Along with the growing stressors of modern life, theres been a corresponding dependence on fatigue fighters such as energy drinks, triple-shot lattes and Mountain Dew. We take supplements to re-charge our metabolic systems, often reaching for quick-fix solutions when what we really need is to rest and recharge. But then, whos got the time? But without time spent each day in an anabolic state, or what Niwot author and pharmacist Dr. Izabella Wentz calls a state of rest and digest, were basically telling our bodies that were unsafea situation that, over a sustained period, triggers biologic responses that can lead to autoimmune conditions. At 27, Wentz was diagnosed with Hashimotos disease, also known as hypothyroidism, an autoimmune condition that results in an underactive thyroid gland. Wentz often felt cold, with other symptoms including hair loss, acid reflux, fatigue and depression. Like many autoimmune sufferers, she was told by doctors that her symptoms were just in her head. One doctor told her she was experiencing the normal signs of aging, she said. That was her wake-up call. From then on Wentz took a more active role in figuring out her own road back to health. That plan led to remission, and … Continue reading →

The camper was never meant to be anyones home, but the 120-acre spread it sits on is the closest thing to a home the tenant has ever known. More importantly, it marks the place where one way of life ends, andanother begins. In most cases, a name doesnt matter. For this story, its critical. Start with Mark. For the first 20 years of his life, he was a tattooed, muscled roughneck who worked oil rigs, collected muscle cars and raced mud bog trucks; a real self-described Wyoming redneck. When Mark was 21, he legally changed his name to Misty. And for the first time in his life, Mark felt he was who he is supposed to be a woman. Mark, now Misty, puts on eye shadow, wears frilly shirts and dons tennis shoes with pink laces when she climbs under the car to change the oil. Misty is very much a mans man. In this regard, her gender identity is still at odds with her sex in that shes still very much a guy when it comes to her interests, including her preference for dating women. Ironically, the more comfortable she feels in her female body with breast implants and … Continue reading →

Going through menopause is usually a difficult time for women and there are a lot of physical changes that take place. So often we hear about the hot flushes, sleepless nights and lowered libido. But is it really that bad and what actually happens? Specialist Clinics of Australia owner and clinical director Dr Garry Cussell debunks the top five myths of menopause and sheds light on how to make this time of transition as easy and as possible. Whilst the average age that women hit menopause is 51 to 52 years old, it can in fact happen to women in their 40s (early menopause) or even younger (premature menopause). Surgery or medical treatments that affect hormones such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can bring on early menopause or premature menopause. Genetic factors also play a role in determining the age a woman will hit menopause but every woman has her own moment, says Dr Cussell. Lack of estrogen can cause symptoms such as itchiness, decreased lubrication, and pain during sexual intercourse and incontinence of urine. These symptoms generally appear a few years after the onset of menopause and affect up to 50% of post-menopausal women. Many women believe that the … Continue reading →