HEALTHY LIVING

6 Reasons To Look Forward To Menopause

Published

1 year ago

October 22, 2023

6 Reasons To Look Forward To Menopause | Fab.ng

Most women don’t eagerly await menopause. For about 4 in 5 women, menopause brings unwanted symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. It can also affect self-esteem and how women perceive themselves.

However, the perspective on menopausal women is changing for the better. Celebrities are now openly discussing their menopause experiences, which is a significant shift.

Increased awareness of midlife changes is beneficial, especially if it encourages women to seek help for bothersome menopause symptoms. Managing these symptoms with a menopause expert can make a substantial difference and improve this stage of life.

Hormonal changes during menopause can have positive effects on some women, particularly those with certain health conditions like heavy periods. Many women also experience a mental shift during midlife, becoming better at tackling challenges with confidence.

Are you ready to focus on the positives? Here are six reasons to look forward to menopause, which can lead to improvements in your life:

1. No More Periods

Menopause means the end of your menstrual cycle, which many women celebrate. It brings relief from dealing with tampons, pads, leakage, and menstrual cramping. For those with heavy bleeding, it’s especially life-changing.

Not having periods can boost energy since heavy periods can lead to anaemia, making you feel tired and weak. Without periods, you can exercise more and be more physically active.

It’s also a relief after perimenopause, which can bring heavier and irregular periods. Menopause ends the unpredictability of your menstrual cycle, making it a welcome change.

2. Stress Less About PMS

Most women of reproductive age experience premenstrual symptoms, including irritability, fatigue, appetite changes, depression, anxiety, bloating, and breast tenderness.

PMS can make life unpleasant for many women, even if their cycle is regular. Some experience severe PMS, known as PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder), which can be disabling.

During perimenopause, PMS symptoms may worsen due to fluctuating estrogen levels. However, PMS tends to improve after the menopause transition as hormones stabilize.

3. The End of Menstrual Headaches

Migraine and headaches can be part of premenstrual symptoms and may improve after menopause.

Menstrual migraines share symptoms with other migraines, such as headache pain, light sensitivity, sweating, chills, nausea, and vomiting.

Many women with migraines have noticed a link between their menstrual cycle and migraine attacks.

The Menopausal Rollercoaster by Pastor Yvonne Brooks – Keep The Faith ® The UK's Black and multi-ethnic Christian magazine

Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels during a normal menstrual cycle can trigger menstrual migraines. However, after menopause, as hormone levels decrease, the frequency of hormonal headaches often declines.

It’s important to note that if you have migraines due to other factors, menopause may not resolve them.

4. Sex Without Pregnancy Worries

Menopausal women can enjoy sex without concerns about pregnancy, a benefit frequently mentioned by American women of different ethnicities.

This freedom from contraception is appreciated by many women during menopause.

Before discontinuing birth control, ensure you have officially gone through menopause, meaning 12 consecutive months without a period.

During perimenopause, there is still a low risk of pregnancy, so contraception is recommended.

Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the North American Menopause Society advise contraceptive use until menopause or age 50–55, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It’s essential to note that contraception doesn’t provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STI rates have increased among adults aged 55 and older. Regular STI check-ups and condom use are still necessary to reduce the risk.

5. Uterine Fibroids Shrink

Uterine fibroids affect as many as 80 per cent of women by age 50 and can vary in size.

Severe fibroid symptoms like pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and bladder pressure may necessitate surgery.

While the cause of uterine fibroids is unclear, female hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, contribute to their development.

As women enter and pass through menopause, uterine fibroids tend to shrink and become less problematic.

This transition is particularly welcomed by women managing fibroid-related issues, as it provides relief from heavy periods and other symptoms.

6. Increased Confidence and Inner Strength

Women who have experienced over 50 years of life, including relationships, raising children, and careers, often pursue their desires with a newfound sense of self-assuredness.

With age, many women develop a stronger self-awareness and confidence in themselves, making them less tolerant of unnecessary complications.

This increase in self-assuredness and wisdom typically comes with ageing, although some women may attribute it to menopause.

Get more updates here.

Related Topics:health Menopause Periods Reasons To Look Forward To Menopause

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5 Health Benefits Of Cooking With Garlic

Published

2 weeks ago

December 7, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Health Benefits of Cooking With Garlic | fab.ng

Garlic is more than just a flavour enhancer; it offers numerous health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries. Incorporating garlic into your meals not only enriches the taste but also boosts your overall well-being.

Let’s explore five key health benefits of garlic, emphasising why this simple ingredient deserves a spot in your kitchen.

1. Boosts Heart Health

Garlic is renowned for its heart-protective properties. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels, which are crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Allicin, a compound found in garlic, relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption of garlic may also prevent artery hardening, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of garlic is its contribution to a healthy heart.

2. Strengthens the Immune System

Garlic acts as a powerful immune booster. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help the body fend off infections. Rich in antioxidants, garlic combats free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to illness.

Cooking with garlic regularly can support your immune system, making it more resilient against common colds and flu. This vital health benefit of garlic makes it a natural defence mechanism.

3. Improves Digestive Health

Garlic promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Its antimicrobial properties can help balance gut flora, reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.

Additionally, garlic may reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Including garlic in your diet can improve overall digestive function, emphasising another essential health benefit of garlic.

4. Enhances Bone Health

Surprisingly, garlic may also support strong bones. It contains minerals like calcium, manganese, and selenium, which are vital for bone density and strength.

