How are your new Years Resolutions! Fallen by the wayside already? Monitor your health with your own perosonal planner for the new year.

Make it a year to be active and positive in a continuously monthly appraisal of your health and lifestyle. This will prove to be the most important and beneficial new year’s resolution you can make for your general health and well-being .

Your planner will help you remember next year what your menstrual status, weight and general well-being was in this January, the most common complaint of the menopause is the loss or lack of memory!

Regular checks are important, as your menopausal status will change from month to month as the year progresses. Keeping records will lead to increased self-awareness

Breasts care, self-examine monthly (at the end of) whilst still menstruating and at any time of the month for those not menstruating, observe any changes. If you are unsure seek medical advice. Mammograms are available over the age of 50 or earlier to those at risk

Menstrual cycle note monthly bleeds, duration, cessation and any changes. If there is bleeding and spotting at any other time seek medical advice. Cervical smear screening is important, test every 3-5 years, or as directed from your GP or wellwomen clinic

Your heart, check your at risk factors, has your life style changed? Our body needs cholesterol but check for those that give us good HDL and not bad LDL. Weight gain can be the predisposing factor for many ailments and illnesses. Blood pressure & Cholesterol should be checked every six months.

Diet – ensure your intake is well balanced and contains the essential vitamins and minerals to keep the body’s systems balanced. As we age our intolerance levels to certain foods changes. The menopause diet & Blood group diet, may aid this balance with the addition or omission of foods. One regular food to which your body may be intolerant, could change your life, especially in terms of menopausal symptoms. Weigh yourself once a month; it is easier to lose 2lb, than the 10lbs that has crept on over six months.

Supplementation is important, the lack of or the deficiency in one vital element can cause others to be less effective. A colloidal mineral taken daily keeps our systems balanced.

Osteoporosis is more likely to occur over the age of 50, after an early menopause and for those of low body weight, plus low fat dieters, who are at risk due to the lack of calcium. Minor bumps and knocks resulting in fracture should be followed up with a Bone density scan. See your GP if you think you’re at risk.

Endocrine system is a group of specialist glands that at the time of hormonal change control more of your health and well-being than any other system in the body. The thyroid controls chemical and metabolic rates. Check your thyroid function yearly this is available from your GP.

And finally HORMONES!! That delicate balancing act of knowing if you are approaching the menopausal phase, in the menopause or not, are you symptomatic or suffering another health problem A blood test for follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) or luetinising hormones (LH) levels is available from your GP.

Your yearly planner awaits the new YOU Be Positive plan for the changes and reassess your life style There is life beyond the MENOPAUSE.