Raquel Welch Yoga and lots of other stretching stuff

We may be visiting the area in a few months' time. I guess I really should google all this myself and do a search, but figured I'd ask here also. I'm looking at Priceline hotels and the areas are divided up as follows. Which of the following are close enough to Amherst (preferably no more than about 20 minutes driving distance, preferably ;)). As you may know, with Priceline, the more zones one bids on, the better the chances. * Northhampton - Hadley - Amherst - obviously sounds like 1st choice * Chicopee - North Springfield Vicinity * Springfield - West Springfield * Holyoke and there are lots of others, but I think that's it for now. Thank you. :)

I loved both. :) I read: Contagious by Scott Sigler - 2 out of 5 Stars - Just okay, nothing to write home about The Orchard: A Memoir by Theresa Weir - 4 out 5 Stars - Really good - I enjoyed this very much. Many painful parts, but the book was just great overall. I'm currently reading: Sold by Patricia McCormick - Very, very painful and difficult subject matter. This book has been so highly recommended on various forums and lists, so I finally decided to give it a try. I love the author's style. I just really, really hope that the ending is okay. I'm not expecting much, no riding off into the sunset sort of thing (obviously), but just an okay ending, please ... I'm huge on endings in movies and in books.

RETINOL I have not yet used Retinol, but am considering it as I get older. I know that it helps to fade age spots and you can use it on your hands, lower forearms, and even your decolletage. I have read that every woman over 40 should consider Retinol. I may wait until I’m 45 or 50. I’ll see. The following is from a friend who swears by the stuff and knows what she’s talking about: “Retinol, retinol, retinol. That is the only medical proven cream that will stimulate collagen growth. Let me say it again, retinol. Everything else is smoke and mirrors. There isn't anything on the market that compares. Don't bother with Strivectin. It doesn't work and is ridiculously expensive. Retinol is the only real proven topical cream that reduces fine lines. It’s like taking a whip to an old horse; it goads your skin into making fresh new collagen. I have not read much good about the OTC retinols, and the studies that show real improvement all are based on prescription strength Retin As. Tretinoin is the generic of Retin A. Retin A can be drying because it comes in a base that is made for teenaged acne not old aging ladies. Renova is Retin A in a less drying base, but the active ingredient is exactly the same as Retin A. Despite Madison Avenue and heavy marketing, no cream has ever been proven to reverse skin aging except retinol. Retinol is the magic bullet. I know that you need a prescription. I know it isn't cheap. But it works. We women pour billions of dollars into buying creams and potions that don't work, but then we balk at actually paying the money for something that does. Retinol works if your skin can tolerate it. Some people cannot tolerate it because it is too drying. I mix it up in Olay Regenerist and use it every night 20 minutes after cleaning make-up off my face.I just squeeze some in there and mix it in. This seems to have solved all the peeling and redness. I didn't have many age spots on my face, but my chest was a mess (lots of baby oil on the beach in San Diego in my past). My chest is much better after six months of continuous use.†When skin begins to look dull and lifeless, Retinol can provide assistance. It increases skin elasticity, dermal thickening, and reverses photo-aging. It has been shown to have fantastic results in treating wrinkles and blemished skin as it increases the turnover of cell growth and regenerates new skin. Some use 0.1%. You also can get 0.025%. Don’t get Retinol in your eyes! Make sure that you only apply about a pea-sized amount to the entire face. Most people get irritation from improper use. Wash face and dry and allow full 20-30 minutes before applying. Use no other products on face at night but use full-strength serums and moisturizers during the day. For the first two weeks, apply every third night. If your skin isn't irritated, ramp up to every other night for two weeks. Not dry or flaky? Go for it every night. This will greatly reduce retinoid effect. If you ease in, you can avoid a rough transition. You have to give is several weeks and the first 2-4 weeks you will look like awful from the redness, peeling, and extreme dryness. Retinol should not be used if you are considering pregnancy or are pregnant. DO NOT FORGET TO USE SUNSCREEN if you use Retinol! First, your skin is rendered super-sensitive to the sun and second, those age spots will come roaring back. Don't use a retinoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Don’t use a retinol for several days before a waxing treatment. Here are two sites that talk about retinol: http://www.retinolskincare.org/ http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/10/26.cfm A small percentage of people with ultrasensitive skin can never tolerate a retinoid; if you're one of them, use a gentle physical exfoliator twice a week to soften your skin, and be extra-conscientious about sunscreen to prevent collagen loss in the first place. Adding a moisturizer on top of the ROC would "buffer" the retinol, making it a bit less potent. A lot of people wait about 30 minutes before putting another moisturizer on. One final point: Retinol cannot take care of anyone's skin-care needs on its own. You still need to use sunscreen. AHA or BHA products are also likely necessary for exfoliation purposes. Together, all these various ingredients and elements combine to create a powerful part of any skin-care routine. Charla Krupp wrote: At night, nothing has been proven to restore your skin like prescription Retin-A, aka Renova. It has withstood the test of time (as well as clinical testing) and consistently works to improve skin tone and texture and even help build collagen. You can get drugstore products that contain retinol, but they aren’t as potent as the prescription version. You can’t use Retin-A every night (every other night is suggested), so switch off with a cream that will really make a difference in the morning. My favorites include Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer, Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment, Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Cream, and Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology Intensive Night Reversal and Repair Cream.

