THE PATIENT CHANNEL PRESENTS - WOMENS HEALTH: ADVICE TO BABYBOOMERS Narrator The life expectancy for women in the

United States has risen dramatically in the past century, jumping from 52 years in 1910 to 80 years today. Experts expect that life spans will continue to lengthen. And many predict that in the not too distant future individuals may be able to live as long as 140 years in good health. Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland Clinic There is a real debate in the aging research community of whether we are going to beat with research and new drugs and therapies the aging process. The general feeling is that we may actually within four to six years now have therapies that help you stay as young as you want to be. You have got to make the choice, though. Narrator Dr. Michael Roizen is the chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic. Hes written several best-selling books - including Real Age: Are You as Young as You Can Be? and also appeared on Oprah Winfrey. Dr. Roizen believes most women and men, for that matter can dramatically slow the aging process by embracing a low-stress lifestyle that features a healthy diet and ample exercise. Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland Clinic There are 151 things that you can do to change your rate of aging that have been shown in at least four studies in humans. Narrator Every journey has a beginning. According to Dr. Robin Miller, the first step on the path to healthy aging is for women to make their health a priority. Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative Medicine Its important for women to know how to take care of themselves But as women we do not take care of ourselves - thats not in our nature. Our nature is to nurture everyone else and put ourselves last on the list. Narrator Dr. Miller, who co-authored The Smart Womens Guide to Midlife and Beyond: A No-Nonsense Approach to Staying Healthy After 50, says its never too late for women to focus on wellness. Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative Medicine It doesnt matter how old you are - so youre never too old and youre never too sick to get better. Thats my motto. Narrator Menopause is intrinsically tied to aging. It occurs when a womans ovaries stop producing estrogen and menstruation ceases. But a womans production of hormones doesnt stop abruptly.

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Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative Medicine Perimenopause is the period around menopause that can last 10 years. So when women get into their 40s they may notice theyre having an occasional hot flash, cant sleep very well, have some irritability and their periods start getting irregular. As far as women in their 50s, thats when menopause hits. Some women just breeze on through actually its the majority that breeze on through. Its about 40 percent that have the hot flashes and have really serious menopausal symptoms. It just seems like its everyone because theyre pretty vocal about it. Narrator Some women choose to take hormone therapy to relieve menopause symptoms and keep their bones strong Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative Medicine With hormones several things can happen: No. 1 you could sleep better. The hot flashes go away. The skin tone remains pretty firm. Youre able to build muscle. One of the things that happens with menopause is that you lose muscle really fast. When you lose muscle really fast you can gain weight really fast. You need muscle for weight loss to burn calories. So you can actually build more muscle when you have the hormones. Narrator But studies have raised concerns that hormone replacement therapy may raise a womans risk for breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute urges women on hormone replacement therapy to take the lowest beneficial dose for the shortest time needed. And hormone replacement therapy is known to be risky in women who smoke, are significantly overweight, have a history or breast cancer themselves, or have a strong family history of breast cancer. Clearly its important to speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy in your particular circumstance

Some menopausal women complain of vaginal dryness due to a lack of estrogen. Lubricants and estrogen suppositories and or creams can be used to relieve their symptoms. Well see how the aging process can affect a womans body coming up! ### Narrator

