HRT Update
It appears that health care providers are retreating from the hormone hysteria created by the results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Study. Physicians at a recent meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) agreed that profiling each woman's individual risk is the best approach. Of particular note was the fact that several presenters correctly questioned the applicability of the WHI data on dementia and cardiovascular health to younger, healthy, postmenopausal women, who make up the vast majority of hormone therapy users. For example, neuroimaging data from the Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project in Australia showed that young HRT users showed increased activity in the part of the brain associated with better verbal memory. Many researchers believe there is a critical period for maximum response to hormone therapy.
Remember Sex?
One of the main reasons why couples say they rarely have sex is that they're too tired. For women especially-who add hormonal changes to the usual stresses of work and kids-sleep deprivation can last a lifetime. "There are very few times in a woman's life when something doesn't interfere with her sleep," says Dr. Meir Kryger, director of the Sleep Disorder Clinic at St. Boniface Hospital Research Center at the University of Manitoba. "Sleep disorders are very common, and under-diagnosed, in women." According to the National Sleep Foundation, 74 percent of women sleep less than eight hours a night during the work week; the average sleep time is 6 hours and 41 minutes.
Healthy and Fit
Go ahead and have that PB&J sandwich for lunch. It's good for you. A study in a recent issue of the Journal of Food Sciences reported that commercial peanut butter contains levels of vitamin E as high as those in raw peanuts. Previous research has linked nuts to heart-protective benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says peanut butter is among the top 10 sources of vitamin E in the American diet.
Quote of the Month
"I'm pushing 60. That's enough exercise for me."
- Mark Twain
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Letters
Thank You
"[Sandy] is just the kind of employee that makes customers feel served in this very impersonal world of electronic messaging that we have to deal with. I commend her and I hope you will also do the same."
"Marilyn"
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Q&A
Q: How much calcium does a woman over the age of 50 need?
A: The recommended requirement for a woman that age is between 1,200 and 1,500 mg of elemental calcium, preferably calcium citrate. For best absorption, take doses no greater than 400 mg at a time; take with meals but not with iron supplements; and add a ray of sunshine or vitamin D.
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For Men Only
As most men probably know, testosterone gradually declines after age 30. Testosterone is critically important for its effect on cholesterol levels, protein breakdown, muscle mass and bone density, muscle development, libido, and erection capability. High-intensity exercise, a high-protein diet, zinc supplementation, and adequate intake of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage can help maintain optimal testosterone levels.
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