The clock is running out
We are down to our last two editions for 2023. And yet have much left to do and say! That goes for women’s health and our end of year holiday planning.
From gift lists to healthcare equity and looking forward to what 2024 will bring, we’re busy here at Eve Was Framed. We hope this week’s edition finds you well this holiday season.
- Maggie Ruvoldt & Stephanie Majercik
The Tasting Menu
Gift the Gift of Health (To Yourself or Someone Else)
When a Charley Horse Requires Attention
Migraines and Hormones
Gift the Gift of Health (to yourself or someone else)
This end of year giving season, consider giving the gift of health and well-being to the folks on your list with thoughtful presents that encourage a healthy lifestyle. Or use these to drop heavy hints to those buying for you! It’s not all water bottles and fitness trackers.
Health promoting subscription boxes
Subscription services that deliver healthy snacks or meal kits can be a delightful way to promote nutritious eating habits. You can also send a fruit or veggie of the month subscription. VeryWell has a list of these gifts.
There are also subscription boxes for self care too. They come in lots of forms like skincare, meditation and general wellness. We like Therabox, which was created by therapists. Mindfulness box has a list of their top 10 box suggestions.
Yoga or meditation
Consider gifting online or local classes for yoga or meditation. These activities not only enhance physical flexibility but also contribute to stress reduction and mental well-being. Some studios offer special introductory programs for new clients or workshops this time of year. You can get a gift card for the Calm App for sleep and mediation.
Healthy meals
One of the top New Year’s resolutions each year is eating healthier. Tools that make preparing nutritious meals easier can support that. Items like air fryers, blender sets, or vegetable spiralizers can inspire creativity in the kitchen. If you’ve got someone who likes fresh herbs, Food & Wine magazine reviewed the best indoor herb gardens and there are various price points. Speaking of wine, Boisson has a gift guide to nonalcoholic beverages including Maggie’s favorite sparkling wines from Thomas and Scott’s Noughty line.
It’s the little things
There were a few gifts that caught our eye that we wanted to share
52 Stress Less and Self Care Cards
A Lavender Weighted Heating and Cooling Wrap
Some of the lists we found inspiring for these ideas were:
Uncommon Goods has gifts for wellness ranging from an acupressure mat to shower steamers. Our favorite is the Snarky Affirmations Desk Calendar
Health’s list of 24 gifts under $50
Good Housekeeping's list of 50 wellness gifts
Prevention’s list of 69 wellness gifts
When a Charley Horse Requires Attention
It’s happened to us all. You’re out for a run, for a swim, walk, or just sitting on the couch minding your own business and suddenly a muscle in your leg, foot, or somewhere else seizes, hurts for a second or two, and then goes away.
These muscle spasms are commonly known as a charley horse and are very common and not cause for concern. Most of us experience them in our legs, but they can happen throughout the body.
A charley horse is typically caused by:
Overused muscles
Inadequately stretched or warmed up muscles
Dehydration
Stress
Mineral depletion
Poor circulation
Getting a charley horse here and there is perfectly normal and nothing you need to worry about. You may just want to examine what might have caused it and incorporate more stretching or hydrate better (with electrolytes and water) to reduce or prevent them in the future.
All that said, if you’re getting charley horses regularly – meaning you’re getting them once a week without an obvious explanation (like you’re training for a marathon and are terrible about stretching 😬) – then you want to talk to your doctor.
These frequent charley horses may be a sign of mineral deficiencies or more severe disorders such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) which is when your major arteries become blocked and can manifest as leg pain (especially during exercise).
Treatment for severe charley horses may include pain medication or anti spasm meds.
So, keep an eye on how often they’re happening and what the causes might be. If you’re getting them often and can’t really explain why – see a doctor and make sure you’re not avoiding a bigger risk.
Migraines and Hormones
Hormones play a significant role in the onset and frequency of migraines, particularly in women. Fluctuations in estrogen levels, a key reproductive hormone, have been identified as a major trigger for migraines in many sufferers. The connection between hormones and migraines is particularly evident during certain phases of the menstrual cycle.
Women often experience migraines related to their menstrual cycle, with attacks commonly occurring in the days leading up to menstruation or during the first few days of the cycle. This suggests that the drop in estrogen levels, which happens just before menstruation, may be a crucial factor in triggering migraines. Similarly, women using oral contraceptives or undergoing hormone replacement therapy may also experience changes in migraine patterns due to alterations in hormonal levels.
Pregnancy and menopause are two other life stages where hormonal fluctuations can influence migraines. While some women find relief from migraines during pregnancy, others may experience an increase in frequency. Menopause, marked by a decline in estrogen, can also bring about changes in migraine patterns.
Understanding the intricate relationship between hormones and migraines is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. Hormone therapy and lifestyle modifications, such as stress management and regular sleep patterns, are often recommended to help manage hormonal migraines.
Additionally, tracking menstrual cycles and hormone levels can aid in predicting and preventing migraines, empowering individuals to take a proactive approach in managing this often debilitating condition.
Medical Term of the Week
One form of alternative therapy that can help with conditions such as chronic pain is biofeedback. Biofeedback therapy teaches you to control body functions that otherwise are involuntary like muscle tension. The Cleveland Clinic has a great explanation of the uses, risks and benefits.
The Latest
OOVA is launching a perimenopause hormone kit (From FemTech Insider)
The case for a revolution in US healthcare for women (From Fast Company)
A beautiful piece on reproductive health and black women (By Sage Howard on HuffPost)