Hot flashes are among the most common symptoms associated with the changing hormonal balances during menopause.  These sudden feelings of intense heat accompanied by sweating and rapid heartbeat can last from 2 - 30 minutes... they are not over in a 'flash'. Women experience disrupted sleep, work, and social activities, and may feel more anxious or depressed.  Women with higher body mass index (BMI) report more frequent or severe hot flashes compared to women with lower BMI.  A 2010 clinical study showed that overweight or obese women can benefit from behavioral weight loss efforts to decrease the burden of their menopausal symptoms.   Many problems associated with aging are significantly improved or eliminated when extra pounds are shed.  Avoiding Type II Diabetes, back and joint pain, heart disease and stroke are some additional health incentives to keep in mind as you embrace a healthy lifestyle and gradually lose weight through eating well and regular exercise.

We know that eating fish can be healthy, in spite of all the warnings about mercury and other contaminants. Below is a study that showed that not only was the type of fish important to your health but ALSO the way it was prepared.
Baked or broiled fish led to a 30% decrease in heart disease whereas FRIED increased the risk of heart failure.
Be careful the next time you go into a fast food restaurant and skip the burgers to “eat healthy”.
  
 
Healthy Fish Linked to Lower Heart Risks
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Postmenopausal women who frequently consume baked or broiled fish may have a lower risk of developing heart failure, according to a new study. However, those who consume a lot of fried fish have a higher risk for heart trouble.