You're sitting at your desk and suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you see your middle-aged female co-worker sweating and fanning herself with a perplexing look on her face. She looks like she might need help so you walk over to offer assistance. Instead of accepting it, she gives you the evil eye and tells you to leave her alone or abruptly walks away. Now, you're angy. You were only trying to help. But don't take it personal---It's only menopause.
As a baby boomer who dealt with menopause and the workplace, I know first-hand how challenging the environment can be for everybody. Nearly half of the workforce is made up of women which means millions of workers will be affected, at some point, by the physical and emotional changes brought about by a woman going through menopause. The time is long overdue for businesses to implement some type of menopause health awareness program so younger employees and male bosses may gain a better understanding of what they may be up against in the "heat" of a moment. Too often women going through the change are viewed as being insubordinate by their male bosses or a B**** by younger employees.
There are more than 30 symptoms of menopause with the most serious being hot flashes and mood swings. A change in personality at any given moment on the job could easily be misinterpreted and create unnecessary conflict unless it is recognized as a hormonal imbalance.
Years ago, menopause was considered a taboo subject causing many women to suffer in silence and to feel ashamed or made to believe they were having a mental breakdown over what they were experiencing. This is not our mother's menopause so there is no reason to be embarrassed or silent about what we're going through.
Some of the things employers need to address are:
Uncomfortable working temperature
Poor ventilation
Easy access to drinking water
Healthy eating options at work
Difficulty getting time off from work for doctor appts.
Negative attitudes towards menopause/older women
Ms. Mahone is a veteran journalist, author and baby boomer expert who writes about issues affecting baby boomers in her book, "Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age. She is available for interviews and can be reached at: 301-356-6280 or bmahone@nc.rr.com. To learn more about Ms. Mahone, visit her website: http://www.talk2bev.com
Showing posts with label hotflashes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hotflashes. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Menopause and Race
There are 34 symptoms of menopause, however, studies have revealed that the symptoms differ by ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors.
Hispanic and African American women tend to go through menopause slightly earlier, whereas Asian American women tend to be slightly older when they reach menopause. African-American women are more likely to experience hot flashes or night sweats, vaginal dryness, and forgetfulness. Hispanic women were more likely to report urine leakage, vaginal dryness, heart pounding, and forgetfulness. The main problem white women say they face is battling depression.
Researchers also found that women were more likely to experience symptoms if they were older, had a lower educational level, had difficulty paying for basic needs, smoked, got less exercise than their peers, or had a high body mass index. (Body mass index is a ratio of weight to height squared that is useful for determining the degree of obesity.)
Lifestyle factors also affects symptoms. Compared with women who’ve never smoked, women who had smoked in the past were still likely to report many symptoms, including hot flashes, urine leakage, stiffness or soreness of the joints, heart pounding, and forgetfulness. Those who currently smoke at least a pack a day were more likely to report difficulty sleeping, hot flashes, urine leakage and stiffness or soreness of the joints.
It would appear that just like with everything else in life—race DOES matter even in menopause.
To read more about the issues baby boomer women experience, purchase a copy of "Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age." Also visit my website: http://www.talk2bev.com
Hispanic and African American women tend to go through menopause slightly earlier, whereas Asian American women tend to be slightly older when they reach menopause. African-American women are more likely to experience hot flashes or night sweats, vaginal dryness, and forgetfulness. Hispanic women were more likely to report urine leakage, vaginal dryness, heart pounding, and forgetfulness. The main problem white women say they face is battling depression.
Researchers also found that women were more likely to experience symptoms if they were older, had a lower educational level, had difficulty paying for basic needs, smoked, got less exercise than their peers, or had a high body mass index. (Body mass index is a ratio of weight to height squared that is useful for determining the degree of obesity.)
Lifestyle factors also affects symptoms. Compared with women who’ve never smoked, women who had smoked in the past were still likely to report many symptoms, including hot flashes, urine leakage, stiffness or soreness of the joints, heart pounding, and forgetfulness. Those who currently smoke at least a pack a day were more likely to report difficulty sleeping, hot flashes, urine leakage and stiffness or soreness of the joints.
It would appear that just like with everything else in life—race DOES matter even in menopause.
To read more about the issues baby boomer women experience, purchase a copy of "Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age." Also visit my website: http://www.talk2bev.com
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Why OJ Simpson, folks?
OK...I've spent the last several months working on a promotion to take my book to the #1 spot on Amazon.com. I did it without a Publisher, financial resources, or Oprah.
So now TODAY IS MY BIG DAY. What do I see? OJ Simpson on the best Selling Author's List with a book called If I Did It. "If"? WHATEVER!
What is wrong with you America? How is it that this man has been able to generate enough PRE SALES to earn him a "Best Selling Author" tag? No way!