Some studies suggest that garlic consumption can increase estrogen levels in women, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

This lesser-known health benefit of garlic highlights its role beyond the kitchen, contributing to long-term skeletal health.

5. Supports Detoxification

Garlic aids the body’s natural detoxification process by activating liver enzymes that help eliminate toxins. Its sulfur compounds enhance liver function, enabling the body to flush out heavy metals and harmful substances more efficiently.

Regularly cooking with garlic can provide a natural cleanse, supporting overall vitality. This detoxifying health benefit of garlic underscores its importance for maintaining internal balance.

Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet

Maximise these health benefits by adding garlic to soups, stir-fries, and sauces. Crush or chop it and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking to enhance its beneficial compounds.

Remember, the health benefits of garlic are most potent when it’s used fresh and minimally cooked.

Cooking with garlic not only elevates your culinary creations but also offers significant health advantages. Embrace this versatile ingredient and enjoy the multiple health benefits of garlic with every meal.

Would you like more articles or additional tips? Check here.

HEALTHY LIVING

How To Stay Healthy While Boosting Productivity

Published

3 weeks ago

November 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Balancing health and productivity is essential for personal well-being and professional success. Integrating healthy habits into your daily routine enhances focus, reduces stress, and increases overall efficiency.

Here’s how you can maintain good health while staying productive:

1. Prioritise Physical Health

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity enhances both physical health and mental clarity. Simple practices like taking short walks during breaks or stretching between tasks improve circulation and energy levels.

Maintain Good Nutrition: Eating balanced meals fuels your body and brain. Choose healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels.

Sleep Well: Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) improves memory, focus, and mood, contributing to higher productivity. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep.

2. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Time

Identify peak productivity periods in your day. Allocate complex or creative tasks to those high-energy times, and save routine work for low-energy periods. This practice optimises your natural rhythms for maximum efficiency.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Take Short Breaks: Regular breaks prevent burnout and boost concentration. Even a five-minute pause every hour can refresh your mind.

Mindful Practices: Meditation or deep-breathing exercises reduce stress and improve focus. Incorporating these into your daily routine fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience.

4. Create a Healthy Work Environment

Ergonomic Workspace: Arrange your workspace to support good posture and reduce strain. Use ergonomic furniture and ensure proper lighting to prevent fatigue.

Limit Distractions: Reduce noise and digital interruptions to stay focused. Tools like “Do Not Disturb” settings and noise-cancelling headphones can help create a conducive work atmosphere.

5. Foster Mental Health

Set Boundaries: Separate work from personal time. Avoid checking work emails after hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Stay Connected: Engage in positive social interactions at work. A supportive environment enhances motivation and reduces feelings of isolation.

6. Optimise Productivity Techniques

Batch Tasks: Group similar activities together to avoid frequent context-switching, which drains mental energy. This method enhances focus and efficiency.

Use To-Do Lists: Organise tasks by priority. Focus on completing high-value activities first to maximise your productivity.

By integrating these health-focused strategies into your daily routine, you can maintain physical well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity, creating a sustainable path to professional success and personal fulfilment.

HEALTHY LIVING

How To Stop Snoring When Sleeping

Published

4 weeks ago

November 23, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

How To Stop Snoring When Sleeping | fab.ng

Snoring disrupts sleep for both the person snoring and their partner, lowering overall sleep quality. It’s more than a nighttime nuisance—it often signals health concerns like sleep apnea. Learning how to stop snoring is essential for better sleep and improved health.

To stop snoring, start by addressing your sleep position. Sleeping on your back can worsen snoring as gravity pulls the tongue and soft tissues backward, narrowing the airway.

Shift to your side to improve airflow. Another effective method for how to stop snoring is maintaining a healthy weight. Excess fat, especially around the neck, constricts breathing passages.

Lifestyle choices also matter. Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, as they relax throat muscles, making snoring worse.

Staying hydrated is another simple tip for how to stop snoring, as dryness thickens the mucus in the throat. For nasal congestion, saline sprays or humidifiers can keep airways open.

In severe cases, consult a doctor. Conditions like sleep apnea may require treatments such as CPAP machines or surgery.

Committing to these strategies can show you how to stop snoring effectively, transforming your sleep quality and overall well-being.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

Weight Management: Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can contribute to snoring. Weight loss can alleviate this issue.
Dietary Adjustments: Limiting alcohol and sedatives can relax the throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of snoring. A balanced diet can also help maintain overall health.
Smoking Cessation: Smoking irritates the airways, making snoring worse. Quitting smoking can improve respiratory health and reduce snoring.
Optimal Sleep Posture: Sleeping on your back can worsen snoring. Side sleeping or using a special pillow designed to keep you in a side position can be beneficial.

2. Over-the-Counter Remedies

Nasal Strips: These adhesive strips can help open nasal passages, reducing snoring caused by nasal congestion.
Oral Appliances: Mouthguards or dental devices can help keep the airway open during sleep. Consult a dentist for a proper fit.

3. Medical Interventions

If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies are ineffective, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. They may suggest:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A machine that delivers pressurised air to keep the airway open during sleep.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to correct structural issues in the throat or nose.

If you or your partner notices loud, frequent snoring, especially accompanied by symptoms like daytime sleepiness, choking sounds, or gasping for air, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve your overall health and quality of life.

By implementing these strategies and seeking professional help when needed, you can enjoy quieter nights and a healthier sleep pattern.

For more reads, visit here.