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Health After 40

Natural Health for Almost Seniors

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By: Julia Chaney

Health becomes a great concern as we mature; we may find our immune system becomes compromised quickly, and women, as well as men now may begin to show symptoms of menopause. We go to the doctor with new symptoms fearing the worst, but most of the time it is just the natural progression of our aging body. As one Dr. said to his athletic 50-year-old patient when hearing complaints of muscle aches and fatigue, “you are not as young as you used to be.” This is hard to comprehend when your mind says you are as young and fit as a 20-year-old, but your body disagrees.

There are many natural ways to maintain a meeting of that 20-year-old mind with that aging body. A lifestyle change can help to retain both a youthful body and mind. Just as you would do routine maintenance on your car, your body may need a tune up. Regular exercise and a healthy diet will go a long way to alleviate problems such as fatigue and aches and pains. Taking a few minutes each day to exercise and eat well will also boost your immune system.

Although menopause symptoms are common, many people do not know that symptoms can start as early as the late 30’s. This is caused by a subtle shift in the hormones in your body, a period known as perimenopause, but usually the worst symptoms manifest between the age of 45 and 55. Early on you may only show one or two indications of perimenopause, such as not sleeping well, headaches, or fatigue as well as some other distinctive complaints associated with this malady. Over time, other more common signs may manifest such as hot flashes and night sweats among others. A Dr. may prescribe hormone therapy in some cases, but sometimes natural herbs and vitamins such as Black Cohosh and vitamin E can go a long way to alleviate symptoms.

Although our bodies may disappoint us as we become Almost Seniors, there are many natural ways to slow, or at times stop some of the worst afflictions age seems to bring. An internet search can open untold avenues with non-medicinal fixes, such as diet, herbal medicine, acupuncture or acupressure that have been used for centuries the world over. Visiting a Homeopathic doctor is another option for natural healing.

While herbal medicines normally have fewer side effects, it is always prudent to first check with your regular physician for underlying problems before using any natural product. Some prescription medications cannot be taken with herbal products and when used together can be dangerous to your health. With this in mind, in most cases, natural medicine can be an excellent alternative to traditional medicines.

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To the Wonderful Mothers on Mothers Day

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Mothers are there for us when no one else even thinks to ask if we are OK. They are steadfast in their devotion to our well being. This Mothers Day is the day that we return that lifelong devotion, standing beside our mothers, or in some cases, sharing memories with our children of the sacrifices of these great women.

Growing up, my family was poor. My father passed away on my 10th birthday after many years of fighting cancer, leaving my mother very little savings and a half finished fixer upper that they bought shortly before he was diagnosed with the dreaded disease. On top of that, during the same period, my brother developed very bad bouts of Asthma resulting in many trips to the emergency room. In spite of all of these life changing events, my wonderful mother managed to not only hold everything together, but to give us children an ideal childhood steeped in love and happiness.

Women like my mother are rare, their personal sacrifices great through troubled times, but mothers everywhere make these sacrifices with a love that transcends time. Children become busy with their lives with work and family sometimes forgetting so much as a phone call thinking of Mom as strong and self-sufficient. Sometimes we forget what she gave of herself while raising us as we continue on with our selfish pursuits until it’s too late to share our lives.

Now is the time to make that one day special for your mother. Something as simple as a phone call or a single rose is special to a mother’s heart. Remember that while most mothers are not perfect, they do their best to raise children well. Mothers day is a special day and only comes once a year. Celebrate with that special woman in your life.

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Getting and keeping a job as we grow older

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As almost seniors, those between 45 and 65 years of age, we find that we sometimes are no longer cherished in the workplace. With many companies downsizing in today’s weak economy, we loyal workers are usually the first to go when the layoff slips are handed out. We also, at times, are the last called when that new job opens up. Part of this is due to the higher pay scale that our expertise and experience has earned for us throughout the years. Most companies only see the bottom line, in which cutting the jobs of higher paid individuals means more savings. Also, society believes that young adults have more energy and more innovative ideas than someone who has had years to stagnate in a job. Overcoming these archaic generalities may seem impossible, but can be overcome by subtle reminders.

Does absence really make the heart grow fonder?

Strangely enough, as the saying goes, “absence can make the heart grow fonder”. Although it may seem that working through vacations, holidays, etc., should show your employer your dedication and loyalty.  It may also keep your employer from seeing that you may be much more essential than he thinks. Of course, meeting deadlines are critical as well, but a few days off now and then may show how important you are at the office.

Be indispensable

Another way to keep your job is to make yourself indispensable. Go the extra mile when the boss asks you to do a task. Sometimes it is the small things that count, sharing a cup of coffee just the way the boss likes it once in a while may be all it takes to keep you in the forefront of coworkers.

Bootstrapping

Bear in mind that many executives have worked their way to the top by bootstrapping. Finding a supervisor on the upward track and becoming indispensable to him or her as they rise to the top can be the best strategy, not only for job security but also for promotions.

As more baby boomers find themselves without jobs, many are starting businesses. Keep in mind that there are always alternate options and more companies are beginning to find that the work ethics of older workers supersede those of the incoming workforce. More and more are changing policies to hire those with the experience to get the job done.

Fun and good health as we age