INNER LIFE, ATTITUDE, AND OUTLOOK Take time for yourself. Make time for you. Go outside in the morning and connect to nature’s energy. Listen. Feel it. Problems will still be there but you get to share them in a different way. Start your day with the right attitude. Each morning when you wake expect it to be a good day and it will be. Attitude determines outcome. In addition to food, exercise, and sleep, having a happy attitude about life is a biggie. All of the botox in the world can't hide a bad attitude. Negativity is aging. So many women go for all the Botox and do all the other stuff – but they forget the little things you can’t buy – a sense of humor, a smile, a touch, a positive attitude. Let your faith be bigger than your problems. Everyone has problems. All you can do is your very best and that usually suffices -- just do your best. Try to be happy and content and not worry too much. It’s important to develop an attitude of acceptance and grace about growing older, rather than fighting it. No matter what you do, you are going to get older, your bits will sag, you will get wrinkles, and unless you are platinum blonde, you will go grey. You will also tend toward putting on a bit of weight, which will definitely mess with your head if you still want to look young and slim! So...the sooner you develop a good attitude towards it all, the better. A sense of humor is very helpful. I know that I am going to age. I see the big picture, but I'm not ruled by fear. I think that's what we women have to be careful of: it's not okay to pursue beauty and youthfulness out of fear. Spiritual peace prevents bitterness, worry, and arrogance, which are aging also. Prayer, meditation, deep breathing, yoga – all help deal with stress and make you look younger in the long-run People who have learned to let go, to forgive, who have a good attitude to life, who smile and laugh a lot and have joy in their lives, usually have a more youthful feel about them, even though they have laugh lines, than those who are weighed down by life, and who have become bitter.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT HAVING SAGGY SKIN? Stay hydrated Dry skin brushing Don't gain too much weight to start with Lose at a reasonable pace (I have no idea what that is, but it makes sense) WHAT IS THE BEST FACIAL CREAM TO USE FOR SAGGY, WRINKLED, & AGE SPOTTED SKIN? Retinol, retinol, retinol. That is the only medical proven cream that will stimulate collagen growth. Let me say it again, retinol. Everything else is smoke and mirrors. SUPPLEMENTS Don’t rely on supplements to balance the effects of aging. They help, but a healthy diet is far more important. Evening Primrose Oil – 500-1000 mg – 3 times daily – good healer for skin Contains linoleic acid, which is needed by the skin Evening Primrose Oil helps keep skin looking youthful, moist, and fresh – even during weight loss Lutein helps maintain youthful skin and prevents and treats crow’s feet – has been found to improve skin hydration by 60 percent and elasticity by 20 percent – when 10 mg daily supplement is taken. Try Twinlab OcuGuard Plus which helps vision and skin. Lutein is a caretonoid antioxidant and is found in spinach, carrots, corn, kale, and broccoli Vitamin C is essential for your body to make collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and elastic. Eat C-rich foods, such as strawberries, to promote collagen production. Vitamin E (use d-alpha NOT dl-alpha) for wrinkle protection and to help smooth out fine lines Promotes healthy skin - can combat the photoaging that leads to wrinkles, smoothing out fine lines, helps to reduce the sun’s harmful effects, and helps combat collagen breakdown You can even break open a 400 IU capsule of natural vitamin E to smooth gently onto any lines or scars on your face. This vitamin does its best work when combined with other nutrients. Vitamins E, C, beta-carotene, and selenium appear to work as a team. Consumption of vitamin-E rich foods is associated with a lower risk for cancers of the colon, stomach, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast. Take 400 IU of vitamin E a day. Take d-alpha, NOT dl-alpha Vitamin E is most effective when taken with selenium. Vitamin E is usually deficient in even well-balanced diets. Some recommend up to 800 IUs daily – but most suggest 400 IU If you’re taking as much as 400 IU a day, you may want to stop taking it before surgery. If your multi contains 400 IU, ask the anesthetist or your doctor if this amount is safe for you to continue right up until surgery. The PDR for Nutritional Supplements suggests that people who are already on blood thinning medications should not take much more than 100 IU of vitamin E a day. Avocados, olive oil, almonds, nuts, and sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E. Good fish oil, such as Carlson’s Biotin helps with hair, skin and particularly with brittle nails and ridges. Plays a key role in forming keratin, a protein that comprises healthy hair Helps in preventive treatment for baldness Maintains healthy skin Helps prevent and heal cracked, split, and brittle nails Has been found to prevent candida (yeast overgrowth) If you’ve been losing hair or have problem nails with yeast overgrowth, biotin will strengthen both Taking a 2400 mcg – 5 mg supplement can thicken hair shafts and encourage new growth. [Not everyone needs to take that much unless if they're concerned about hair loss. Most B-complex supplements have sufficient biotin otherwise] There are no known cases of biotin toxicity, particularly since it is water-soluble It is interesting that biotin levels fall progressively throughout pregnancy (and that is when many women lose hair). Best Natural Sources: Beef Liver Brewer’s Yeast Carrots Swiss chard Tomatoes

