This Time of the Month

Pelvic Health 101: Tips, Myths, and Must-Know Exercises!| S2E15 TTOM

Get ready for the real talk about pelvic health with Gerda Hayden, pelvic floor physiotherapist!
If you've ever wondered why your bladder has a mind of its own or what on earth a "vagina bra" is, this episode of This Time of the Month is your must-watch.
We’re unpacking everything you NEVER learned in health class—from mastering your pelvic floor muscles to why you should STOP doing those “just in case” pees.
Gerda’s here with game-changing tips on beating incontinence, conquering prolapse, and embracing exercises that ACTUALLY work. Plus, we’ll reveal the surprising connections between your breathing and your pelvic health (yes, they’re more linked than you think!). What you’ll learn: The TRUTH about pessaries (aka “vagina bras”)—and why they might be your new BFF. Exercises that give you the pelvic floor of a superhero!
Why scrolling on the toilet might be your pelvic floor’s worst enemy. How estrogen impacts your pelvic health (and what to do when it starts to dip). And so much more, from postpartum care tips to beating embarrassing bladder leaks!
Don’t miss out—hit play, laugh along, and learn why pelvic health is the secret to feeling fabulous at ANY age. Ready to take control?
 
Gerda Hayden's Website:
https://gerdahayden.com/
Instagram: gerdahaydenpt
Gerda grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and completed her physiotherapy degree with distinction at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2003. She started her career in the Neuro MusculoSkeletal field adding a diploma in Sports Rehabilitation to her credentials in 2006. It was in an elite athlete clinic that her interest in Women's health was first piqued. She obtained her Women's health credentialing in 2012, the same year her first son was born. The family moved to the UK shortly after and then landed in Canada three years later. She is currently rostered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario to perform internal pelvic exams and is a member of the Women's Health Division with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She started at the World of My baby (WOMB) in 2018 and has been there since. She has expanded her peri-partum care to an interest in the peri-menopausal field and is qualified to fit pessaries. Her holistic approach ensures that she addresses underlying issues and strives to always see the bigger picture. She keeps abreast of the latest evidence -based research and applies this to her clients.  Her thorough, insightful and effective assessment enables the development of an integrated and comprehensive client-centred treatment strategy. She is passionate about furthering education and hosts the in-clinic placements for McMaster medical residents as well as giving guest lectures at the University itself.
TTOM Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider
 

Midlife Glow: Brush Audit & Pro Makeup Tips! | S2E14 TTOM

In this episode of This Time of the Month, pro makeup artist Jenni Lin shares her expert advice on maintaining your makeup tools and perfecting your beauty routine in midlife. Learn the importance of cleaning your brushes, selecting the right foundation tools, and how to prevent lipstick from bleeding as you age. Whether you're dealing with contouring challenges or looking for ways to make your makeup last longer, Jenni's professional insights are here to help. Elevate your everyday makeup game with tips that keep you looking and feeling your best.
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction: Beatrice Seguin introduces the episode and Jenni Lin, highlighting essential makeup tips.
01:00 The Importance of Clean Brushes: Why regular brush cleaning is crucial and how to do it right.
03:00 Quick Clean vs. Deep Clean: Step-by-step instructions for maintaining your brushes.
05:30 Choosing the Right Brush for Foundation: Differences between foundation brushes and their benefits.
07:30 Makeup Brush Quality: How to identify when it’s time to retire old brushes.
10:00 Mastering the Smoky Eye: Tips on using the right brushes for a perfect smoky eye.
12:00 All About Blush Brushes: Choosing the right blush brush for both powder and cream products.
14:20 Contouring for Midlife: Why focusing on your unique features is key to effective contouring.
17:40 Solving the Lipstick Bleeding Problem: Tips for preventing lipstick from bleeding, especially with darker colours.
21:00 Prepping Your Lips for Long-Lasting Lipstick: Benefits of lip scrubs, primers, and masks.
23:00 Jenni’s Beauty Philosophy: How makeup helps Jenni represent her true self.
24:00 S#it I Like: Portable Brush for On-the-Go Touch-Ups.
 
Jenni Lin's Website and Socials: https://www.jennilin.com https://www.instagram.com/jenni_lin TTOMs Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/

12-Piece Business Travel Capsule: Endless Looks with a Bold Red Twist| TTOM S2E13

