Osteoporosis and Depression Linked

Even mild depression can be a cause for bone thinning, osteoporosis, in premenopausal women. The findings are from a study funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health and the National Institutes of Health. They add considerable credibility to preliminary studies that show depression is a risk factor for lower than average bone mass in younger women.

“Osteoporosis is a silent disease. Too often the first symptom a clinician sees is when a patient shows up with a broken bone. Now we know that depression can serve as a red flag,” said NIMH Deputy Director Richard Nakamura, PhD.

Dancing With The Stars - What Fun

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to start dancing.   If I could have half the fun the folks on Dancing With The Stars seemed to be having, I'm there. Watching the finals last night inspired me to start looking for dance studios this morning.  Sign me up - I'm ready to tango!

I guess it was no surprise that Marie Osmond was the first finalist to be eliminated.  I thougt she really had a good chance of winning until her dolly debacle on Monday. Her loyal fans have been keeping her going week after week, but that was too much cutesy even for them.  But winning isn't everything and Marie deserves a lot of credit.  She worked so hard, and really mastered the moves.  Did you see those flips?   Dancing helped her drop weight, get fit and ready to start yet another Osmond tour.  Her boundless energy is something we should all be shooting for.

I really thought Maria Brown deserved to walk away with the trophy.  Scary Spice won top marks from the judges with her final performance of the Mamba, but viewers were behind Brazilian racing driver Helio Castroneves, voting him into first place.  But you know what, everybody on that show is a winner just for having the guts to do it.

Chocoate and Wine Can Keep You Feeling Young

Thanksgiving is over.  Christmas is just around the corner and another year is quickly winding down.  Now is the time to start thinking what you can do to reap big benefits in 2008. 

Little lifestyle changes can pay big dividends for baby boomers who want to stay vibrant, says John Morley, M.D., director of the division of geriatric medicine at Saint Louis University, in a new book that outlines a 10-step program to improve quality of life as we age.

"Living well and feeling good enough to do whatever you want to do throughout your lifetime is priceless," says Morley, who is coauthor of "The Science of Staying Young."

Women Over 55 Enjoying Sex - That Makes for a Happy Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving and here's something we can really be thankful for.  Women over 50 are changing the way sex is perceived in this country.  We are laughing all the way to the bedroom, and while we are having the time of our lives, we are making a difference. 

I think we should all raise our glasses at our Thanksgiving Day celebration and toast ourselves.  We've come a long way baby!

Marilyn Elias, USA TODAY wrote an article about women like us and here are some of the juicy tidbits.

Bioidentical Hormones - One Doctor's Opinion

Here's something you ought to read if you are taking bioidentical hormones or even thinking about it. This type of hormone replacement has always been controversial, and it appears it will continue to be for some time to come.   But, as always knowledge is power, and the more you know the better.

Always be sure to ask your doctor lots of questions.  Here's a guide that will help you.

Today Show Feedback - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

I have gotten so many emails in response to my appearance on the Today Show and I would like to share just a few of them with you. As you would imagine there were huge differences of opinion.  Some women were very supportive, some thought being a Real Cougar is just plain selfish, and some men still think all cougars are cheap, easy and desperate.

But, before I go on, I've got to tell you that being on the Today Show  was a blast.  Everyone connected with the program couldn't have been nicer.  They really went out of their way to make me and everyone else feel really special.  The producers work a zillion hours just to make a 6 minute segment look so good on air.  The regular host, Hoda Kotb and guest host Kathy Lee Gifford seemed like they were having a lot of fun exploring the cougar phenomena.

Women Over 40 Continue To Make Their Mark

It's an uphill battle, but we are making progress.  In fact there is one part of the DVD store where the youthful faces lose out to women in their 40s. Find out all about that and lots more at this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnival. 

There is so much going on at these carnivals and you owe it to yourself to be part of it.  Every week you can read exiciting points of view from from boomers just like you. Here's  where you can find this week's carnival.  Just click here.

Bloomingdales Goes Boomer

Everyone is looking to ring the cash register on the Boomer Bonanza. The latest entry is Bloomingdales with the launch of their Quotation departments which are now in 20 of the chain's 39 stores. Rather than look like a coordinated private-label collection, Bloomingdale's wanted Quotation to look more like a boutique. Each department sells up to 30 independent designers like 525 America and Laurie B. Bloomingdale's.

The styles are intended to appeal to mature women as well as 20-year-olds. Straps on tank tops are slightly wider to cover bra straps. A number of the tops from Sweet Pea, a line in nylon mesh-print fabric, feature three-quarter length sleeves in sheer fabric. There are plenty of tunic sweaters as well as a corduroy knee-length jacket embroidered with colorful flowers.

So the next time you're looking for something that's hip, but still  age appropriate, check out Bloomies.

Real Cougars Earning More Than Sleeping Lions - Ouch

Money and sex are the two things that are responsible for driving a toxic wedge through most relationships. Here's something I could never understand.  How does a woman, who has been conditioned all her life to believe that the man is the chief breadwinner, switch gears and step into a brand new role?  A role that requires her to bring home the lion's share of the bacon.

Like any big societal shift, "The Miranda Complex" doesn't take place without casualties. Remember, Miranda in Sex and the City?  She was the lawyer dating the bartender, whose income and social skills weren't up to par with hers. Today, lots of women are finding out first hand, that a relationship between a successful woman and lesser-earning man is very complicated.  It brings up lots of different issues, that over time, could end up hurting both partners and breaking up relationships.

 

Beer & Exercise -Like That Combo

A study at Granada University in Spain has found that a glass of beer is superior to water for rehydrating the body after exercise.  Statements like that could almost make excercising something to look forward to.

Learn more about why researchers are suggesting beer over water and other interesting stories at this week's Blogging Boomers Carnival.  Here's the link to get there. Cheers!