hot and humid day, so they approached her and the wife asked her if she needed help.  With a sweet smile on her face, she said she was looking for her dentist’s office, but was not sure she was going the right way.

She explained she suffered from glaucoma and could not see very well.  She mentioned the doctor’s address, and the couple assured her it was just on the other side of the street; they were more than happy to help her get there.  While they walked with her, she explained that although she was not blind, she could not see the curb clearly so she could trip and fall.

The couple guided her onto the sidewalk and she told them she could make it to the doctor’s office by herself, so they wished her the best and she started to go her way.  All of a sudden, she turned and started talking to them about her life and family.  She was 90 and her older sister was 95 and alive.  Even as the couple explained they were late for an appointment, the lady went on talking.  She talked about her late husband, osteoporosis and her son, who happens to be one of the best bioidentical hormone doctors in the city, among other things.  She was very excited to be talking to someone and didn’t want the conversation to end.

She was THAT lonely.  The couple really wanted to stay and listen to her for as long as she needed, but they had an important appointment and had to leave, so the conversation was finally ended in a clumsy way.

As they left her, they turned around to watch her struggling to get to the dentist’s office, and they wondered if the doctor son knew his mother was walking alone to go to the dentist in such a hot day.

Everything that happens to us has a meaning, and when you experience something like this encounter it makes you think.  Do we think enough about our parents?  Do we cherish what they did for us, how they sacrificed themselves and do we show them our deep love for them?  Are we able as kids and young adults to leave ourselves behind a little and think of others in a selfless way?

Some mothers, by being who they are, are able to motivate kids so much as to prompt them to help them and spare them some work, and some adults have been blessed with being able to give a lot to their parents, not just financially, but emotionally.  Even though, many elderly people are neglected and set aside; and the reason for this is that today’s society is not only up to its head in materialism and self-love, but has gotten used to disposing of the old.  Instead of fixing things, we throw them away and buy new ones, “better” ones, more modern ones; and we do the same with people.

The elderly are not getting any younger, so they have to be tossed out; and this is a shame.  There is so much an elderly person can offer; so much wisdom, purity of thought and peace.

We are all headed that way, and although there are many ways to enhance life quality today- like the one provided by the sweet lady’s doctor son- and enjoy great health for much longer years, everyone will eventually get there, and one can only hope we will be holding a loved one’s arm instead of a cane while walking down the street to visit the doctor.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy blog as the original source).

One of the biggest secrets to feeling happy is not paying so much attention to yourself.  The more attention you give yourself, the less happy you feel.  You will never be good enough, beautiful enough, or strong enough.  If all you see are your problems, your hopes, your worries, or your gains, you end up feeling miserable.

People who live their lives talking about themselves never improve their lives and do not understand why.  They think that if others feel sorry for them that will get them out of the hole and, on the contrary, the seeking of so much attention sinks them even more.  What you think and talk about, you attract.

There is an interesting theory that may explain this.  There are basically 2 impulses in the Universe: contraction and relaxation.  Everything in this world is constantly becoming more or less dense, and the ultimate denseness is a black hole, sucking in all the light and providing nothing.  Every human being’s consciousness is always  moving between the contraction and disintegration of the ego.  Self-centered motivations are what drive us in lots of our work and artistic creations, but these also provide us with lots of stress, fear, and illness.  Altruistic motivations surround us with love and peace.

Contraction provides the self-centered pleasure of receiving love; recognition and appreciation.  Relaxation provides the altruistic pleasure of giving love; in our work and in life.  Both provide pleasure, but one is temporary and the other is permanent soul pleasure.  Personal attention feels good in the moment, but once it disappears and the ego feels unattended, sadness creeps in.

So, if you are feeling depressed at some point, follow these steps to loosen up your ego.