Join us for our ultimate guide on how to supercharge your business travel season wardrobe with Sagit Vyner, our resident stylist! Learn how to create multiple stylish looks using a minimal number of items, and ensure you stand out in a sea of sameness. Video version is on YouTube. From power suits and strategic colour choices to versatile accessories and travel packing hacks, Sagit shares insider tips to make your business travel chic, fun, and effortless. Discover how to reinvent your basics, maximize your investment pieces, and pack like a pro for any event. Let's amp up your business wear and travel in style! Watch until the end so you don’t miss our accessories tips too!
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Business travel season and the wardrobe challenge.
00:30 Starting with Basics: Black blazer, white tee, and black pencil pants.
01:27 Amp Up Your Look: Adding colour, texture, and patterns.
02:11 The Red Blazer: Fit, style, and why it's a must-have.
04:00 Transforming Basics: From day to night with red power suit tips. 05:55 The Perfect Fit: Adjusting pants length with safety pins.
07:32 Introducing Prints: Bringing joy with floral and timeless prints.
09:00 Packing Efficiently: Tips for using a specialized travel bag.
12:00 Sheath Dress Magic: Styling a timeless piece for various looks.
13:32 Gala Night Transformation: From business to evening glamour.
16:00 Travel Day Comfort: Stylish and practical outfit for the airport.
18:00 The Right Tools: Packing strategies and bag selection.
20:15 Accessorizing: Refresh your wardrobe with accessories.
22:00 Final Tips: Bringing joy and personality to your business wear.
26:42 Sh#it I Like Product Review: Bose travel Speaker.
Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/

Myths of Grief and Emotional Healing | S2E12 (part 2)

In this week's episode, we review the 6 myths of grief as outlined by the Grief Recovery Institute, and how they specifically relate to midlife.
Adults are often expected to silently cope with loss and grief, without outward displays of emotion. In modern society, we’re socially conditioned from childhood to deal with our feelings independently. This has led to many unspoken beliefs about how we should handle loss, grief, and even anger.
That's why Dr. Béatrice is welcoming back Kirsten Frey, a Grief Recovery Specialist, to debunk these 6 pervasive myths of grief.
Tune in to gain insights and tools to better navigate your emotional landscape.
🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable content!
If this your first time listening to Kirsten Frey, you'll find our previous conversations interesting:
- S2E2: https://youtu.be/0qTVt20mcdw (we defined grief beyond the loss of loved ones, and recognized any loss or transition as grief)
- S2E11: https://youtu.be/gOvFAPq6cIw (We talked about how to navigate the emotional burden carried by women in midlife)
Timestamp (and 6 Myths of Grief):
1:00 Don't feel bad (Myth #1)
4:49 Replace the loss (Myth #2)
6:55 Grieve alone (Myth #3)
8:47 Time heal all wounds (Myth #4)
11:22 Be Strong for others (Myth #5)
15:32 Grief? Keep busy (Myth #6)
18:18 top 2 takeaways from Kirsten
20:02 Sh!t I Like
Social: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider(s).
👉 Resources: Grief Recovery Institute eBook: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/sites/default/files/cgrs-support-files/the_major_myths_about_grief_ebook.pdf
Kirsten Frey www.tlclifecoaching.com IG: tlclifecoaching

How to set healthy boundaries without feeling guilty | S2E11 Part 1

In this Part 1 of Season 2, episode 11, Dr. Béatrice welcomes back Kirsten Frey, a Grief Recovery Specialist, to understand more deeply how to navigate the emotional burden carried by women in midlife.
If you missed our previous chat with Kirsten, you can get caught up with link below (we defined grief beyond the loss of loved ones, and recognized any loss or transition as grief:
https://youtu.be/0qTVt20mcdw
In this new episode, Kirsten shared the impact of grief on our relationships. Throughout the episode, practical advice and language recommendations are provided with real life examples for effectively communicating feelings and setting healthy boundaries. This episode highlights the importance of addressing grief and loss in a compassionate, radically honest, and open manner.
Additional topics covered includes:
* Shift from crisis to an awakening
* Establishing healthy boundaries and navigating pushback from self and others
* Misconceptions and societal conditioning affecting men and women
* Exploring intimacy and relationships
* Parallels between the emotional experiences of menopause and puberty
* How societal expectations of expressing emotions can differ for men and women
* And much more
Timestamp:
0:00 Intro
0:53 Introducing Grief Recovery Speciliast: Carrying the burden of everyone
4:38 How to create space during midlife chaos (with example)
9:53 What's the language we can use to set healthy boundaries?
11:52 Setting great example for your kids
14:49 The dynamics of spousal relationships during loss or grief
17:59 Two things you'd like for men to know about grief
20:54 How does lack of intimacy affect relationships?
24:48 Getting a coach or therapist isn't a sign of weakness
26:50 Top 3 takeaways from this episode
Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider(s) and other professionals.
RESOURCES:
Kirsten Frey www.tlclifecoaching.com
IG: tlclifecoaching https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/sites/default/files/cgrs-support-files/the_major_myths_about_grief_ebook.pdf

Are you integrating naturopathy in perimenopause? What you should know|TTOM S2E10