WEIGHT AND OTHER FACTORS – THE TWINS’ STUDY Catherine Deneuve has been credited with proclaiming that after a certain age, a woman needs to choose between her face and her behind — meaning that a lean body can result in a face that appears gaunt and haggard. Indeed, for women over 40, this is true. Once you hit 40, you have to choose: your face or your figure. You can't have both. I have a very plump face and it's the first place to gain weight and pretty much the last place to lose. Now that I'm older, I’m slowly learning to appreciate the fact that my face is plump and round. I remember FIRST magazine had an article a while back comparing photos of famous people with the same exact age – one being very thin and the other of a more normal weight. The latter looked younger in every example. For example, Christie Brinkley and Cyndi McCain - Christie Brinkley looked MUCH younger. Cyndi McCain looked old. They also had Madonna and someone else and Madonna looked really old. She herself said that she made a conscious choice many years ago to choose figure over face. She knew about this. Well, it certainly showed. A top dermatologist, Dr. Gerstner tells all her patients that the most important things they can do for their skin are: • Wear sunscreen • Avoid smoking • Maintain a healthy body weight and avoid yo-yo dieting She says, “A full, round face is youthful. Go back to your high school yearbook and look how full your cheeks were. A thin, gaunt face will make you look old.†Some dermatologists studied and photographed 186 sets of identical twins. They found: • Under the age of 30 to 40, being overweight makes one look older. For these women, extra pounds can obscure youthful features like a smooth jawline and cause facial skin to sag. • After the age of 30 to 40, being too thin and skinny is definitely aging. From here on out, a little additional weight is okay and may help you look younger. Additional weight fills in and softens wrinkles, making a heavier twin look younger than her sister. • Taking antidepressants was generally associated with an older appearance. In addition to the aging effect of depressed people’s sadder facial expressions, certain depression-relieving drugs can weaken eye muscles, causing the area to look more droopy. • Women who didn’t drink looked younger than their twins who did. Since the study didn’t track the amount or type of alcohol that drinkers consumed, though, it wasn’t able to suggest exactly what constitutes too much. Actually, research has shown that resveratrol, a substance found in red-wine grapes, can delay aging. But in general, excess alcohol consumption can damage blood vessels in the skin. Also, the liver plays a major role in the quantity and quality of the collagen fibers within the skin layers. Translation: Heavy drinking’s harm to liver function can cause wrinkles. • Cigarettes may not come with an aging warning, but evidently they should: The longer a woman smokes, the older she looks, with deeper and more plentiful wrinkles and more uneven skin tone. According to the research analysis, every 10 years of smoking resulted in a perceived extra 2.5 years of age. • More surprising, divorced women were judged to look an average of 1.7 years older than their married or single twins — possibly because of higher levels of stress or depression. (Marriage isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s not as stressful as divorce.) Inexplicably, though, widows looked two years younger. No differences were found with increasing number of divorces, the researchers report. • If anyone dismisses the idea that sun exposure speeds up aging, this study may change their minds. The researchers calculated the approximate amount of time each woman had spent in the sun since childhood. The twins’ photographs, as shown on these pages, confirm that UV exposure deepens wrinkles and mottles the skin. Sunscreen use, however, minimized or prevented these effects.

EXFOLIATION Wrinkles aren't typically what make a woman look old, but loss of something called "brightness". Cellular build-up and clogged and enlarged pores can make skin look dim and dull. Young skin renews itself every month. As we get older, the process slows down, so gentle exfoliation will help to scrub away dead cells and leave you with smooth skin. Nothing beats having facials, but if you can't afford them, you can do so at home. Before thinking about make-up, if you can afford to see a really good aesthetician for as long as your budget allows and as often as your budget allows, you would benefit profoundly. One of the keys to keeping skin young is regular and gentle exfoliation. Always be more gentle than you think you need to be! Older skin needs careful treatment. Exfoliate gently. I love Exfolia Cloth from amazon I also love Paula’s Choice BHA Gels. The purpose of these acids is to remove the dead cell layers which cause loss of skin brightness. They contain salicylic acid which helps with pore problems. I only use them at night, however, and not every single night – a few nights a week. Exfoliating scrubs used twice a week will help with blackheads and increase brightness. One I really like at the moment is made by DHC. If you use one of the scrubs, the particles should be smooth and feel like sugar in your hand. If they are too big or rough, they can tear skin. Go for a gentle product with a manufactured exfoliant - like micro beads - versus a natural exfoliant like seeds or pits because the rough edges can actually cause little scratches on your skin and cause more damage in the long run than help. This is one time natural is not necessarily better! Use only your ring finger to massage a manual exfoliant on your face as it has the lightest touch - even though it feels so good to REALLY scrub! Remember to always be more gentle than you think you need to be! Always err on the side of babying your skin. I also really like: Mary Kay Time Wise Microdermabrasion– the entire Mary Kay line is said to be good Biore strips are helpful for cleaning pores DHC Facial Scrub Sephora Microdelivery Peel When you can – get a ripe avocado and gently massage pulp into your face The skin repairs itself most effectively between the hours of 1 AM and 3 AM, so products aimed at addressing problems will be more effective overnight. EYE CREAMS I love that Paula’s Choice line of products can be used for the eyes also. Don't bother with Strivectin. SCAM – doesn’t work and is ridiculously expensive. :glare:

