We bring you the latest news, tips, and ideas for smooth sailing through the menopausal years.

Keep Your Cool
A study conducted by doctors at the University of Pennsylvania found that controlling stress in our lives may help reduce the number and severity of hot flashes. The researchers studied over 400 women between 37 and 47 who still had regular menstrual cycles at the beginning of the study over a six-year period and found that those women with the highest anxiety reported almost five times as many hot flashes as those less-anxious women. Studies were needed, however, to determine whether specific anxiety treatments could effectively reduce menopausal hot flashes. But effective ways to stay calm include low-intensity forms of exercise like tai chi, deep breathing techniques, and meditation.

An Alternative Bone Builder
Strengthening bones doesn't need to be a strenuous exercise, as research shows that the ancient Chinese martial art tai chi may be a safe alternative to conventional exercise, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The gentle nature of tai chi helps maintain bone mineral density, which is one of the key indicators of bone strength. Practicing tai chi, which consists of slow and gentle body moves, and also incorporates breathing deeply and meditating, may improve balance, reduce fall frequency, and increase musculoskeletal strength-benefits similar to conventional exercise.

Not a Dry Eye
Books have an important place in many women's lives, as curling up with a good read is a great way to unwind. But for many women in the menopausal transition, dry, itchy eyes can make reading more of a frustration than relaxation, even affecting authors such as Jacquelyn Mitchard, who has experienced dry eye. Red Hot Mamas have teamed up with the tear-inspiring author, along with Allergan Inc., a global healthcare leader in eye care, to launch the Dry Eye Book Club and reveal the Top 10 Tearjerker Book List to raise national awareness about dry eye. You can read along with Mitchard as she shares her thoughts on the books that made the list, starting with her own tearjerker, The Deep End of the Ocean. Visit www.dryeyebookclub.com to see the list.

Educating Women
Research has shown that educating women and girls leads to an increased overall development and wellbeing, and may be one of the highest returns on investment a society can make. Educated women are more likely to be aware of taking care of their and their children's health, and educated girls grow up to be women who have a greater sense of self, a greater sense of the world, and are able to be more proactive in their lives. The Women's Funding Network makes it easy to put money in the hands of women who need it most, and ranges from advancing education to combating poverty. The website makes it easy to find a cause you believe in, and monitors the funds to ensure they are used appropriately.  ( www.wfnet.org)

Get Protected
Protecting yourself during flu season, which runs from as early as October through May, is important, especially if you spend time around young children or the elderly-particularly those living in nursing homes. Here are some things to think about to encourage getting flu shots this year:
• Get immunized just so you don't have to deal with the misery of a high fever and possibly infecting others.
• The vaccinations do not contain a weakened live virus and cannot be reproduced in the body-you won't get sick after a shot.
• The vaccine also protects against the risk of flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, heart attack, and stroke, which older adults are most vulnerable.
• Stay healthy by washing your hands thoroughly; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.

A Secret Pleasure

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