Author: 1jayneamanda@gmail.com

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/a-generation-of-women-over-50-stuck-taking-antidepressants-sdfj8dlcz

An interesting article which I find very scary. Antidepressants have there place but not long term. If this article applies to you and you would like to chat – please let me know.

There was little information around when I was younger, relating to looking after your skin. I remember using Clearasil for spots – but that is about it.

Sun Protection to me was applied on my face, when abroad, at temperatures over 36 degrees.

All of a sudden, at a certain age, you start to look in the mirror and wonder who is looking back at you. I had a facial and the beautician was horrified that I didn’t have a skin routine, particularly at night. Not being the sort to turn to fillers or botox I started to pay attention to my skin. Luckily I could advise my own children who won’t go out the door in the morning without their SP50 on.

What I would recommend – drink water to plump out your skin and keep it clear. I have difficulty with this, particularly in the winter – but enjoy sparkling water

Think about how many pillows you use – someone told me that this can effect your neck.

Look after your decolletage in the same way as you do your face and neck

Look after your hands – don’t forget SPF on them too.

Face mask once a week or more if needed – I sleep in mine overnigh.

SPF 25 plus depending on the temperature – all weathers every day.

Take time to cleanse your face at night – replenish it and allow it to recover with a good nights sleep.

Exfoliate your face and body once a week and moisturise your body every day.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGbY5kJqav5/?igsh=MWFxcmczd3BzMGt2aQ==

This post resonated with me. Having just had a health check, which came back better than expected.

I start my day with green tea, have blueberries with my cereal, have fallen back in love with vine tomatoes since I learnt to keep them out of the fridge!

My weekday lunch is avocado salad – I love unsalted nuts as a snack.

So in the day I am a model person – it goes wrong at night and at the weekends – but at the end of the day its all about balance and excess.. I am no saint!!

Someone told me yesterday to filter my tap water, before putting into my body or the kettle – so lets see if this reduces bloating as it is claimed – will let you know 🙂

https://Dont Add Ice

In Chinese medicine, ice and cold drinks are generally avoided because they can disrupt the body’s circulation and digestion.
Explanation
Digestion
Cold foods and drinks make the digestive system work harder to break down food. This can lead to indigestion, bloating, loose stools, or stomach aches.
Circulation
Cold can constrict blood vessels, which can prevent blood and qi from reaching the muscles, joints, and organs. This can lead to pain.
Spleen
The spleen is an organ that filters blood, helps fight infection, and processes nutrients. Cold can impair the spleen’s ability to function properly. This can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and tired muscles.
Recommendations
Drink warm or room temperature water instead of cold water.
Avoid carbonated drinks, which can strain the kidneys and bladder.
Listen to your body and drink only when you’re thirsty.
Cultivate a steady warmth in your body.

View the attached link:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFuftyhp7Bp/?igsh=MW44dHAxdjhqZHh1aQ==

What does iron do for our bodies?

As with any nutrient, getting the right amount of iron is vital for your body’s function. But iron has a uniquely important role.

Iron is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body, as it’s a key part of haemoglobin in red blood cells, helping deliver oxygen to vital organs and tissues. It also plays a key role in energy production, brain function and immune health, affecting everything from concentration and memory to mood and overall vitality.”

Deficiency can result in fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness and weakness.

Symptoms or not, the best (and only) way to find out if you have a deficiency is by getting a blood test. You can even get at-home ferritin tests (ferritin being the blood protein that stores iron in the body), if preferable.

Deficiency could be diet-related from not enough iron-rich foods, due to malabsorption from the gut, or chronic blood loss from heavy periods [for women] or from bowel conditions.” From there, you can take the next steps, and if you need to start supplementing, only do so based on your GP’s advice, as optimal iron levels vary from person to person.

Foods rich in iron include:

Red meat, pork and poultry.
Seafood.
Beans.
Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots.
Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
Peas.

It is actually really easy to boost your iron through your diet alone, you just need to choose the right food combinations to make sure it’s fully absorbed into the bloodstream.