How many of you sat and watched in horror as the jury read the "not guilty" verdict in the Nicole Simpson/Ron Goldman murder case? Weren't you outraged? And now, here you are giving this man a status by making him a Best Selling Author. I guess it proves the notion that money and fame and murder makes for a great read.
So my little old book on hot flashes, weight gain and menopause is small potatoes in comparison. But I beg to differ. is a great read and on top of that it's funny and inspirational. Oh yes, I even talk about MURDER because in the heat of a hot flash that's an act that crosses my mind!
So America, do me a favor. Give this unknown baby boomer author an opportunity to show you what a talented writer she is. My book is called Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
Order your copy today by going to: http://www.whateverpromotion.talk2bev.com
Peace & Blessings,
Beverly Mahone
So now TODAY IS MY BIG DAY. What do I see? OJ Simpson on the best Selling Author's List with a book called If I Did It. "If"? WHATEVER!
What is wrong with you America? How is it that this man has been able to generate enough PRE SALES to earn him a "Best Selling Author" tag? No way!
How many of you sat and watched in horror as the jury read the "not guilty" verdict in the Nicole Simpson/Ron Goldman murder case? Weren't you outraged? And now, here you are giving this man a status by making him a Best Selling Author. I guess it proves the notion that money and fame and murder makes for a great read.
So my little old book on hot flashes, weight gain and menopause is small potatoes in comparison. But I beg to differ. is a great read and on top of that it's funny and inspirational. Oh yes, I even talk about MURDER because in the heat of a hot flash that's an act that crosses my mind!
So America, do me a favor. Give this unknown baby boomer author an opportunity to show you what a talented writer she is. My book is called Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
Order your copy today by going to: http://www.whateverpromotion.talk2bev.com
Peace & Blessings,
Beverly Mahone
Monday, November 13, 2006
12 Days of a Menopausal Christmas
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me
A HEADACHE ‘CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me
THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
FIVE HOT FLASH FANS
4 BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me
SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
NINE PAIRS OF GLASSES, EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
TEN MEMORY PILLS, NINE PAIRS OF GLASSES, EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
ELEVEN CHOCOLATE BARS, TEN MEMORY PILLS, NINE PAIRS OF GLASSES, EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
TWELVE PINTS OF GIN, ELEVEN CHOCOLATE BARS, TEN MEMORY PILLS, NINE PAIRS OF GLASSES, EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
Recording available by going to: http://www.hotflashkit.talk2bev.com
copyright 2006 Beverly Mahone
A HEADACHE ‘CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me
THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
FIVE HOT FLASH FANS
4 BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me
SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
NINE PAIRS OF GLASSES, EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
TEN MEMORY PILLS, NINE PAIRS OF GLASSES, EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
ELEVEN CHOCOLATE BARS, TEN MEMORY PILLS, NINE PAIRS OF GLASSES, EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
TWELVE PINTS OF GIN, ELEVEN CHOCOLATE BARS, TEN MEMORY PILLS, NINE PAIRS OF GLASSES, EIGHT BAGS OF ICE, SEVEN PACKS OF BEDSHEETS, SIX BOTTLES OF ESTROGEN, FIVE HOT FLASH FANS---FOUR BLANK CHECKS, THREE MORPHINE TAPS, TWO ASPIRIN—FOR A HEADACHE CAUSE HE WOULDN’T SHUT UP!
Recording available by going to: http://www.hotflashkit.talk2bev.com
copyright 2006 Beverly Mahone
Sunday, November 12, 2006
I'm still Hot...It just comes in Flashes Now!
I started having a glimpse of what's known as peri-menopause about ten months ago. First, there were the hot flashes and then my menstrual cycle became very sporadic. My gynecologist said once I go into full blown menopause, my cycle will stop completely, to which I say “Hallelujah”!
As far as the hot flashes go, they can be very annoying and inconvenient. The first one I clearly remember having was at work right around the same time I was trying to handle some breaking news. All of a sudden I felt this intense heat rush from the base of my neck up to the top of my head. It felt like I was on fire! It only lasted about a minute but that was just long enough for me to consider murder if anyone had said something I didn’t like right at that moment.
You see, I’ve chosen NOT to suffer in silence which makes me eager to let my colleagues and anybody else I come in contact with know when I’m having a “moment.” This is their warning to steer clear until they’ve been given the “everything’s OK” signal. When Sweaty comes in, it triggers a not so pleasant personality change. I become uncomfortable and irritated. That’s when Bitchy takes over and she can hang around a long time if aggravated. Now there are some who might argue that Bitchy and I have been acquaintances for quite some time. You know what I have to say to that?
Whatever!
