Thursday, July 29, 2010

What to wear


Hi Ladies,
I am reading so many rules on how we should dress as ladies over fifty. Personally I can't agree with most of it. There are rules for style, color, quality, day and evening fashion, casual dress, accessories, etc. First we're told to wear navy, charcoal and black during the day. Then we are told only wear black and white at night. Then we are told not to wear black or white. We should wear navy. I do not like navy for day, night or anytime. Maybe if I were a sailor! Ladies, why can't we wear what makes us feel good.... What makes us feel attractive, pretty, sexy. I realize that I am 56 and I am not going to walk around with a cropped top and my stomach showing like I did in my teens and twenties but hey if I want to wear something short and sexy I will!!! Remember Samantha in the new "Sex and the City" movie. She walks into a store to buy a dress for a red carpet event. Sales Woman: "Isn't this dress a little young for you?"
Samantha: "Well I don't know, how old do you think I am? (pause) Well I am fifty f***ing two and I am going to rock this dress." You go girl!!! I'm not saying to wear a skin tight outfit which makes your chest and butt bulge out. Look in the mirror. How do you look? We might not want to show a specific part of our body. Maybe we don't like our arms. Okay for now, until we tone up our biceps and triceps, wear a loose sleeve. (FYI: biceps and triceps respond very quickly to strength training....look for my post on that). For the office, yes, conservative is better. But, I never will wear a navy pantsuit! I never will wear a navy skirt suit. What's with navy? Why is it recommended for us baby boomers. I'll take black, white, gray, or khaki any day! The right undergarments are very important. Wearing the right bra will definitely diminish back fat. (which I will discuss in another post because I refuse to believe that we cannot get rid of it). Ladies, we are vibrant, beautiful, successful women. Don't wear baggy, shapeless clothing. Please have fun with fashion! Look at celebs that are our contemporaries. Get some ideas by how they dress. Of course don't follow everything that they wear. Sometimes they can go a little overboard. I think that we can wear any fashion trend if we modify it a little. Wear handbags that are classic and fun. I think shoulder bags make us look more youthful. I don't love big chunky jewelry. Sometimes less is more. I know pearls are classic. I own pearls but never wear them. I think they make me look too matronly. Ladies, don't think that you have to have short hair just because you are over fifty. I don't love big earrings. Draws too much attention. I rather make my eyes look more dramatic! I just read one article that says we should wear turtlenecks. That is the last piece of clothes that I would ever buy. Turtleneck......makes me look like I have a turtleneck....and how is wearing a turtleneck going to help my hot flashes? Really.....Ladies as the old saying goes "if the shoe fits wear it." What is your opinion?
Talk soon.....Elyse Rose

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Important Tests for women over 50

Hi Girls,

Following is a list of tests that are so important for us girls over 50. Most of these tests should be performed yearly at your physical exam and gynecologic exam.

Please don't ignore them.

1. Mammogram - yearly ( breast sonogram and MRI if you are high risk)
{monthly breast self -exam}
2. Pelvic exam - (checks your uterus, ovaries, cervix and rectum)

3. Cervical cancer screening - yearly (PAP test and HPV test)

4. Colon cancer screening - starting at age 50 every 5 - 10 years unless you are at high risk and before age 50 if history of colon cancer/polyps/IBD is present in your family.

5. Blood tests for:

Diabetes (fasting glucose should be <100)


Cholesterol (LDL, bad cholesterol, <100)>50)
Triglycerides (<150)


Liver disease

Heart disease (CRP)

Kidney disease

Calcium level (this calcium level is not the calcium level in your bones)

Cancer

6. Thyroid Function (many women over fifty can have an underactive thyroid)

7. Bone Density - every 2 years (check for osteopenia or osteoporosis)

8. Blood Pressure (BP should be <120/80)


9. Depression (if depression lasts for more than a couple of weeks please see a doctor)

10. Dental (dental infections can lead to heart problems)

11. Vision (check vision, rule out cataracts, glaucoma)

12. Skin exam (rule out skin cancer or pre-cancer)

13. EKG (check the health of your heart)

14. Please don't forget to "Check your Neck" (rule out thyroid cancer)

Girls,  get your yearly flu shot starting at 50!

These tests will help us to stay healthy......we owe it to ourselves and besides we have a lot of living to do!!!!!

