Costa Women Blogs

So, hands up who was thrilled to be turning 40? We might look at our older sisters, mothers, or friends and see how they complain about “it all being downhill from now”.   Like an inexplicable acceptance of middle age and all the aches, forgetfulness, loss of vitality and maybe loss of libido. The perimenopause is the period leading up to the menopause when our periods finally stop.   It often starts in our late thirties with early symptoms commonly experienced by our early forties. And it can last for years. Symptoms can be so vague and benign at the start—a missed period now and again, breasts being a little more tender than usual, or increased PMT—that you would probably never think it could be related to the menopause.   By the time you are in full-blown perimenopause, you might have just become used to just feeling, well, not yourself. If you’re lucky, your symptoms will remain mild, but the majority of women will experience some of the following at some stage during the perimenopause: · Anxiety · Heart palpitations · Heavy periods that last for weeks or that are very erratic · Brain fog · Insomnia · Food intolerances · Itchy and a sensation of crawling underneath your skin · Fatigue · Rage   These are just a handful of the many issues faced by women during this significant period of time leading up to the menopause known as the perimenopause. And women often find their quality life being affected to a lesser or greater degree, often for several years.   And worst of all, they often don’t even know what is going on! They just put it down to getting old, a part of life, something to just put up with. All while trying to mind children, elderly parents, hold down a job, and go on as if nothing is wrong.   There is no one-size-fits-all solution—every woman is different and what works for one might not for another. But at least by opening up dialogue about this, women can feel understood and can actually take more control over their bodies and lives.   There are resources out there, such as books, online groups, and professionals trained in the different areas of menopause. However, women have to go and look for them and not everyone is finding them. This really needs to change. We need to talk to our children, partners, friends and open up the conversation about this significant change that women go through.   We need to remove the negative stigma attached to the menopause. We need to educate young women about this so that they are prepared to what they will be going through some day.   Hopefully by then, finding the right solution for any symptoms that might be bothering them will be readily available. Because we should not have to just accept that this is the way it is now. We should demand more for ourselves.   After all, we might live 30 or 40 years after going through menopause. With the right help and guidance, we should be living those years with vitality, rather than with a diminished quality of life.   Join our Perimenopause Facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/perimenopausespain **************************************************************

WEDNESDAY WELLNESS BLOG Peri-menopause wasn´t something we taught about years ago, but now with changing times medical staff and health professionals are realising that this is in fact, a real situation, and that women are certainly suffering from this period of life. At what age can women expect this? Not every woman experiences peri-menopause, the reason being everyone is different, and has different lifestyles and health history. However, most women begin to see signs of peri-menopause around the age of 36 – 40 years old. So what is one of the most common symptoms associated with Peri-menopause? Usually ovarian cysts, which of course are difficult to identify as they lie very quiet until they decide to give us pain and let us know they are there. So how do you deal with this? Regular check-ups at your gynaecologist is a must. Aunts and grandmothers will tell you that they never did this, and of course that may be true, but on the other hand, they didn´t need to, why? Because life was completely different 40 – 50 years ago. Stress, contamination in our food, chemicals in our water and food products, all this contributes to the way our bodies deal with hormonal changes.  Endometriosis – what exactly is this? This is another symptom of peri-menopause and must not be taken lightly, this disease in which stray pieces of the womb attach themselves to other pelvic organs – and sometimes other organs. It must be taken seriously and usually with regular check ups it will be detected early. What happens then? They form into cysts and, during periods, will bleed like the rest of the womb lining. However, because the blood cannot escape they become swollen and may cause a lot of pain – although some women have endometriosis and no pain at all. This disease is more common in women who have not had children, around 30-40% of sufferers are infertile. However, this can be rectified. Severe cramps Heavy periods Pelvic pain Pain during intercourse Pain when passing water Swollen stomach Depression  Tiredness Insomnia  Endometriosis is usually treated by surgery, keyhole surgery is the easiest way, unless the symptoms are extreme. If follow up drugs are given they will usually cause hot flushes, vaginal dryness, acne and some weight gain. Once the drugs are stopped life can go back to normal.  