Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Poise That Refreshes


Now, I believe I have alluded in the past to the gobsmacking nature of menopause.  Let's review: at a time in your life when you are most likely enjoying the charming experience of living with a child going through the throes of puberty (complete with eyerolls, disdainful sneers, and angst galore), you yourself are experiencing what can only be described as a second adolescence, only less fun.  


Some days, I feel like this.
Acne, insecurity about your appearance, public embarrassment (when you forget to cross your legs before you sneeze) - ladies, all this and more will be yours at some point in your 40's.  Couple those delights with a face that insists on following the siren call of gravity and the realization that you have suddenly TURNED INTO YOUR MOTHER, and you've got a recipe for a humdinger of a decade.

Am I being too negative?  Forgive me.   Remember that movie in 4th grade?  The one that called the onset of menses a beautiful time in one's life?  We don't need to be lied to again, do we?  

Menopause sucks.  It's not beautiful, not unless you think "Is it hot in here or is it just me?" is incredibly alluring.

I swear to God, I just uttered that line TODAY to my dental hygienist.  SHOOT ME NOW.

Where was I?  Oh, yes, menopause.  There are some benefits to this time of our lives, true.  I'm no longer spending money on Kotex, for instance.  Of course, those funds are now going toward products that bill themselves - erroneously, I might add - as "wrinkle-removers"; but at least I no longer have to worry about being stocked up, as it were.  And I can schedule a trip to the beach without planning around "that time of the month."

Hey, who else remembers teen slumber parties where you discussed, "Oh my gosh, what if you have your period on your wedding night?"

Just me?  Okay, never mind.

Anywhoo, Poise (which is - full disclosure - sponsoring this post, but the opinions herein are mine, ALL MINE) has come out with a line of products designed to mitigate some of the less pleasant aspects of going through this time of life.


People, when BlogHer told me I could test one of these products, I immediately fixated on their Roll-On Cooling Gel, a purse-friendly tube of something magic that delivers a cooling sensation when you roll it on your wrists or neck.   You see, my current method of alleviating the discomfort that accompanies hot flashes is to grab an ice pack from the freezer and apply it to the back of my neck.  As you can imagine, this approach can be a little difficult to implement when one is away from home.  As a result, my spouse has had to endure the embarrassment of watching me, in public, fish ice cubes out of my drink and shove them down the back of my shirt.


Of course, that embarrassment is NOTHING compared to what he would experience were I to follow my first instinct of simultaneously stripping down to my underwear and dumping my cold drink over my head.  So, really, he shouldn't complain, don't you think?


Anyway, it struck me that this Roll-On Cooling Gel idea might be a more subtle way to deal with hot flashes when I am away from my freezer.  And I'm pleased to report that it does help mitigate the discomfort I experience from hot flashes.  What's more, it doesn't have any funky scent that would give me a headache.  So many products designed for women are contaminated with perfumes that are, for me and many others, a direct ticket to a migraine.  This Cooling Gel is NOT one of them.

Poise brand's other products designed for this "change of life," as I remember Edith Bunker calling it, are the following:

Body Cooling Towelettes offer instant cooling and refreshment.  Gently wipe the towelette on wrists, chest or neck to feel cool and comfortable. Featuring a portable, re-sealable package, these towelettes are easy to use anywhere you go.

Personal Lubricant designed to enhance your intimate experience. This lubricant features an easy to use bottle and is made without Fragrance, Glycerin or Parabens.
 

Panty Fresheners have a fresh and clean scent that lasts up to four hours. These discreet,  hypoallergenic fresheners stick to the outside of your undergarments so you can confidently go about your day. 

Feminine Wash provides daily freshness with a unique formulation that is pH balanced for your intimate area. Glycerin and paraben free, this gentle wash will help you feel clean and confident.


Learn more about these new products, hear stories from real women, share your own, and pledge to join The 2nd Talk at Poise.com.    Also, get a free sample by clicking here or download a coupon here.

And, wait!  Here's the best part: Poise is giving away a $100 Visa gift card to one lucky commenter on this post.  All you have to do is answer the following question:

How are you approaching life's changes confidently?

Sweepstakes Rules

No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
  2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
  3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
  4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 120 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 1/22/13-2/19/13.
Be sure to visit the Poise brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!



[Edith Bunker image: Talent Mechanic]

116 comments:

  1. Very. Funny. I approach it with a box of wine and a package of baby wipes!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm taking more vitamins and herbal supplements as I get older.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. tweet:

    https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/293873737055469570

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  4. I make sure I get enough sleep, take vitamins and evening primrose oil

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  5. https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/293886258189574144

    elena150980@yahoo.com

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  6. I am in denial. That, and menopause means I am actually warm, for once in my life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deb, HA! You've given me something to look forward to...I am cold all the time. I need a warm rock and a heat lamp to get through winter.