THE PATIENT CHANNEL PRESENTS - WOMENS HEALTH: ADVICE TO BABYBOOMERS As women get older, getting a good nights sleep becomes even more critical for keeping mental acuity and concentration. Developing good sleep habits will help women fall asleep and stay asleep - so they can get the rest that they need. These sleep habits include: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet. Avoid rigorous exercise, large meals and the consumption of caffeine or alcohol before bedtime. The eyes, ears and teeth arent immune to the effects of aging. As we get older the connective tissue in our body gets less flexible, and that includes the muscles and connective tissue that enable the lenses in our eyes to change shape and focus at different distances. The term for this condition is presbyopia, Greek for elderly eyes. No need to see an ophthalmologist about those predictable older eyes, theyre easily helped with a simple pair of reading glasses. But women should get regular eye exams to check for glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, a loss of vision from deterioration of the most sensitive part of the retina. And a lifelong exposure to UV light from the sun can cause the early formation of cataracts. You can prevent any other damage by wearing sunglasses with UV-absorbing materials. Our ears also undergo changes most commonly a gradual hearing loss seen in older adults but more severe in women who were exposed to loud noises earlier in life. Its too late to take back those rock-concert exposures now, but avoiding further damage can reduce the progression. If you find others are telling you that you have the TV or the radio up too loud, see a hearing specialist. Hearing aids are almost inconspicuous nowadays and can mean the difference between being 100% involved in conversations or being isolated as you get older. And women shouldnt overlook their need for dental care as they get older. Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland Clinic Remember to floss. Because in us humans a large part of inflammation is caused by gum inflammation and you can prevent that by flossing and seeing a dental professional twice a year. Narrator Like the rest of a womans body, aging leads to changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Production of saliva and stomach acid diminishes over time. This can hinder absorption of vitamin B12, which the body needs to make red blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system. Women should have their Vitamin B12 levels checked. If they are found to be deficient, Vitamin B12 supplements can be taken to correct the problem.

THE PATIENT CHANNEL PRESENTS - WOMENS HEALTH: ADVICE TO BABYBOOMERS Also more than half of adults have experienced hemorrhoids by the time they reach age 50. These engorged veins in the lower rectum can cause painless bleeding during bowel movements and leakages of feces and mucus. Mild pain and inflammation from hemorrhoids often are managed with self-care measures. Options include: Applying topical over-the-counter preparations Taking sitz baths with only the hips and buttocks immersed to keep the anal area clean Using ice packs or cold compresses to relieve swelling Taking nonprescription pain relievers to alleviate discomfort Staying hydrated and eating high-fiber foods to soften and bulk up stool for easier passage

One aspect of aging that many women fear involves the involuntary leakage of urine, otherwise known as urinary incontinence. Aging alone typically wont lead to incontinence unless there is another problem. Urinary-tract infections, excess fluid intake and severe depression are known to trigger temporary incontinence. Sneezing, coughing or laughing may place increased pressure on the bladder, resulting in leakage. A condition referred to as irritable bladder or overactive bladder - also can cause urinary incontinence. The point to remember is that urine leakage is never normal and should always be evaluated. Fortunately, the problem usually can be resolved.

Due largely to the decreased production of hormones, post-menopausal women face a heightened risk of the loss of bone mass or density a condition called osteoporosis. This in turn can increase the odds of serious injuries such as hip fractures. The good news is that weight training, nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D and, when needed, medications will help keep a womans bones strong. Exercising and eating right also can slow the naturally occurring loss of muscle in women, which typically begins after they reach age 30 and accelerates following menopause because of a lack of estrogen. As women age, the lifelong wear and tear on weight-bearing joints, particularly the hips and knees, may result in painful arthritis. One tip for women with arthritis to consider: trade in your high heels for a sensible pair of walking shoes. Women also should know that the long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications can irritate the stomach and eventually cause ulcers. Narrator Skin is the most noticeable part of the body and usually the first to show signs of aging.

THE PATIENT CHANNEL PRESENTS - WOMENS HEALTH: ADVICE TO BABYBOOMERS Over decades, the suns ultraviolet radiation can damage the skin, diminishing its elasticity and laying the groundwork for unsightly wrinkles. To protect their skin, women are urged to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially during the late morning and early afternoon. However, getting too little sun also can pose health problems. Its recommended that women spend 5 to 10 minutes out in peak sunlight three times per week to maintain adequate levels of Vitamin D. Dr. Miller describes vitamin D as a miracle vitamin. Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative Medicine Its important for building bone but its also important for immune health. We found that people with low vitamin D levels were more likely to get cancer, any kind of cancer. Its important for balance, its important for your muscles, its important for your blood pressure. Its important for so many things and its such an easy thing to check and such an easy thing to supplement if youre low. Narrator The keys to healthy skin are keeping it clean and moist. Women also should consider the weekly use of an exfoliant to remove skin cells A diagnosis of cancer, a divorce or a career change can make even the most dedicated women get stressed out. Well take a look at how to cope with the inevitable changes that life brings coming up. ### Narrator Fifty four year old Lori Taft Sours was diagnosed with breast cancer in February of 2000. She underwent a lumpectomy and received radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatments. Lori Taft Sours One thing I learned pretty early on was that a breast cancer diagnosis does not immediately mean death. I had a lot of optimistic people, health-care professionals, telling me that I was going to be fine and I chose to believe them. Narrator Now nearly a decade after her diagnosis, Lori is cancer-free and cautiously optimistic. Lori Taft Sours I just sort of take it day by day and year by year - try to just tune into my body and stay healthy and do the things that Ive learned are hopefully going to reduce the chances of a recurrence. Narrator During the past several years, Lori has put more emphasis on preparing healthy meals. Lori Taft Sours

