The Importance Of Fitness During Menopause

Learn About the Crucial Links Between Fitness and Menopause

Did you know that a regular fitness or exercise routine plays a major role in reducing the symptoms of menopause? One particular symptom of menopause is weight gain, which, unfortunately seems to develop just as a woman finally reaches a point in her life when she's mature and self-confident, and then the fat starts piling on. This weight gain is quite common and the result of declining hormone levels which causes the metabolism to slow down significantly, even in pre-menopausal women.

The majority of women will especially notice an increased amount of fat deposition around their mid-section, which plays a significant role in contributing to heart disease, the number one killer of middle-aged and older women. Not to worry; this weight can be managed quite easily by simply getting into a regular fitness and exercise routine. Fitness and consistent activity really are the keys to decreasing weight and avoiding the pitfalls of aging. By committing to a regular exercise routine, one which includes weight bearing exercises, women will change the muscle-to-fat ratio, enabling them to increase their metabolic rate and burn calories, even at rest.

In addition to weight gain, women in their thirties begin to lose bone mass at a rate of approximately 1% per year and that rate increases to 2%-3% per year after menopause. Studies have shown that exercise can actually increase a woman's bone density, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis and the incidence of falls and bone fractures associated with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, osteoporosis often goes undetected until bone fractures occur, but by taking preventative measures, such as getting into a regular fitness routine, women can indeed reduce this risk.

Exercise and fitness can also be beneficial in reducing the incidence of hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause. Hot flashes can contribute to impaired sleep patterns and a decreased energy level. Additionally, hot flashes can also affect one's overall mood, which has the potential to negatively affect both personal and professional relationships. While estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to decrease these symptoms, for many women a regular exercise routine appears to be a very viable alternative.

Simply stated, making fitness and exercise a priority will benefit most women who are approaching or experiencing menopause, and the positive results, both physically and emotionally, are well worth the extra time required to begin and continue a regular exercise routine. It's easy to make excuses to not make time to ensure that fitness is a priority, but it's crucial to understand that being regularly active will lead to overall good health now and in the future. The only results you'll see from your added physical activity will be those that are very beneficial to you and those you love.

Susan Megge founded http://www.40isbeautiful.com to assist women with issues related to menopause, such as weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, etc. Susan Megge is the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40," a book dedicated to give women the confidence and inspiration to experience menopause with minimal symptoms and learn to embrace these years.

Talk to Your Kids About Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke -- smoke from burning tobacco and exhaled smoke -- is terribly harmful to nonsmokers. In fact, exposure to secondhand smoke is "nearly as bad as smoking itself," according to Mayo Clinic. Why is secondhand smoke so dangerous?

* Secondhand smoke contains toxic stuff -- formaldehyde, arsenic, cadmium, benzene, and other poisonous chemicals. That's why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a Group A carcinogen. ("Secondhand Smoke Fact Sheet," American Lung Association)

* Secondhand Smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems. Asthmatic kids should avoid secondhand smoke. ("The Health Consequences of Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services")

* A nonsmoker's risk of developing heart disease increases 30-50 percent when he or she is exposed to secondhand smoke. (U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona)

* Infants and children are very vulnerable to secondhand smoke because their lungs are still developing. Secondhand smoke can cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (American Lung Association)

* Kids are exposed to secondhand smoke in homes and cars -- places they can't leave. You could say they are prisoners of secondhand smoke. ("Second Hand Smoke Triumphs and Tragedies" video shown by U.S. Surgeon General)

* Some kids who are exposed to secondhand smoke have a build-up of fluid in their middle ears, which alters hearing and speech. ("Secondhand Smoke Dangers," Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center)

* The more you are around secondhand smoke the more poisons your body absorbs. Restaurant workers, bar workers, and pregnant women are at greater risk. ("Dangers of Secondhand Smoke," Cleveland Clinic)

* Secondhand smoke can linger in the air for hours. It can work its way into drapes, carpets, and woodwork. ("Secondhand Smoke: Avoid Dangers in in the Air You Breathe," www.mayoclinic.com)

Surgeon General Richard Carmona says there's NO risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Take care of yourself and your kids. Stay away from secondhand smoke.

Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com Amazon has posted a five-star review of the book. You will find more reviews on the American Hospice Foundation Web site ("School Corner" heading) and the Health Ministries Association Web site.

Body Wraps - Should Tanning Salons and Spas Offer Them?

The Market
Tanning and day spa business owners are constantly faced with changing customer demands that affect their business choices. What can the tanning industry do to prepare for these changes and the inevitable peaks and valleys of the seasons? What services could be added to a tanning or day spa that could improve their customer loyalty, and keep their income steady throughout the year? In an industry where the customer is looking for solutions to help them look younger and feel better, what else can be offered?

Profit Potential
The profit potential for adding body wraps to tanning and spa salons is enormous for the average business owner. The price a customer pays for the body wrap service can vary greatly throughout different parts of the country. On average, a single body wrapping session can range from $30 to $150. A small to medium sized salon or spa can easily average 20 wraps per week once the business is established. Using an average price of $55 dollars per wrap, a salon owner could expect to generate an additional $50,000+ annually. Tanning salons and day spas which utilize body wraps to their full potential can easily double their earnings.

Special Case Profit Potential
If you are in the position to add such a service to your spa or salon, be on the lookout for a special profit possibility. A small number of body wrap wholesalers offer a generous referral program for salons and spas whom have others retailers within their realm of influence. Some marketing programs will pay as much as a 15% commission on the net sales of those salons or spas you might refer, and you could be guaranteed that percentage for life! This income opportunity is tremendous, because it builds off the principles of network marketing, yet, paradoxically is utilized in a business to business hierarchy. If you are so lucky as to find an opportunity such as this one, join immediately.

How to Choose a Body Wrap Supplier
The initial investment to get started in the body wrap and spa services can range from as little as $35 dollars to over $10,000, depending on the type of body wrap used, space, equipment, supplies, and whether or not training is necessary. Many business owners dont do their research when choosing a body wrap supplier and it can be a costly mistake. When looking for the correct business be sure to find answers to the following questions:

1) Is the product reputable?
You should be able to do a simple internet search of the company or product name to see if others are having success using it or not. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that no complaints have been submitted.

2) Are there inventory requirements?
Some wholesalers will require you to carry their items in bulk inventory, but if you do your research, you will find that not all do. Find the wholesalers who allow you to order at will, so that you dont get stuck holding the bill should something unexpected go wrong.

3) Does the wholesaler pay referrals?
There are some wholesalers who implement marketing programs for their vendors. These programs can pay huge dividends for the business owner who has the opportunity to refer others. Look and pay special attention to this aspect of the body wrapping industry, as it could mean the difference between success and failure.

The Wrap Up
Body wraps have been around for thousands of years, dating back to the Ancient Egyptians. They are a proven, powerful, product that can be implemented in tanning salons, day spas, or massage therapy clinics. But, if you are going to use them, do your research. Dont pay thousands for a product that is not worth it. Make your dollars by presenting the product well, using your business sense, and utilizing great service.

To enable your salon, spa, or massage business to double its yearly earnings, visit http://www.wrapnlosefat.com/massage and join today!

Brandon Walsh is an expert in the body wrapping industry, and is a professional marketer and distributor of It Works! herbal body wraps nationwide.