I interviewed Sandra Phillips, the senior curator of photography of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, for the Bay Area Women's Journal.

1. Complimentary Copy,
Please Take
One
TM
Inspired Living through Informed Choice!
SF Metro Edition November / December 2007
www.BayAreaWJ.com
In This Issue:
6 Tips to Help You Handle
Sandra
the Holiday Stress
Phillips
Carrie Silver-Stock
Put the Zip Back in Your
Doo-Dah! SFMOMA
Dr. Sandi Altman Senior
Curator
Photography
How You Can Get into the
Rental or Vacation Home
Article on
Market!
Page 12
Allison Sofnas
The Coat - The Great Cover
Up!
Michele Benza
Good Nutrition is a
Choice...Who's Making the
Choice for You?
Lisa Lewis
How to Make Your Holiday
Season Green
Deborah Burstyn
And much, much more!
Smart Women Good Choices Inspired Life

2. WELCOME
Page 2
The Bay Area
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
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3. WHAT’S INSIDE
Page 3
A Note From The Publisher Contents &
Index of Advertisers
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
tion as we continue to evolve to
meet your needs.
Health & Wellness
We are also grateful for the collab-
orative support of our contributors -
Be Inspired! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
the professionals, business owners
and service providers who jumped
Circle of Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
on board to support a new publica-
tion. In each article, you can feel
Reader Round of Applause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
the passion and excitement they
have for what they do and the
Take Control This Flu Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
knowledge they want to share.
Please let them know you read their
GOOD NUTRITION IS A CHOICE ...
article!
Who's Making the Choice for You? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
We continue to expand our servic-
Caring for the Caregiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
es, reflected most recently by the
launch of Phase 2 of our website.
Put the Zip Back in Your Doo-Dah! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
On our new Subscribe page, you
By Debbie Josendale
can easily sign up to receive the
What Happens When the Plumbing Starts to Go? . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Publisher, Bay Area Women’s Journal
current e-edition of the BAWJ, and
BAWJ Bay Area Woman Spotlight
all of our past issues are available
The holiday season is here and
in the Library section! You now
Profile of Sandra Phillips SFMOMA Sr. Curator
with it comes the anticipation of
have a wealth of information readily
Photography...Extraordinaire! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
good times, family and friends. This
available at your fingertips!
edition of the BAWJ includes sever-
Advice From Sandra Phillips For Aspiring Art Photographers . . . . .13
al articles filled with ideas and infor-
Thank you again for allowing us to
mation to help you have a fabulous
Business & Finance
be a part of your life in 2007. We
holiday!
look forward to seeing you in 2008!
THE BAY AREA WOMEN’S JOURNAL
Want to Achieve Your Dreams? Learn the Art of Bouncing . . . . . .11
This season is also a time for
And remember, whether you're
HONK if You Hate Cold Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
reflection and at the BAWJ we have
chasing a toddler, pursuing a pro-
much to reflect on and be thankful
motion or going after a
Are You or Your Business at Risk for Identity Theft? -
for. Since our launch, earlier this
dream...here's to inspired living!
The Answer is Another Question: Who Isn't? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
year, we have made many new
friends and received tremendous
Happy Holidays,
How You Can Get Into the Rental or Vacation Home Market! . . . .17
feedback and encouragement from
you, our readers. We are grateful
BAWJ Non-Profit Spotlight
for your support. Your feedback and
I Think That I Shall Never See a Poem as Lovely as a Tree! . . . .18-19
comments are reflected in each edi-
Lifestyle & Leisure
Authors Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
The Coat - the Great Cover Up! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Holiday Guide 2007
Step-by-Step Expert Holiday Hair Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Sex and the Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Six Tips to Handle Holiday Stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Please Recycle. The Grace of Girlfriends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
High-Tech Holiday Newsletters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
The Bay Area
To Take Great Pictures...Get to Know Your Camera! . . . . . . . . . . .27
quot;ESPRESS YOURSELFquot; With a LavazzaBLUE
Women’s Journal™ ™
www.BayAreaWJ.com
Personal Barista System from Café-Razzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
is printed on 100% Holiday Gift Giving
recycled paper
How to Make Your Holiday Season Green! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
5 Museum Gift Shops For Great Holiday Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
using soy ink. BAWJ Community Resource Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

4. www.BayAreaWJ.com Page 4
THE BAY AREA WOMEN’S JOURNAL NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
BE INSPIRED
Jones
Giving
Circle of
by Carolyn

5. BE INSPIRED
Page 5
Reader Round of Applause
About Circle of Giving,
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
the “Be Inspired” Photo The Bay Area Women's Journal would like to
give Linda Fancher the Reader Round of
Applause! Linda, has called and e-mailed us with
By Carolyn Jones several great suggestions to expand distribution.
