On Menopause, the Pope and Friends

Posted by Maryan Pelland Oct 5, 2006

If you’re overworked, whether or not you’re underpaid, you now have a champion. This could be your road to “salvation” – what to tell your boss, or your spouse or whoever is causing you to labor too much. Believe it or not, the Pope said at a public address in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, that too much work is bad for you. Now, who can argue that? And Pope Benedict brought in the words of St. Bernard as reinforcement – so you can certainly slow down now.

Bernard cautioned, in the 12th century, that one should watch out for the dangers of excessive activity, whatever job you hold, because many jobs often lead to the “hardening of the heart,” and “suffering of the spirit, loss of intelligence.” Many of us absolutely cannot afford any loss of intelligence, right?

My advice, kick back once in a while and relax. You’ll live longer and enjoy your life more. The work will get done. Remember the old adage – when you’re lying on your deathbed, it isn’t likely you’ll regret not having done more work.

This just in for women in peri-menopause or menopause. Many of the most uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause respond favorably to, guess what? Yep – regular exercise and activity and a moderate diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Studies are beginning to show that hot flashes and messed up sleep patterns ease when a woman is physically fit and active. Weight control helps the bloating be less bothersome. You can ward off or reverse moodiness with exercise. Bone degeneration is slowed with weight training and some kinds of workouts.

And it is never too late to start. Even women who have not had a tradition of working out find their symptoms tapering off when they become more active.

Of course, you and your doc must make decisions about your lifestyle and routine, but this deserves some serious thought, doesn’t it? It’s no picnic to go through a hot flash. Your reaction can range from moderate discomfort to a terrifying feeling of unwellness. If those lousy flashes can be moderated or controlled, what’s the reason not to do something about them?

Maybe one of these days, we’ll all wise up and get with the idea that eating well (not eating a lot--eating great, tasty, healthy stuff) and getting moving have tons of benefits.

Research shows friendship actually increases your longevity. Meetup.com has groups in more than 40 countries, but it is designed to help people make local connections and meet new people who share similar interests. I haven't much experience with this group. Tread carefully.