SLEEP WELL Sleep is very individual, but if you know you aren’t getting enough, well, you just know. You get enough when you feel well rested, most of the time. For myself, I sleep 5-7 hours a night, and then usually have a long afternoon rest. SKIN CARE I get facials about once every 6 weeks. They’re much cheaper here. I love Paula's Choice of skin care products. http://www.cosmeticscop.com/ She really researches and knows her stuff. She rates and reviews most products and doesn't push you to buy only her stuff or anything like that. My skin always looks better and feels better when I use her products consistently. My esthetician can tell the difference. Others have complimented me also. Although I use Paula's Choice, I don't use it very often – maybe two to three times a week, if I'm feeling very disciplined or not lazy, and usually even less than that. I think it's also a bit intentional. I'm trying to limit chemicals. When I first started with Paula's Choice, I had scaly and dry skin. I cut back on the BHA stuff/exfoliating to just a few times a week and not daily. I also moisturized a bit more. But, most importantly, I only use her BHA gel/exfoliating stuff at night. If I use it during the day, I end up peeling all over the place. I don't know why she suggests using it during the day. I don't use the BHA Gel every single night. I'm not always consistent. Besides, I believe in giving my skin a break every few nights. Her products are not excessively pricey. Also, they have trial/sample sizes. One major thing I love is that her moisturizers can be used as eye creams also. I don't wear make up at all. Just wash my face with water. The less I do, the better my skin looks overall. I happen to love exfoliation, however. The Exfolia Cloth is superb. Available from amazon or chinaberry. Also love using baking soda and water. Plus, a weekly mask. Sometimes homemade and sometimes not. For my skin to look good, it's pretty much all about diet. The healthier I eat, the better my skin looks. Try out one new skin care product every year. It challenges your skin and just leads to overall improvement. I usually get exfoliating stuff, since that's what I'm always into. Give your neck and décolletage the same treatment as your face. Change even one thing in your skin care regimen every 6-12 months to jump start more impressive improvements in skin tone and texture. Otherwise your skin goes into a sort of maintenance mode. The best moisturizers are packed with antioxidants. Get a ripe avocado and gently massage some of the pulp into your face. Allow its oils to penetrate your skin, then remove whatever remains with warm water and blot carefully. If your skin is too oily, rub a little fresh cucumber on it instead. Evening primrose oil, hazelnut oil, olive oil and safflower oil are also soothing, effective moisturizers. Apply any of these to your face for half an hour, and cover it with a hot, moist towel. Rinse it off with warm water, then seal your pores with cool water. To revive tired skin each morning, apply cold water all over your face. It will cause your skin to contract, leaving it fresh and tingly, as well as boosting circulation and making you feel energized. The best way to apply a moisturizer is not to rub, but rather dab and lightly smooth it on, allowing it to be absorbed by the skin. Always keep in mind that overmoisturizing the skin can impair healing and cell production, so it is important not to overdo!

OVERRELIANCE ON BEAUTY PRODUCTS When we shift our focus beyond merely beauty products, we see how incredibly empowering it is to make lifestyle choices that have a positive effect on the way we look and feel. For you, this could mean a meal you cook from fresh foods, a walk during your lunch hour or time to journal your thoughts at the end of the day. It's a dinner surrounded by friends and a quiet afternoon to read a book or get your hands dirty in a garden. It's the chance to see a glow in your complexion without relying on cosmetics and it's the knowledge that you are reshaping yourself -- mentally, physically, emotionally -- one decision at a time. Wellness is also about playing an active part in the way you will look and feel into the future. Your body needs and deserves this care and you have the power to deliver. I think a lot of beauty stuff is just gimmicks. It helps to be at peace with aging and to take care of your whole body, inside and out, as well as your emotional state, rather than concentrating on the surface. Beauty really does shine from within. SUN Avoid exposing your face and hands to the sun. This is probably the #1 beauty tip. I have heard "experts" and articles say that they closest thing to a "fountain of youth" is using sunscreen/avoiding the sun on your face. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and/or sunscreen. If using sunscreen, use one that is safe and not loaded with carcinogenic ingredients and remember to apply it to your hands! You can always tell a woman’s age by looking at her hands. The hands never lie. WATER Drinking water is probably the #2 beauty tip. Poorly hydrated skin never looks good. Drink 1 glass of water after each time that you go to the bathroom. If you don’t want to up all night with bathroom trips, stop drinking water at around 6 PM. I also don't drink much right before leaving the house. Most public bathrooms here leave much to be desired. Ideally, your urine should be clear.

