Is insomnia keeping you up at night? Unplugging from devices, using soothing sleep sounds, supplementing with melatonin and magnesium, and not eating with 3 hours of bedtime should help get you some zzzs.
2022-05-05 00:31:18 +0000 UTC View PostHappy Monday! Let's start the day off right with a positive mindset and a wish for the best week from me to you all xoxo
2022-05-02 13:20:42 +0000 UTC View Post
**CHRONIC ILLNESS IS OFTEN INVISIBLE** Do I look like the picture of health to you- or do I look vibrant and healthy for a woman of my age? Looks can be deceiving with chronic illness. I have survived 3 bouts of Covid, pulmonary embolisms, lupus, a minor heart attack, and 2 TIA mini-strokes in my early 40s- all, except for the Covid, a result of genetic health issues and Lupus in particular. I am 53 and feel very blessed to even be *typing* this. I have a chronic illness called Lupus which is becoming more and more common in our population and I think I am doing really well managing it mostly holistically. Does it impact my outlook? Hell no, I know how to manage it. It makes me even more grateful to be alive. -More about lupus here: https://www.lupus.org/resources/explaining-lupus-to-others -A great article about another woman with lupus who got the same sh*t from others: https://www.lupus.org/.../savannah-knudtson-speaking-up... **10 FACTS ABOUT LUPUS:** 1. It’s not contagious, relax. You can’t ‘catch’ lupus like a virus. So yes, you can still hug me. And you can still share my water bottle— you might catch my cold but you won’t catch my lupus. No one is quite sure how you get lupus, but scientists think it’s a combination of hormones, genetics, and environmental causes. 2. I might be on the same medications as people with cancer or malaria…but I don’t have cancer or malaria. Yeah, it’s confusing. But some of the drugs that work well for other illnesses help with lupus too. Some medications used in chemotherapy for cancer patients also help control the immune system in people with lupus. Medications used to treat malaria can also treat skin rashes, joint pain, and sun sensitivity from lupus. 3. Yes, it affects my immune system. But it’s not like other immune diseases. Actually, it’s kind of the opposite. People with other types of immune problems have low immune activity so they’re unable to fight off infections, but people with lupus have a **highly active immune system** that attacks the body. And while other immune problems are sexually transmitted, **lupus isn’t.** 4. It’s more common than you think. You might think lupus is a super rare disease, but about 1.5 million people in the US have it. Selena Gomez has lupus. So does Nick Cannon. Seal has it too. It’s tricky to diagnose, so there may be a lot more people with lupus who haven’t been diagnosed yet. 5. Guys can get it too. Lupus is definitely most common in y0ung and middle-aged women (90% of people diagnosed with the disease are women ages 15-44), but anyone of any age can have lupus—guys included. 6. No, I’m not lazy. You’ll probably notice me napping more than the average person. It’s not that I just really like to snooze—I need to. Chronic fatigue is a big part of lupus. If I don’t sit down or take a nap when I get tired, I could have a flare and start feeling really sick. It’s important for me to recharge so I have the energy to do more later. 7. I’m glad to hear I look fine, but that doesn’t mean I feel fine. It’s flattering that you don’t think I “look sick”…to a point. But trust me, when I say I don’t feel well, I mean it. Sometimes it may be more obvious that my lupus is acting up, like if I have a rash on my skin. But even if I look like myself, I might be experiencing joint pain, fatigue, or other problems you can’t see. Lupus is invisible that way, but it’s very real. 8. I’m not avoiding you, seriously. I’m sorry I missed your party last week. But I promise I’m not being flakey. When I say it’s because I’m not feeling well, that really is the reason. 9. I really, really need to stay out of the sun. In fact, I need to wear sunscreen all the time. Even when it’s not sunny. And even when I’m not outside. I know it sounds like I’m overreacting, but my lupus makes me sensitive to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight and even indoor lighting. It can give me a rash and make me feel fatigued. So I’ll stick with my floppy sunhat and SPF 100, thank you very much. 10. “No cure” doesn’t mean I can’t still live a normal life. Lupus sucks. It’s a serious disease, and it can be deadly. But luckily there are a lot of medications to treat its symptoms and prevent flares. I need to work with my doctors to keep my health under control and listen to my body when I don’t feel well. But I can still concentrate on my goals and have fun like everyone else. Lupus is just one part of my life.
2022-05-01 00:44:28 +0000 UTC View Post
Salon day!! Keeping graying hair smooth and frizz-free requires frequent trips to the salon. Pamper yourself and Happy Friday!
2022-04-30 00:38:36 +0000 UTC View Post
A photo of me from 20 years ago, at age 33. Proof positive that taking care of your face, body, and soul are of the utmost importance.
