Living Well Etc.

  My doctors informed me that my waning sex drive and painful intercourse is normal for a postmenopausal woman.  Eager to change my fate, I turned to my computer for help.  Most sources agree that due to lowering hormone levels sex drive decreases, the vagina thins, and it loses its natural lubrication causing painful intercourse.  Conversely, many also state that postmenopausal women tend to have a great sex life.  Armed with this confusing information, I decided to revisit my doctor. What Are My Options? I tend to be open, assertive, and direct with my doctor.   She knows me well, well enough to know I will not take unnecessary drugs.    Still, her job includes mentioning pain-reducing alternatives, which boiled down to hormone replacement therapy or water-soluble lubricants.   Hormone replacement therapy is a short-term option due to possible side effects.   With my personal history of breast cancer, we both felt that the considerable risk outweighed any positive return.    Sh

  Surprisingly, those with multiple sclerosis and women over the age of 50 share a similar problem.   It's common knowledge that metabolism slows significantly for women over 50, leaving us feeling tired.   Similarly, those with MS suffer from severe fatigue.     As an MS sufferer and having passed the half-century mark, I know fatigue with a slowing metabolism firsthand.   Fried after five, I know well.   Since fatigue and loss of energy are common for both groups, it seems logical that foods recommended for those with MS would also benefit women over 50.   Through trial and error during my many years with MS, constant research, and with advice from my doctors, I have come up with a diet that works well for me.   I believe it can help others as well.      What foods speed up metabolism and relieve fatigue? Eating the typical three full meals each day slows our metabolism to a crawl.   During the time it takes to process the meal, we may feel tired.   Then, we get a burst of

Look out baby, Memorial Day is nearing so barbecue season has officially begun        I bet this sounds familiar.    You are standing in the middle of your backyard drooling on the bucket of just pulled weeds because an enticing aroma of yummy barbecue wafts through the air.    Sadly, it is not coming from your grill.    The bad and good news of this tasty temptation is that I'm that neighbor torturing you with mouthwatering BBQ aromas, but I'm letting you in on some of my secrets!   Good BBQ begins in the kitchen Although not a food snob, I am particular.  I believe that the best 'cue begins in the kitchen.   Fresh food is a must, and it has to be cooked just right.  Moreover, whatever goes on the grill must be bursting with flavor.  Luckily, I have a prolific herb garden.  This won't rub you the wrong way Since I tend to lean toward Mediterranean dishes, specifically Italian food , I use homegrown lemons – also from my garden – and an herbal rub for my meat.