First of all, I love your avatar, as well as yoga. :D Now, I can't think of any specific products for laugh lines, wrinkles, loose skin, etc. I don't think any products can do much in the way of magic. They can help, but they're certainly not the end-all and be-all. ETA: I just remembered - Retinol. More info below. Do you eat enough healthy fats? Do you drink enough water? I'll go ahead and share all the tips that I have. I used to be an esthetician, so this is all a passion of my mine. Hopefully, others can post also. I also hope that some of this helps. Sorry it's a bit overwhelming. I'm just going to go ahead and include all the info that I have. 3 KEYS TO SLOW DOWN AGING IN ALL YOUR BODY’S CELLS: Exercise for half an hour a day - At least 20 of these minutes should ideally be spent in any activity that leaves you breathless. This will help you live longer and function better physically and cognitively as you get older. You will lessen your chance of heart disease, cancer, neurological disease, and infections. It will keep your immune system young. You can get as old as you're willing to be. When you turn 60, exercise is doubly important, when you turn 70, even more. I try (but don't always succeed) to do some form of exercise every day. Whatever you enjoy – just do it. There is no one way to exercise. Just move most days. Ideally, a variety is good- cardiovascular (bike riding, brisk walking, jogging etc), weight lifting and weight bearing, and stretching. But something is always better than nothing. Fresh air is also important. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (and low in fat and refined sugar) Eat well, mostly plants. Much of beauty is being healthy. No beauty regime will mask poor health forever. One thing you can do today to actively support your youthfulness, inside and out is to choose anti-inflammatory foods. High-glycemic foods cause a pro-inflammatory rapid rise in blood sugar that will, over time, contribute to wrinkles, dull skin tone and texture, blemishes and sagging skin. Inflammation accelerates aging in all of our organs -- your skin just happens to be the one you can see! Being mindful to get anti-inflammatory foods into your diet brings about visible changes, not to mention other differences that you simply feel. Whole grains, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits are just some of the anti-inflammatory foods that support your skin. Diets high in carotenoids – antioxidants found in colorful fruits, vegetables, certain fish and poultry – make skin appear more golden and, therefore healthier. Try to have at least 1/2 of each meal be veggies and/or fruit. Consume 5-7 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day. The most important anti-aging aspect of fruits and veggies is their high levels of antioxidants. As well as host of other benefits, antioxidants protect tissues from cross-linking, a process that causes arteries to stiffen and skin to wrinkle. To test your cross-linking: put your hand flat on a table surface. Take a pinch of skin from the back of your hand and pull it upward. If it springs back, your cross-linking damage is minimal. The longer it stays raised, the more cross-linking damage you have. The amount of antioxidants that you maintain in your body is directly proportional to how long you will live. You could say that one of the commonest causes of aging is a fruit and vegetable deficiency. Researchers found that those eating healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil—along with antioxidant vegetables, especially leafy greens—had the least wrinkling or photoaging. And flavonoids, found in apples and other fruits, were particularly protective. To keep your skin glowing, it helps to avoid most dairy—but not yogurt. Yogurt seems to have a direct impact on skin and hair health. I always notice a difference. Lean Protein at every meal Try to include protein at every meal. Protein provides the essential amino acids that the body uses to repair and regenerate the cells for maintaining skin’s tone and elasticity. The body can’t store protein for future use, so it’s important to consume lean protein at each meal – poultry, eggs, and low-fat dairy products. Limit other dairy products and meats. Healthy Fats and Omega-3s Eat plenty of fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil – these healthy fats are all necessary for radiant, supple skin. I also love a good fish oil, such as Carlson’s. It has a ton of health benefits and I'm convinced that it helps the skin. Refined Sugar, Highly Processed, and Fried Foods Limit these as much as possible. Sugar triggers the formation of free radicals, which damage the skin’s supportive collagen strands. Sugar has been shown to be directly related to aging and wrinkles. The best thing you can do to look younger is to stop eating sugar. Sugar in all its forms triggers the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Coffee fires off the adrenals, which contributes to stress, which contributes to signs of ageing. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated- for every cup of coffee, have at least one glass of water, plus more. Alcohol is very aging. Again, drink lots of water to balance the effects of alcohol. I try to eat well, make a lot of vegetable juices, try and keep my system fairly alkaline. This is when I’m good ;). Spend 20 minutes to an hour a day taking part in stress-reducing activities Something that helps you unwind: yoga, stretching, napping, knitting, praying, meditating, or reading Yoga improves blood circulation to skin, feeds skin cells, and makes the skin glow. It improves skin’s elasticity, strength, and firmness and is also great for hair health.

Link to new thread.

Lots and lots of stretching and yoga poses. My body has been needing it. Felt great. :)

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Praying. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

:lol:

Let it go.