THE PATIENT CHANNEL PRESENTS - WOMENS HEALTH: ADVICE TO BABYBOOMERS When I started eating in this more healthy way I had more energy and I just felt better. Narrator To limit the effects of aging, Dr. Roizen advises individuals to restrict their caloric intake. Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland Clinic Eat only enough to maintain the weight you had at your age 18 or your age 21. Narrator Dr. Roizen also recommends staying away from what he terms as the five aging foods, which include: Saturated fats Trans fats Simple sugars Syrups Any grains except 100 percent whole grain Michael Ozner, MD/Baptist Health South Florida Nutrition becomes very powerful. It becomes our way of using Mother Nature to be able to get our blood chemistry back to where it should be. Narrator Dr. Ozner, a noted cardiologist and author of the bestseller, The Miami Mediterranean Diet favors an eating plan which features fresh fruits and vegetables, fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna are favored over red meat. Meals are prepared with extra virgin olive oil instead of butter or margarine. Michael Ozner, MD/Baptist Health South Florida The Mediterranean diet has been around for 7,000 years and it would not have been around for that long if the food wasnt delicious, if it wasnt easy to prepare, if it wasnt inexpensive. It is not just the food - it is the way that in the Mediterranean countries people consume their food. The family gathers together around the table. People are able to relax and enjoy their meal with their family and friends. I think we have lost sight of that in this country. Narrator Forty three year old Rona Rose Witek loves physical challenges. To get back in shape after her son was born, she entered the Mrs. Florida pageant and won the competition. While coping with the stress of a divorce, she trained for and entered a triathlon finishing as the events top female first timer. Rona Rose Witek

THE PATIENT CHANNEL PRESENTS - WOMENS HEALTH: ADVICE TO BABYBOOMERS I think that is why Ive been able to stay healthy. Because the things that Ive gone through, I could have quite easily headed straight for the gutter health-wise but I fought it. I fought it because who I really am - Ive been taught to look at things positively and to always pick yourself up, brush yourself off and keep going. Narrator Balancing the demands of work and her two children, Rona has discovered that finding time for her workouts is perhaps her biggest challenge. Rona Rose Witek Now that Im a single working mother I find it much more challenging to try to get in my cardio but I do what I can whenever I can - whether its squeezing in a bike ride or a run or just swimming laps in the pool. Narrator Lori Taft Sours also makes a conscious effort to stay fit. Lori Taft Sours I try to lift weights 3 or 4 times a week for maybe half an hour, 40 minutes each and thats largely because of the concern about losing bone density. I try to walk, Ive tried lots of other things but walking is the cheapest and the easiest to get cardiovascular aerobic exercise. I like to change things up because if I get in a rut Ill stop exercising and it defeats the whole purpose. Its sort of like eating the same thing over and over again it doesnt really do you any good because youll just get bored. Narrator Sixty three year old Pauline Jackson recently changed careers. She was forced into retirement and didnt mind it much at the beginning. Pauline Jackson For thirty-three years I worked for an aerospace company here in the city and in 06 I was forced into retirement because they closed the company. And for a year I really didnt do anything I just enjoyed not working. Narrator When Pauline went back to work she discovered her new path came with increased challenges and responsibilities and a whole lot of stress. But shes found ways to keep her stress levels under control. Pauline Jackson With our current economy and people losing their jobs and stuff I see a lot of needs. And sometimes I get caught up in folks and in what theyre going through because I cant meet their needs. No one person can. I feel their pain and it gets a little stressful just seeing people who just dont have and dont really have any place to go to get

