Posts made in July, 2008

Sun, Sun, Sun, Here It Comes

Posted by Liz on Jul 6, 2008 in women's health | 1 comment

In an earlier post, I questioned the term ‘menopause skin’ and products that theoretically protect against it. One important point I overlooked, however, was the need to protect the skin from the sun, regardless of whether or not you are peri or postmenopausal.

This week, a friend sent me a link to a new site created by the Environmental Working Group that evaluates the safety of ingredients in products that we use on our skin, including sunscreens. I was a bit shocked to learn that many of the most common sunscreens on the market are either ineffective in terms of protection or more importantly, may be fairly toxic.

If you’re at all curious, the list, along with the rest of the site, is well worth checking out. Afterall, we only have one birthday suit this go-around. Might as well do what we can to protect our assets while we’ve got ’em.

Not Your Mama’s Menopause

Posted by Liz on Jul 3, 2008 in apparel | 0 comments

I’ve been searching the web lately for wicking fabric clothing and bedding. If you recall, I wrote about wicking material in an earlier post with the promise that I would continue to update you on what’s out there.

Admittedly, I’m a bit discouraged. For the most part, the clothing looks like something my mother’s generation would wear  and not something I would wear. (Sorry mom; you know I love you!) If Baby Boomer women represent the menopause generation of today, why is it that no one is accommodating our needs in the fashion department?

Designers: if you are reading, this is a HUGE marketing opportunity:

• Women of menopause age make up the largest segment of the American population
• 74 M women will hit menopause by the year 2010
• Research suggests that menopause is second only to personal illness in importance and impact to women over age 40

What do you think? Isn’t it time for some good-looking, well-designed, wicking clothing for women our age? Afterall, we may ‘turn into our mamas’ in some regards but not in every way.

Having a hot flash?

Posted by Liz on Jul 1, 2008 in hot flash | 5 comments

Why not try a cleavage cooler? I ran across this nifty product this afternoon.

All you do is take the paks, stick ’em in the freezer and then tote them around. When a hot flash hits, you simply take out a cooler pak and shove it in your bra. Voila! Instant cooling.

I think that the last thing I think I’d desire is an ice pack in my bra.  Sort of like rubber chickens for the menopausal set, right?!