The one I got a year or two ago from Costco was simply the worst. I think it was the Jack La Lanne one. It was dreadful. There was so much waste. I've gone through many juicers, since I've been juicing for more than 15 years. For myself (because of where we live) and for newbies, I would personally recommend starting off with an inexpensive juicer from Walmart type places. You don't need to go all out. I'm at a point in my life where I only buy the super-cheap ones. I have yet to find a juicer that's worth a lot of $. They all die pretty quickly anyway. May as well buy the cheap ones.

Ds had it a few years ago. He was in a sling for about 6 weeks. He had quite a bit of pain at first.

Love these. We went to the one in Paris - Shakespeare and Company. I love the one in Argentina also. Love them all. :)

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INCREASE ZINC TO INCREASE PROGESTERONE PRODUCTION and curb the copper from water pipes, tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and soy. Excessive copper equates to estrogen dominance while low progesterone usually correlates with not enough zinc. Copper and zinc need to be in a ratio where zinc is 8 parts to copper's 1. Bring on those zinc supplements (Zinc Plus sold through Uni Key is said to be very good) as well as organic beef, eggs, and natural pumpkin seeds. VITAMIN D3 plays a key role in the synthesis and metabolism of estrogen and progesterone. If you're under 50, take at least 2,000 IU per day. If you're 50 or over, take at least 5,000 IU per day of vitamin D3. Always take your vitamin D with a fat-containing meal to ensure absorption. Your need for vitamin D3 is affected by age, skin color, and the severity of any deficiency MAGNESIUM helps the body break down excess estrogen and ease stress. Load up on almonds, spinach, black beans, and dark chocolate. If you have symptoms of magnesium deficiency (and most of us do) – if you’re feeling edgy, for example; have muscle cramps, suffer insomnia, crave chocolate, or notice increased urination, adjust your calcium-magnesium ratio, so that you’re taking at least as much magnesium or—ideally—twice as much magnesium as calcium. 400-1200 mg daily of Magnesium is helpful but use according to bowel tolerance. Your body knows how much magnesium you can tolerate from bowel tolerance – take as much magnesium as your bowels can tolerate If you can, add 100 mg of magnesium to your nutritional supplements, and increase it by 100 mg every few days until your stools are soft, but not uncomfortably loose. Take in divided doses and with meals to ensure optimal absorption – preferably more at night Calcium, magnesium, and many other minerals are best absorbed when they are bound to an acidic carrier such as citrate, aspartate, picolinate, or amino acid chelate. Minerals need an acidic base to break down and get used. The most absorbable forms are magnesium citrate, glycinate taurate, or aspartate, although magnesium bound to Kreb cycle chelates (malate, succinate, fumarate) are also good. Avoid magnesium carbonate, oxide, sulfate, and gluconate. They are poorly absorbed (and the cheapest and most common forms found in supplements). Side effects from too much magnesium include diarrhea, which can be avoided if you switch to magnesium glycinate. Most minerals are best taken as a team with other minerals in a multi-mineral formula. People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should take magnesium only under a doctor's supervision. REGULAR EXERCISE can improve your mood, lower stress levels, and help you sleep. Increasing your level of activity can reduce hot flashes. Many yoga poses and the regular practice of yoga help relieve menopausal symptoms Practice deep breathing. Inhale deeply through nose, allowing your belly to rise. Exhale slowly and forcefully through the mouth, letting your belly fall. Repeat for 5 minutes 3 times daily, or whenever a hot flash strikes. Once the hot flash passes, ensure the body relaxes fully by inhaling one last time, holding for 3 seconds, and releasing forcefully. PROGESTERONE CREAM Balancing out estrogen with progesterone is important at this time. Progesterone is the brake pedal for estrogen. Not all progesterone creams are alike. Make sure to get one that is natural, organic, bio-identical and not synthetic. Emerita is a very good one. Karuna may also be good, although I’m not completely sure – worth looking into. Both are available from amazon. Ann Louise Gittleman also has one called ProgestaKey. Please keep in mind natural does not imply organic. Many of these creams have not only the main ingredients based on phytoestrogens, but also have the toxic xenohormones, parabens and mineral oil too. They are far from organic. So be aware and ask questions about your creams! Apply ¼ to ½ teaspoon of the progesterone cream directly to your breasts morning and evening. More progesterone is absorbed into breast tissues when it’s applied to them directly, and that’s ultimately where you want most of the progesterone to go. Do not apply it to other areas, even if the instructions tell you to do so. Progesterone receptors are only found in the breasts (and ovaries), so apply directly to the breasts to decrease vascularity. Repeated thermograms prove this is the only correct application method to reduce vascularity and risk. Or to explain this easier, if you cut your thumb and you apply Neosporin to your elbow how effective is that? Apply the cream directly to area that it is needed. It can reduce some signs of menopause when applied indirectly, but when you move it to the breasts you will see a greater decrease in menopause issues and more importantly you are reducing the vascularity in the breasts. For those who turn up their nose at progesterone creams, do know that that Prempro is very different from progesterone. The former is a synthetic, the latter natural. The effects on the body therefore are much different. Also, many women who took Prempro also took Premarin, which aggravated everything. Beware of synthetic progesterone (progestin), which won’t work the way natural or bio-identical progesterone does. Your body has difficulty breaking down the synthetic form, used in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, so this altered form creates a potential for toxic effects. In fact, after progestin was added to HRT, women’s cancer risk increased! Many do not feel comfortable taking even bio-identical progesterone indefinitely. They may use it for, a year or two, and then find that it is no longer as helpful as it was initially. Progesterone creams can be helpful for a short period of time, but over time the progesterone may build up in the fat layers of the body and is continually released over time from these cells. So, it’s possible that it loses its efficacy over time. KNOWLEDGE AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE This from Peela, whom I miss so very much: Try to look at perimenopause as a wake up call to really take care of yourself. Exercise more – many suggest walking for an hour a day and some yoga Really take care of yourself with healthy eating and sufficient rest. Perimenopause and menopause bring out the imbalances that are already there and exacerbate them. You have to get really comfortable in your own body, be willing to experiment with yourself, and also, become your own authority. Sure, listen to other authorities, read books and websites, but take complete responsibility for your health and wellbeing and take a proactive position. Don’t expect a doctor or medication to rescue you. As far as supplements go, different things work for different people. Many find that chaste tree gives great relief, while others get relief from B6 or Evening Primrose Oil. Sufficient sunshine, healthy exercise and a healthy diet no longer become optional things that you joke about not getting because you just don’t have time. They become mandatory in your 40s – otherwise, you really feel it, or you develop serious health crises. Also, any emotional issues you have never really dealt with come up. Good to grieve, cry, journal, process however works for you (therapy if that helps). Most of us treat our bodies really badly and expect them to just handle it, and you just can’t do that anymore once you start the hormonal rollercoaster.