Elyse Rose



Friday, July 23, 2010

"What I Know for Sure"


Hi Ladies,
What can you say about Oprah Winfrey? That she is amazing, awesome, beautiful, kind, giving, compassionate, smart, straight forward. You don't have to say her last name. She is Oprah, our friend. Oprah is the voice of reason. She is everything wonderful in this crazy world that we live in. If I could meet one celebrity it would be Oprah Winfrey. I don't get to watch her shows as often as I would like. With working full time and chores, errands and blogging it is a treat to get to watch The Oprah Show. But I do love my Oprah magazine. I must admit that each month I get so excited when I am in the supermarket or CVS and I see the new issue of the Oprah Magazine! It is the only magazine that I buy! The O magazine is so chock full of great advice, encouraging words, inspiring stories, fashion and make-up tips, etc. I find comfort in my copy of The Oprah Magazine. I read it for days and days, every bit of information. I also will admit that the first page that I read is the last page.....The famous...."WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE." In some of my low moments Oprah has put things into perspective for me. A few months ago Oprah talked about her interview with Charla Nash, the woman who was brutally attacked by her friend's chimpanzee. Charla Nash talked about how she looks forward to getting better and stronger. How can you ever complain about anything after hearing this brave woman's story. Thank you Oprah for bringing it to us. I just got my August issue and as usual turned to the last page. Oprah talks about how she likes a bargain just like anyone else. She goes on to explain how she has bought cars and houses and many things for her friends and family over the years. "I get a lot of pleasure from bringing pleasure, and I love using money to help others create a better life for themselves. But even the greatest gifts lose their value over time. I know for sure that the best deal is an investment in the things that will sustain your joy." I think that I might have just had an Aha! moment. I think that I understand what Oprah is saying. This blog that I am doing requires a lot of time. Right now it is 1:30 a.m. and I am still typing away. But it brings me joy so I am going to continue to be the best blogger that I can be!
Ladies.....please, please, please try to find something that brings you joy. A walk outside, a good book to read, The Oprah Magazine, coffee with a friend, etc. Us ladies over 50 have to stick together and encourage each other to be the best that we can be. How wonderful to have role models like Oprah Winfrey. She is truly amazing! I know that I cannot compare my little blog to building a school for girls in South Africa but this blog is something that I am building and it makes me smile.
Ladies....if you could sit down and have coffee with a celebrity who would it be? I'm going for coffee with Oprah, my friend!!!
Talk soon.......Elyse Rose

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Stretching



Hi Ladies,

Stretching is so important! It is important before a workout and it is just as important in your everyday life. When I get up in the morning my bones and muscles are tight and they hurt. A few minutes on the floor stretching is all it takes to have a better day. I sit at a desk all day so my back really suffers. The morning stretch does help tremendously.

A FEW TIPS:

1. If you do sit all day as I do please get up a few times and take a walk. Try to get in some stretching at the office.

2. When stretching do not bounce - bouncing can hurt the muscles and ligaments.

3.Hold the stretch for at least 15 seconds.

4. Do not over-stretch your muscles. Stop when you feel a slight tension. If you are feeling pain then you are stretching too far. Don't worry if you can't stretch far. With each stretch you will be able to stretch a little further.

5. Breathe!!! Do not hold your breath.

6. Stretch evenly. If you stretch one side of your body then stretch the muscles on the other side as well.

7. Take your time. Don't rush through your stretches. Enjoy the stretching. This is your time!!!

Talk soon.....Elyse Rose




Thursday, July 15, 2010

Calcium


Hi Ladies:

