Education

Hi Christine

I wanted to tell you that the work you are doing is really valuable to all of us. I also want you to know that as a nurse and menopause educator I fully support the WW project and would love to be a part of it in any way I can. I look forward to doing some professional training with you when that part of your program is up and running.Thank you. Lisa

Hi Zandria,

What I think is hard to swallow is that this advice is not backed by any hard core science. I have discontinued any exercise using the step which is often used with step aerobica and muscle pump classes.
I no longer do heavy weight lifting having opted for lighter weights and higher repetitions. I do the treadmill on a lower speed for a longer period of time concentrating on the posture as Christine reccomends. I do aerobics without the jumping and jarring movement and try to concentrate on larger more fluid movement. I even do the kegels as I do some of my movement. I also have become much more aware of my breath trying not to hold it. Unfortunately, many people do hold their breath when they are exercising. Staying away from exercises that increase abdominal pressure like squatting with heavy weights, some types of lunges , some pilates exercises etc. I have mixed feelings about the pilates classes because many pilates classes although concentrating on the core would also seem to increase abdominal pressure. I do like the yoga classes because breathing is a strong component and the exercise medium itself has been tauted by many as good for pelvic health. However, I think one still has to be aware that some yoga exercises are not good and may put undo strain on the pelvic area. Again I think telling patients to obstain from exercise is a grave mistake because the benefit for muscle strength and their supporting ligaments would atrophy if it were not for exercise. Not exercising would only cause a downward spiral in the overall health of women. The benefit of exercise as many of us know already is one of the keys to longevity. Our tendons and ligaments stiffen as part of the aging process if it were not for exercise which keeps us "Pliable". I think modification is the key. I could go on and on but I don't want to become boring. I am just happy we can all share this experience thanks to Christine and all the women who have come forward. I hope some of this helps. Thanks, Lisa

Hi Granolamom,

I also wonder what I have done to some of my clients in the past, what is important is we become educated and move on. I still want to encourage yo to use lighter weights using slow, fluid movements. Weight training plays a bigg role in weight loss and keeping the metabolism going. I also think that we can prevent chronic overuse of our joints by varying our workouts. I think it is important to incorporate weights, stretching and cardio into our work outs.

I have also started using Black Cohosh in the form of a tincture, it is known to be good for prolapse and has a fairly good safety record. The Ntional Institute of Health has a study underway and the results are very promising. Studies have only gone for 6 months so they can't reccomend it for longer use. We have to remember that supplements aren't currently regulated as a drug so you can't really expect a total endorsement from many practitioners. As Christine states you have to do your homework and sift through the Data. Also, the study being done is for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, etc. I have noticed an improvement in my prolapse since starting it three weeks ago. It may take up to six weeks to see improvement. I will keep you updated on my progress.