Tanya, I don't know if any of this will be helpful. But here's all the info I have. Sorry it's a bit overwhelming. You are officially in menopause only after you haven't had a period for a full year. Perimenopause can begin 10 years before menopause, as your hormones begin to fluctuate. Lots of the symptoms overlap. Some women find the symptoms worse in peri than they do after the "pause." • Unusually heavy, irregular, or long-lasting periods • Bleeding mid-cycle, when periods had been regular • Getting your period again after not having had it for 6 months or more • Difficulty concentrating and/or mood swings • Unexplained insomnia, sweating, and/or joint or muscle aches at night • Frequent urination • Vaginal pain or dryness that does not improve with home treatment Do a salivary hormone test at least once a year to see what needs to be supported and watch the numbers. Stress will impact the progesterone which may account for the fact that progesterone, unless you are already taking a topical cream, is so universally deficient. Of course, if you want to know more, the book Before the Change (even if you’re still menstruating) will be eye-opening. Just to be on the safe side, at least take an estradiol/progesterone salivary hormone test so your ratio can be assessed. 300:1 is considered desirable, in favor of progesterone. Most individuals are very progesterone deficient and are overweight, have a sluggish metabolism, are depressed, and have problems sleeping. The difference when a physiological dose of progesterone is given, according to your age and stage, can be life-changing. WHAT HELPS HEALTHY EATING Limit spicy foods, especially in the evenings Limit refined sugars and processed foods in favor of whole grains Increase your intake of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as good-quality fasts (such as olive oils) Eat cold-water fish for fatty acids Limit alcohol and caffeine Crunch cruciferous veggies – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower – they have compounds that help the liver flush out artificial estrogens that collect in the body from external sources like pesticides. Aim for 2 servings per day. Leafy greens (including arugula and other salad greens, collards, spinach, and Swiss chard) are high in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, so important to bone health, as well as the phytochemicals, lutein and zeaxanthin, that protect both cardiovascular and eye health. If you’re perimenopausal or menopausal, eating your greens—rich in folic acid—can even fight hot flashes and the blues. SUPPLEMENTS Look into a liver-cleansing supplement, such as milk thistle or dandelion tea, to help rid your liver of stress-causing toxins. Chaste Berry (Vitex) or Chaste Tree Berry • Does not contain any hormones, but rather, works on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, stimulating balanced production of estrogen and progesterone – balances and promotes progesterone • Indicated for a number of menopausal and perimenopausal concerns - It is often used to treat excessive bleeding, fluid retention and breast tenderness. • May inhibit the secretion of prolactin , which stimulates the growth of mammary glands. Excess prolactin may be a risk factor for breast cancer. Chasteberry's influence on prolactin and two other female hormones, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, may also help reduce the menopause-like symptoms of hormonal drugs like tamoxifen • Is a herb that is high in phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are forms of estrogen that are much weaker than the body’s estrogens, but that are capable of blocking the stronger, more damaging estrogens (they can fit into the same receptors in breast cells that estrogens can, thus preventing the estrogen’s ability to dock there). Phytoestrogens also expand the length of the menstrual cycle, possibly lowering the lifetime exposure to estrogen. • Chaste tree berry (vitex) may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. It's very gentle and somewhat slow to show its full effects, so give it a couple of months before deciding if it's helping. Normalizes hormone secretion and helps balance estrogen and progesterone 40 mg daily Pregnant and nursing women shouldn't use Chasteberry. There are few drug interactions, but dopamine receptor antagonists can diminish its effectiveness. Rashes are a rare side effect. Because Chasteberry has an effect upon progesterone synthesis, it may not be appropriate for women who have strongly progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer. Some swear by supplements containing Black Cohosh, Red Clover, Evening Primrose Oil, Licorice, etc. yet others suggest avoiding them since they may increase estrogen