A Prescription for Health in Menopause The best approach to
menopause is to follow a healthy regimen. That includes dealing
with smoking, nutrition, exercise, weight management, and stress
reduction. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable illness and
premature death. It increases the risk for heart and lung
disease and osteoporosis, as well as lung and cervical cancer.
It increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease. Smokers also may
experience menopause up to two years earlier than nonsmokers.
Your health care provider can offer help to quit smoking. A
healthy diet is one low in saturated fat and high in whole
grains, fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. If you are in
perimenopause or beyond, however, you have special concerns:
Both heart disease and osteoporosis are greatly affected by
diet. You can lower your risk for heart disease by using little
or no cholesterol or animal fat. Olive and canola oil are good
alternatives. You also should avoid hydrogenated oils, such as
those found in some peanut but