The Optimal Health Blog
The Menopause Game Changers: Sleep and Mind-Body Practices That Really Work
Women in early perimenopause report the highest level of stress. 1 Depression and anxiety are most prevalent in this stage of life. In our medical practice, we support women with a comprehensive personalized approach, which may include referring to and collaborating...
Own Your Glow: The Midlife Nutrition Playbook for Energy, Healthy Aging, and Lifelong Wellness
In our article on what is happening to my body during menopause, we explored how the hormonal shifts of menopause affect nearly every system in the body and why midlife represents a critical window for prevention and early intervention. We also discussed proactive...
Your Secret Weapon for Perimenopause and Menopause? Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools available to women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Personally, when I exercise, I am in a better mood, I’m better equipped to deal with stress, and I feel stronger, agile and more flexible. If I miss...
The Missing Pieces of Menopause: Why Micronutrients and Alcohol Matter More Than You Think
Shifting hormones in perimenopause can create new metabolic demands and vulnerabilities for the body. Targeted micronutrient support and making mindful choices around alcohol play important roles in protecting bone, metabolic, and overall health in perimenopause and...
Disease Prevention and Screening in Menopause and Midlife
Menopause is a vulnerable window of time for women but also a window of empowerment and opportunity for preventive screening strategies that lower the risk of disease and improve quality of life. In this article, we share what you need to know to reduce your...
Menopause: What Is Happening to My Body
Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years, beginning on average at 51. 4 years of age in the U.S.1 Although menopause itself is not a disease, the hormonal fluctuations it brings can profoundly impact multiple body...
Integrative Approaches to Healing Anxiety with Dr. Victoria Maizes – BOJANA MD Episode 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx3JDMTl82g In our latest episode of BOJANA MD podcast, I am joined by Dr. Victoria Maizes to dive deep into integrative approaches to healing anxiety. Nearly 20% of adults in the U.S. have anxiety. In our practice, we see this much...
Colorectal Cancer Is Rising in Gen X—Here’s What You Need to Know
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the data is sobering: colorectal cancer is now one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the United States. While rates have declined in adults over 65, incidence is rising sharply in younger populations,...
Support Your Heart Health – An Evidence-Based Guide
To better assess my own cardiovascular risk, this year, I had my own coronary calcium scan and carotid ultrasound. Thankfully, both studies were unremarkable (meaning not showing any concerning features). My coronary calcium score was 0. This means that there is no...