• It is OK to feel down at times.  If you are ambitious, this is normal and healthy.  These are moments of truth when you prove you can deal with anything and still succeed.
• Forgive yourself.  If you messed up, focus on the next move, instead of dwelling on the past.  Everyone makes mistakes; it is the only way to learn the right way.
• Do not take things personally.  People act and react in response to their moment of living, not because of you.  You  cannot control how they feel and act, but you can separate yourself from the situation and respond with control.  Stop blaming and see the bright side of the situation.
• Be realistic.  Do not expect people to change.  Accept and love them as they are.  Do not allow this to make you unhappy because a specific action does not define a person.
• Recognize when things are out of your control.  There are situations you have to cope with and others you can solve.  Accept it.  What you resist, persists.
• Care for what you do.  Find joy in your work.  Is all about choosing how to view things.  You either focus on hating your boss or focus on how much your work helps in a certain area.
• Choose demanding exercise.  Something that makes you stop thinking to just concentrate on it; like a forced meditation.  Yoga is a good example.
• Take care of your health.  A constant feeling of sadness or lack may mean you need to make some changes to your health habits.  Select healthy balanced food to keep you energized.  Get the sleep you need, at least 7 hours.  Talk to a doctor and try to look for natural medications.  Hormones imbalance is a great catalyst of depression, so visit a bioidentical hormone doctor to identify more natural ways to balance you organism and keep it working for you.
• Focus on others.  This doesn’t mean you neglect yourself; on the contrary, you are blessed more by giving yourself to others.  Make your friends happy. Be a loyal and reliable colleague just because you care.  Do something for someone less fortunate, give money and time.  Positive and negative energy are universal, we all share it and the Universe delivers it to us according to our feelings and thoughts.  If you act out of love, you command the Universe to give you more of it in all its forms; and it works the same the other way around.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy blog as the original source).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, according to the most recent information available (from 2005), breast cancer is the number one cause of death in Hispanic women and the second most common in every other racial group. For 2008, The American Cancer Society estimated 184,450 new cases of breast cancer in both sexes. Because of the important threat that this condition poses as a cause for death, it is advised that women practice a simple, tactile examination of their breasts at home in order to find any lumps or inconsistencies in their breasts. Any physician or OB-GYN can quickly train a woman on how best to conduct this test. If you are currently undergoing a hormone replacement therapy, you should seriously consider consulting bioidentical hormones doctors; experts have found there is a higher risk of breast cancer among women who take synthetic hormones. Bioidentical hormones pose no such threat.

In addition to screening and examinations, other ways to defend against breast cancer are diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

In general, antioxidants are considered beneficial in the fight against cancer or any other degenerative disease. There are, however, other beneficial nutrients that every woman – and certainly every woman diagnosed with breast cancer – should include in her diet.

If you are or have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should be more assertive in including certain ingredients. The following is a summary of these. The ones marked with an asterisk are considered more important and beneficial for someone at high risk of breast cancer.

• ANTIOXIDANTS *

Flax seed oil, preferably cold-pressed, is a very good source of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids

• LYCOPENE

This substance is contained in tomatoes, grapefruit, and guavas, among other produce. Its cancer-fighting reputation has been known for some time

• FATTY ACIDS*

Fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, contain omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids

• ANTHOCYANINS (Antioxidant flavonoids)*

You can get these from blackberries, raspberries, and the like. Eggplant is also an excellent source

• GO NUTS*

Nuts contain selenium, vitamin E, and fiber. All very beneficial in cancer prevention and fighting

• DARK VEGGIES*

Spinach is a good example, so is broccoli. Brussels sprouts are also a great source of beta-carotenes, calcium, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin K.

• CITRUS FRUITS

Of course, here we’re looking for vitamin C and fiber.

• WHOLE GRAINS*

Eat only whole grain cereal, bread, crackers, etc. Your intake of soluble fiber (fiber that is soluble in water) should increase markedly.

• LOW FAT DAIRY

Certain nutrients in dairy have been found to help in cancer fighting and prevention. In particular conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

• MISCELLANEOUS

Shiitake mushrooms, green tea, beans, and chickpeas should form a part of your diet.

In general, the rule is you should take a lot of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy blog as the original source).

1. Work out
Maybe you are already doing it, but there is a big chance that you have not been to a gym or even gone for a walk in years. In case you choose the first option, do it two or three times a week and live the experience as a time to enjoy. Just live those moments with no pressures.

2. Learn something
There are many things you can choose. It could be speaking a new language, taking yoga classes or learning about the Internet. You can even take an online course. It will amazingly increase your self-esteem and as a plus you will acquire new and useful skills.

3. Travel
If you can fly to other countries, go ahead. Have dinner in Paris or visit Egypt. You will accumulate unforgettable experiences that will change your life. If you can’t afford big trips, you can go around your own country or even, your own city. There are places in your town which you didn’t know even existed. Start researching and visit those hidden spots.