She was introduced to the BAWJ by a friend and
In the photograph, Circle of Giving, I am drawn to the circle, to the way that says she found the articles relevant and interest-
each curl gently and gracefully leads into and supports the next. I see that ing!
as one curl gives to another, the curl being given to is able to gain the need-
ed support to grow into its own gentle and graceful being, able to give to the Linda is married, has a daughter, son and
next curl, and so forth. And, just as one curl gives to the next, so was it given daughter in law and is excitedly awaiting the
to by another before it. Receiving the gift offered becomes a part of the cir- arrival of her first grandchild in February. Linda
Linda Fancher
cle. has lived in the Bay Area since 1967 and is a
licensed pilot. She has had a varied career,
As I view the Circle of Giving, I am reminded that when we give, a grace- teaching for 7 years and then going into sales for Xerox. Linda was the sec-
ful flow is created, which forms a never-ending circle of beauty and strength, ond woman hired into Xerox's Santa Clara branch, which was predominate-
of giving and receiving. Then, when the circle of giving is established, I see ly men at that time! Currently she runs her own Isagenix distribution busi-
each curl in the gate's top arch as a multitude of beings, touching in some ness and is a facilitator for Schools Attuned, a program that offers educators
way, coming together in harmony and peace.quot; new methods for recognizing, understanding and managing students with
differences in learning.
About the Photographer
In 2004, Carolyn Jones of Carolyn Jones Photographs, began to photo- Linda says, quot;I have referenced articles
graph gates. Initially drawn to their beauty, she is not clear at what point they and resources in the Journal by forward-
began to have a much deeper meaning for her. A characteristic of each gate ing links of the electronic versions that
started speaking to Carolyn, allowing her to see a virtue, a principle of liv- are online to friends and networks to
ing, or a feeling, which grew to have great relevance in Carolyn's life. They which I belong. I am looking forward to
became the way in which she wanted, and still strives, to quot;bequot; with herself the expansion of the BAWJ throughout
and the world. the Bay Area.quot;
THE BAY AREA WOMEN’S JOURNAL
Carolyn's gate collections can be viewed at Thank-you, Linda, for your
www.carolynjonesphotographs.com. She can be reached directly at support and encouragement!
carolyn@carolynjonesphotographs.com or 415-945-9807.
There's a New Woman in Town!
Help us Spread the Word!
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866.789.6626 www@BayAreaWJ.com

6. HEALTH & WELLNESS
Page 6
Take Control This Flu Season
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
time to de-stress and eat healthy flu from common colds. Other side and proteins like fish will boost the
becomes even more difficult. But get- effects include muscle aches, immune system and help you recover
ting a flu shot and following basic pre- headaches, a dry cough, sore throat from illness more quickly.
ventive measures will protect you and and extreme fatigue. Usually, only chil-
your family from catching a bug that dren experience quot;stomach flu,quot; though Perhaps the most difficult preventive
lands 200,000 people in the hospital occasionally, adults present with nau- measure is finding time to de-stress,
each winter. sea and diarrhea. exhale. Reserve mini-breaks through-
out your day (or even just once a day)
How Flu Attacks The flu reduces the body's ability to to meditate, pray, breath deeply, knit,
fight off other infections, and complica- take a casual walk - anything that
You can't take antibiotics to fight the flu tions from flu are the main reason for relaxes your mind. This quot;time offquot; will
because Influenza is a virus. It is a high- hospitalization. Those can include help restore balance and boost your
By Dr. Leonor Osorio ly contagious respiratory disease that pneumonia, ear infection, dehydration immune system.
