Page 18
Minority & Small Business Week
by
D r . R ichard N. W aldman
Keep Cool during Menopause
Hot fla sh e s, n ig h t sw e a ts ,
mood sw ings, and vaginal d ry
ness are n o to rio u s sym ptom s
a sso c ia te d w ith m enopause
the tim e in a w o m a n ’s life when
her o v aries stop producing eggs
and m enstrual periods cease. An
estim ated 6,000 w om en in the
US reach m enopause each day,
and m ost o f them will experience
sym ptom s to som e degree.
Simple lifestyle changes can help
reduce menopause symptoms and
lower the risk of disease in the fu
ture. Consume a healthy, calcium-
rich diet that includes plenty o f fruits,
vegetables, and grains. Exercise
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regularly to improve mood, slow
bone loss, and fight the mid-section
weight gain that increases the risk
o f heart disease. Avoid common
hot flash triggers such as alcohol,
caffeine, hot beverages, and spicy
food. Quit smoking. Dress in layers
so you can quickly cool down when
you feel a hot flash coming on. If
vaginal dryness is a problem, try an
over-the-counter lubricant cream or
gel to restore moisture, especially
before sex.
If your symptoms are intense
enough to interfere with your qual
ity o f life, talk to your doctor. Hor
mone therapy, which replaces the
hormones no longer made by the
ovaries with synthetic hormones, is
an effective treatment for some
women. Antidepressants may be
prescribed to help with mood, hot
flashes, and vaginal dryness.
Because certain types o f hor
mone therapy have been linked with
an increased risk o f health prob
lems— such as blood clot, stroke,
heart attack, and breast cancer—
hormone therapy is not the best
choice for everyone. Women who
are good candidates for hormone
October 6. 2010
therapy should take the lowest dose
necessary to relieve symptoms for
as short a time as possible.
Compounded menopausal hor
m one th erap y (o r so -c a lle d
“bioidentical” hormones) are plant-
derived hormones, hand-mixed by a
pharmacist and marketed for the
treatment o f menopausal sym p
toms. The manufacturers o f certain
compounded hormones claim that
their products offer relief from meno
pausal symptoms as well as preven
tion or treatment for serious dis
eases. However, the US Food and
Drug Administration has stated that
these claims are false, misleading,
and a violation o f federal law. Nei
th er co m -p o u n d ed nor herbal
supplements, such as black cohosh
and soy, are regulated by the FDA.
Using substances that have not
been tested for safety can result in
negative health consequences.
For m ore inform ation, visit
pause.acog.org, the website de
voted to menopausal and midlife
health.
Dr. Richard N. Waldman is presi
dent o f the American Congress o f
Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
H ealth A
H
T uesdays | 5 :3 0 -7 :1 5 p m
P arenting Classes - Newborns don’t come with instruction manuals but
5 3 2 9 NE M LK Jr. B lvd, 2 n d Floor, | parents and parents-to-be can learn about a variety o f topics from pain and
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Public Health
P o rtla n d , 97211 | childbirth to breastfeeding to infant CPR and much more. For a schedule
Oepartnwnt
Se habla español; other interpretation by appointment.
o f events, call 503-574-6595 or visit: providence.org/classes.
Cardiac-Rehab Exercises — A medically supervised exercise program for
people dealing with heart conditions. For information, call 503-251 -6260.
T erry F amily
2337 N. Williams Ave.
Portland, Or 97227
503-249-1788
We make the service personal,
You make the tribute personal.
Every lime we arrange a personalized funeral service, we take special pride going
the extra mile. With our online Memorial Obituary, now we can do even more.
Friends and family can find out service information, view photos, read obituary,
older flowers and leave personal messages of condolences from anywhere, anytime.
Simply go to our website.
www.terryfamilyfuneralhome.com
"Dedicated to providing excellent service
and superior care o f your loved one ”
Dwight A. Terry
Oregon License CO-3644
Amy S. Terry
Oregon License FS-0395
Stroke Alert Screening -- Check your carotid arteries with a painless
ultrasound to assess your risk. Fee $40. To schedule a screening, call 503-
251-6137.
Empowerment through Relaxation—Free informal meditation classes that
address breathing techniques, some gentle ancient African yoga poses
and mental balancing techniques- People have left these classes joyful
and with a peaceful view o f their lives. We have these sessions bi
m onthly- Call Dr. Marcelitte Failla at 503-228-6140.
Powerful Tools For Caregivers - 6-week educational series designed to
help family caregivers take care o f themselves while caring for relatives or
friends with chronic illness. Class size is limited, and registration is
required. Call 503-413-8018.
Leg Alert Screening - Check for peripheral arterial disease with this safe,
simple screening using ankle and arm blood pressure. The fee is $40. To
schedule an appointment, call 503-251-6137.
Smoke-Free Support Group - Meets Mondays, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For
information, call 503-256-4000.
Heart Talk Support Group - Meets on the second Monday o f each
month; from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 503-251 -6260.
Family Caregiver Support Group - This topic-oriented group offers a
safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards o f providing
care to an older relative or friend. Meets the first Thursday o f each month
at 3 p.m. at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital.
Chronic Pain Support Group - Meets the first Wednesday at 4 p.m. to
5:30 p.m. and the third Wednesday o f each month, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, call 503-256-4000.
C holesterol Profiles — Get the resources to help you keep an eye on your
cholesterol and other indicators o f heart health. Educational material
provided. For more information, call 503-261-6611.