4. Go shopping
You don’t need to spend a thousand dollars on a pair of heels to feel better but pick a new painting to hang in your living room, or a portrait to put on your desk, and you will easily change the entire room’s look. Changes are always good.

5. Take care of your health
Visit one of those bioidentical hormone doctors. They will help you minimize the symptoms women experience as they grow older, and you will feel ready and fresh to achieve new goals without annoying symptoms or mood changes.

6. Read a book
It doesn’t need to be a self-esteem book or a How-To guide. Choose a title by your favorite author and get lost in one of his/her stories. You will find literature enriches your soul and spirit. You will build up new vocabulary as well.

7. Create your blog
Find out how to do it (it is incredibly easy) and start writing an online journal. Or just upload photos of your children, grandchildren, or even your pets. You can also make friends through the Internet by telling them about your experiences and letting other people leave comments.

8. Teach something
Years must have taught you something that you would like to share. Use your knowledge to make other people’s lives better. Do it as a hobby and if it turns out to be succesful, you can charge for your services. Don’t miss the chance to do what you love while you are making money.

9. Meet your friends for a meal or coffee
Maybe you’re still in touch with some of them, but there must be others whom you haven’t seen for years. Call them and organize lunch together. You will have the chance to catch up and to reconstruct your friendship.

10. Change your look
Dye or cut your hair, change your clothing style, or just do your make up differently. You will feel completely revitalized.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy blog as the original source).

The Last Period. Period.
I bet you $1,000 you don’t know what menopause is.

No, really.

You read a lot about menopause and perimenopause, sure; and probably began experiencing symptoms several months ago. And no doubt you talked a lot with other women, and got a hint about a certain bioidentical hormone doctor in Aspen or whatever out there (“a bio what??”). Yet, I still believe you don’t know the meaning of the term menopause and that nobody ever explained to you why your clothes seem to shrink in the wardrobe.

Menopause IS NOT:

•    the stage following your last period
•    a condition after a whole year without menstruation
•    a hormone deficiency
•    a period characterized by hot flashes and mood swings

So, what is menopause? Give up?

From Menarche to “Flasharche”
Menopause is a woman’s last period. Period.

On average, this occurs when a woman celebrates her 51st birthday. However, to determine when the menopause happened, she has to experience no periods during 12 consecutive months. In other words, she realizes she had her menopause a year later.

The word has a Greek origin (menos, month; pausis, cessation) by contrast to the first menstruation, the menarche (also from Greek: arkhe, beginning).

Many changes happen in the body around the crucial day of the last period. Essentially, your body considers that your reproductive days are no longer necessary but fat is welcome.

One or two years before such day, your body enters the perimenopause stage (peri, prefix for about, around or surrounding), also known as the climacteric phase. That’s when hot flashes begin.

Then, a year after the menopause day, you enter the post-menopause phase—those who say there’s no such a state as a post-menopause are, from an etymological viewpoint, wrong—. Since menopause refers to a specific day not a prolonged condition, a post-menopause time obviously follows.

From Flashes to Fat
Fat cells produce and store a hormone, estrone, a form of estrogen. The ovaries produce another variety of estrogen, estradiol. This hormone decreases at a dramatic rate around menopause, because the ovaries ignore another hormone that carries orders to produce estradiol. Hormones serve as mailmen, and affect almost every cell in the body when delivering or failing to deliver the information.

Some organs, however, are more receptive than others to certain hormones, much in the same way as your ears perceive sounds but ignore smells. When the ovaries stop obeying orders, your body cells crave estrogen. And where can they find it? Fat cells, of course! Your belly and hips stored another kind of estrogen, but estrogen at least.

To state it in other words, let’s say that your body needs fat now. Thus, you feel hungry; ergo, you eat. The larger the fat cells, the more estrogen they can produce and store.

To Lose Weight, Eat more often
If you wish to prevent weight gain, eat more often. Yes, more often. Eat small meals and give the body what it needs: milk, cereals, fruits and vegetables. At all costs, avoid dieting or starving; your body will react to protect its fat cells to put a stop to estrogen decreases… storing more fat.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention our Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy blog as the original source).