      Delete
  7. by focusing on the positive! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

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  8. https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/293916608370454529 scg00387 at yahood ot com

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  9. I am approaching life’s changes confidently by staying in shape, eating well and staying open-minded.
    kellywcuATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  10. tweet
    https://twitter.com/kellydsaver/status/293918788146061313
    kellywcuATyahooDOTcom

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  11. NOTHING WORKS WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE.

    (I tend to be dramatic.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well Suzy, you're at least telling it like it is! If anyone thinks her daily vitamin pill and a chapter of "Chicken Soup for the Vicious Crone's Soul" is what's making her menopause experience so pleasant she still believes in the tooth fairy.

      Some of us have a hideous experience and some sail of us right through. I asked my mom but she said she couldn't remember; she was too busy then. Mom and my two sisters (the fittest, most positive ladies you'll ever meet) didn't "change" until age 52, and had a miserable time, so I was steeled for suffering. Surprise! Mine came at 48 and was only medium awful (thank God the HRT scare was just hysteria.)

      But Karen, listen to yourself: You're shilling a stick-on air freshener for my "undergarments." Seriously? Wasn't there any way to opt out of that portion of the marketing plan?

      Delete
    2. It's a package deal. I didn't even pay attention to that particular product, as I can't use anything scented myself. Just be glad it isn't the plug-in type of air freshener, right?

      Delete
    3. Plug-in air freshener... I call that a fan, and I use them constantly in warmer weather! Seriously, I claim my own and point it at me wherever I am in the house. Unless it is really hot weather, no one wants to sit near me because they freeze at the dinner table.
      Underwear air freshener... is that kin to the air freshener that masquerades as a way to hide farts? (And does it really work?)

      Delete
  12. I am approaching life's changes confidently by taking care of my body and trying to eat healthy.

    Jennifer Marie

    lilnursejen at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. tweeted

    https://twitter.com/JenniferCNP/status/293928614519529473

    jennifer marie

    lilnursejen at yahoo dot com

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  14. Great Post!! I can't wait to pick up some of the cooling gel for my sister.

    I feel I am approaching life's changes confidently by taking better care of myself. I am eating healthier, getting more sleep, trying to get more exercise and taking vitamins.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tweet

    https://twitter.com/CouponTammy/status/293967745123495937

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  16. I try to stay in shape, take vitamins, and just take one day at a time.
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    ReplyDelete
  17. I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/MsCarolsueA/status/293995479954518016
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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  18. I'm 44, so I guess I will be there soon. I approach it confidently by exercising a lot and trying to educate myself on the subject, and I take some comfort in knowing that there are some great products to help make that transition easier these days.

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  19. I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/tracylr233/status/294028761198903296

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  20. i stay positive! :)

    freebiel0ve@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/294061778000805888 .

    freebiel0ve@yahoo.com

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  22. i stay away from the negative people in my life

    vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

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  23. tweet

    https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/294069049447563265

    vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com

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  24. I'm 47 and I try to approach confidently just by keeping up (trying anyway) with my 7 and 5 year old. Who has time to deal with hot flashes?

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  25. Um, well....I am approaching it confidently by totally ignoring the fact that it is coming! My kids actually just pointed out a Poise ad yesterday in which Lisa Rinna was posing for their products. They were shocked. I had to explain to them some of the "things" that happen to ladies after they have had children....and warned them of things to come, since I have had 6 children! The looks on their faces were priceless! :)

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  26. I handle life changes by taking the stress out by working out every morning at 5 a.m.

    DonnaWallach at yahoo dot com

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  27. I take a daily vitamin and exercise regularly. I try to stay positive and embrace life!


    amypugmire@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. tweet. amypugmire@live.com
    https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/294135090634706947

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  29. With grace! It's going to happen so I'm just accepting it. Exercising and keeping active should help, too

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  30. Thank you, SC, for your honest take on menopause. Now I have something to look forward to in just a few years. After birthing 2 10-pound babies (out of 3), I thought that certain things can't get much worse or more embarrassing, but I forget that things always can get worse. Once again, thank you.

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  31. finding the advantages in the changes and not worry about the negatives

    thismomwins@gmail.com

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  32. When I went thru "the change" I had so much going on that I am not sure what was because of menopause or stress and depression of the other things! Thank goodness those years are behind me. Debra chedeb5353@hotmail.com

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  33. I just hope to take it a day at a time.
    chambanachik at gmail dot com

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  34. Some of my older friends are at this life stage and it's been interesting to hear their experiences. Glad I will have an awesome network of smart ladies when I get there.