Some practitioners will provide a course of low dosage oestrogen and progesterone cream. Why Progesterone Cream? Natural Progesterone cream is the best, because it is transdermal, which means it is transported to the liver via the skin rather than the stomach. Capsules can be dissolved in the stomach acids and juices, so much of the medication is lost in this way. Transdermal bio-identical therapy works quickly and is very gentle on the system.  If a woman has recently had Endometriosis removed, she is very venerable and will feel tearful and worried, the reason being is that her endocrine system has been changed, and he body is not sure exactly what is happening. However, Progesterone cream acts as the “happy hormone cream” it will immediately affect the way a woman feels, she will feel brighter and this is because her hormones are harmonizing, this is the beginning of a secure and safe recovery. Will she need Progesterone Cream afterwards? Very likely yes, once the hormones begin to balance progesterone will keep the oestrogen at an even level, which means it will fight off any unwanted side effects or the return of cysts and endometria, so ideally for the first six months after her surgery she will need a daily dose with a 7 days break, then she can slowly go onto a low dose to keep her balanced and happy Is a hysterectomy necessary? No, today women are treated with hormone therapy and keyhole surgery, however if there is sign of cancer or extreme damage the surgeon may recommend a semi-hysterectomy (leaving the ovaries) or if the ovaries have been affected too, remove of them or one of them. Women have the choice, but be sure you ask the right questions. What else is recommended for endometriosis? Most women nowadays try to include natural therapy in their recuperation of many illnesses and diseases. Learning about this is very important. Always check before you embark on a natural product, they also can be dangerous and harmful. Find out if you are allergic to certain herbs, tinctures and supplements before you embark on a course that could be detrimental to your health. Natural Therapy for Endometriosis……..read more   Find out more about Natural Progesterone Cream and how it may help you.    Contact me Email me your questions Request a consultation   www.mividanatura.com Email: hello@mividanatura.com    

Husband and wife hypnotherapy team are using their skills to raise funds for superheroes at the Cornwall Air Ambulance. Marbella based clinical hypnotherapist, Sandie Ashing has been inspired by her family connection to the Cornwall Air Ambulance to take on their “Superhero Challenge” in style. My little brother is my hero. He risks his own life daily to save others. Sandie will overcome her own phobias of the ocean and heights to parasail on 5 June with Captain Kevin of Pirate Parasailing in Fuengirola to raise funds for this amazing organisation. Fortunately husband and fellow hypnotist Stuart Ashing is able to help with Sandie’s fears. “I help Superheroes to fly again, so I will coach Sandie to overcome her fears and fly herself to help these superheroes”. Recognising that she is probably not alone with these fears Sandie has insisted that this be available for everyone. Stuart is hosting a FREE zoom appointment at 19:00 Tuesday 1 June, that all can join- email info@luxtherapyclinic.com for details. Sandie’s clients also wanted to support her – her weight loss group are donating 1euro per kilo lost! And Sandie will be matching their donations. With an average of 5-10kgs lost per person this could add up quickly! To sponsor Sandie’s parasail go here:  www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sandie-Ashing To join her “ 1euro for 1kg  “  weight loss challenge go here  : http://bit.ly/DropADressSize-zoom-intro To join the free phobia fighting zoom call email  info@luxtherapyclinic.com To donate directly to the Cornwall Air Ambulance:  https://cprmwallairambulancetrust.org/superhero-challenge/  

