Program helps women manage weight during menopause Pharmacist Nicole Schreiner stresses the importance of exercise during the "Menopause and Belly Fat'' program Monday at Streu's Main Street Pharmacy. It should be as routine as brushing your teeth (photo by Tina Gohr). By Tina M. Gohr News-Chronicle Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a menopause-symptom preventative shot similar to a flu vaccine? Gone would be sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, changes in tolerance to heat or cold, joint and muscle pain, hot flashes, allergies, vaginal dryness, irregular menstrual patterns, night sweats, hot flashes, fatigue, fluctuations in sexual desire or response, forgetfulness, hot flashes, weight fluctuations, headaches, mood swings and panic attacks. And did I mention hot flashes? Add another to the uninvited list - belly fat. For many menopausal women, belly fat comes with the territory. During menopausal years, the body might start storing fat in deposits on the belly, instead of, perhaps, on the hips. "Menopause and Belly Fat" was the topic of the grand opening of A Woman's Corner on Monday night at Streu's Main Street Pharmacy, 934 Main St. Located in the northwest corner of the building, A Woman's Corner offers reference material, information and Internet access to research women's health issues. The pharmacy is hosting a series of meetings on a variety of women's health issues. On Monday, 20 women paid $10 each to participate in the menopause talk and received $50 worth of supplement samples and gift certificates. "What's happening is that we're losing estrogen, but still have fair amount of testosterone remaining. Estrogen regulates reproductive functions. Testosterone is telling the body to deposit excess fat in the stomach," said clinical nutritionist Jane Kozicki. Hormone replacement therapy can help balance the hormones. If one hormone is out of whack, she said, it throws everything off, making it more difficult to maintain a healthy ratio of muscle and fat. "The more muscle you have, the easier it is to burn calories," continues Kozicki. "Muscle burns fat." Menopause is another reason to change weight management techniques. "You should have a plan for every decade," pharmacist Nicole Schreiner told the group. Beginning when you're 20 and adding a health improvement each decade thereafter. Housework helps but it should be supplemented with light exercise or stretching. "The benefits from exercise are tremendous," Schreiner said. "But you have to be realistic to fit it into your lifestyle. I've added exercise to my morning routine. I would never dream of leaving the house undressed or hair not combed or teeth not brushed. I also don't leave the house without exercise in the morning. "And stick with a quality, balanced diet. Is your protein choice a lean source of protein?" she asked. "Also, a product low in fat may be loaded with sugar." Changing hormones can trigger weight fluctuations, which mean women can gain weight without increasing the amount of food they eat. The thyroid is another issue that should be addressed for those more than a little overweight. The gland affects metabolism, or the body's ability to process the calories that are consumed. If you are overweight, the thyroid is usually the first thing a doctor will check, Kozicki said. It is estimated more than 4 million people have undiagnosed thyroid disease. It is closely associated with fatigue, inability to focus and facial puffiness. But once properly diagnosed, don't expect to instantly lose weight. The replacement therapy will allow individuals to maintain better energy so it will be easier to maintain weight control and focus. Fiber is another vital part to a proper diet. Fiber slows carbohydrate absorption into the blood stream. "The average American takes in 10 to 14 grams of fiber a day, way below other cultures in the world. It is recommended 20 to 30 grams. We need to eat more plants - fruits and vegetables," Kozicki said. "And avoid white sugar and white flour, which raises blood sugar." FYI: Streu's Main Street Pharmacy will also host "Colds and Flu" in December and "Fibromyligia" in February in conjunction with "A Woman's Corner" programs. Programs are limited to 20 attendees. Call 437-0206 for more information.