Exercise Do's
Do get out there and walk vigorously for about 20 minutes a day.
If you can squeeze in an hour, that’s even better.
If not, consider trying to “sneak in” extra exercise in the following ways
- Pace the floor while talking on the phone
- Skip the elevator; take the stairs
- Park your car farther away from the mall
- Walk around the mall
- Walk the dog, or a neighbour’s dog
- Dance around your house while dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming
- Come up with your own ways to exercise every day.
Exercise Dont's
- Don’t start exercising without checking with your doctor first
- Don’t think that exercise is just about running or joining a gym; it doesn’t have to be
- Don’t overdo it (start with 15 minutes 3–4 times a week)
- Don’t make it boring or a chore; keep it fun
- Don’t go it alone (bring a friend).
Visit the pharmacy
The right vitamins for right now.
- Calcium and good bone health are very important for a postmenopausal woman on hormonal therapy
- Take at least a 1500 mg. calcium supplement each day
- Ask your doctor about taking vitamin D (and how much you should take) to help your body absorb calcium.Vitamin D increases intestinal calcium absorption by 30%–80%
- In addition, it’s important to include a daily multivitamin.
Over-the-counter drugs and you.
- If you have allergies, colds, sleeping problems, or other maladies, your local pharmacist can recommend certain medications that may not interact with your current medication.
- Remember to check with your doctor before taking or beginning any new medication
Questions to ask at the pharmacy
You want to be aware of potential drug interactions with your hormonal treatment, so ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking anything else, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Can I take anything to help me sleep?
- What do you recommend for allergies?
- What would you recommend for headaches?
- Any suggestions for cold remedies?
- Any cardiovascular risks with what I’m thinking of taking?
- What about joint pains and aches?
- If I have diabetes, what kinds of medicines should I avoid?
Nutrition tips
- You are what you eat, and a balanced diet that includes calcium and folate is especially recommended for postmenopausal women
- Of course, milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice creamcome to mind when thinking of calcium. And for folate, make sure you include orange juice, fresh spinach, and broccoli in your diet.
Managing side effects
- Take heart; side effects may pass in time.They may not feel this way for the entire time you are on therapy
- Before a recommendation can be made for you, your pharmacist must know what remedies you have tried in the past
- A cool shower or sitting in front of a fan may relieve hot flushes.