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Is HRT Dangerous?
How
Bio-identical Hormones Can Help with Menopausal Symptoms
by Lise Cloutier-Steele
Since the
U.S. National Health Institutes pulled the plug on their largest study of conventional
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) last year, the media have issued countless reports on
the dangers of supplementing with hormones. Among the important research discoveries:
Conventional HRT does not protect your bones or your heart, two of the primary benefits
once used by doctors as selling points to get women to fill their prescriptions. Another
claim was that the conventional HRT could alleviate the discomfort of severe flushing and
night sweats. In this article, by author Lise Cloutier-Steele of "Misinformed
Consent, she describes how to use bio-identical hormones that are made from plants. You
are welcomed to join our support group and share your experiences with our group of over
4,000 women.
Seasons of Aromatherapy
by Judith Fitzsimmons
Interview & FREE excerpt
Hosted by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
 Aromatherapy
has captured the imagination of women across the world. Judith Fitzsimmons has made a
science of using small vials filled with lavender, rosemary, peppermint and clary sage
work wonders for mind, spirit, and soul. In this interview, she talks about how to
get started with aromatherapy and its healing properties. She even has included a FREE
aromatherapy recipe to get you started.
Coping With Menopause Naturally
Alternatives to HRT
by Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc.
 Ever since the NIH stopped its major study on the
risks and benefits of HRT, many women have begun to look for safe and effective natural
alternatives to treat their menopausal symptoms. In this article from Certified Personal
Trainer/Fitness Counselor Monique Gilbert, she tells us how exercise and the using natural
estrogens in the form of soy can lead to better health. Included is a recipe for
"Golden Tofu Strips" which is a tasty way to serve tofu.
Black Cohosh
 Black cohosh
(Cimicifuga racemosa) is a plant found in the buttercup family. It is also known as black
snakeroot, bugbane, and squawroot. It works possesses relaxant properties which may
affect uterine contractions so that heavy bleeding is decreased. This herb may also
contain substances that act as pain relievers and sedatives. It may decrease hot flashes
and improve the lining of the vagina. We have interviews with author experts Dr
Susan Love, Dr Carolle Jean-Murat, and Linda Ojeda as well as the recommended dose.
Pineapples: Nature's Healing Fruit
by Monique N.
Gilbert, B.Sc.
author of "Virtues of Soy"
  As we become more active (and as we age), aches, pains and
strains may arise. What we eat can profoundly improve our health and healing. We can help
our body repair itself and increase our sense of well-being by eating fresh pineapples.
These tropical delights have many health benefits. Learn about how pineapples are a
natural anti-inflammatory agent with abundant Vitamin C, how to pick a fresh pineapple
which has the most active nutrients including bromelain and how to make a wonderful
"Tropical Fruit Smoothie"
Breast Cancer Beyond Convention:
Complementary and
Alternative Medicine
by Mary Tagliaraferri, M. D., L.Ac., et al
hosted by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
 As advances in breast cancer research move
forward, more treatment options are available than ever before, which is great news -- but
how can you determine the course of action that is right for you? Mary Tagliaferri, M.D.,
L.Ac., is one of the founders of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program at the
University of California. In this interview, we explore with Mary how her book is
different than many books on breast cancer and how her personal journey shaped her views.
In addition, we have an FREE
excerpt of the book from noted author Dr. Susan Love which provides with an extensive
FREE guide helping you to understand
breast cancer, see how different
forms of treatment can help, and most importantly how to assemble the right group of
people to help you.
Eat Your Way to Better Health
by Monique N.
Gilbert, B.Sc.
 Making the right dietary choices
can have a profound impact on our health and longevity. As a society, we have the largest
assortments of foods in the world, both good and bad. However, this availability can tempt
us to eat unhealthy foods. Fortunately, overcoming these temptations is easier than you
think. A few simple changes in your diet can make the difference between being healthy and
unhealthy. So, you may ask, what kind of diet do researchers recommend for promoting and
maintaining good health?
Natural Progesterone Cream
Should you use it?
  John Lee, M.D., is a well-known advocate of the benefits of natural
progesterone. He has several very popular books and many women follow his advice. He
recommends natural progesterone cream to balance your hormones, eliminate premenopausal
symptoms, and make you feel better. His therapy is based on the theory of "Estrogen
Dominance." What is the scientific evidence supporting the theory of "Estrogen
Dominance"? We asked several respected authors in the field about Dr. Lee's theory
and present their opinions. What do you think and what experience have you had?