levels and will possibly raise the risk of breast cancer. The following are some of the herbs with estrogenic activities and should be avoided as much as possible, if that’s what you’re concerned about: • Anise • Hops • Fennel • Black Cohosh • Red Clover • Don Quai • Licorice • Ginseng • Royal Jelly • Peony • Nettle • Sage • Fenugreek • Evening Primrose Oil • Chamomile So, it’s a personal decision … personally, I would only use these as a last resort, when or if all else failed. Nonetheless, I’m going to list the benefits, etc. here … the decision is yours. Nothing has been found to be nearly as effective for menopause symptoms as Black Cohosh. Many Black Cohosh supplements are less potent than they appear. You need to get 540 mg daily. Studies have shown that in sufficient doses, this herb can help alleviate menopausal symptoms in as little as 4 weeks. Puritan’s Pride Black Cohosh 540 mg Black cohosh can reduce hot flashes by 85%. Black cohosh treats hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, vaginal dryness, and anxiety Not all of these supplements contain the estrogenic ingredients above. Read the labels and do your own research. Some may be perfectly fine. OVERALL RELIEF Daily Balance Harmony Enzymatic Therapy AM/PM Menopause Formula Gaia Herbs Phyto-Estrogen NOW Foods Menopause Support Solgar Herbal Female Complex VAGINAL DRYNESS Culturelle Probiotic New Chapter SC Omega 7 Home Health Vitamin E Oil STRESS AND ANXIETY Garden of Life Oceans 3 Healthy Hormones – also good for overall relief Source Naturals L-Theanine DEPRESSION Rainbow Light Complete Menopausal Support Barleans Omega Swirl Fish Oil Nordic Naturals Omega 3D HEAVY BLEEDING The goal is to reduce estrogen levels and increase progesterone levels. Essential fatty acids, beta-carotene, and lutein help promote healthy ovulation and progesterone production in the body. Bioflavonoids (buckwheat, citrus fruit peels and pulp) when combined with vitamin C, moderate estrogen levels and strengthen blood vessels to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding 1500-3000 mg bioflavonoids and 1000-3000 mg Vitamin C daily HERBS – These herbs, alone or in combination – can alleviate or at least mitigate – your menopausal challenges. WILD HOPS reduces hot flashes and night sweats, anxiety, and helps muscles relax. Wild hops can help you sleep 30-120 mg at bedtime Has to be dried to have any medicinal effect Often used in combination w/valerian and lemon balm. ASHWAGANDA. Called “mood foodâ€, this herb calms nerves and lifts spirits SEA BUCKTHORN is also called Omega-7. It combats vaginal dryness and regenerates thinning mucus membranes GINKGO increases circulation and eases depression and brain fog LICORICE ROOT is mildly estrogenic, stimulates the adrenals, and may ease depression. Don’t use if you have high blood pressure. Black Licorice Tea has adrenal-rejuvenating properties – Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root Tea – only have 2 well-brewed cups every other day since licorice can cause a fatigue-inducing potassium imbalance. After 6 weeks, take a 5-day break before repeating the regimen. 1-3 cycles of this helps most women. Do not consume if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure. RASPBERRY LEAF eases cramping and tones the uterus MOTHERWORT is a lovely herb to calm anxiety. It also helps promote restful sleep. WILD YAM ROOT - Add ¼ cup wild yam root (purchase it cut and sifted) to one pint of cool water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes. Remove from heat and steep an additional 15 minutes. Strain, cool, and pour into an ice cube tray. Freeze. Then place one ice cube in a mug, pour a cup of boiling water over it, and drink the diluted mixture while it’s still warm. Take 1 cube 3 times a day as needed. Wild yam root, well known as a hormone regulator is most often used to treat symptoms of menopause. The root is nutritious and anti-inflammatory. Don’t use this remedy if you’re pregnant or taking birth control pills. SAFFRON promotes calmness and reduces irritability and hot flashes 1 pinch stirred into hot, cooked food daily HOT FLASHES According to Chinese medicine, hot flashes are the result of sluggish liver. During menopause, the liver has to go through significant adjustments due to hormonal changes. When the liver is sluggish, the "Chi" (energy flow) in the liver encounters too much resistance due to the adjustments and therefore produce "heat". If the liver is healthy, both the blood flow and "energy flow" are smooth and no "heat" will result. Spicy foods, especially ginger and cinnamon, are very "yang" foods. They congest the liver and produce "heat" that could aggravate hot flashes. Women who suffer from hot flashes may have to avoid these foods.