Vol 19, Issue 7, September 30, 2021

When I started writing this blog almost twenty years ago, menopause was not a topic for public discourse. Women suffered in silence through their hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and all the other unpleasant symptoms that plague the change of life for women.

Then, in 2001, along came “Menopause the Musical,” the hilarious musical parody that celebrated “the Change.” I introduced to our readers in this blog.

Now, I’m not implying that a musical parody is single-handedly responsible for bringing menopause out of the shadows, but there is a lot to be said for the power of humor to bring a topic to the forefront.

The show starts with four women at a lingerie sale who have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex, and more! It’s set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, and the familiar music and hilarious lyrics get women cheering and dancing in the aisles!  I know because I witnessed the enthusiasm in Fort Smith, AR, where I attended the show. To read that blog click here:

 Now, it’s 2021, and, as vaccinations allow, the show is starting to tour again (If you’re interested, click here to see the schedule. But that’s not all the news about menopause.

Corporate America and companies around the globe are waking up to the reality of the number of women in their workforce going through menopause, and, most importantly, their impact in the workplace.

I’m seeing the evidence. I’m getting inquiries from corporations for informative menopause programs, and I’m happy to say we have the resources to help. Learn more in our feature today:

Menopause: The New Hot Topic

From finance and capital investments to movie actresses, trendsetters, and the medical establishment, menopause is coming to the forefront.

There is a movement happening in the corporate world around menopause. This transitional phase of a woman’s life is gaining attention in the United States and across the globe.

 Consider:

• Two million women a year in the US reach menopause
• Altogether 27 million women are coping with menopausal symptoms while at work.
• 80% of women experience menopause symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life.
• Over 75% of women experience hot flashes & night sweats.
• Menopause happens usually between the ages of 40-55, sometimes starting as young as 35.

Menopause impacts every aspect of a woman’s health — mental, physical, and emotional. Although going through menopause is a natural life stage for women, our culture is still widely steeped in shame and secrets instead of talking about it.

Why should we address the issues of the menopausal woman in the workplace?

This woman is usually the one who has a deep knowledge of the company and has her pulse on what’s happening and what needs to change. She understands the systems, the clients, and the deliverables. She is valuable talent contributing to the bottom line. Companies are realizing they need to support and retain her.

What would a menopause-friendly workplace look like?

Our speaker, Kelli Jaecks has the answers. She is a menopause survivor, who writes about menopause, speaks about menopause, and coaches women through menopause. And who, because of her breast cancer journey, has been thrown back into menopause again.

“Start with a level of understanding,” she says, “so women don’t feel like they must hide their symptoms, like brain fog or hot flashes.

“It’s time to talk about menopause and how to best support the menopausal women in the workplace,” she said. “We start with education and knowledge, talking about the issue, raising awareness, promoting understanding and a positive work culture around menopause.

“It’s not necessary to create policies around menopause — in fact, that’s probably the wrong way to give it attention. What’s important is to educate their staff, including the men, and by bringing it to the forefront, show that it’s not an unspoken taboo,” she said.

“Throughout our lives as women, our bodies change, and our hormones groan,” she continued. “Whether we are dealing with our periods and PMS, pregnancy, or perimenopause — many women find themselves feeling alone and confused by the changes in their bodies. As our hormones fluctuate, they affect our emotional and physical selves.

“Most workplaces seldom recognize this, much less provide a safe space for these very real changes. How can we best support ourselves and each other throughout these differing seasons of life? The more we learn about what is happening in our bodies and empower ourselves with positive lifestyle choices, the better we will be as moms, daughters, employers, and employees.”

Kelli brings that level of understanding to companies through her “Martinis and Menopause” presentations and workshops on women’s health — which she offers in virtual versions as well as in person.

“Self-care is as important as oxygen. Women at every age must take this to heart. By incorporating simple strategies into our lives, we can beat that hormone groan and rejuvenate our sense of purpose. The simple truth is this: All women have the power to feel better and live better.”

Kelli’s mantra: “Hormones affect us ALL. Let’s talk about it. Let’s laugh about it. Let’s do something about it!”

If your workplace could benefit from education and awareness around menopause and the hormonal shifts that women experience throughout their lifetimes, email me at barbara@speakwellbeing.com or give me a call at 503-699-5031.

 

A FOREST BATH for a PEACEFUL INTERLUDE

I like to listen to my own advice. Last week, I realized that I really, really needed a mental health day. So my husband and I headed for the Coast — a short 1 1/2 hour drive — to meet some friends for a day of relaxation and exploration.

I’d seen an article about an old-growth forest trail that culminates with the grand dame of cedars — an estimated 1,200 year old specimen — at the south end of Rockaway Beach. That was near our destination of Manzanita, so after lunch and a walk on the beach, we set off to find it.

It wasn’t on the GPS, and it wasn’t well-marked, but thanks to intuition, I turned off Highway 101 and into a parking lot that proved to be the right place.

The Old Growth Cedar Trail is actually an ADA-friendly elevated boardwalk that takes visitors though a 50-acre preserve of wetlands and ancient trees. “The Big Tree,” as you can see from our photograph (it’s impossible to get the whole tree in the frame) did not disappoint.

It is truly impressive with its massive size — 50 feet in circumference, although it is only about 150 feet tall overall. (Explanation: In most old-growth forests, it’s about 150 feet to the first limb of the trees, and they go up a few hundred feet above that.)

The walk on the boardwalk was quiet and meditative, walking along and observing the flora and fauna of an ancient piece of land that has never been logged. That makes it the oldest stand of mixed old-growth spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees on the Oregon Coast.

On the way back to Manzanita, we stopped at a crab and fishing dock and bought a half dozen huge oysters to take home and barbecue on the grill.

A great day with the camaraderie of good friends, good food, fantastic weather — a rare day on the Oregon coast, it was sunny, 70’s, and no wind — and a little adventure to nurture my soul – and take care of myself.

Until next time, take care of yourself — take your own mental health day, whether it’s a day in nature, or a night at the theater — for your well being and the ones you love.

Yours truly,

Barbara

 

 

 

For Your Well Being is published with the intention of bringing you insider speaker reports, exclusive stories about special events around the country, meeting planner tips, and fun stuff from the worlds of health and well being. Be well and be in the know!

The Speak Well Being Group is a specialized speakers bureau, focusing on health and wellness for all types of organizations that want to foster health and well being for their employees, members, clients, and in their communities.

We hand select our speakers, and they are not only experts in their fields; they inspire and motivate attendees. Our ultimate goal is to make a positive difference in their lives — a sense of well being, ease, and hope — and likely enjoy some laughter and levity along the way.

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