Page 12 - Talk of Tequesta - April '24

Page 12, The Talk Of Tequesta

ClevelaNd CliNiC

florida News

Is It Time For A Menopause Visit?

Changing The Conversation Around The Change

Once a taboo topic, menopause is now enjoying a unique “Menopause is not a disease; it’s a normal part of life,” and behavioral options, as
spotlight. For the second year in a row, menopausal symptoms says Mason. “But it can produce symptoms that range from well as natural remedies.”
were featured in a coveted Super Bowl ad. bothersome to life-altering.” Future Health Risks
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), known more commonly to The Symptoms Another concern for
women in midlife as hot flashes and night sweats, are just one Hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness are among the women facing this stage
area of concern board certified gynecologist Claudia Mason, most common symptoms of menopause. Others include sleep of life, according to
M.D., addresses with her patients. As a certified menopause disturbances, mood disorders, and skin and hair changes, as Mason, are the long-term
practitioner with Cleveland Clinic in Florida, Dr. Mason well as sexual dysfunction and urinary symptoms like stress complications related to
specializes in helping patients navigate the challenges of “the incontinence. menopause and decreased
change,” which naturally starts between the ages of 45 and 55. “Too many women just live with the symptoms and never estrogen production.
“More and more women are choosing not to suffer in seek help,” says Mason, noting one AARP survey found that These include bone loss
silence, which is great news,” says Mason. She does worry, only half of women surveyed ever discussed menopause with in the immediate years
however, about the amount of misinformation shared online a health provider. following menopause
and the unproven therapies that are fueling a growing A Menopause Visit and an increased risk of Claudia Mason, M.D.
menopause marketplace. As a menopause specialist, Mason makes it a point to cardiovascular disease.
Not A Disease ask patients about VMS during well-women visits. She also “I address both current symptoms and ways to lessen
Menopause signifies the permanent ending of menstruation tries to build a trusting relationship, so that patients can feel future health risks,” adds Mason.
when the body is no longer releasing eggs or producing comfortable having conversations about sexual health and She encourages any woman who has questions about
much estrogen. “Once a woman has stopped having her other sensitive topics. menopause or how to alleviate symptoms to talk with their
period for 12 consecutive months, she has officially reached If Mason had it her way, every woman would have a healthcare provider.
menopause,” explains Mason. “menopausal visit” during the perimenopause stage of their Call (877) 463-9010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.
More than a million women reach menopause each year reproductive lifecycle. org/Appointment to schedule an appointment with Mason
in the United States, according to the National Institute on “Menopause is different for everyone and requires or another Cleveland Clinic menopause specialist.
Aging. The transitional stage leading up to this point is called personalized care,” she says. “There are many well-
perimenopause, while the years following are postmenopause. researched treatments that include hormonal, nonhormonal

TheaTre happeNiNgs

Rex Recommends

By Rex Hearn
A big mystery this in Paris of complications far from his beloved Sicily. But Palm Beach Drama Works
season surrounded the he brought us romantic operas using the art of Bel Canto Two more plays fill out this excellent theatre group’s
absence of Kravis Center’s at its flourishing best. You’ll hear astonishing runs and choices, found at the end of Clematis Street (No. 201) in West
magnificently produced arts trills that embellish his melodic line, truly beautiful music Palm Beach. From March 29 to April 14, Arthur Miller’s
brochure: none to be found best known for its Costa Diva aria (Chaste Goddess). Pulitzer Prize winner, Death of a Salesman shows how he
anywhere, staff as puzzled The singers are Jessica Pratt, Marigona Qerkezi, (4/6) shook up the status quo, exposing the industrial profiteering
as their public. What a pity. as Norma; Ashley Dixon, Ann Marie Stanley, (4/6) as of World War ll. The last play this season is Trying by Joanna
And the much loved David Adalgisa; Paolo Fanale, Moises Salazar as Pollione; Maria McClelland Glass which hits the boards on May 24 running
Walker from Palm Beach Vasilevskaya as Clotilda; Nicolas Teste as Oroveso and until June 9. Support the actors, they work hard to bring you
Opera left halfway through Devin Eatmon as Flavio. Carlo Montanaro conducts. For perfection in reflecting life’s realities back to you. For tickets
their season. We wish him tickets call (561) 833-7888. call (561) 514-4042.
well. White Hall, the Henry
Flagler home continues happily with the old team back.
Palm Beach Symphony
Tackling the big one, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, on
Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. is surely a commendable
endeavor. Maestro Gerard Schwarz has amassed
four choruses from the Frost Music School of Miami
University; fresh student voices will sound lush in the
Ode to Joy. The soloists are stellar choices too: Hayley
Lipke, soprano; Robynne Redmond, mezzo; Joseph
McBrayer, tenor; and Keith Klein, bass. Starting off this
remarkable night at the Kravis Center, will be the pianist
son of a Russian Nobel Laureate and dissenter Aleksandr
Solzhenitsyn, by the first name of Ignat, who will play
Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2. An evening not to be
missed. For tickets call (561) 281-0145.
Palm Beach Opera
Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma goes up April 5 and 6 at 7:30
p.m. and Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m.
The opera has assembled first rate singers for this story
about the (French) Gauls, led by their high priestess,
Norma, constantly scheming against their Roman
occupiers, led by Pollione. Bellini was 34 when he died