2022-04-28 20:59:07 +0000 UTC View Post
Does anybody love Filipino garlic fried rice? You can do it with cauliflower rice! Just add your protein… Lowering your carb intake and watching your macros is an excellent way to lose weight. I recommend 6 small meals a day. It's worked for me since January and I've lost over 30 lbs of Pandemic and menopause weight (combined with a regular workout program)
2022-04-23 11:50:00 +0000 UTC View Post
Authenticity and honesty, as one gets older, are **everything**. There is a certain freedom that comes from being older. Embrace your *trueselves* and run with it. Life is too short for BS.
2022-04-22 01:28:19 +0000 UTC View Post
**Why Do We Instinctively Stretch When We Wake Up?** It’s the first thing most of us do upon waking up — stretch and yawn. This movement has a name: pandiculating. A pandiculation is defined as the constriction of muscles, releasing them, which is followed by a stretch. Animals, especially cats and dogs, do it effortlessly and about 40 times a day. And in humans, the action starts during the gestation period, which probably explains why this behavior is so innate. One of the most common reasons behind the phenomenon is that when we sleep, the muscles lose tone, and fluid tends to accumulate along the back. Therefore, stretching helps to massage the fluid gently back into a normal position, realigning the muscles, writes Luis Villazon for Science Focus. In addition, both stretching and yawning are known to be stress relievers and hence, pandiculation can also be seen as a way to decrease stress before the day, explains Nicholas Licameli, a physical therapist. This full-body stretch activates the parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for the body’s ability to rest, digest and recover, and increases the bl0od flow helping the body restore conscious, voluntary control over the muscles.
2022-04-21 16:14:57 +0000 UTC View Post
**Aging, Genetics, and Skincare** (photo from 4 yrs ago with my cousin @surfwithclaire) Skin aging is a complex process influenced by heritable and environmental factors. Recent studies on twins have revealed that up to 60% of the skin aging variation between individuals can be attributed to genetic factors, while the remaining 40% is due to non-genetic factors. This photo is almost 4 years old. I am over 20 years older than my cousin @surfwithclaire. One thing I have always taught my clients and loved ones is the importance of good skincare and healthy habits. Aloe-based skin care can slow the hands of time, even in already sun-damaged skin. Admittedly, our family has been blessed with great genetics, it still requires *work* to maintain. Hydration is another key factor in keeping the skin and body supple and youthful. *Daily exercise* is also a must in keeping the heart pumping and nourishing the cells in the entire body. https://onlyfans.com/surfwithclaire https://onlyfans.com/hotmesstv
2022-04-20 16:12:16 +0000 UTC View Post
**GRAY HAIR AND TEXTURE CHANGES** A bane of my current existence is the frizziness component of my graying locks. On days like these, I tend to rush out of the house without doing anything and have to remind myself that these are *normal changes due to the aging process* Getting regular blowouts at the salon and treatments help, but sometimes we just don't have enough hours in the day/week to do this. There is a reason behind these texture changes: Gray hair has a different texture because your hair loses the pigment or melanin and the hair follicle doesn't produce as much sebum. Sebum is the oil your body naturally produces to hydrate your hair. As a result, gray hair often feels more coarse, dry, and wiry, but using the right hair products can help.
2022-04-20 07:03:20 +0000 UTC View Post
**How Not To Look “Old” with Gray Hair** #1 Wear your Silver Hair with Confidence. #2 Get a Great Haircut. #3 Keep Your Hair Healthy. #4 Try Fun & Modern Braids & Buns. #5 Wear Complementary Clothing Colors. #6 Wear Fashionable Clothing. #7 Jazz Up Your Makeup Routine. #8 Take Care Of Your Eyebrows.
2022-04-18 19:31:12 +0000 UTC View Post
Bodysuits are all the rage again! These aren't your mother's 1970s type of bodysuits, either. Extremely wearable, with figure supporting fabric, and very comfortable. I highly recommend these with jeans and a light jacket.
2022-04-16 02:17:55 +0000 UTC View Post
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday weekend!
2022-04-15 14:43:48 +0000 UTC View Post
What is better than a day at the beach? Swimming, sand in your toes, the wind in your hair... Speaking of swimming, it is a great no-impact exercise for people over a *certain age*. Health benefits of swimming Swimming is a great workout because you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water. Swimming is a good all-round activity because it: keeps your heart rate up but takes some of the impact stress off your body. builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness.
