Tip of the Week--June 29, 2009

Menopause, Part 2

Weight

We think as we age that it is more difficult to loose and/or keep the weight off. Our metabolisms do slow down, which may be due to feelings of tiredness and a lack of energy. An increase in calories take place. Now fewer calories are burned. To increase the metabolism naturally, have more energy and take in good calories can be a Cinch. Cinch is a weight management program that helps to loose the fat and inches while retaining muscle mass. One pound of fat the body burns 2 calories. One pound of muscle the body burns 50 calories! Big difference.

Mood Swings

Menopause is a process rather than an illness.

As estrogen levels drop, hormones are out of whack and can cause mood swings in even the most placid women. Another overlooked cause of mood swings is fatigue. Night weats and hot flashes can affect sleep patterns, causing tiredness and moodiness. To help combat the symptoms of menopause and make these years more bearable, there is Menopause Balance Complex.

Soy Isoflavones and flax seed lignans, which are currently being studied for their bone, breast and heart health properties, are included in Menopause Balance Complex to help keep your body in good health.

Mama Bear Productions provides Personal Nutrition Consultations. These consultations are available over the phone or in person. To schedule your consultation, call Mary Beth at 810-813-3308 or email marybeth1957@sbcglobal.net

Tip of the Week--June 22, 2009

To D or not to D

About 10-15 years ago scientists realized that wasn't just bone-forming cells that were affected by vitamin D. Almost every cell in our body has receptors for vitamin D.

So scientists set out to discover what else vitamin D does. The short answer is "a lot".

• Vitamin D is essential for a strong immune system. Some experts think that may just be why winter is cold & flu season.
• Significantly reduces the risk of several types of cancer, especially colon, breast, lung and prostate cancer. Plus, some studies suggest that adequate vitamin D intake may make cancer treatment more effective.
• May reduce heart disease risk as well. Studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation reduces the levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for the inflammation associated with heart disease. In addition, a combination of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium can also lower blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
• Finally, there are a number of studies suggesting that vitamin D is beneficial in preventing auto-immune diseases. For example, in the Nurses Health Study just 400 IU of vitamin D was sufficient to reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis by 40%.

Ask your doctor to test your blood levels of vitamin D when you go in for your next physical. We are all unique individuals. What may be perfectly adequate sun exposure and vitamin D intake for someone else may not be adequate for you. Only by having your blood levels tested will you know if you are getting enough of this vital nutrient.

Where can you get Vitamin D? From sun exposure and your diet. Ten to 15 minutes per day in the sun will give you adequate amounts of vitamin D. Forget the old advice to slather yourself with sunscreen every time you set foot outside of the house. You still want to avoid prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen. If you plan on being out in the sun, click here for a natural sun block, that nourishes the skin and allows vitamin d into your skin.

Osteomatrix (click) is a food based supplement with an RDA of of 400 IU (100%) per serving.

HAPPY SUMMER!!

Mary Beth

www.mamabearproductions.net

Tip of the Week, June 15, 2009

UNDERSTANDING MENOPAUSE

A business associate of mine, Dr. Bruce Miller, provided the following information.

The postmenopausal stage begins one year from the woman's last period. During this stage, the ovaries produce little or no estrogen, no progesterone (the hormone involved in pregnancy), and no longer release eggs.

Most women experience all some type of symptoms of menopause, which may include:

• Irregular periods


• Decreased fertility


• Vaginal dryness


• Hot Flashes


• Sleep disturbances


• Mood Swings


• Increased abdominal fat and weight gain


• Thinning hair


• Loss of breast fullness


• Bone loss

Let's first address Bone Loss. Estrogen helps bones to absorb calcium from the blood stream, as well as slow calcium loss from bones.

• Eat calcium rich foods


• Get plenty of vitamin D


• Exercise


• Decrease activities which lead to bone loss, such as smoking and drinking alcohol


• Get frequent bone density tests.

Tune in for next week's Tip of the Week, for The Rest of the Story.

Tips for a Safe and Happy Summer June 8, 2009

Reduce Sun Eposure During Peak Hours

UV rays are strongest and most dangerous between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so the less time you spend outdoors during these hours, the better. That doesn’t mean you have to ditch out on all the fun. For instance, instead of heading out to the pool at 2 p.m., wait a few hours and go at 5 p.m. The sun will still be up and there’ll be plenty of light out. And don’t be fooled on an overcast day—you can still get burned because up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through the clouds. If you can, stay in the shade.

Cover Up Be fashionably smart. Wear protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. Remember to cover your hair and head with a wide-brimmed hat. You might even consider carrying an umbrella for shade. The more protection you have the better off your skin will be.

Protect Your Eyes

Always wear sunglasses. Not only are they great for complementing your wardrobe, they also deflect harmful UV rays that reflect off of water, sand, and other surfaces. This helps reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. And, you won’t have to squint!

Apply Sunscreen Generously (click)

Don’t be shy. Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen evenly on all areas of the skin—and don’t forget your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and head (if necessary). Do so at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and remember to re-apply every two hours, especially after swimming.

And Arm Yourself with Antioxidants! (click)

What’s the big deal? Environmental assaults such as sunlight, pollution, stress, and even normal metabolism produce free radicals in our bodies, that can damage cells, alter DNA, and cause skin to age prematurely. Phytonutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids—antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and plants—combat these free radicals and protect your body against cellular damage. So be sure to include lots of antioxidants in your diet. Your skin—and your overall health—will thank you.

Mary Beth Potrykus
www.mamabearproductions.net

Tip of the week June 1, 2009

LIFE'S A CINCH

Okay we know that's not entirely true, but some things are a Cinch.

Now that we are in June, we want to look good and especially feel great in that bathing suit and shorts. Here are 3 diet myths from Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

1. Bananas are fattening - FALSE. One medium banana is only 105 calories, a good source of fiber (3 grams), magnesium (32 mg), potassium (422 mg!) and B6 (.4 mg). Also, low glycemic level, which means the natural sugars in a banana gradually get into the bloodstream and cells.
2. Certain foods can help you loose belly fat - FALSE Contray to what some diet books and artifcles preach, certain foods cannot magically melt away the fat off your belly (or any other part of your body). Where fat tends to settle is typically all in your genetics. Burn more calories than you take in. Exercise regularly (3 times per week at least 30 minutes per time), you'll burn calories, strengthen muscle mass and will strengthen your immune system.
3. The more you sweat during exercise, the more weight you loose - FALSE While it's true that exercise helps you loose weight by burning more caloires, in order to loose one pound of real fat weight during your workout, you'd need to burn 3,500 calories. Heavy sweating only indicates how much "temporary" water weight you've lost.

Did you know that a pound of fat the body burns 2 calories, but a pound of muscle burns 50 calories?!

Any successful weight loss program includes: lean meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, exercise, drink water (an 8 ounce cold glass of water the body burns 40 calories), and exercise.

You say you've tried that and it works temporarily but then the weight comes back and then some? Click here for that missing link.

May you have a healthy, happy and safe summer!

Mary Beth Potrykus

www.mamabearproductions.net