Medical Residents Need More Sleep!

I work at a health science center and deal directly with medical residents.  I update web pages for them and when I meet with them face-to-face, they are usually bright and alert.  But, it may not be the case of the majority of residents. I know from updating some of our web pages that there are rules in place to make sure residents get enough time off to rest.  I mean, they are only human, right?  Well, some seem to be superhuman, or at least think they are and that may be a problem. In 2003, the Accreditation Council for … Continue reading

Menopause and Mental Fog

My best friend and I both turn 49 this year. After discussing our various aches and pains, our phone conversations often turn to “Do you ever feel like you are losing your mind?” We usually discuss how we can see a word in our mind, but can’t say it or we just can’t remember someone’s name that we know we know. We discuss whether we need some type of testing, and then write it off to menopause. As it turns out, we may be right. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago finished up a study recently that shows … Continue reading

Can Menopause Affect You at Work?

As if those of us staring menopause in the face need any more bad news… A recent study may show a connection between menopause, a decline in work, and an increase in sick days. The study was conducted by researchers at the Nij Smellinghe Hospital in Drachten, the Netherlands. Approximately 200 women between the ages of 44 and 60 who either worked at the hospital or a close by home-care organization were included in the study. The study tested something called “work ability.” That is, how one’s job demands correlate with her abilities and how that may predict her job … Continue reading

Welcome To The New Mid-life mom blog

Welcome to the midlife mom blog. If you are a mom who gave birth after turning 35, then this blog is for you. I’m your guide Myra, a single mid-life mom with a five -year- old son, who was born when I was 36. I am a freelance writer and avid reader, also. I hope this blog will be useful to you. I plan to offer as much relevant information as I can get my little hands on as well as talk mom to mom about what it’s like to be a mid-life momma. I am also a Hurricane Katrina … Continue reading

Pregnancy After Age 50

In one of my favorite movies, Father of the Bride Part II, Diane Keaton and Kimberly Williams play a mother and daughter who conceive around the same time and give birth on the same day. Keaton’s character, Nina, suspects menopause, so it’s assumed that she must be in her fifties. In the US, giving birth beyond age 50 is fairly rare, but it happens more than it used to due to fertility treatments, which allow women of “advanced maternal age” to use the eggs of younger women. Pregnancy in the sixth decade is extremely risky. Surprisingly, risk increases significantly between … Continue reading

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Just about every box of tampons comes with a warning about toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is a complication from a bacterial infection most often seen in women who use tampons. Staph bacteria and strep bacteria have both been associated with toxic shock syndrome, but staph is more often the bacteria to blame. But toxic shock syndrome isn’t just a problem for women who are menstruating — and using tampons or contraceptive sponges. Men, children, and postmenopausal women can also develop toxic shock syndrome after a skin wound or surgery. Common symptoms include: high fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit or … Continue reading

My Mystery, Solved!

Did you miss me? I missed you! But my computer’s breakdown came at a pretty opportune time, as it gave me a few days to focus on my health. Here’s the latest news. First, a quick recap: a pelvic exam suggested that I might have fibroids. My doctor ordered an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis, but the results weren’t quite clear. I was handed off to a teaching clinic for more testing. Or so I thought. The doctor walked into the exam room and greeted me with a cheery, “So, you’re here to talk about surgery?” After I picked my … Continue reading

Why Does My Body Need Boron?

There are many trace elements that the body needs — but only in very small amounts. Boron is one of them. Boron is easily found in the environment: in soil, the ocean, and plants. Green veggies, fruits, and nuts are excellent food sources of boron, and most people get all the boron they need from diet alone. This mineral is thought to help the body use glucose (blood sugar), fats, and other minerals like calcium and magnesium. Boron has been suggested for treating a variety of medical conditions. However, it hasn’t done very well in clinical trials. Hormone regulation: boron … Continue reading

Joan Rivers Roasts and Ryan O’Neal Regrets

Roasts are supposed to be harsh words from good friends that are meant in good humor and no one should know that any better than Joan Rivers. Joan found herself as the roastee at the latest installment of the Comedy Central Roast. The show will air on August 9th at 10:00 p.m. on Comedy Central and the emcee is none other than D-List celebrity Kathy Griffin. Joan took it all in good stride, promising that the show would be great. She said, “I was in shock at what they said” and added, “They call me evil, mean, and [a] plastic … Continue reading

Want to Get Fit? Don’t Take Up Ballet

That’s according to sports medicine researchers at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Their recently published study claims that young female professional ballet dancers face health risks when they don’t eat enough to offset the energy they expend. In addition, according to the study, most top ballet dancers suffer from amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), abnormal vascular function and low bone density. The study queried 200 dancers about their menstrual patterns and eating habits. In addition, participants also underwent a blood test for hormonal levels. The results showed that 36% of the group had abnormal eating habits, and 77% were … Continue reading