Dear Red Hot Mamas, Since menopause I developed IBS symptoms. I can’t pinpoint why this is happening. Thank you for any information you might provide. Sharon Dear Sharon, There are many theories why some people get IBS but many of these theories require more research. However, triggers that cause you to have symptoms of IBS are easier to identify. Here are some triggers: Some foods contribute to IBS constipation and include, Breads and cereals made with refined (not whole) grains; processed foods such as chips and cookies; coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol; high-protein diets ..read more

From the Editor…Karen Giblin “Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful”.  -Ann Landers Dear Red Hot Mamas, It’s been a long winter for us this year that has brought us some odd weather conditions, So, it’s delightful to finally welcome in the month of April. Hopefully, it brings along with it nice weather, sunshine and we can get the benefit by getting out of our homes to walk. Personally, I’m looking forward to getting outside and taking long walks with my dog, Marco. He is a very affectionate Norwich terrier, and he loves to be outside. That proba ..read more

Written by Karen Giblin Spring has officially arrived! For many of us our fingers and toes have not seen the light of day for months and we are eager to ditch the winter boots for flip flops. Before heading to the nail salon, take a good look at your nails, as your nails can indicate health issues, including chronic conditions and vitamin deficiencies. Nail issues may also occur because of injury. It is important to pay attention to your nail health as a wide variety of diseases can be detected by looking at the changes in your nails. Healthy nails are smooth with no discoloration. Y ..read more

Facebook Live: Eating for vitality and energy during menopause Can what you eat affect your energy to cope with medical conditions, such as menopause? The answer is yes! Eating healthy can help improve symptoms and give you energy to cope. Join us to learn more at our next Facebook Live event, Eating for vitality and energy during menopause, on Thursday, March 28, at noon. Learn how your nutritional needs can change during this mid-life condition, as well as strategies to manage common symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances. We’ll talk about how nutrition can influence mental heal ..read more

Dear Red Hot Mamas, I have been following you for years and love receiving your newsletter. I work in a department store and have to stand behind the counter for hours. My legs are paying the price as my legs are aching even when I am not working. I also am noticing superficial veins on my legs which I never had. I am 56 years old. Anything you can suggest that I can do to help me. Thank you for your help. Christy Dear Christy, First and foremost, if your symptoms are painful, you should see your doctor. There are some self-help steps you can take which sometimes re ..read more

“Our life is March weather, savage and serene in one hour.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson Dear Red Hot Mamas, Everyone should be proactive about their health, In fact, the effort that we put into incorporating good health measures, most of the time, becomes a benefit to our long-term health. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in American women. It is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. Different factors increase or decrease the risk of breast cancer. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, in 2024, it is estimated among women in ..read more

Does an Early Menopause Transition Cause Women to Leave the Workforce Sooner? New study concludes that an earlier menopause transition is associated with poorer perceived work ability and predicts lower recorded work participation and a higher disability pension rate in subsequent years CLEVELAND, Ohio (March 13, 2024)—Since most women will continue working for years after entering menopause, the effect of menopause symptoms on their working ability is an important issue and the focus of a new study. Among other things, the study suggested that premature menopause can limit a woman’s work abil ..read more

“Love is the greatest refreshment in life”. – Pablo Picasso Dear Red Hot Mamas, For those of us who live in the north, I am one of them who lives in NJ, it’s great that the month of February is almost finally coming to an end. All those short days and gray weather have taken a toll on many of us. After all, I have had enough of waking up in the morning when it’s still dark outside. Adding to this, many of us are missing our daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun which certainly may contribute to depression. I am one of those Yankees that live north of the Mason-Dixie line.&nb ..read more

Dear Red Hot Mamas, I have always given my doctor a detailed medical history, but I am wondering should I have genetic testing as well? Thank you for all the help that you provide. Kate Dear Kate, If you are considering genetic testing, the first thing to do is to undergo genetic counseling. Genetic counselors will analyze your family history and evaluate your risk of developing or passing along an inherited disease. Genetic counselors can also review signs, symptoms and causes of a condition, review genetic testing options, and go over treatment options. Genetic tests are for people whose ..read more

Dear Red Hot Mamas, Time is marching on, and I am wondering whether I need an annual checkup. I am 55 years old and had menopause five years ago. Any words of wisdom? Thanks. Stephanie Dear Stephanie, Thank you for writing to Red Hot Mamas. Healthy behaviors and regular clinical exams are keys to health. Well-woman exams should continue to be part of your regular health maintenance and should be done well beyond menopause. It is important for you to have a thorough understanding about your current health and to identify any risks for potential health concerns. As part of ..read more