infects 5 to 20 percent of the population and worsening of chronic medical con-
each year, according to the Centers for ditions, such as congestive heart failure, Annual Flu Shot
As women, we care for everyone in
Disease Control (CDC). Flu causes mild asthma or diabetes.
our lives before prioritizing our own
to severe illness and, in worst cases, The flu peaks in December and
needs, even at the expense of our
death. Thirty-six thousand people die Everyday Prevention January, persists through March and
health. Rather than setting aside 10
from flu each year. can last into May depending on the
minutes for quiet time or a brisk walk,
Many flu prevention tactics are the region. A flu shot is the best way to pre-
we squeeze in another errand or fire
Flu viruses spread from person to per- same quot;rulesquot; we remind children. Wash vent getting the virus or passing it to oth-
up the laptop. We live our lives on a
son through coughing, sneezing and hands often with hot soap and water. ers. Remember, you may carry the virus
treadmill, multitasking. Instead of
touching anything that has been in con- Cover the mouth with tissue when you and not get sick if your immune system
slowing down, we work harder to quot;do it
tact with an infected person's hands, cough. Use your sleeve if you must; just is strong. But you are still contagious,
all.quot; During flu season, our selfless
nose or mouth. You can pass the flu to avoid blocking a cough with your hands, and your children and those close to
approach to life's work can result in
family, friends and co-workers before which touch computer key boards, door you can catch the virus. The flu shot is
serious consequences.
realizing you are sick. Infected individu- knobs, telephones, you name it. The 70 to 90 percent effective and, should
THE BAY AREA WOMEN’S JOURNAL
als are contagious one day before their key is to avoid spreading the virus. If fre- you get the flu, the shot will lessen your
Pneumonia and influenza are the
own symptoms develop and up to five quent hand washing is inconvenient, symptoms.
eighth leading cause of death for
days after they become sick. alcohol cleaners (hand sanitizer) are
women in the United States. Women
effective. Most of all, if you are sick with The vaccine contains an inactive virus
who quot;play defensequot; during flu season
Flu symptoms are abrupt and can be the flu, stay home. Don't risk spreading that causes the body to make antibod-
can ward off the virus. There are sim-
severe. Sudden onset and a high fever the highly contagious virus to others. ies to fight flu. These antibodies develop
ple preventive habits like repetitive
of 102 to 104 degrees differentiate the about two weeks after the vaccine is
hand washing; and
Additionally, there are lifestyle choices administered. That's why the best time
greater lifestyle
you can make that will boost your to get a flu shot is in October or
changes, such as adopt-
immune system and help fight November, before peak flu season.
ing a healthy, low-fat diet
flu and many other diseases.
and quitting smoking,
If you have a cigarette habit, Your arm may feel sore from the shot
which decreases the
this is your incentive to quit. and you may experience minor swelling
immune system's ability
And if you tend to reach for or redness. This disappears within a
to fight disease of any
salt or sweets when you feel couple of days. Flu shots are appropri-
kind.
stressed, replace your junk ate for children six months or older. The
food stash with a stock of vaccine is also available in a nasal
Of course, flu season
fruit and healthful snacks. spray that contains a live, weakened
peaks near the holidays,
Increasing intake of fruits, virus. This formulation is an option for
just when life accelerates
vegetables those ages five to 49 and women who
into a frenzy. So finding
are not pregnant.
Beat the Bug 2007
Be sure to check your local clinics
and hospitals for times when they
may be giving flu shots. A small fee
may be required, but it's worth the
peace of mind that comes with good
www.BayAreaWJ.com
Leonor Osorio, D.O.
Leonor Osorio, D.O., practices
internal medicine at Fairview
Hospital, Cleveland, OH. Dr.
