Posts Tagged "hot flash"

How many changes of clothing?

Posted by Liz on May 22, 2008 in apparel, hot flash, nightsweats | 3 comments

How many changes of clothing do women in the midst of hot flash heaven take to work? I’ve heard of numbers ranging from one up to three. Guess it depends on how often you’re flashing, right?

Recently, I ran across this interesting site for COOLMAX apparel. COOLMAX is a wicking fabric that draws moisture away from the body while promoting its absorption. What this means for the wearer is that you will stay cooler despite the sweat. Now mind you, while several sites carry COOLMAX clothing, it tends to run on the more casual side and may not be appropriate as work attire. Nor has it moved into high fashion arena as of yet.

COOLMAX is only one of numerous wicking fabrics that have been used in recent years for athletic gear and are now moving into other markets. Several companies cater to women who experience hot flashes and night sweats and in coming weeks, I’m going to highlight a few (and rate a few as well!).

A quick search revealed a cute tank top to wear under jackets (although the rest of their wares are bit too conservative for my taste!), Sierra Trading Post carries a COOLMAX long sleeved top and a tank that are not bad looking.

Look, this apparel is definitely not geared towards the fashionista and I’m hoping that as more and more women start opening up about what’s going on, that designers will start to listen and accommodate.

In the interim, it may be prudent to start the day with loose, cotton clothing in several layers, if work allows. As you flash, remove a layer or two. And be sure to have an ’emergency’ kit with moist towelettes on-hand so that you can change clothing and feel fresher.

Talk Talk

Posted by Liz on May 10, 2008 in hot flash | 0 comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvAVJTQeFiQ]

I’ve been surfing lots to see what folks are saying about the menopause. And it’s given me pause, which is why I wanted to pick up my pen and intervene.

Too often, what I run across is run of the mill, me-too, stale copy with highly technical information “dumbed down” for the consumer OR advice on how to delight in the menopause OR unsound or unproven alternatives that are not tailored to the individual but to the masses.

So, how do you like your information served? Sugar-coated with a cherry and whipped cream? Or organic, fresh and crisp, just-picked and newly-ripened, one perfect portion at a time, presented with you and your needs in mind?

I only ask not be “talked at” but spoken to in an engaging, respectful manner. I didn’t believe those tampon ads back in the 70s depicting two happy teenage girls on the beach exercising, and I don’t believe that I should be told that I will delight in a drenching hot flash, perspiration rolling down my face, and huge sweat rings staining a new silk blouse.

So, here’s my promise to you. Straight talk, no shooter, engaging, factual, and timely. If you catch a few words here and there that resonate…well, we’re halfway there.

Here’s the first course:

A small but scientifically designed study out of China shows that acupuncture plus cupping provided relief of menopause-related perspiration in approximately 81% of women compared to acupuncture alone or cupping alone. Sound interesting?