Who needs Oprah when I can have you to help me become the #1 best selling author on Amazon
As far as the hot flashes go, they can be very annoying and inconvenient. The first one I clearly remember having was at work right around the same time I was trying to handle some breaking news. All of a sudden I felt this intense heat rush from the base of my neck up to the top of my head. It felt like I was on fire! It only lasted about a minute but that was just long enough for me to consider murder if anyone had said something I didn’t like right at that moment.
You see, I’ve chosen NOT to suffer in silence which makes me eager to let my colleagues and anybody else I come in contact with know when I’m having a “moment.” This is their warning to steer clear until they’ve been given the “everything’s OK” signal. When Sweaty comes in, it triggers a not so pleasant personality change. I become uncomfortable and irritated. That’s when Bitchy takes over and she can hang around a long time if aggravated. Now there are some who might argue that Bitchy and I have been acquaintances for quite some time. You know what I have to say to that?
Whatever!
Who needs Oprah when I can have you to help me become the #1 best selling author on Amazon
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Who is Beverly Mahone?
Beverly ’s own mid-life journey began a little more than two years ago. She was a divorced mom attempting to raise a teenager alone, while maintaining her career as a television journalist. Then she found herself dealing with emotional and physical struggles she couldn’t quite get a handle on. The struggles of weight gain, forgetfulness, mood swings and depression seemed to be overwhelming at times. To top it all off, her body temperature seemed to be out of control more and more frequently. As a result of these symptoms, Beverly started a journal as a form of therapy and later learned through her gynecologist that she was in the early stages of menopause. It was at that point that she decided to reclaim her life by learning ways to overcome what seemed like a no-win situation at the time.
Prior to the book being published, Beverly ’s life appeared to be spinning out of control. Her depression, mood swings and hot flashes were getting worse. Coupled with that was the fact that she was passed over for a promotion at work by a woman ten years younger, making her feel even less significant in life. It wasn’t long after, that Beverly decided to call it quits after more than 25 years as a journalist. At that point, she became more determined than ever to prove to herself that she could overcome the fears of growing older that plagued her. She joined a health club and began working out. She started dating again and has discovered a new ministry with her writing.
9 DAYS UNTIL AMAZON'S BEST SELLING BOOK DAY!
Who needs Oprah...when I have YOU???
Prior to the book being published, Beverly ’s life appeared to be spinning out of control. Her depression, mood swings and hot flashes were getting worse. Coupled with that was the fact that she was passed over for a promotion at work by a woman ten years younger, making her feel even less significant in life. It wasn’t long after, that Beverly decided to call it quits after more than 25 years as a journalist. At that point, she became more determined than ever to prove to herself that she could overcome the fears of growing older that plagued her. She joined a health club and began working out. She started dating again and has discovered a new ministry with her writing.
9 DAYS UNTIL AMAZON'S BEST SELLING BOOK DAY!
Who needs Oprah...when I have YOU???
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstruation stops permanently. It's a gradual process and could begin as early as the mid thirties.
Menopause can also occur when the ovaries are surgically removed. Most women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. In the U.S., the average age for menstrual periods to stop completely is 51.
I refer to the symptoms of menopause as the "seven dwarfs" but I have since learned that the dwarfs have a lot of other relatives who pop in an out from time to time. In addition to hot flashes, night sweats, and headaches; there's also dizziness, fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, mood swings, urinary incontinence and vaginal dryness.
Doctors say menopause usually begins at a time in life when other dramatic changes are taking place. Some of these changes may include loss of parents, adjustment to children growing up and leaving home (empty nest syndrome), becoming a grandparent, retirement or career changes. These changes, in addition to the changes in a woman's body, may result in psychological or emotional stress.
Next time I'll talk about how vaginal dryness can result in major problems when it comes to intimacy. Stay tuned...and don't forget to purchase a copy of my book Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age on November 16.
Come visit me sometime at http://www.talk2bev.com and take the weekly Health Quiz and play the Baby Boomer Trvia Contest
Menopause can also occur when the ovaries are surgically removed. Most women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. In the U.S., the average age for menstrual periods to stop completely is 51.
I refer to the symptoms of menopause as the "seven dwarfs" but I have since learned that the dwarfs have a lot of other relatives who pop in an out from time to time. In addition to hot flashes, night sweats, and headaches; there's also dizziness, fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, mood swings, urinary incontinence and vaginal dryness.
Doctors say menopause usually begins at a time in life when other dramatic changes are taking place. Some of these changes may include loss of parents, adjustment to children growing up and leaving home (empty nest syndrome), becoming a grandparent, retirement or career changes. These changes, in addition to the changes in a woman's body, may result in psychological or emotional stress.
Next time I'll talk about how vaginal dryness can result in major problems when it comes to intimacy. Stay tuned...and don't forget to purchase a copy of my book Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age on November 16.
Come visit me sometime at http://www.talk2bev.com and take the weekly Health Quiz and play the Baby Boomer Trvia Contest
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)