Welcome to Goldivas.com, for women over 50 who are too young to be old.

 

Issue#26 (September, 2010)

If You have Osteoporosis…..

I’ve discovered a very interesting website, Red Dress Diary - http://reddressdiary.blogspot.com/ - authored by Colette Boucher, a healthy lifestyle expert. This website for Women over 40 is chock full of good information, and very entertaining as well. Colette’s style is breezy and easy to read, but also very insightful. Collete’s recent post caught my attention:   ( more...)

Issue#25 (August, 2010)

Should We Fear The Sun?

I’m a fan of Dr. Michael Eades, and I regularly visit his blog: http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ Dr. Mike’s writing style is breezy and amusing, while imparting a lot of health information. Lately, Dr. Mike has been talking about the current sun phobia, and the health benefits of regular (but moderate) sun exposure. While many dermatologists have jumped on the anti-sun bandwagon, and would have us apply SPF-60 before even passing by an open window, Dr. Mike points out that the benefits of sun exposure far outweigh the risks.

 

The book that Dr. Mike is recommending now is The Vitamin D Solution by Michael F. Holick, M.D., Ph.D.  ( more...)

Why We Get Sick

In this world none of us ever wants to be overtaken by illness. And it is ironic that when we lose our wellness, it is only in that very state of apathy and discomfort that we comprehend the merits of good health. And even an ailment as simple as the common cold is adequate to create distress virtually at all levels of our being. But how often have we have contemplated as to why we sometimes get sick?

 

Seven modes of acquiring disease 

Ayurveda, which is the complete science of living the life, has established seven basic reasons as to why we fall ill.

 

Hereditary

Ailments like diabetes are believed to traverse through parental genes,  ( more...)

Issue#23 (May, 2010)

A Woman’s Touch

In our younger years, we seem to driven by our hormones, but that changes as time goes by, and women over 50 may have some concerns in this area.

 

There is an excellent website, A Woman’s Touch - http://www.sexualityresources.com/ that addresses these issues. The website is run by two women, a physician, and a sex educator and counselor.

 

The website offers books, movies, adult toys, lubricants and more. But there is also a wealth of informantion here.   ( more...)

Issue#22 (April, 2010)

Vision Perfect Naturally

The eyes are quite rightly expressed as ‘windows of the soul’. And one among the best boons bestowed upon us by Mother Nature is the sense of sight. Out of the five main senses known to our sense organs, the sense of sight is the most venerable and at the same time highly vulnerable. It is a pity to find so many youngsters, even small children hiding their charm being the thick glasses. Although we can blame the declining vision due to a number of factors like heredity, lack of nutritious diet, improper reading posture, over-viewing of the idiot box, and both physical and mental stress and strain.  

Some signs of failing vision:
You could be losing your eyesight in case –
·         There is difficulty in seeing especially the far-off objects.   ( more...)

No Diet Is Right For Everyone

If you’ve struggled with excess weight for any length of time, you’ve seen any number of fad diets (including not “dieting”) come and go. For almost any weight-loss method you can think of, you will find people who swear by that method and people who will tell you it doesn’t work or it made them sick.

 

The Metabolic Typing Diet proposes that our ancestor’s diets evolved to make use of the indigenous plants and animals available in their region, and that our digestive systems today are based on those early diets. But this is complicated by the fact that people have been migrating around the world for thousands of years. So, we can’t know what diet is best for us unless we pay careful attention to how we react to various foods.  ( more...)

Radiation Gone Wrong

From the website of Dr. Mercola: In recent years, the use of imaging technology has exploded. We are receiving far more radiation in the form of x-rays, mammograms, CT scans than ever before. In addition, some patients have been exposed to higher levels due to machine malfunctions and human error.

CT scans and mammograms emit far more radiation than conventional X-rays. A mammogram exposes your body to as much as 1,000 times as much radiation as a chest x-ray.  ( more...)

Issue#21 (March, 2010)

Basketball for Women Over 50

There are 45 openings for the 2010 Not Too Late Basketball Camp.   We anticipate camp will fill so register soon!  Visit the website for the camp registration and medical release forms!  The camp will be held from August 5 through August 8

 

http://nottoolatebball.com/

  ( more...)