Well, let's first start with our bones. When we are going through menopause our bones start to lose density and become more prone to fractures. If the level of calcium in our blood is too low then our body will take calcium from our bones to supply it to our muscles and nerves. Hence, low bone density which can lead to osteopenia and then osteoporosis. To find out if you are losing bone density it is important to get a bone density test ( densitometry or DXA scan) starting at the age of 50. This test will determine if you have osteoporosis or the predecessor of osteoporosis which is called osteopenia. The test is painless and does not take long at all. There is no prep for the test. A bone density test is a great way of knowing the condition of your bones and risk for fractures. If you are at risk then your doctor will absolutely tell you to take calcium.
I am hearing and reading so much in regard to how we should take calcium. I have heard that if you take a calcium supplement that is more than 500 mg. you are wasting your money. The body can only absorb 500 mg. at a time. Also you must take vitamin D supplement (400 IU) with your calcium. The vitamin D assists the body in absorbing the calcium. I am now learning that you must also take magnesium (250 mg) with your calcium which also assists in the absorption. Magnesium also helps with other body functions such as the contraction and relaxation of all muscles including the heart. There are many ways to get the calcium that we need as women over 50. I will list some foods that are calcium rich. Of course supplements are the sure way to get your daily dose of calcium which is usually between 1200 - 1500 mg/day. Women using hormone replacement therapy might require a little less calcium. Ladies....too much of any supplement can be harmful so stay at the recommended dosage. Calcium overdose can lead to kidney damage and the deposit of calcium in areas of the body where it is not needed. Also women who are at risk for developing kidney stones should take caution. Check with your doctor for possible drug interactions. It is best to take your calcium 3 times a day (at mealtime). That way you will absorb the full dose of 500 mg. It is best not to take your calcium at night. Calcium can cause heartburn during the night. I also hear that we should be taking calcium in a liquid or powder form because the calcium pills do not get absorbed by our bodies fast enough before being eliminated. I actually was listening to Andrew Lessman on HSN and learned a great deal from him in regard to calcium. I think I am going to try his Calcium-Magnesium Intensive Care. I will let you know how it goes. Ladies always check with your doctor before taking calcium or any supplement.
FYI: Calcium has a calming effect on the body. People deficient in calcium can have restlessness and wake often during the night. Guess that is why a warm glass of milk was recommended before bedtime!
FYI: Calcium is shown to have a slimming effect on women over 50!!!!! Women who get their proper daily dose of calcium are less likely to gain weight then their friends who do not take calcium supplements.
FYI: Test your calcium pill......put your calcium pill in a small container of vinegar.....if it doesn't dissolve in minutes........the supplement is not reaching your bloodstream fast enough....you are not getting the full benefit of your calcium supplement.
Okay, let's list some foods that are rich in calcium....
1. Oatmeal....350 mg
2. Cheddar cheese, 1-1/2 oz, shredded....306 mg
3. Yogurt, plain, low fat, 1 cup.....300 mg
4. Soy or rice milk, fortified with calcium, 1 cup....80-500 mg WOW!!!!! (READ THE LABELS)
5. Frozen yogurt, vanilla, soft-serve, 1/2 cup......103 mg
6. Orange juice, fortified with calcium, 6 oz.....200 - 260 mg
7. Cold cereal, fortified with calcium, 1 cup.....100 - 1000 mg WOW again!!! (READ THE LABELS)
8. Canned salmon, 3 oz......181 mg
9. Spaghetti, 1 cup.......125 mg

The list goes on.......
Ladies one more FYI....When you are reading the nutrition facts on the boxes of food and it says for calcium 20% or 30% or whatever amount it might say just remember that it translates to 200 mg or 300 mg of calcium, so just add a 0 to the number it is stating. Try to find foods that have fairly high percentages if you are counting on calcium from food. Ladies if you do find out you have osteopenia or osteoporosis talk with your doctor, a supplement will probably be recommended and remember that these are conditions that can absolutely be reversed!!!!!
Talk soon......Elyse Rose



Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Work Your Stomach Muscles at Work


Hi Ladies:
I'm on my lunch break at the office so I don't have much time to write now but I just wanted to share a tip. I just came back from the ladies room and before I left I did 50 "standing" crunches.
1. Feet shoulder width apart
2. Knees always soft - slightly bent
3. You are going to do a pelvic tilt as you bring your belly button towards your back (at the same time you are bringing your chest down towards the lower part of your stomach)..... then release
There....you did a crunch!!!!
Tip: Always control the movement - never use momentum - squeeze and tighten the muscles that you are working
Always think about the muscles that you are working - there is a mind - muscle connection
Try it Ladies......have to go back to work......
Talk Soon.......Elyse Rose

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Hair Loss



Hi Ladies,
When I was a young girl my father would thin my hair with a thinning scissor. My hair was thick and it would get so knotty. I did complain about my hair throughout the years because it was also very, very frizzy. I always dreamed of walking in the rain or swimming and not having my hair frizz. Well, that was then and now is now.............when I turned 50 (a little more than 6 years ago) my hair started to thin. You wouldn't notice because I had so much hair. So I ignored it until recently. Within the past few months I have been examining my hair and I have been noticing that I can see my scalp too easily. A few weeks ago I was blowing out my hair and I noticed that I blew it out in 15 minutes! Well, that job used to take 1 hour!!!! Okay, time to take action! I went to the dermatologist who suggested that I start using Minoxidil and to also start taking a Biotin Supplement. I am fortunate that I started with a lot of hair but I am going to follow this treatment so I don't lose any more and hopefully some will grow back!

