It's all in the preparation

Preparing for my adventure

Ever since I was 11 I have dreamt of exploring the Amazon Jungle and, at last, this May I am finally on my way!

Although it is a good few weeks away I am now starting my preparations. What clothes to take? I will be travelling up the coast of Peru so I need beachwear, but I will also be hiking in the Andes so will need my boots, warm clothing and rain-proofs, and I will also be in the Amazon Jungle in Ecuador so will need mosquito-proof, light clothes. Help! I am not the best minimalist packer so I know I have a big job on my hands with this.

I also have to have a Yellow Fever inoculation, which I am not looking forward to. There could be side effects – I have to organise this now so that I am fine when I travel. I also like to take a supply of herbal remedies, potions and lotions for all eventualities so I have to figure out which ones I will need to take on this trip. My holiday lists are slowly getting longer and longer (I am a great believer in lists and find that they help me to focus and to remember important things!)

So I need to prepare, in advance, to make sure that my holiday runs as smooth as possible and that I am fit and healthy (also stepping up my weekly exercise regime) so that I enjoy every amazing minute. And, believe it or not, preparing well in advance for the menopause is also a really good idea!

Preparing for the menopause

Most women, when they are young, have no thought about the menopause, many not even realising what it may entail, only to be shocked when it does arrive and knocks them for six. It is important to realise that on the whole, the fitter and healthier you are the less likely you are to get symptoms that will impact on your day-to-day life.

So if you are in your late 30s-early 40s this is the time for preparation! What can you do to help yourself? I have put together another of my little lists.

• Check your diet, have a varied, wholesome diet with plenty of fresh foods, nuts and seeds.
• Drink enough plain water everyday and try to avoid coffee and fizzy drinks.
• Watch your stress – daily stress affects the hormones at any age so daily relaxation is a must!
• Exercise is very important, weight bearing exercise – even walking briskly for 30 min every day – to keep the bones healthy, and exercise such as yoga or Pilates to keep your muscles supple.
• The menopause stresses the body in many ways and nutritional needs go sky high so taking a good female multivitamin supplement is a good idea at this stage.
• Read up on the menopause so that you have a good idea of what is going to happen to you and how you can deal with symptoms if they do appear.

Doing a little preparation such as this could well make your menopause a happy one instead of a miserable one!

PS  Follow my trip on my Twitter Page and I will let you know how I get on with my case!