Women, Aging and Vision Loss

As the baby-boomer generation comes of age, conditions affecting vision seem to be getting more attention in doctor's offices around the country. Roughly 200,000 cases of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) get diagnosed each year, a disease that affects women more frequently than men.

Age-related macular degeneration is the number one cause of vision loss in adults ages 60 and older. It affects the macula, the section of the eye that focuses on fine detail. As a result, AMD causes the loss of sharp, central vision which is necessary for normal, daily tasks such as reading and driving.

“Macular degeneration does affect women more often than men, as shown in many of our large studies,” explains Larry Singerman, M.D., of the Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia.

Age is the greatest risk factor for AMD. Because women tend to live longer than men, AMD is more prevalent among women. Aside from age and sex, other risk factors include:
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Family history
• Race

Caucasian adults are more likely to lose vision from AMD than African Americans.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years for seniors over the age of 65, and every two to four years for adults between forty and 65. AMD can be diagnosed at a routine eye exam
There are also warning signs associated with AMD. If you experience any of the following vision symptoms, contact an eye care specialist:

• Lines or edges that appear wavy or distorted;
• Blurry faces or difficulty seeing colors;
• Dark or empty spaces that block the center of your vision;
• Difficulty reading fine print or reading road signs from a moving vehicle; or
• Difficulty seeing at a distance or during twilight hours.

An Open Letter to Oprah: "You're Not Alone, My Sister."

Dear Oprah,

When you recently announced you had a problem with your thyroid, I immediately thought, “Welcome to my world.” I’ve been suffering from hypothyroidism for several years now. As a matter of fact, there are more than 10 million of us (90 percent women) struggling with this disease. And believe me when I tell you, it can be a STRUGGLE. An underactive thyroid often results in weight gain, fatigue, depression and other symptoms.

Oprah, I have to be honest with you, I never gave one thought to my thyroid gland in the past. I didn’t even know where it was because that wasn’t one of the things that ever got checked during my “routine” annual exams.

I heard you say your condition was triggered by stress. Girlfriend, so was mine! Being in a loveless marriage and the sole provider for a child---coupled with working in a thankless job sent my thyroid into overdrive. I know those weren’t YOUR issues, which just goes to show you stress comes in all kinds of ways.

Initially, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid---also known as Graves Disease. That’s when your thyroid glands are TOO active. I was walking around with bulging red eyes, looking like I was high all the time. To make matters worse, I was jittery and had a hard time focusing. That would sound like a drug addict to me. I was a mess!

The only course of treatment for me, according to my doctor, was to have the radioactive iodine therapy. The name sounds lethal doesn’t it? But I believed it saved my life. Now I am resigned to spending the rest of my life taking a drug called Synthroid. Oh, and I’m battling the battle of the bulge with vengeance.

You know, I’m really glad you came forward with this news. You have the kind of power that can make a difference in how this disease is treated by medical professionals, the media and society in general.

It’s always something though—isn’t it bad enough that we also have to deal with menopause?

Oh well…so goes life.

Why Exercise is Important to Baby Boomers

Why Exercise Is Important

• It strengthens your heart
• Improves your circulation
• Keeps muscles in tone
• Helps prevent osteoporosis
• Helps with weight control
• Helps hold down your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• Makes you look and feel better

As we age, exercise becomes even more important. Older adults who exercise regularly tend not only to be stronger and have better balance and coordination, but to be better able to manage the sorts of daily chores that allow people to remain independent. They are also more likely to be physically fit.

Fitness is having the health, strength, endurance and range of motion needed to do physical work without becoming exhausted. A fit person can perform better and with less effort in sports and other physical activities and therefore is more likely to enjoy them.

One of the suggestions I make in my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age, is to keep a journal of your eating and exercise habits. That way you’ll have a good idea of what is or is not working when it comes to weight maintenance.

Women’s Health is offering a great FREE calendar/journal, full of information about and for women. It talks about topics of interest to us such as health, nutrition, life etc. Most women don't find out about this book until Nov/Dec. and by then they are usually out. So you have an early heads up. Click on (or paste and copy) the link below and get this great calendar/journal.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/pub/2008calendar/order/index.cfm
Here’s to aging gracefully!