The People’s Chemist

Shane Ellison is the author of Over-The-Counter Natural Cures and holds a masters degree in drug design (organic chemistry). He is a two-time recipient of the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Grant for his studies in biochemistry and physiology.

 

He has been quoted by USA Today, Shape, Woman’s World, as well as Women’s Health and has served as guest speaker for large orporations like BP and appeared on FOX and NBC News as a natural medicine advocate.

  ( more...)

The End of Overeating: Taking Control Of The Insatiable American Appetite

This book, The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite, written by a former FDA Commissioner, is about why we overeat and how we can work on overcoming our bad food habits. Dr. Kessler examines the physical and psychological triggers that cause us to overeat, and how the food industry takes advantage of these triggers. The book is well-written and easy to read. There is good information to enable us to rcognize and learn to control impulsive eating.   ( more...)

Issue#20 (February, 2010)

Are GMO Foods Safe?

I admit that when I first heard about GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) years ago, I thought “what’s the fuss? After all, mutations are occurring all the time, all we are doing is speeding up the process, right? Well, no, as it turns out. The genetic engineering processes are far more diverse and potentially harmful than naturally-occurring mutations. They combine genes from widely varying organisms. In effect, the human race has become test animals for the makers of GMO’s. While so far at least, GMO’s that display a destructive trait have been destroyed in the lab, it may be a matter of time until something bad escapes. Laboratory accidents have been know to happen in the past.  ( more...)

Issue#19 (January, 2010)

Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye

Did you know that cavities can be reversed and easily avoided? And that rinsing with Listerine twice a day is as effective for removing plaque as flossing once a day? Your toothpaste and many popular rinses (especially those containing baking soda or peroxide) can have undesireable effects that leave teeth sensitive or weak. Dr. Phillip’s book,Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye, examines the causes and cures of gum and tooth disease, and how we can mitigate or reverse the process. She gives us a very thorough analysis of healthy vs. unhealthy mouth and teeth. Despite the title, the book doesn’t denigrate dentists, rather it gives you a way to work with your dentist to minimize dental problems.  ( more...)

Issue#18 (December, 2009)

The Six Week Cure For The Middle-Aged Middle

Unfortunately, many women over 50 find themselves experiencing some weight gain. There is usually a hormonal component to this, and the excess weight seems to be very stubborn. Also, the pattern of fat accumulation is different than it was in our younger years. Then, if we gained weight, it would have been subcutaneous fat just under the skin, and fairly evenly distributed. Now, we notice a definite accumulation around our middles. This is visceral fat, and besides being unsightly, it is unhealthy. The visceral fat is pressing on our internal organs, not a good thing!  ( more...)

Our Daily Meds

Shortly after I finished Our Daily Meds: How the Pharmaceutical Companies Transformed Themselves into Slick Marketing Machines and Hooked the Nation on Prescription Drugs, I read that Pfizer was fined 3.2 billion for illegal marketing of four drugs.The drugs were Bextra, a painkiller, Geodon, an antipsychotic; Zyvox, an antibiotic; and Lyrica, an anti-epileptic drug. Once the Food and Drug Administration approves drugs, doctors can prescribe them off-label for any use, but makers can't market them for anything other than approved uses. Bextra was taken off the market in 2005 at the request of the FDA.  ( more...)

Issue#17 (October, 2009)

Nordic Pole Walking

Do you find walking boring? Try pole-walking for a great workout. If you have poles for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, that’s all you need. Though if you walk on mostly concrete, you can get covers to protect the pole tips.

 

Pole-walking will help you to build upper-body strength and improve your posture, not to mention burning more calories! Pole-walking is also easier on your knees because it will take some of stress away while you’re walking. You might have been self-conscious about trying it a couple years ago, but pole-walking is catching on now, so don’t worry about looking strange. And, it’s an easy and natural motion.

 

For instructions on pole-walking, get out your poles  ( more...)

What’s Your Beef?