Find out more.
All Fats Are Not Created Equal
Are some fats
necessary for optimum health?
by Monique N. Gilbert, author of "Virtues of Soy"
 Many people are confused about
fats. They think all fats are bad and unhealthy. However, some fats are
necessary for optimum health. In this article from Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness
Counselor Monique Gilbert, she tells us which fats are good and which fats are bad.
Artery-clogging fats that increase blood cholesterol include saturated fat and trans fat.
A more heart healthy fat is unsaturated fat, generally found in vegetables. Want a
delicious and nutritious alternative to mayonnaise? Then try this recipe which
makes a wonderful heart-healthy cholesterol-free sandwich spread!
Prometrium - What can it do for you?
  Prometrium is a
form of natural progesterone. Laura E. Corio, M.D., is a board-certified ob/gyn whose
thriving New York City practice attracts women from across the country because of her
unique blend of no-nonsense medical advice, extensive knowledge of alternative approaches,
and close collaboration with patients. According to Dr. Corio in her book The Change
Before the Change the benefits of progesterones like Prometrium are: Relieves PMS
symptoms; Relieves painful periods; Controls abnormal bleeding; Relieves insomnia;
Relieves depression; Relieves anxiety; Builds bone; Does not negate the positive
cardiovascular effects of estrogen; Controls endometriosis.
What can it do for you? Find out more.
Natural vs. Synthetic Hormones
  In Stephanie Bender's best seller, The Power of Perimenopause, she
covers all aspects of perimenopause and menopause. She spends a great deal of time talking
about how to use hormones to balance out the ups and downs of perimenopause and menopause. Ms. Bender
talks about the differences between synthetic and natural hormone preparations, you'll be
surprised to learn what she has to say.
Depression and Mood Swings
by Linda Ojeda
   Linda Ojeda, author of
Menopause
without Medicine says, "A number of herbs have been proven to calm
anxiety and reduce tension. It is advantageous to use herbs in conjunction with
positive changes in nutrition and lifestyle." She also talks about using Ginkgo
biloba, Passion flower, Skullcap and other natural ways to improve mood.
Vegan Lasagna
  This is a great recipe that was sent
in to us by long time friend, Martha Wisniewski. It is a lively mix of onion, garlic,
basil parsley, and oregano spiced with red pepper. It uses tofu
which is a great source of low fat protein and may be very important for women who symptoms of menopause
or perimenopause as well as those interested in losing weight.
Selecting Over-the-Counter
Products
  Dr Carolle Jean-Murat, author of Menopause
Made Easy comments on selecting over-the-counter medications and
supplements and says, "There are many brands of herbal medications on the market.
Because they are classified as a food, they are not regulated. Over-the-counter herbs and
supplements lack quality control of content. There is usually a batch-to-batch
variation."
Here are my recommendations
Vagifem Vaginal Suppository
Vagifem is an estrogen product made by
Pharmacia Corporation It is an estrogen (estradiol) tablet that is inserted
into the vagina. It's primary use is to stop vaginal itching, pain during
intercourse, and perhaps increase sexual arousal - better known as atrophic vaginitis
which occurs with the lowered estrogen levels associated with menopause and post menopause.
Vagifem works locally right at the vaginal level and is not absorbed through out the
body.
Why do we overeat?
And why do we
overeat the foods we do?
by Sue
Spataro, RN, BSN
  This is not a simple
question and the answer is not easy to find - in fact the answers will be different for
each person. There are so many emotional ties to food that we all find it difficult to
separate what we need to eat from what we want to eat. Find out why we overeat and what
you can do to regain control in our FREE support group program.
Meet the author
Linda Ojeda, Ph.D
"Menopause Without
Medicine"
hosted by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
 interview & FREE Excerpt
Back in the 1980s when
perimenopause and menopause were unheard of, Dr. Ojeda was pouring over medical journals
researching what has now become of the most important health issues for women-
perimenopause and menopause. Learn more about Perimenopause & Menopause, Health
Supplements, Herbs & Other products including Black cohosh, Dong quai, Chaste tree
(Vitex), Promensil, and Estroven. Learn more about Anxiety &
Perimenopause, the role of exercise along with a FREE excerpt on Depression &
Mood Swings.