Osorio interests include women's
health and preventive medicine.

7. HEALTH & WELLNESS
Page 7
Good Nutrition is a Choice
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
Who's Making the Choice for You?
the theme of quot;choicequot;, we can and movement to everything we do, we calories, but what we have are empty
should choose to educate ourselves reap incredible benefits. For exam- calories. We have a lack of proper
in whatever fashion feels comfortable ple, stand up and or walk in place nutrition even while we are suffering
and effective. And, don't feel bad if while you are talking on the phone. from over-consumption. We have too
confusion takes over the effort to edu- Don't just sit there. Get up and much food and too little nutrition. A lot
cate on occasion. Changing habits, stretch or even of chronic disease
especially those related to eating jump around for thrives in this type of
style, will take some time and 2 - 3 minutes environment -- dia-
patience. So, be your own best friend every 20 min- betes, cancer, heart
and when the negative thoughts sur- utes or so. disease, you name it.
face, practice positive self-talk. And Adding simple
when you feel it's too difficult to put in activity to your And, as Buddha
the effort...remember YOU are worth daily routine said, quot;Every human
it! helps burn calo- being is the author of
ries. Be cre- his own health or
Proper nutrition goes well beyond ative and the diseasequot;.
the marketing gimmicks of the food overall cumula-
By Lisa Lewis industry such as low-fat, low-carb or tive benefit to Our bodies are
high fiber. Much of the $30+ billion your attitude finely tuned instru-
dollars Americans spend each year and your health ments that require
According to the Centers for
on fad diets, quick fixes, and gim- will be life the proper mainte-
Disease Control and Prevention, 68
micks is misdirected. changing. nance to perform
percent of the total deaths in the
precisely and effi-
United States are related to lifestyle
In a perfect world, our food would Mix exercise ciently every day.
and diet choices. Given this dramat-
THE BAY AREA WOMEN’S JOURNAL
still be rich in all the necessary nutri- with proper Paying attention to
ic and very real statistic, good nutri-
ents and our lives would be active nutrition, and our health now,
tion should become a priority in our
enough to be sure we consistently you are on your directly increases
lives now. Not tomorrow, or next
burn more calories than we take in. way to better health. It's really that our ability to enjoy vibrant and inde-
week…now!
That may not be the case anymore, simple! pendent lives as we age.
but we have many choices that can
The majority of our poor nutrition
improve our health. And, for the most What is good nutrition? I am here to let you know that you
and lifestyle issues stem from the
part, the choices are easy! can regain your health and change
choices we make everyday. Whether
Simply put, good nutrition is balanc- the way you feel. It will require a
it's to grab a yogurt or a chocolate-
The First Step ing your intake of the highest quality commitment to yourself and the con-
chip cookie, every choice we make
carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, sistent energy to make better food
has an impact. So, an easy way to
The first step is as simple as, well… minerals and water - the six classes choices, get more active and take
greatly reduce our risk of developing
a step! Exercise and regular activity of nutrients. This means: (1) more thoughtful care of yourself. In
life threatening illnesses is to make
are key factors in enjoying good Adequate amounts of the essential the end, it will be one of the best
better choices. Once we decide to
health. It is helpful to view the two nutrients, fiber and energy (calories) - decisions you've ever made.
choose differently, we gain an incred-
separately. Exercise is self-explana- are extremely important. Begin by
ible amount of control.
tory, but activity, although not neces- selecting whole foods that supply the Take the time to educate yourself
sarily strenuous, can actually be proper nutrients and contain good and work with professionals who can
As individuals, we must take
more beneficial. fiber. (2) Balance the variety of foods assist you in reaching your health
responsibility for our health and make
eaten. (3)Control calories by trying to goals. Anything worthwhile takes
the necessary changes to ensure a
Activity is movement. If we can add take in less or equal to what is time and patience. Think of it as an
happy and healthy life. Keeping with
expended during the day through investment in yourself that will allow
activity and exercise. (3) Nutrients you to reap the benefits for many
Lisa Lewis that are required in smaller doses years to come. The improved quali-
such as fat, salt and sugar should be ty of your life will add a completely
Lisa Lewis is an Independent Associate with Isagenix International. She eaten in moderation. (4) Select from new dimension of joy and satisfac-
is currently completing the Nutrition and Wellness Consultant a variety of foods to keep motivation tion to your life - every single day.