2022-04-14 02:04:59 +0000 UTC View Post
**The Health Benefits of Sleep** Adequate sleep helps with hormonal balance. That keeps your heart healthy, reduces stress, and helps keep blo0d sugar consistent. It also reduces stress, prevents inflammation, and helps control weight. I am guilty of late nights and not getting enough sleep. This is a great reminder for *all* of us to strive for that shut-eye!
2022-04-11 04:51:57 +0000 UTC View Post
Sunday Funday and chilling on the sofa with my corgi! I am making a ton of new things in the next couple of days for you all and I am so excited to post them soon! ❤️❤️ How was your weekend?
2022-04-10 17:35:02 +0000 UTC View Post
We live in a culture that is obsessed with unattainable perceptions about the aging human body. People rave about 'flawless figures', but that is a myth that becomes even more of a reality as we grow older. Life, childbearing, illnesses, surgeries, weight gain/loss, menopause will impact almost everyone- *if* we are lucky enough to live that long. *This* is what I look like at 53 years old. I take pride in having survived, given birth, *lived*. Celebrate beauty at every age and accept the wonderful imperfections that happen. **Life** happens. Who we are on the inside remains the same even as time marches on.
2022-04-10 02:41:00 +0000 UTC View PostDid you know that rebounding is not only great for exercise and staying fit, but is also great for your mental health and overall health? Just rebounding a little each day can have drastic effects on your health. We're talking about reducing the risk of diabetes, cancer, high blo0d pressure, osteoporosis, stress levels, anxiety, depression, and of course, losing weight. Ready for more good news? There are even MORE benefits than that! All you need to do is jump! It's that simple.
2022-04-10 01:22:20 +0000 UTC View Post
3 diet changes women over 50 should make right now: Your body changes as you age, so your diet needs to change, too. These tips can help ensure you're getting the nutrients you need. 1. Calcium for bone health Osteoporosis gets a fair amount of attention, and most older women understand that the risk of developing this bone disease increases with age. In fact, 1 in 3 women over 50 is at risk of a bone break caused by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects men, too, but not at such high rates. "We absorb less calcium as we age, and some women's ability to tolerate dairy — the best sources of calcium — also decreases as they get older," Ewoldt says. "Dark leafy greens and calcium-fortified orange juice are other good sources." Women over 50 need 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily. Use the Nutrition Facts label on food products to keep track of your intake. 2. Protein for healthy muscle mass Older women tend to sit more, exercise less. That compounds a natural aging process called sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass. By the time women near 80 years, they may have lost as much as half of their skeletal muscle mass. Eating enough protein reduces the impact of that muscle wasting. "Healthy plant-based diets that don't include meat, a major source of protein, can still provide plenty of protein if you make savvy choices," says Ewoldt. He recommends choosing more soy, quinoa, eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds and beans. Your protein needs depend on how much you weigh. For women over 50, experts recommend 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of weight (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds). If you weigh 140 pounds, for instance, you would need at least 63 grams of protein a day. 3. Vitamin B-12 for brain function Ewoldt says that as women age, they absorb fewer nutrients from their food. One key nutrient they may not be absorbing enough of is vitamin B-12, which is essential for maintaining both healthy red blo0d cells and brain function. "The best sources of vitamin B-12 are eggs, milk, lean meats, fish and fortified foods like cereals and grains," says Ewoldt. "Vegans, in particular, will need to choose more fortified foods, but even elderly people who eat all foods may have difficulty absorbing enough vitamin B-12."
2022-04-08 02:53:37 +0000 UTC View Post
Newest gray hair transition photos. Going gray is an inevitable part of life- fearlessly embracing those changes is easier now than ever, thanks to the post-pandemic lockdown trends. I am about a year and a few months into that journey (with some hiccups along the way).
2022-04-06 06:23:16 +0000 UTC View Post
dreaming of summertime... living in a 4 season climate or working nights can deprive people of the good health benefits of sunlight. Sunlight is essential for human health and well-being. The health benefits of sunlight include generating the production of vitamin D, supporting bone health, lowering blo0d pressure, preventing disease, and promoting good mental health.