In her book,  “The Vegetarian Myth”, Lierre Keith gives a lot of information on the benefits of grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef. She explains that cattle are ruminants, and their digestive systems are set up to consume grass, not grains (this includes corn, it is also a grain). Grass fed beef may or may not be certified organic, amd organic beef that is not specifically labeled “grass fed” is most certainly grain-fed.

 

Intrigued by Lierre Keith’s writing on this subject, I did some further research:

  ( more...)

Issue#16 (September, 2009)

Organic vs. Natural – What’s the difference?

I realize that many of you are vegetarians, so this article will not be a concern for you. However, some of us are dedicated omnivores, and if that describes you, read on…

 

We often see products at the meat counter that are labeled “natural”, but what does that mean? In most cases, it means the processor has complied with the USDA definition:

 

“Minimally processed. No artificial ingredients. USDA permits no preservatives in this product.”   ( more...)

Live Green

If you’re interested in living green and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you need to know about Gaiam.

 

Founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1988, Gaiam is a provider of information, goods and services to customers who value the environment, a sustainable economy, healthy lifestyles, alternative healthcare and personal development.  ( more...)

The Vegetarian Myth

You may be wondering why an article about a website focused on “Living Green” appears beside an article about meat. In her book, The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice, and Sustainability, Lierre Keith explains that she was a vegan for almost twenty years, motivated by the desire to avoid participating in the destruction of the earth, and her passion for kindness. Eventually, she developed health issues as a result of her diet and was forced to change.  ( more...)

Issue#15 (August, 2009)

The Next Miracle?

Collagen is the glue that holds our bodies together. It is the most abundant structural protein in the body and accounts for about 75% of the skin, muscles and connective tissue. It is one of the body’s most vital components.

 

According to Woman’s World magazine, studies done to test the effectiveness of beverages infused with collagen powder   ( more...)

Issue#14 (July, 2009)

Helpful Hints….

Over the years I’ve read many columns that feature Q&A on various physical issues. Some of the answers leave me wondering because they don’t have the answers that I’ve learned from personal experience, so here they are:

 

1. Coldsore/fever blister remedies – usually the advice revolves around using Blistex or Carmex, or similar products. While these are useful to help relieve painful symptoms, the fastest cure is to take Lactinex tablets  ( more...)

Issue#13 (June, 2009)

Overdosed America

This book, Overdosed America: The Broken Promise of American Medicine (P.S.) should be required reading for everyone who takes a prescription medication, especially if that medication is prescribed for high cholesterol or osteoporosis. The author, Dr. John Abramson, relates the history of the interaction of pharmaceutical companies (medical industry), the FDA, and respected medical journals to show how the medical industry has gradually taken over control of information that is supplied to doctors and consumers.  ( more...)

Issue#12 (May, 2009)

I’m a fan of Dr. Susan Lark!

Women over 50 need to know about Dr. Lark – she is one of the foremost authorities in the fields of clinical nutrition and preventive medicine. Dr. Lark has impressive credentials, and she is an advocate for many alternative therapies. A graduate of Northwestern University Medical School, she has served on the clinical faculty of Stanford University Medical School from 1981-1983, and taught in their Division of Family and Community Medicine from 1991-2002.  ( more...)

Issue#11 (April, 2009)

Climbing the Stairs Backwards

I was a speed walker at international sports events for nine years and had to retire due to degeneration of cartilage in my hip joint. This is the story of how the Feldenkrais Method spared me a hip replacement operation for twenty-one years.

Well, I used to speed walk some things like 50 kilometers a day; that is 32.5 miles. At international activities, like in Holland, I did 200 kilometers, every day 10 hours of speed walking. It seems, it didn’t do me any good as I used up the cartilage in my right hip. That is, I did not give my hip enough time to regenerate and reproduce the cartilage.  ( more...)

Issue#10 (March, 2009)

How Did I Let This Happen Again?

The February issue of Oprah’s magazine has a feature called “The Battle of the Diet Plans”, comparing Low Carbs, Low Fat, Zone, Mediterranean and Ornish plans. The winning diet is (drum roll) low carb! (But, Oprah hasn’t tried that yet, she needs new advisors). Women over 50 often experience hormone-related weight gain and we need all the help we can get to keep that to a minimum.  ( more...)