Cranberries, not just for Thanksgiving
 How does cranberry juice help
thousands of women prevent urinary tract infections? Drinking cranberry juice
regularly can help prevent urinary tract infections. The question has been what ingredient
in the juice performs this job?
HotFlash Therapy Guide:
Estratab
Estratab is a form of estrogen that is made from plants
(phytoestrogen), most
specifically yams and soy. This esterified estrogens is so exciting is because women can
take a smaller dose than other established estrogen products. With this lowed dose you
still can the same benefits of protect bones from osteoporosis, and helping to fight heart
disease.
Find out more.
Office Yoga:
Simple Stretches for Busy People
by Darrin Zeer, Michael Klein
 
also see 
Holistic & Natural Medicine Center
Yoga has gone completely mainstream. Sensible people everywhere are saying
"Om" and doing postures once a week. Enter the worlds easiest yoga book for the
place we need it most: work! Renowned teacher Darrin Zeer brings this ancient Indian art
to the modern-day office with a fully illustrated, easy-to-use guide offering 75
stress-relieving stretches perfect for the cube environment.
St. John’s Wort
Something To Be
Cheerful About!
by Ruby Banyan
Statistics show that 17 million Americans suffer from depression, more than half of whom
shy away from seeking professional help. It’s no wonder that when books and
television interviews endorsed an over the counter mood-elevating herb, the public
responded enthusiastically. Doctors in Europe have long prescribed St. John Wort to
patients suffering from depression. Find out more.
Meet the Author
Deb Wood
author of:
"The Tao of Meow"
hosted by Eva Spataro, creator of Pet Corner
 meditation
is not just for cats anymore
  As author Deb Wood says,
"Cats are perhaps the ultimate Taoists, and they teach us many of the philosophy's
lessons....Cats are the world's most accomplished medita-tors. It is through the stillness
of meditation that the exchange of qi is at its most effective....As I learned the lessons
of Taoism, I realized that my animal companions were practicing the lessons of this
gentle, nonviolent philosophy more than most humans were." Veteran trainer Deb Wood
shares some of her insights about cats and life in a very stimulating interview.
Meet the Author
Deb Carpenter
"Nature's Beauty Kit"
hosted by Joanne Spataro
interview & FREE beauty tips
  Deb
Carpenter’s book, "Nature’s Beauty Kit," offers many wonderful, beauty
recipes that can be made right from our own backyards. She’s appreciating
nature’s gifts ever since she began collecting recipe clippings from newspapers, and
from her grandmother’s own stash. She completely filled a drawer with these recipes.
So Deb thought it was time to make a book out of her collection. And I’m so glad she
did! "Nature’s Beauty Kit" includes tons of clever recipes, like homemade
hair rinses, facial masks and shampoos. Deb thinks hair rinses will be a winner with
teens, since it gives hair natural highlights!
Meet the Author:
Patricia Greenberg
author of "The Whole Soy Cookbook"
hosted by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
see the interview & FREE
excerpt
  Lately
there has been a lot of excitement about soy and soy products. Soy and soy
products have become more popular in the last decade. One of the leaders at the
forefront of this soy phenomenon is noted author and dietician/ nutritionist Patricia
Greenberg.In her quest to getting out the good word about soy and soy products, Patricia
has developed both simple and delicious recipes for people who want to incorporate soy
into their diets and for the folks who already are cooking with soy.
"The Joy of Soy" is
our latest area that focuses on the pros and cons of this natural product that contains
plant estrogens called isoflavones. Can these natural products help you? What forms are
available? Do you have to eat tofu? Can you get excited about "The Joy of
Soy?"
SAM-e for Sure?
 by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
There has been a lot of media attention about a new over- the- counter herbal
supplement called SAM-e, pronounced "Sammy". SAM-e is short for
S-adenosylmethionine which is an amino acid. Find out more.
What is Red
Clover?
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
"Can red clover help me with my perimenopause symptoms?"
Red clover, a member of the legume family, is rich in phytoestrogens
compounds that function like estrogen in the body) , plant estrogens, and is one of the
few plants that contain all 4 types of isoflavones
What
is in "Natural Therapies"
What is Chasteberry? |
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