high. (5)Without variety, boredom
Certification program with the American Fitness Professionals &
and then temptation to overeat or eat Good nutrition is not a luxury, it
Associates. Lisa has personally experienced the life changing benefits the wrong thing sets in. is a necessity.
that proper nutrition and exercise have made in her life and has been
privileged to witness many of her clients, friends and family experience Does all this nutritional jargon make Imagine your life in your healthy,
www.BayAreaWJ.com
fantastic results in their lives also. Lisa's vision is to make a profound you want to hide your head in the vibrant, energetic body. What would
and lifelong difference in people's lives and give every person the sand and grab a bag of chips? You it look like? What would you think
are not alone. In fact, given our hec- about when you first woke up to greet
opportunity to experience vibrant health.
tic schedules and all the conven- the day? What would it be like to
iences meant to accommodate our have the energy to climb the stairs
For a complimentary health review, or other to learn more, call Lisa at busy lifestyles, it's not a surprise that instead of taking the elevator anytime
415-366-7358 or email at feelgreattoo@sbcglobal.net. Also be sure to we are in a health crisis in this coun- you wanted to? What could you do
take a few moments and go to www.DrSpeaksOut. com to watch a try and around the world. with your kids and family? All these
short but highly informative presentation by Becky Natrajan, M. D. possibilities are available to you right
We have plenty of food and plenty of now. It's your choice.

8. HEALTH & WELLNESS
Page 8
Caring for the
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
Caregiver
It's especially important during
the holiday season.
Caring for an elderly relative is your loved one's condition will help
oftentimes a thankless job. Whether make caring for them less stressful.
your relative is suffering from It will also help you to better under-
Alzheimer's or the damaging effects stand a doctor's advice.
of stroke or another debilitating dis-
ease, caring for an aging family Trust your instincts.
member can be a trying experience
- one that can test both your Since you'll be spending more
patience and your commitment to time than anyone with your loved
the person you're caring for. one, don't necessarily take all
advice as creed. If you disagree
For many caregivers, a typical day with the advice a doctor, physical
can seem like an exhausting and therapist or another caregiver
lonely eternity, one where the per- offers, let them know why and allow
son you're caring for can neither room for discussion. Your instincts
empathize with your sacrifice or will be right more often than not,
even understand the oftentimes dire since you spend more time caring
THE BAY AREA WOMEN’S JOURNAL
nature of their own condition. for your loved one. Learn to trust
those instincts.
It is especially important to take
time out to care for yourself during Take care of your back.
the holiday season. The following
tips, courtesy of the National Family Caregivers typically do lots of lift-
Never Miss
Caregivers Association (NFCA) can ing, pulling and pushing, all of which
help to ensure the stress doesn't can be brutal on your back. Rest
overwhelm you: your back whenever possible, and if
an Edition of it's hurting, ask for help.
Take breaks.
the Bay Area
Grieve for your losses.
Caring for an ill or debilitated
Women’s
loved one is a full-time and often Part of what makes taking care of
demanding job. Take frequent a loved one so difficult is that many
Journal!
breaks, both to relax physically and times illness comes as a shock, par-
mentally. ticularly if you're caring for a
spouse. You might have dreamed of
Beware of your possible growing old and doing it together.
changing emotional state. Now that your spouse has fallen ill,
allow yourself to grieve for that lost
Sign up for our free Depression can frequently plague dream, while also dreaming new
on-line edition at caregivers, who many times are left dreams.
www.BayAreaWJ.com. alone with the difficult person
they're caring for, making it increas- Realize you're not alone.
ingly likely they'll begin to look at
Every edition will be their situation as hopeless. If you In addition to possible family and
delivered to your inbox. feel as though you're growing friends to talk to, you also have
depressed, seek help immediately. many others in similar situations
you can talk to as well. Reaching
Accept help. out to other caregivers can help you
better realize you're not alone and
www.BayAreaWJ.com
Any time a friend or loved one help you share an experience that
offers help, take it. If people are will- otherwise seems quite lonely.