2022-04-05 01:45:41 +0000 UTC View Post
💋12 TIPS FOR AGING GRACEFULLY💋 At 53, I know a *little bit* about this and want to share some of my favorites with you. 👉🏻1. Be kind to your skin Your skin is your body’s largest organTrusted Source. If you treat it with care, it can better protect your body from the elements, regulate your body temperature, and provide sensation. 👉🏻2. Exercise Regular exercise significantly lowers your risk of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and helps you retain your mobility longer. Exercise also lowers stress and improves sleep, skin and bone health, and mood. 👉🏻3. Mind your diet Healthy foods are the way to go when it comes to aging gracefully. I personally have lost over 25 lbs of pandemic weight using a system delivered to my home. 👉🏻4. Mental health matters Being happy and keeping your stress down goes a long way in helping you live and age well. For me, interacting with others, even on this site, helps keep me feel connected and in touch with the world. 👉🏻5. Stay physically active Numerous studies have linked a sedentary life to an increased risk of chronic illness and early death. Some options to stay active are going on walks and hikes, taking vacations, and participating in group exercise classes. 👉🏻6. Lower your stress The effects of stress on your body are vast, ranging from premature aging and wrinkles to a higher risk of heart disease. I personally love binaural beats, meditation, and affirmations. 👉🏻7. Quit smoking and decrease alcohol consumption Smoking and alcohol have both been shown to cause premature aging and increase the risk of disease. Like many from my generation, I smoked for decades, but quit 8 years ago. It's never too late. 👉🏻8. Get enough sleep Good sleep is important for your physical and mental health. It also plays a role in your skin’s health. 👉🏻9. Find new hobbies Finding new and meaningful hobbies can help you maintain a sense of purpose and keep you engaged throughout the course of your life. Evidence shows that people who engage in hobbies and leisure and social activities are happier, experience less depression, and live longer. My new hobby is this page! 👉🏻10. Practice mindfulness Mindfulness is about acceptance and living in the moment by focusing on the present. Practicing mindfulness has many proven health benefits that can help you age better, including: 💕improved focus 💕better memory 💕Lower stress 💕Improved emotional reaction 💕relationship satisfaction 💕increased immune functioning 👉🏻11. Take care of your mouth Not taking care of your teeth not only ages your smile, but also puts you at risk for gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia. Along with proper oral care, it’s important to see a dentist regularly. 👉🏻12. See a doctor regularly Seeing a doctor regularly can help the doctor find problems early or even before they start. How often you see a doctor depends on your age, lifestyle, family history, and existing conditions. Ask your doctor how often you should go in for checkups and screening tests as you age. Also, see a doctor anytime you experience concerning symptoms. **THE LAST ONE IS VERY IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE PANDEMIC. TOO MANY HAVE FOUND OUT TOO LATE ABOUT DEATHLY HEALTH ISSUES BECAUSE OF THE LOCKDOWN. BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE- TRUST YOUR GUT!**
2022-04-02 23:45:49 +0000 UTC View Post
High heels can be hell when we get older. Let's talk about feet. excerpt from "Coping with the changes your feet undergo as you age" by Simi Singer: Most Americans will have walked 75,000 miles by the time they reach the age of 50 – the equivalent of trekking around the Earth on the equator three times. But all this walking results in significant wear and tear on our feet. “Regular foot care at every age is important,” said Dr. Joan Williams, orthopedic surgeon and foot specialist at UCLA Orthopaedic Center in Santa Monica. “But understanding the changes feet undergo over time can help minimize age-related issues and pain.” The most obvious sign your foot is aging is its changing size and shape, says Williams. Over time, the body’s ligaments and tendons lose their strength and ability to spring back. In feet, this manifests as a decrease or ‘’falling’’ of the arch, which flattens and lengthens the foot and toes. The result: often an increase in shoe size by a half-size or more. “Unfortunately, many people, especially women, don’t realize that foot size can change, so they buy the same size shoe year after year without stopping to ask, ‘do my feet hurt when I put these on?,’” says Williams. “Shoes with a narrow toe box – and of course, high heels -- can also become more difficult to wear. So wearing well-fitting and more ‘sensible’ shoes, at least most of the time, will be much more comfortable.” Shifts in foot shape can also cause bunions, a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe that grows as the toe drifts out of position. Hammertoe, a condition that frequently accompanies bunions, is when a toe – most frequently the second toe -- is pulled back and upward in relation to the other toes. Bunions are more common among women (more than 30 percent overall suffer from them) because of their shoe-wearing habits, but men suffer from them as well. Family history often plays a role. Bunion pain can become quite severe, making walking difficult. “Bunion splints aren’t much help – so, unfortunately, surgery is the only way to successfully reposition the toe. Because bunion surgery "is invasive and has a long recovery time, I recommend it only if the pain is so bad it interferes with daily life,” say Williams. Arthritis is another reality for the aging foot. Osteoarthritis