by admin on April 30, 2010
Women aren’t the only ones who suffer with menopause. The men in their lives are also impacted in a very significant way. Change of life can be one of the most stressful things a couple has to endure in the history of their marriage. This isn’t only because some of the changes are so unpleasant, like menopause night sweats for instance, its also because the process goes on for so long. Ten years of turmoil are not unusual and the process may go on for fifteen years in some cases.
It’s necessary for men to understand that menopause is not a disease but a fundamental transition. Your woman is changing, not sick, and she will never again be the way she was. Some of the physical signs of menopause, like night sweats and hot flashes, will eventually come to an end, but many of the changes will be permanent.
The mood swings associated with menopause are a good example of this. They are caused partly by hormone imbalances, chemical changes in the body. However they are equally caused by psychological factors as the woman goes through the process of re-evaluating all the factors in her life. This is her last chance to achieve the life she really wants and she needs to get it right.
Think about it for a minute. If there were children, they have probably left home or have one foot out the door. She has probably been following the same routines and putting up with the same stuff for twenty to thirty years. Even if there was nothing wrong with the routines, at the very least she’s bored and wants to do something new. She wants to rid her life of anything that isn’t fulfilling anymore, and guys, that might include you. Especially if you want things to go on the same way they have. While many of the symptoms of menopause are caused physically others are caused by a sense of: been there, done that, what else ya got?
In many cases, when she says you’re in a rut, she’s right and you should pay attention instead of digging in your heels. She will be bearing down on you to make some fundamental changes and a lot of her suggestions/demands will be right on the money.
If you are the husband of a menopausal woman, realize that this change is for all the marbles. Many marriages don’t survive and maybe a lot of them shouldn’t. You have to be aware that this is serious and it affects both of you. Don’t just right it off as woman’s stuff or you may find yourself with an empty bed, doing your own laundry. This process is about a lot more than just menopause night sweats and bitchiness guys. Take it seriously.
by admin on April 29, 2010
Dry skin is a very common skin problem. There are many different reasons people suffer from dry skin. Everything from a poor diet to being the result of certain medications, dry skin is usually nothing too serious. It can be annoying if it becomes itchy and irritated, not to mention look pretty gross. If you are one of the many people dealing with this problem there are a few tips that can help with your dry skin.
One of the best ways to get started is to make a change in your diet. Base your meals around fresh fruits and vegetables which are hydrating and nourishing to the body. Sugary, salty and deep fried foods are bad for your health in general and in particular can cause bloating and dry skin.
Using moisturizer, particularly after washing your face, is important. This helps to coat the skin and replenish it. Moisturizing skin care products work by replacing lost water into the skin and you can find moisturizers at any drug store or pharmacy. They are quite affordable and when you use each morning and night you will almost immediately notice an improvement in your skin.
Another tip for dealing with dry skin is to start having cool showers and baths. Of course you do not want the water to be ice cold, but the hotter the water is the more dried out your skin will become. Especially during the winter months when the air is already brittle and cold, having an extremely hot bath or shower will suck all the moisture out of your skin.
Humidifiers are also helpful for people suffering with dry skin. Moisture in the air is important for healthy skin and having a humidifier for dry skin in your bedroom or high traffic areas of your home will help add moisture to the air and help your skin.
These are all effective ways of dealing with dry skin. Stick to your routine and make sure you are taking care of your body and your skin to keep dry skin from coming back.
by admin on April 28, 2010
Most people these days are looking for quick and easy ways to lose weight. Sure, you can starve yourself and spend hours at the gym, but some people want a less painful way of losing weight. If you enjoy walking or you simply aren’t used to doing a lot of exercise, it can be a great way of losing weight. However here are some ideas on how to lose even more weight by walking.
Wear Ankle Weights - When you are out walking about, whether it’s to the shops or to take the dog a walk, you should wear a pair of ankle weights. They cost in the region of $25 and simply strap around your ankles with Velcro. Because you are carrying around extra weight, you will burn up a lot more calories. However if you have any problems with your ankles, you should get advice to find out whether it will put on undue strain For those who are generally healthy, ankle weights are a great way to lose weight with little effort. Just be careful not to overdo it if you are just starting out.
Weight Loss Shoes – There has been a lot of hype recently about “weight loss shoes” such as the EasyTone by Reebok. The idea is that they act like a stability ball causing you to lose stability slightly. This means that your muscles have to work harder to regain stability. The problem is that they are aren’t especially cheap and there seems to be a lot of mixed opinion on whether they actually work or not.
Nordic Walking Poles - If you go out walking in the countryside you might have noticed people holding a pair of walking poles. Normally they are associated with people doing hill walking because the poles help them with their balance. However there are more people using these poles as a way of working the upper body too and generally burning more calories.
Walking is a great way to get into fitness and to help you lose weight. However please remember that you still need to be careful. Make sure you don’t do too much too soon and ensure you are wearing suitable footwear otherwise you could do yourself a lot of damage.