Late-Night Snacking

One of the worst things you can do to sabotage your weight loss goals is to eat late at night. That was a major problem for me for years because of my work schedule. Even though I ate my “dinner” at work, I would still be hungry when I came home and found myself snacking on more food. Sometimes I would actually make an entirely new “dinner”, watch TV for awhile and then go to sleep. That is a big NO-NO!

If you must snack later in the evening, why not choose a fresh piece of fruit instead of the potato chips and ice cream. Some people argue that they just don’t have a taste for fruit and if that’s the case, well don’t worry about it. Just start preparing yourself to buy a whole new wardrobe---a size (or maybe two) bigger.

And while you're just sitting there snacking you can read my book, "Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age."

I am the "NEW" Face of Menopause: Get used to it

I am the NEW face of menopause. In a few months I’ll be fifty years old. I’m also just a month or two shy of being in full-blown menopause. That’s provided my menstrual cycle doesn’t surprise me again like it did last year. For the past couple of years, I’ve been keeping company with the seven dwarfs of menopause. Maybe you know them: Sweaty, Bloated, Itchy, Bitchy, Forgetful, Sleepy and All Dried Up. I have also been visited by their cousins---and I believe there are more than two dozen of those little rascals out here running around creating havoc. Yes, the hot flashes get pretty intense at times and, lord knows, the mood swings can get out of control. I've gain some weight and there are intimate moments that can be a struggle (due to vaginal dryness) BUT---despite this, I am a woman who is welcoming my new journey.

I am not living in my mother's shadow. I am not afraid to say I'm depressed when I really am. I will seek treatment when I need it but I will always seek a SECOND OPINION when I don’t agree with the first one. If I'm having a hot flash AND a mood swing at the same time and I ask you to leave me alone--you need to do just that.

I am an African-American woman eager to engage in dialogue about the changes I’m going through. But all I tend to see are white women doing all of the talking. Menopause does not discriminate. It is an equal opportunity annoyer! It is time for all of my sisters to come out of the closet and join the journey. You will find, just as I have, that there is plenty of support out there. I’ve even written a book about it called: Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age.

I am a baby boomer diva who is steadily preparing for the next phase of my life. I'm still classy, sassy and taking care of business both professional and personal. Now you can choose to moan, groan and complain all you want to about what ails you. And then, why don't you just go hide under a rock until your menopause is over.

As for me, "I'm steppin' out. I want the world to know...got to let it show!"

Baby Boomer Divas are NOT Self-Absorbed

Despite what the critics might say, baby boomer "divas" are not self-absorbed. At this stage of life, it's about supporting each other because we're all on a similar journey.

With that being said, I just wanted to give a shout out to some fellow "D"ivinely--"I"inspired "V"ivacious "A"nnointed Sisters who are women on the move and making a difference. First of all, please, please purchase a copy of "Real Women Wear Red" from my dear friend Kathy Holmes (www.kathyholmes.net). Her book was FINALLY released this week. Kathy was one of my biggest cheerleaders when my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey into Middle Age, was released last year. Also, when you buy it, make sure you tell her I told you to :)

Another DIVA friend of mine, Tracy Lewis, is hosting a teleseminar on Tuesday, April 3. She'll be discussing aching muscles, Breast tenderness, headaches/migraines as it relates to menopausal symptoms. Here is her information:

http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=12797
Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Talkcast ID: 12797

DIVA Carine is always cooking up something with her colorful articles. Stop by and visit her at www.carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com and a new DIVA friend of mine, Dee, keeps it real on her blog: www.minniepauzblog.blogspot.com

Yes, we DIVAS are the bold, bodacious and the beautiful and we're not afraid to let you know about it!

What if?

What would you do if you were told by a doctor that you only had a short time to live as a result of breast cancer?

What would be your response?

I invite you to listen to the compelling and inspirational story of a woman who was given only a SHORT TIME TO LIVE. That was 20 years ago!!!

She is an awesome example of God's goodness and healing power.

Tune into my podcast: Whatever! http://www.babyboomerbev.podOmatic.com

It will make you appreciate every day of your life, no matter what's going on.

Peace & Blessings,
babyboomerbev
Author, Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
http:www/talk2bev.com