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  35. eat better and exercise every day
    merleandtina@Yahoo.com

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  36. https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/294196236737736704
    merleandtina@Yahoo.com

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  37. I think often about the millions of other gals who go through the same things, realize I'm sure not the only one getting older, and decide to try and grow older gracefully, rather than fight it.

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    Replies
    1. I TRY TO EMBRACE EACH DAY NOW THAT I AM OVER SIXTY AND TRY NOT TO SWEAT THE SMALL THINGS IN LIFE. I AM GLAD THAT POISE HAS A COOL SOLUTION. KANINA0@MYWAY.COM

      Delete
  38. I am very lucky 50-14 months and I am pretty much asymptomatic. My periods are not as regular, but that's about it. Every once in a while I get a bit warm, but I have seen real hot flashes and that ain't them.

    I am having a very lowkey, chronic anxiety attack about turning 50, but it's not about the menopause, it's about not being young anymore. Even though, clearly, from my age, I have not been young for a long time already!

    ReplyDelete
  39. ignoring it and embracing life.

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  40. depends on the day, somedays i can tackle anything, others I want to curl up in a ball and just sleep ;)

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  41. I have been taking more vitamins

    nickieisis3atgmaildotcom

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  42. Ha! Definitely in denial mentally, but occasionally my body puts on a show even I can't deny. Out to dinner with a bunch of younger moms they watched as I experienced two flashes. The red flush crept up out of my collar, engulfed my head, including my ears, and sweat began to pour from my body. You could see the wheels spinning,"

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  43. exercise!!!

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  44. Hasn't totally hit yet so I'm still in denial. I have started taking a calcium supplement sometimes though...about once a week or less on average. The good news is that a bottle lasts me a really long time! Also I've been weight-lifting, so that ought to help. Right?

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  45. My biggest life change right now is having my first child (so no menopause just yet!)! I'm finding confidence in preparing for that by taking time to research it and work through my feelings/fears beforehand, so that when the time comes, I'll (hopefully) be more ready for it!

    lifeblessons -at- gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I’m just taking it one day at a time – and hoping that my symptoms aren’t as bad as my moms were!
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  47. tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/294875893099278336
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  48. I have not had an easy time of it. I am still going through it. I have contacted my doctor regarding different issues and each time she says that what I am experiencing seems to be a symptom of perimenopause with menopause coming on. Some days are good and others really not so good. I just have to take it as it comes. I am not taking medication due to a health issue (unrelated) so I have to do things naturally. I am taking it as it comes.

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  49. As long as it is still winter, no one thinks I am too strange when I step outside to check the weather... but it's always fun to be in a group and suddenly have sweat pouring off my face!
    If the wipes work, I should probably pick some up.

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  50. What a wonderful product review and giveaway. I would love to try that roll on cooling gel! I am approaching life’s changes confidently by thinking positively. It might be easier said than done. But I’m trying my best.

    Amy [at] utry [dot] it

    ReplyDelete
  51. tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/295043258264997888

    Amy [at] utry [dot] it

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am 40 and pregnant and already have some of these symptoms. Do I get credit for this already and menopause will be shorter? I am trying to have a good attitude about it and hopefully there will be a lot of laughs helping me get through the rough spots. Thank goodness there are products out there to help us cope with some of the issues and we won't feel like we are going through it alone! sonyadmorris@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/295373779922739200
    sonyadmorris@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Haven 't gotten to menopause yet - will take it one day at a time. Thanks for all the info about products that help out!

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

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  55. I am taking yoga classes to stay fit

    ReplyDelete
  56. tweeted https://twitter.com/mendyd/status/295730313202638849
    mendyd15 at yahoo dot com

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  57. I keep up with daily exercises and have balanced meals to prepare for life's changes.

    ReplyDelete
  58. https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/295752436340117507

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  59. I am approaching life's changes with some concern, but I am eating right, getting a bit of exercise, really trying to take care of myself, to make the change easier.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. 2nd entry tweet - https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/296349461242863616
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I had a helpful doctor point out that I will have a teenage daughter when I am in menopause. She expressed sympathy for the men in our lives. So I am approaching it with some trepidation, but also looking forward to the end of the monthly mood swings. Provided we all make it out the other side alive, of course.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I talk to my mom about how she made through the changes, it helps me a lot. It's great for poise the organize women to share their stories.
    songyueyu at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  63. tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/296848346633601024
    songyueyu at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  64. I am approaching life's changes confidently by switching to a female GP, preferably one older than I am.