Visit ing to help, accept and try and offer
suggestions for specific areas
www.BayAreaWJ.com where they can help.
Source: The National Family Caregivers
Association For more information on caring
today, it’s fast and easy to sign up.
Educate yourself.
for a sick loved one, visit the NFCA Web
site at www.thefamilycaregiver.org
Gaining a better understanding of

9. HEALTH & WELLNESS
Page 9
Put the Zip Back in Your Doo-Dah!
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
Has anyone seen my Libido?
Instead of stretching during love mak- If men want sex, they need to under- encing problems and frustrations
ing, the vaginal tissue burns, tears and stand women need romance. But there when it comes to the bedroom and
can even bleed. Diminished blood flow must be communication. Women must libido levels. So perhaps the follow-
not only makes reaching orgasm slower tell men over and over again what it is that ing statistics will put a lot of minds at
or impossible, but also numbs the sen- constitutes romance. And then tell them ease.
sory nerves of the vulva making the again.
sense of touch less effective. The final Studies show that only four percent
insult is the change in the vaginal ph that One patient admitted she had not told of pre-menopausal women in their
leads to an increase in vaginal infec- her husband she wanted more romantic 30's and 40's have spontaneous sex
tions. gestures. Why? Because, she said, if thoughts once a week. Forty-three
By Dr. Sandi Altman you have to tell him, then it doesn't count. percent didn't have a sexy thought
There is good news however! This is Women want spontaneous flowers, not once all month. And, while newly-
As a gynecologist, I have spent the last one of the easiest problems to solve as ones that show up because we asked for weds have sex, on average, 10-12
20 years quot;listeningquot; to my patients. Since a gynecologist. Two weeks of topical them. times a month, after seven years of
my practice is focused on gynecology estrogen can turn any vagina back to marriage that couple is down to three
and mature women, versus obstetrics, I age 35! There is no reason to suffer. As I learned in The Female Brain by Dr. to four times a month.
have listened and learned from my Besides estrogen creams, there are Lorraine Brizendene, men just don't think
patients about the many challenges asso- vaginal tablets (Vagifem) and a vaginal like women do and to be fair, vice versa. Men and women can either retreat
ciated with women's health care, espe- ring (Estring). These are not systemical- If women wait for men to spontaneously to their corners and pout because
cially in the area of hormonal and ly absorbed. The only effect is on the tis- guess our romantic desires, hell will prob- their partner isn't reading their mind
menopausal issues. sues they touch, which helps to restore ably freeze over first. and giving them what they want with-
local estrogen. These products are out having to be asked; or we can
As I listen to my patients, I sense in available with a prescription. Over the Sometimes, you just have to make your start a new dialogue and put our egos
them the confusion and disappointment counter lubricants can improve dryness, own romance, like having an affair with aside. As Gail Sheehay says in The
as they lose interest in sex or no longer
THE BAY AREA WOMEN’S JOURNAL
but only estrogen really makes the tissue your husband. What would you do if you Sexy Years, we get 30 bonus years.
feel desirable. Quite often, my patients young, healthy and resilient again. were having an affair? Maybe you'd Wouldn't it be more fun to enjoy them
wonder...what happened to those tingly sneak off to a hotel in the middle of the together?
feelings, that sensation of love and So that's one definition of quot;loss of day. So do it with the guy you married.