Hair Loss over the age of 50 is very common. Female hair loss is different than male hair loss. A woman's hair will thin while a man will get a receding hairline and large bald spots. As long as hair loss does not happen all of a sudden with patchy spots and stress can be ruled out then thinning hair is just part of aging......WHICH WE LADIES ARE DOING BEAUTIFULLY........so if your thinning hair bothers you as mine did then see your dermatologist. Hair loss can be reversed and stopped!
Talk soon......Elyse Rose

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Walking On The Beach


Hi Ladies,
We know that walking is a great exercise. If you are able to walk outside around your neighborhood it is very enjoyable because you get to look around and it doesn't quite feel like you are exercising. Today I was lucky enough to go to the beach. I know not everyone lives near a beach but if you do it is a great place to take a walk. Of course make sure that you are well hydrated. When I walk at the beach I like to carry a water bottle with me. If I just want to walk without any strong resistance I will walk by the ocean where the waves break. It is much easier to walk on the hard sand. Ladies, if you really want to feel a burn in your legs then take a walk on the sand. I didn't go far today. I think I walked for 10 to 15 minutes but WOW what a great leg workout. Remember when you walk: 1. Stand tall (shoulders back), 2. Hold your Abdominal Muscles in (pull your belly button in towards your back), 3. Walk heel to toe, 4. Tighten those butt muscles as you walk..........Ladies, see for yourself what a great leg exercise this is!!!!!

Talk soon.....Elyse Rose











Thursday, July 8, 2010

“As I grow in age, I value women over 50 most of all.
Here are just a few reasons why:
“A woman over 50 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, ‘'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.
“If a woman over 50 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.
“Women over 50 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if they think you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you – if they think they can get away with it.
“Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.
“Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 50.
“Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 50 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.
“Older women are forthright and honest.. They will tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.
“Yes, we praise women over 50 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 50, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.”

Ladies, this was quoted by Andy Rooney of CBS"s "60 Minutes."
(Now here is a smart man!)

Friday, July 2, 2010

Sun Protection


Hi Ladies.....

It's that time of year when we want to feel the warmth of the beautiful sun. I recall back in the late 60's and 70's when I would slather my face with baby oil and bake with the sun reflector for hours. Not smart. Well now I am paying the price for all those beautiful golden tans that I thought looked so amazing. We didn't know about SPF 15 or SPF 45 or SPF anything. I remember the first time I was in a drug store and saw a product by Coppertone called "For Faces Only". Does anyone remember this product? It was our introduction to SPF.

Well we have come a long way and that is a good thing! Not only will using sunscreen protect us from possibly getting skin cancer but it will protect us from further sun damage. Sunscreen is our best weapon against aging skin! That doesn't mean you can apply sunscreen and then you are safe to bake for hours. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and then reapplied after sweating, swimming, and after 2 hours of sun. If applying the next layer of sunblock makes you feel oily you can dust it on with Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45, which controls oil and creates a barrier. It is so easy for on the go application!.... A little sun is good for you (we need the vitamin D that the sun provides) but ladies don't overdo it.

  • Enjoy the sun but use sunscreen, wear a broad-brimmed hat, cover arms and legs when possible. Wear sunglasses. (Remember as I posted above apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen should have at least an SPF of 15. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended for your face.)
  • Don't visit a tanning salon......it will increase your risk of melanoma.
  • When you have your yearly check-up make sure your doctor checks for anything abnormal on your skin....when caught early melanoma has an excellent chance of being cured.
  • Even if you have dark skin you are still at risk for skin cancer. In dark skin melanoma is found in places that are not exposed to the sun. Check under finger nails, between toes, palm of your hands, and wear sunscreen. Yes fair skin is at higher risk but nobody is immune!
  • Eating healthy foods can cut your risk of skin cancer by half. Fresh fruits, vegetables,whole grains, fish, and low fat dairy. Foods that you would eat for a healthy heart. Fried foods, processed foods, red meats, full-fat dairy products are not good for your heart or your skin.
  • Know your skin. Check your skin. Check the back of your legs (use a mirror). If there is size change, color change, shape change please go see your doctor. Not all skin cancers are melanomas. About 90% are basal cell carcinomas, which seldom spread to internal organs but can destroy surrounding skin if left to grow. Squamous cell carcinoma is another type of skin cancer that usually does not spread. Ladies have a great summer, enjoy the sun but take precaution. Talk soon...........Elyse Rose