MONDAY BUSINESS BLOG Today women are taking on new roles in the work place, not only that they are also starting their own businesses. The female business owner is now becoming worldwide and accepted more than it was years ago.   So what are women up to? A new idea for many women is to not only build their brand, but to make their own products. Arts and crafts are very popular and you really should have a skill or have an artistic tend to be able to do this. Some women make half the product or purchase it and decorate it. Some products are made from scratch and completely handmade. This is not only an affordable business, but relaxing and enjoyable. Networking This used to have the wrong concept, but networking is certainly the way to go, working alongside other women and men too!! is a good idea, you can bounce ideas of each other, share contacts and material.  This is the new modern way to work and what better than to work alongside successful powerful women. Building your brand if you have the concept and a good product, why not take it to the next step. Seeking advice is vital, start off in the right direction. Sometimes your business is waiting around the next corner and you didn’t realise it. Watching YouTube videos on how to build your brand is ideal.   Talk to someone who knows about business   Ali Meehan has a wealth of knowledge within the world of business, she is a well travelled and successful role model. She also has courses on business and can help you. Why not consider finding out more about her courses. If she can´t offer you what you are looking for, she will know someone who can.  Ali Meehan on Facebook On website   How to decide on a business You must think about your decisions, what the business will cost, do you need a website, do you need public space, is this something you will enjoy doing. So many women are stuck in jobs they dislike, that shouldn´t be the case if you start your own business. If you join a multi-level marketing company, be sure that you join a business that the products or services actually interest you. If you are going to sell a product, you must believe in your products and use them yourself. This helps so much when you are telling others about your wares.   Starting your own product Always seek guidance before you do this. You may need a license or a certain document to sell your product or service. Be careful not to tread on others feet, learn about the product or service you want to work with and plan how you will do it. Without a business plan things could go wrong and you could lose everything. This video may give you an insight to building your brand and creating your own product.   Should it be my dream? This is a very good question, that depends on you. So many women work to keep their family and pay bills, but now women are looking at doing more than that. They want to work with like minded people, offer a service that they know people need, sell a product or products that will change people´s lives or make it better, or just make them feel happy. So if you have this in mind you will make your own decision.   Best of luck ladies in your ventures

Meet Mariëlle one of our dutch members who spends her days helping people with pain relief as well as enjoying her family life in Mijas      Hello Mariëlle – what brought you to Spain? I came straight away after finishing my career as a physiotherapist in the Netherlands. Due to recent changes in the Health Care system there was no work in my country at that time, so I thought a couple of years abroad would be a nice adventure ánd good for my work experience. My idea was to stay 2-3 years. Well, that turned out a bit longer….. Almost 30 years by now!   Where do you live? I am based in Mijas, Costa del Sol. For me it has everything I need: enough work, nice climat, beach and mountains, nice food, friendly environment for the children.   What was your biggest challenge when you moved to Spain? The biggest challenge was to survive the first years, to build a customer base out of nothing until it was big enough to earn a living. To overcome these first years is a question of the long haul, of personal belief, hard work and persistence.   How do you spend your days? My days are filled with work and family life (husband and two young boys). In this stage of life I don’t have much time for myself. Spain is a lovely country for family life though, we all enjoy it living here.   Something you have achieved in the last 18 months? Very grateful for my loyal clientele. Business wise it was a bit a chaotic year, but overall it wasn’t bad at all. Grateful for the financial help the government and the town hall offered. Proud of my little boys who are happy and healthy even with all these changes. Proud of my husband who found a good job in the middle of the Covid-caos.   Who would you invite to be around your dinner table? Parents and parents-in-law. We haven’t seen each other for a long time now and unfortunately their health is declining.   What is your secret weapon? Personal approach and offering time to listen to my clientele. People feel lonely and isolated these days, they long for a listening ear.   Favourite saying? “Everything will turn out well. But different from what you think now.”   One thing you had to bring to Spain with you? My letter opener! When I came I had no phone (let along a mobile), flights were expensive, no email….. Communication was purely by letter. I spent ours writing letters to family and friends and still have boxes filled with letters I received.   Favourite childhood book? So many. I read a lot. I saved lots of them and do read them to my children now. Happy memories.   Something you would tell your younger self? Don’t worry and stop the thinking. As everything will turn out well, but different from what you think now.   Where can we connect with you? Website: www.marielledebruin.eu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OsteopathyCostaDelSol/about Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariëlle-de-bruin-16510446/     Thank you Mariëlle   Do you want to share your story?  Complete the online questionnaire here 