romance and the associated rush of sex- libido.quot; The second definition has less Take him out to dinner or get room serv- Estrogen + Romance = Zip
ual desire? Where did it go? What hap- tangible, and definitely less clinical chal- ice in the hotel room. On a Saturday
pened to my libido? lenges associated to it. Lack of romance. afternoon call him from the hotel and tell And today, more than ever before,
Plain and simple. So now what? him to meet you in room 206. those 30 bonus years are easily avail-
I have found that when women com- able. Looking for and rediscovering
plain about lack of libido, it usually means Next...Romance Don't forget to do a little lingerie shop- our libido involves both hormones
that sex hurts because of vaginal dry- ping first. You'll get a romance high from and the relationship. With the use of
ness. Quite often, it also means that Let's start by looking at, and accepting the planning and he'll float five feet off the vaginal estrogen you can quot;clinicallyquot;
there is a lack of romance. The first is the obvious. Men and women are differ- ground for weeks from being wanted. jumpstart your libido. Add to that
easier to fix, and essential, so let's start ent. Frankly, we wouldn't want it other- Then tell him that the next adventure is up communication and a willingness to
there. wise. We just need to learn to work with, to him, or plot together. work with the natural differences
or around those differences. We learn to between women and men... and
First Things First do so in many other areas of our lives, Many women, and men, feel their bingo...you'll put the zip back into
so why not in the area of libido levels? relationship is the only one experi- your doo-dah!
Looking at the clinical nuts and bolts, it's
really not surprising that there is a loss of
Dr. Sandi Altman
libido as we age. Vaginal dryness sets in,
intercourse is painful because it feels like
sandpaper, and it takes forever to reach
Dr. Sandi, aka The Menopause Maven has been in high demand as a
orgasm (if at all). It really doesn't seem
speaker and teacher on menopausal and hormonal topics since 1992.
worth it. In addition to the pain, there is
minimal genital sensation, and for all your
She inspires and empowers women with cutting edge information and
effort, you often get a yeast infection.
employs humor and candor to demystify menopause. Dr. Altman pro-
Who, on earth, would pursue this activity?
vides custom keynotes, break out sessions and educational workshops.
As an advocate for women's health, I
Dr. Altman has been a Board Certified Ob-Gyn since 1985 and is a
believe that every woman deserves to
fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She
enjoy the second half of her life without
www.BayAreaWJ.com
the debilitating symptoms of menopause.
received her B.A. from Tufts where she graduated cum laude and her
With the access we have today to med-
M.D. from Boston University Medical School. She has been in private
ical information and specialists, that is
practice since 1983 with a special emphasis on a woman's transition
very possible.
through menopause.
So the first step is to fix the vagina. The
To learn more, please contact her at: 925-947-5945 or by
vagina is estrogen dependent tissue, and
bad things happen when we lose that
e-mail at altmanmd@sbcglobal.net
estrogen. In addition to dryness, as we
age, the tissue loses elasticity.

10. HEALTH & WELLNESS
Page 10
What Happens
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
When the Plumbing
Starts to Go?
Everything You Ever Wanted to
Know About Varicose Veins
By Dr. David Rollins
and leak. Now your varicose vein and smaller varicose veins. A solution
Honest. Getting your varicose veins
begins to get even bigger and more is injected into the veins (yes, we use
fixed won't hurt any more than getting
painful. And the vicious cycle contin- a needle, but it's a small one, and
a splinter removed. But more about
ues. rarely does anyone complain of pain or
that later. Let's start with a brief review
discomfort). The solution pushes the
of some basic anatomy. Arteries push
The Vicious Cycle Continues blood out of the vein, causing the vein
blood away from the heart. Veins
to collapse.
return blood to the heart (Think of it as
Once a vein becomes varicose
a highway system, with arteries going
(enlarged), it never gets better. Now the blood flows to the better,
southbound and veins northbound).
which worked quite well, actually-
Unfortunately, veins cannot repair healthier veins, and circulation is
especially for the surgeon who didn't
themselves like skin can. You can't improved. That's the remarkable thing
Now, since most of the body is below
have any pain or a long recovery time.