    Currently, I'm 50 and a half, and the plumbing is still running faithfully. It's like changing the oil on a car that is up on blocks with no wheels. WHAT'S THE POINT?! Meanwhile, when I stand in the kitchen on Thanksgiving and ask if it's "hot in here", everyone snickers. Thsnks, guys...

    ReplyDelete
  65. I am taking vitamins (especially vitamin D) to help with mood changes and I go for acupuncture every once in a while to help with night sweats.

    ReplyDelete
  66. So far, so good. I haven't had an real big issues yet!

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  67. TRY TO EAT BETTER,EXERCISE MORE,AND AS ALWAYS PRAY,,,GIVE ME STRENGTH.....THANKS...MARTHA AT BERRYCHERRY63@HOTMAIL.COM

    ReplyDelete
  68. I make sure I get enough sleep, take vitamins, exercise and except and embrace the changes I'm going through.

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  69. https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/297888137630330880

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  70. I'm not there yet, but it is something I'm already starting to think about since my mom had early menopause. Nice to see that there will be products to use!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I am accepting that change is a way of life, good or bad. We must embrace change and not try and fight it. That is the attitude I am trying to take anyway!

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/299162756941238272

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I am trying to get more exercise to release stress and am just trying to make the best of things hotflashes, night sweats, weight gain and all.

    shawn113(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  74. i just try to always have a good attitude
    sherricrawford70atyahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete
  75. I am one of those that went through menopause at a very early age, 41. I wish they woiuld have had these products 10-12 years ago!

    debyoung61@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Find humor and enjoyment in the little things in life and keep smiling.
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Tweet: https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/299998013319958529
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I am approaching it with humor and a good attitude.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I have to admit that I'm not really approaching it with confidence, but it sounds like these products would be a great help! Thanks so much for sharing and for a chance to win!!!! kmassman gmail

    ReplyDelete
  80. Due to medication I went through it earlier than expected. Keeping a sense of humor really helps. Roll with it :)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  81. eating healthier, taking vitamins, and taking it one day at a time.

    dlatany at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. by reading and learning as much as I can. Having these products to rely on is also helpful.
    MCantu1019 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I am eating healthy and am conscience of my vitamin intake

    OliviaTheServiceDog at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Tweeted

    https://twitter.com/OliviaAbby/status/302613146458267648

    Oliviatheservicedog at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. I've been taking better care of myself both physically and mentally - I've been working out and telling myself to take a break every once in a while!

    jfong1130 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. tweeted: https://twitter.com/jfong1130/status/302614127577284608

    jfong1130 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I decided ahead of time that I was going to be as prepared as possible. I opted not to take the hormones and my family managed to live through my mood swings.

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  88. yes, not scared of it at all

    ReplyDelete
  89. To feel confident I try to keep my skin healthy looking by using lots of moisturizer and sunscreen.


    eugeniewu at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I've already had the worst of it but still have hot flashes so I might try the cooling gel.

    mybeachylife at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Tweeted - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/303577601312702466

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I'm preparing to be confident by taking supplements and eating healthy organic foods low in sugar.

    ReplyDelete
  93. tweeted https://twitter.com/prizepuzzle/status/303585324481794049

    ReplyDelete
  94. quite honestly, I am 55 years old and still having my period on a regular basis...I take one day a time...and try to keep my attitude positive. aunteegem@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. i like to take it easy, not get stressed over things! hopefully when i approach menopause i will have it easy and if not these products seem like they would be helpful
    Thanks for a super giveaway!
    My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/303841302582267906
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  97. the cooling gel sound great

    ReplyDelete
  98. https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/303951409961910272

    ReplyDelete
  99. This is tricky, I am approaching by thinking more of my health more water and eating better. Hoping this helps with the process sweepmorey at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I use moisturizer, take vitamins, drink lots of water and walk several time a week

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. tweet
    https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/303991848706383872

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. i tweeted here:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/304070004033331201

    debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I'm not crazy about all the side effects of getting older... but... its better than the alternative!

    ReplyDelete
  104. just trying to stay healthy

    ReplyDelete
  105. I try to stay consistent with exercise, and I dress in layers for those days when I'm hotter than usual!
    madelinebrubaker {at} gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  106. Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/321786388955668480

    ReplyDelete
  107. extra sleep and positive affirmations! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. Plenty of rest and one moment at a time.

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. Tweeted here

    https://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/327012654986166272

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I'm doing one day at a time and learning what I can about menopause.
    MCantu1019 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I'm trying to stay in the best shape and best health that I can, so I'm ready for any upcoming changes!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete