Is it a stretch to stand up for yourself?
Various studies have found that after menopause, 38% to 70% of women have high blood pressure, and 30% to 36% of women develop insulin resistance, elevated glucose and diabetes. Add to that the fact that 43% of postmenopausal women are obese and you've got health challenges that can seem daunting.
But simple changes in your habits can help counter the risks of high blood pressure and insulin resistance, helping you lose weight.
1. Stand up for yourself. A new study in Circulation found that making sure that you stand up from a sitting position 26 more times a day than you do now can reduce your blood pressure significantly. Just do it! It's only two to three times more frequently every hour during a 10-hour stretch.
2. Stretch yourself. Other studies show that for women heading into menopause (and after too), meditation, deep breathing, and yoga help lower glucose levels. And one study found that 25 minutes of yoga's sun salutation decreases both glucose levels and elevated blood pressure. In addition to standing and stretching, other simple ways to live younger longer include increasing your soluble fiber intake (nuts, avocados, root vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) and maintaining a healthy sleep routine.
If hot flushes and sleep disturbances are persistent, ask your doctor about hormone therapy using a patch for bioidentical estradiol, a micronized progestin, and a baby aspirin. And check out dozens of other ways to stand up for a better future in my free newsletter from 4YOUngevity.com and my book "The Great Age Reboot."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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