strengthen them with exercise like you about the venous system. There are
the heart, most arteries get a lot of
can your muscles. About all you can many more veins than are needed. So
help from gravity. But veins- especially
THE BAY AREA WOMEN’S JOURNAL
Today, thanks mostly to ultrasound
do is try to avoid standing long hours. when we eliminate one, the blood
those in your legs- have a much
technology, we can see the exact
(Or wear compression stockings, finds the stronger veins.
tougher job. An uphill battle, you might
location of the varicosities and literal-
which help circulation, thus helping the
say. The veins in your legs have to
ly map out the problem areas. We
veins do their job better) Think of it like this: there's an old
push the blood straight up, which is no
then use a new laser technique to
broken down road, filled with pot-
problem when they're young and
permanently close the vein or we
If you stay off your feet for a few days holes. Traffic is slow. They build a new
healthy. You see, veins have tiny one-
remove small sections of the vein, or
you may notice that your varicose road next to it, and suddenly all the
way valves that help the blood move
both. The incisions are about 1/8 to ¼
veins feel better. But they aren't get- traffic leaves the old road and flows
straight up to the next valve, which
of an inch and about the width of an
ting better. With varicose veins, there's quite efficiently down the new road.
moves it upward again until the blood
eyelash. These usually disappear in a
just no such thing as status quo. Either
reaches the heart. Overall, a pretty
few months, but the really good news
you get them repaired or they continue Outpatient Surgery
nice arrangement, except for one
is the varicose veins disappear imme-
their vicious cycle of getting bigger and (You'll Be Home For Lunch)
thing- veins are not indestructible. And
diately.
more painful until one of three bad
like any good plumber will tell you--the
things can happen. If your varicose veins are too large
pipes in the basement usually go first.
What To Do When It's Over
for sclerotherapy, and we need to do
Three Bad Things Can Happen some minor surgery, you can come in
The Varicose Vein
You can take it easy for a few days
at 8am and be home for lunch. Now,
(Or What Happens When
if you like, but in reality most patients
Phlebitis. Clots form within the vari- you're probably wondering, is this the
The Plumbing Starts To Go)
can return to work in a few days. You
cose veins and become hard, red infamous quot;vein strippingquot; surgery I've
can take a walk. Go to a movie. Shop
lumps which can be quite painful. heard so much about? No, it's not. It
You have to remember, your veins
a little. Just don't stand around- that's
used to be that surgeons simply
are under constant pressure from
bad for circulation.
Ulcerations. If the phlebitis is untreat- removed the entire varicose vein,
gravity. After all, they work endless
ed, the clots become bigger until they
hours, day after day, with no break.
put so much pressure on the skin that
Their job is to keep your blood flowing.
it breaks down. You than get an ulcer
But, sometimes the pressure gets too
David Rollins, MD
or an opening in the skin.
great and one of your veins begins to
weaken. It's walls stretch and dilate
The varicose vein bursts. The worst David Rollins, MD, is a board certified Vascular Surgeon as well as
until it holds more blood than it was
of the bad things that can happen.
meant to. This is a varicose vein-an
board certified in general surgery. Dr. Rollins has served as an
Fortunately, this is quite rare.
enlarged vein that may begin to stick
Associate Professor of Surgery at Chicago Medical School, Chief of
out like a sore, well, a sore vein.
www.BayAreaWJ.com
Surgical Services at the VA Medical Center in North Chicago and as
The important thing to remember is
Chief of Surgery at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland, training
that varicose veins are easy to treat,
The vein gets bigger and bigger and
Cleveland Clinic surgery resident physicians, prior to entering into pri-
especially in the early stages
holds more and more blood.
vate practice. His clinical interests include diagnosis and treatment of
Eventually this extra weight- remem-
The Treatment: Sclerotherapy
ber, most of your body weight is fluid-
all peripheral arterial and venous conditions, including carotid artery
(Easier Done Than Said)
causes your leg to start aching. Now
disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, arterial blockage and varicose
your valves have an even tougher job
veins.
Sclerotherapy is a simple treatment
than usual, with more and more blood
done in the office. It's quick and very
to push. Soon the pressure gets too
effective for eliminating spider veins
great and the valves begin to weaken