Achieving her goal by moving to Spain and opening a B&B, meet Helen Hares. Helen encourages you to come and enjoy her home by add Villa Andalucia to your staycation visit list for this summer.     Why Spain? I came to live in Spain for the healthy lifestyle and a warmer climate, I have MS and I always felt healthier when on holiday (I am sure we all do). I had timeshare in Nerja and every school holiday we would exchange our weeks for somewhere else in the Costa del Sol. I have always been a planner and I had set a goal of wanting to be living in Spain by 50. One day I needed a break from my husband and son and took myself off in the car and found the lovely village of Cómpeta and knew that one day I would live there. The Universe worked for me and 16 years later I was living in Cómpeta, and two years earlier than my goal!   Why is Cómpeta the place to be? Peace and tranquility, you are away from the bustling crowds of the Costas (well usually) Spanish culture, at times you feel as if you have moved back in time enjoying their festivities. Friendliness, you walk along the cobbles streets and it doesn’t matter if it’s an old lady or gentlemen, a teenager or a small child there is always a friendly hello or goodbye, and they will want to chat if you have the time to do so.   What was your biggest challenge? It was setting up the B&B and not speaking Spanish fluently. Paperwork, paperwork so much of it and the fact the Spanish 17 years ago did not understand the concept of a B&B, it tooks over 12 months and plenty of money to get it sorted, and these days all you need to do is register at your ayuntamiento! We had a very good gestoria who at times got cross with the townhall.  We had to have the place surveyed which was something we didn’t have to do when we bought it!     How do you spend your days? I love running the B&B and meeting all the different nationalities that come to stay, sometimes breakfasts can take all morning, some guests love to hear how I came to live here and my life story of being adopted and finding my mother and brother. There are so many people who are adopted. I am able to pass my knowledge on of the area, what to see, where to go. Guests like to walk around the gardens and several offer to do some weeding for me, and it’s lovely when they buy me a gift at the end of the stay to show their appreciation. I have plenty of plants given to me, and it’s a great way of keeping in touch with them, I send them photos of the gifts, and this spurs them on to book again, I have at least 50% repeat bookers. After breakfasts, I am then checking on the pool and all the patios making sure they are clean and tidy. Doing admin work and keeping my presence on social media, to attract more bookers. I love and need my siestas, and my time to do some meditation, time for me.   Something you are grateful for during the past year? During Covid, I have had time to learn about Instagram, twitter, Youtube and canva, I have done several business courses with my coach. I now love doing lives on Facebook. Most importantly I have got to know loads of new friends through Costa Women and thoroughly enjoyed the Costa Women Pop Up Shop. Hopefully I am working with some lovely ladies and planning wellness days and retreats at Villa Andalucía.   If you hosted a dinner party at Villa Andalucia, who would you invite? Right now I would have to say it would be my family, my son and granddaughter. I have missed them so much. Cliff Richard would have to be one of them, I used to go to all his concerts before moving to Spain.   What is your secret accomplishment? Accomplishment is buying my ex husband out of the business and having the willpower to run it on my own and make it even more successful.   Favourite affirmation? “I am successful, and I will always succeed” because I am!   One thing you couldn’t leave behind when you moved to Spain? My parents kept a pub and they had a big brass gong they rang at night for last orders.  It has so many memories for me, I can hear my dad shouting “last orders please ladies and gentlemen”.     Favourite childhood book? The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe – the first book I paid for myself.   One thing you are looking forward to? Going out and having a dance.   Something you would tell your younger self? Don’t get married, I have done it twice and it’s not worth the hassle and money to get divorced.   Where can we find out more? My Website: www.villaandalucia.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaAndaluciaCompeta Linktr.ee https://linktr.ee/VillaAndaluciaCompeta And check out the Costa Women special discount at Villa Andalucia!   Thank you Helen!   Do you want to share your story?  Complete the online questionnaire here