Issue#9 (February, 2009)

Take Your Vitamins!

In my younger years, I was very casual about taking vitamins, as they didn’t seem to make much difference, and back then, many doctors thought that if you got a reasonably balanced diet, you didn’t need vitamins.

Well, that’s all changed. Our foods aren’t as nutritious as they once were,  ( more...)

Issue#8 (January, 2009)

If You Can Walk, You Can Snowshoe!

There are many benefits to getting outside during the winter. If you find yourself going from the car to your work, the store, or the gym without spending more than a few minutes outside, you probably find that your cold tolerance is diminished. Spending time outside will increase your cold tolerance. Getting out in the sunlight is a mood-lifter as well.

Snowshoeing is so easy, you don’t need lessons, and the only equipment you need are the snowshoes and poles. The snowshoes strap onto your snowboots.  ( more...)

Bless My Bones

When I first looked at the cover of this book and saw that the author, Gene Ladd, is a Pentecostal evangelist, I consided that along with the title & thought, “Oh, no – I want to read about nutrition, not religion”. While the book does make the occasional reference to spirituality, it actually is about nutrition, especially keeping our bones strong. Mr. Ladd starts out explaining the title in a very charming story about his youth, and a lady he calls Granny Love.  ( more...)

Issue#7 (December, 2008)

It’s Not Too Late!

Notice from Deb Smith, Founder of the Not Too Late Camps:

www.nottoolatebball.com  is where you’ll find info the 2009 Not Too Late Basketball and Softball Camp brochures and registration forms.  I am excited to be adding a weekend Not Too Late Softball Camp, March 14 & 15, 2009.  ( more...)

Issue#6 (November, 2008)

HIV and Women over 50

Heterosexual people over the age of 50 account for 15% of all newly diagnosed cases of HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There may even be more undiagnosed cases. In fact, approximately 25% of people with HIV don’t even know they have it.

The prevalent ageism in health care may deter testing for HIV. Many health care providers may assume that their older adult clients aren’t sexually active and may not ask or even provide information on safer sex practices.   ( more...)

Issue#5 (October, 2008)

Not Too Late Track Camp: For women age 50 +

Are you a woman age 50+ who is interested in running track? Perhaps you ran in high school or college and would like to learn more about this sport or you're interested in starting to run track.   ( more...)

Issue#4 (September, 2008)

Bioidentical Hormones - FDA Controversy

You may have heard of bioidentical hormone therapy through the publicity on this subject generated by Suzanne Somers. Suzanne is an enthusiastic supporter of this therapy and has written several books on the subject, here are a couple of them:  ( more...)

Issue#3 (August, 2008)

French Women Don’t Get Fat

French Women Don’t Get Fat, and it’s companion, French Women For All Seasons may not tell us anything we don’t already know, but it helps to be reminded. And, you get a little education about wine and champagne as well – Mireille is President and CEO of Cliquot, Inc., and spokesperson for Champagne Veuve Cliquot. Her basic formula, eat small portions of fresh food in season and move more, is easier to implement if you live in France instead of the U.S., but we can certainly begin to make some small changes.  ( more...)

Issue#2 (July, 2008)

Not Too Late Basketball Camp for Women over 50

Are you bored with the same old exercise routines & looking for something different? Basketball teams for women 50+ and 60+ are springing up all over the U.S. According to the National Sporting goods Association, the number of women 55 & older who play basketball at least 50 times a year has gone fron 16,000 in 1995 to almost 131,000 in 2005.  ( more...)

Bicycling Makes Me Happy!

I started cycling about seven years ago at the age of 53. You might call me a “late bloomer.” Since I have rediscovered cycling I truly love and embrace the sport. I love everything about cycling. I especially enjoy watching the Tour of California and the Tour de France each year. I have to give Lance Armstrong credit for getting me interested in watching the race. I set up my bicycle on my trainer in front of the television so I can ride along with the guys in the peloton. I even place a stationary fan in front of me set on full blast. This way it feels like I am really going fast down the scenic roads of the French countryside.   ( more...)