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Narrator Successfully managing stress helps women enjoy their lives and also ward off some of the ill effects of aging. Michael Ozner, MD/Baptist Health South Florida Stress is the forgotten risk factor. We know the link between chronic stress and heart attack. Exercise is a great way to decrease stress. Narrator There are ways to reduce stress that require little time or exertion. Michael F. Roizen, MD/Cleveland Clinic Five minutes of meditation morning and evening and learning how to manage stress is actually wonderful and key to staying young. Rona Rose Witek We dont necessarily have the time to fulfill what makes us feel good. Its different for everybody: some people can be just reading a trashy novel, for somebody else it could just be going for a walk on the beach, listening to music, going to the park with your children - whatever it is that feeds your soul Thats such an important piece of the health equation to combat stress and we do tend to forget to do that. Narrator Rona regularly gets together with a group of friends and family. They have fun, talk about their lives and blow off steam. Rona Rose Witek We all have a lot similar stresses with family with work with life in general. Thats been a very, very important thing for me - having my friends. And as far as family, I couldnt live without them. Theyve been my backbone, my support - theyre my every breath.

Narrator Well focus on the vaccines all women should have as they age when we return. ### Narrator Dr. Miller urges middle-aged women to get regular checkups that include cancer screenings, as well as tests for heart disease the leading killer of women and other disorders. Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative Medicine Get into the habit of going to the doctor every year.

THE PATIENT CHANNEL PRESENTS - WOMENS HEALTH: ADVICE TO BABYBOOMERS Narrator Vaccines can help protect women from illnesses and even death as they age. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that women age 50 and over receive an annual flu shot. Women who are 60 or older should receive a one-time vaccine for shingles, and those 65 and older need a one-time pneumococcal vaccine. A woman also should consult with her healthcare provider about whether she needs supplements to maintain healthy levels of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and folic acid, which has been shown to offer protection from first-time strokes. Robin Miller, MD/Triune Integrative Medicine A woman in her 30s and 40s really needs to start getting into the habit of getting those preventive studies: mammogram, pap smear - taking calcium, taking care of their bones, taking their vitamin D and really looking at their exercise routine having it become a part of their life and eating healthy. If you dont take care of yourself you cant take care of anyone else. Its really important to put yourself first on the list. Instead of your kids, your husband, your dog, your house, your garbage. Everyone else comes first. Its time to put yourself number one on your list. Narrator Working at a medical office in Miami has helped motivate Rona to keep on top of her own health. Rona Rose Witek You see it on a daily basis and it makes you much more aware to take care of those major organs when youre in that profession.

Narrator Lori, Rona and Pauline are confident that their lifestyle choices will enable them to enjoy many healthy years to come. Lori Taft Sours I feel like I have a really great tool kit for health for the rest of my lifeI look forward to every day. One thing I learned from my cancer experience is to appreciate every single day so I do, I look forward to everyday. I look forward to watching my daughters grow into wonderful young women and having time with my husbandEvery day that I feel good is a gift. Rona Rose Witek Focus on yourself and getting to a healthier place. You might feel selfish doing that dontbecause if youre in a good place your familys going to be in a good place. Pauline Jackson Own your life. Enjoy your life. Do what you like doing. You can do that in your daily routine. Do what makes you happy.

THE PATIENT CHANNEL PRESENTS - WOMENS HEALTH: ADVICE TO BABYBOOMERS This program was reviewed by Bruce B. Dan, MD Executive Medical Editor NBC Hospital Networks Robin H. Miller Triune Integrative Medicine Medford, Oregon For more information on Womens Health visit the following websites http://pause.acog.org http://www.mayoclinic.org http://www.lifescript.org For more information on Robin Millers book: The Smart Womans Guide to Midlife and Beyond Please visit www.smartwomenshealth.com

For a transcript of this program please visit our website at www.thepatientchannel.com