There is plenty of iron in spinach – but we can’t absorb plant iron without vitamin C. So unless you have some of that in your meal, that iron isn’t going in.”

Supplements are available should you prefer.

Sip your way to heart health: How green tea can help lower cholesterol

Green Tea is rich in polypherols such as catechins and is often recommended as an antioxidant. New research has also confirmed older studies showing that drinking green tea can reduce cholesterol, especially the more problematic LDL form. The recent meta-analysis, which included over 3300 people, also showed a beneficial reduction in triglyceride levels and many experts suggest that 3 cups a day is sufficient for this effect.

A popular hot drink costing just four pence could help lower levels of cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly could improve your cardiovascular health.

High cholesterol is a potentially dangerous condition that occurs when you have too much of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood. This can build up in the blood vessels, causing blockages.

Vitamin D

If you are not able to get outside so much in the winter months you may wish to consider supplementing your intake.
Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.

These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities and bone pain.

Symptoms include muscle pain, bone pain, tingly sensation in hands or feet, muscle weakness

Vitamin D also plays a role in your nervous system, musculoskeletal system and immune system

Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.
People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged 1 to 4, and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.

Good sources of vitamin D
From about late March/early April to the end of September, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need from sunlight.
The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.
But between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight.
Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods.

Sources include:
• oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
• red meat
• liver (avoid liver if you are pregnant)
• egg yolks
• fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals

Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements.

Several factors can trigger Christmas Anxiety: Social Obligations: The pressure to attend gatherings, host parties, or participate in numerous social events can feel overwhelming, especially for introverted individuals or those with social anxiety.

Christmas is traditionally a time of celebration, eating, drinking, spending time with family and friends, and generally enjoying the festive spirit. However, for those who struggle with a mental health condition, the yuletide season can be an especially difficult time.
There’s no doubt about it; Christmas can be stressful. Cooking, buying presents, keeping children entertained, decorating your home, cleaning up after family gatherings – the list of tasks is endless. For people who struggle with chronic stress, this time of year can be overwhelming and exhausting. It’s something that affects women more than men too.
Whether it’s the financial strain that accompanies gift buying, the cold and dark winter nights, or the reality of spending Christmas alone, there can be a number of triggers for mental health problems during the holiday season.

First of all, it’s important to recognise that if you’re struggling over the Christmas period, you’re far from alone. Mental health issues at Christmas affect more of us than you might think

Society tells us that Christmas is a time of joy, laughter, cheerfulness, family and celebration. However, for people who struggle with depression, these types of pressures and constant reminders that you should be happy, can make you feel even worse.

If you’ve suffered a loss in your family, loneliness can combine with grief to make Christmas an experience that’s endured rather than enjoyed. Even with the support of friends and family around you, feelings of isolation, loneliness,
So….

• Plan your time: Fill up your calendar by deciding exactly what you want to do around the festive period and Christmas Day itself. If you don’t feel up to it, don’t feel
coerced into celebrating with others

• Say “no”: Don’t feel like you have to do anything you don’t want to. Your loved ones and family members know what you’ve been through – they will understand

• Don’t feel guilty: If you do choose to participate in Christmas festivities, don’t feel guilty if you’re enjoying yourself. Think about how your loved one would have wanted
you to carry on with your life

• Ask for help: If you can’t cope with the overwhelming emotions surrounding your bereavement, reach out for support. Confide in a loved one or close friend, or consider
reaching out to dedicated support networks such as Samaritans. Support organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Care could also help you.

• Structure your days: Try not to limit yourself to just watching TV. Include some other activities, such as exercise, going for a walk or just going outside. Low-key events,
such as a trip to the cinema, can also provide a welcome escape.

• Be kind to yourself: While it may help to be around others, it’s important not to overwhelm yourself with situations where you may feel obliged to be cheerful. Try not to
isolate yourself for the whole time but know that it’s OK to put yourself first. Don’t feel like you have to do all that is traditionally expected of you

Take a break

Look after yourself

Join the local community

Everything in Moderation

Avoid social comparisons

Have realistic expectations

Don’t look back.