can develop after years of general wear and tear and stress or injury to the joints. Approximately half of older people will develop osteoarthritis in one or more of the 33 joints in their feet, although not everyone will experience symptoms. For those who experience pain that they can't tolerate, over-the-counter medication or other treatments may help. Gout, a metabolic disease characterized by intense swelling and pain at the big toe joint, is another type of arthritis. Older people with chronic conditions are much more likely to develop foot problems. Many diabetics suffer from diabetic neuropathy, a condition characterized by the loss of sensation in the feet. If the skin of the foot breaks unnoticed, wounds can easily become infected. Circulatory problems related to heart disease can also affect the fee, and obesity places extra stress on the feet and ankles. Unfortunately, toenail fungal infections plague up to one-third of all older people, and corns, calluses and other foot deformities also are common. There are a number of steps one can take to lessen foot pain or mitigate the effects of deteriorating ligaments, arthritis and other foot issues. Don’t minimize or ignore foot pain. Many people live with foot pain or do not seek medical attention until the discomfort is too great for them to endure. “Foot pain is never normal,” says Williams. “If you have it, see a foot specialist so it can be diagnosed and treated.” Consider orthotics. Orthotics or shoe inserts can support falling arches and increase comfort. Podiatrists offer custom-made insoles, which range from $200 to $800 a pair. Non-custom insoles, which are not as sturdy, usually cost between $20 and $70. Both provide support and padding for the feet, which is especially helpful for those who must stand for long periods of time or who participate in activities that put extra pressure on their feet. Pay attention to your overall health. Monitor your feet for wounds, numbness or excessive swelling. Any of these can be symptoms of conditions that require medical treatment. Do what you can. Stretch for a few minutes in the morning to reduce joint stiffness. Take over-the-counter medications to help reduce pain and swelling. Lose extra weight to reduce added stress. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wear comfortable shoes whenever possible, especially when walking long distances. “It’s important to take good care of our feet,” said Williams. “They play a vital role in our health and well-being as we age.”
2022-04-02 15:02:46 +0000 UTC View Post
If you're over the age of 50 (or *any* age, really), consider these eight tips to improve your health: ❤️Consume Heart-Healthy Food ❤️Cut Back on Sodium (unless you tend towards sodium deficiency like me) ❤️Exercise Daily- every day. ❤️Stay Hydrated (half your body weight in fluid ounces is recommended) ❤️Add More Calcium to Your Diet (and vitamin D3) ❤️Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep ❤️Quit Smoking! ❤️Get Regular Preventative Screenings.
2022-04-01 18:59:33 +0000 UTC View Post
Two weeks of using aloe-based body wash and body butter on ingrown hairs (not mine, but a satisfied customer). Aloe should ALWAYS BE the 1st ingredient on the list when you buy aloe-based products. If it says "aqua" or "water", you're getting something that is heavily diluted and won't give you these results. Why aloe? Simply stated, aloe works! Aloe has healing properties that actually help with strengthening and thickening the cellular wall of the skin. Aloe’s ability to rebuild, regenerate, and restore delivers more anti-aging benefits and improves overall skin health.
2022-03-31 20:57:30 +0000 UTC View Post
Fresh out of the shower and ready to take on my day! Yes, I have a tendency to keep weird hours and no, I don't care because I have no filter and have a million things going on at once time (Adult ADHD blessing/curse). I advocate using only aloe-based products on my hair and skin- wash those faces twice a day, folks! Aloe-based skincare means that going without makeup after 50 or at any age is always possible. Whether I am trying to save the world or barely capable of coherent speech due to lack of caffeine, I unfailingly do my skincare regimen. It just *works*. Coming soon: videos on how to properly take care of your skin.
2022-03-30 18:10:25 +0000 UTC View Post
I am a year into my gray hair growth journey. I had a few hiccups along the way because I am so impatient. I am loving the look so far. Gray hair is an inevitable stage in the aging process. "Silver is the new black. In the aftermath of pandemic-era restrictions that closed salons across the country, a surge of women stopped coloring their hair. And as the country reopens, many are making silver their new calling card." I am a proud member of the Gray Hair Movement- it is a symbol of Aging Fearlessly.
2022-03-29 01:44:52 +0000 UTC View PostLet's get that heart ❤️ pumping! Ache-y joints, post-covid lungs, high blo0d pressure, autoimmune issues? REBOUNDING gently on a mini trampoline is the no-impact cardio miracle for you! I start my mornings with 30 minutes on my rebounder every day- and because I work from home, I try for 10 minutes of gentle bouncing every hour. That is all you need to get your heart rate up... and I wear a fitness watch/monitor. Cardiovascular health is very important to me, considering I am 53 years old and want to keep my ticker going for a very long time. As a covid and pulmonary embolism survivor with high blo0d pressure, I highly recommend rebounding to get my steps in and to get my heart pumping every morning! It is easy on the joints and lungs and for the lymphatic system.
2022-03-27 13:59:45 +0000 UTC View Post