In this episode 10 of TTOM Season 2, Dr. Béatrice Séguin interviewed Dolores Fernandez, a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) and Naturopathic Doctor to understand the role of naturopathic medicine in women's health, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. ​ Dolores emphasizes evidence-based practices and individualized care, addressing topics such as hormone therapy, supplements, vaginal health, bone health, and the importance of consulting reputable sources. Tune in to gain valuable insights and make informed choices about your health journey.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:34 "What brought you to naturopathic medicine?"
4:20 Menopause Certified Practitioner: The Process
5:05 "We're have certain prescription privileges"
5:52 Hormone therapy: Naturopath's perspective
7:21 Naturopath's perspective on supporting women going through perimenopause
8:37 How naturopaths collaborate with medical doctors 9:35 How Naturopathic doctor's approach is complementary to medicine?
12:56 Wasting money on supplements due to lack of evidence 13:40 Vitamins from whole foods
18:13 usefulness or non usefulness of certain tests
19:12 "How to determine if we are in perimenopause?"
19:40 Misconceptions: Estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue
21:39 How to deal with burnout? 22:05 Gaps in women's health
24:53 "What are 2 things women should remember from you?"
26:05 What makes you feel beautiful?
Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Dolores Fernandez, ND, MSCP social handles:
IG @drdoloresnd
Béatrice's outfit for this episode was graciously styled by Kristine and Karilynn check out their IG accounts @shop.with.kristine and @karilynnbianchi
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Un-diet yourself: break free of guilt & restrictions w/ Amanda Thebe | TTOM S2E09

On this episode 9 of TTOM Season 2, I sit down once again with Amanda Thebe. This time we talk about repairing our relationship with food. Amanda goes deeper on what to eat and how to eat, especially focusing on behaviour change and how to enjoy food.
Amanda is Amazon Best-Selling Author and Canada's First Menopause Workplace Educator. She is also a fitness and women’s health expert with nearly thirty years of experience in the fitness industry, she is the author of the Amazon best-selling book, Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too!
She is the co-founder and Chief Wellness and Branding Officer at Nyah Health, a complete healthcare solution for menopausal women in Canada. She provides on-site or virtual educational presentations in the workplace to improve productivity, retention and attendance for female employees through menopause.
Amanda is a popular guest on podcasts, radio, tv and online summits, and her health and fitness tips have been featured in media outlets like Oprah, Shape, Prevention, Health Line, CBC Radio, Global News Canada, The Doctors, and many more. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro: Eating food in front of tele?
2:20 Diet culture: They make money by instilling fear
3:33 You should get rid of restrictive ideas around food
5:25 Misleading celeb culture: Being thin & perfect
6:03 Myths: All carbs are bad?
11:51 Role of protein need in midlife
16:16 I'll ask my daughter to watch this segment
16:38 What types of supplement can help?
18:29 Two supplements I take...
22:06 Three big takeaways when it comes to eating
24:55 Sh!t I like: minute rice review
 
 
 
Amanda Thebe's Socials:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/amanda.thebe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandathebex
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandathebex
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-thebe/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AmandaThebex
Podcast: www.amandathebe.com/podcast

Hormone Therapy, Sexual Health & More: Q&A w/ Dr. Alida | TTOM S2E8

Recently, we received many questions from the TTOM community through text messages, email and comments across our social media handles.
In this episode, we're answering a few of those questions with our special guest Dr. Alida Pokoradi. She is an expert in OBGYN, GYN Oncology, and GYN Surgery, with a PhD focused on menopause.
Watch previous episodes (S2E3) with Dr. Alida for more in depth conversations.
Her academic journey, from the University of Toronto to the University of Aberdeen, has armed her with key insights into menopause's impact on health.
Now a gynecologic oncologist, her rich experience and extensive research make this episode an essential listen for those seeking a deeper understanding of menopause from a distinguished voice in women's health.
Timestamp:
0:00 Intro
1:35 If I had breast cancer, what can I do about hot flashes and vaginal symptoms
2:49 Is there a cut off age for hormone therapy?
3:29 I'm 61-62 years old, is it too late for hormone therapy?
5:14 Do I have to be 12 months without a period to get hormone therapy?
6:58 "Help! My coochie is so itchy, it wakes me up during night..."
11:30 What's Vulvodynia? How to recognize it? Differentiating it from other conditions
13:29 “I had my labs done, Dr says I'm not in menopause…”
14:51 “I started bleeding after menopause.” Dangerous?
17:54 If you are on systemic Hormone therapy...
18:44 Most common questions: Sexual health
22:44 The Proust Questionnaire
24:15 Product Review (Stuff I like)

3 Midlife Stories: Beauty, Aging & Empowerment | TTOM S2E7

Join Dr. Beatrice Seguin in 'This Time of the Month' for conversations with Stephanie, Helen, and Laurie on embracing beauty, confidence, and empowerment amidst life's challenges.
Stephanie Adams: Redefining Beauty in your 40s
Self-Care: Elevating personal well-being as a paramount priority.
Unity: Encouraging open sharing and mutual support among women.
Proactivity: Highlighting the importance of regular health screenings.
Style: Advocating for personal expression beyond societal age expectations.
Dialogue: Promoting transparent communication with healthcare providers.
 
Helen Tansey: Embrace True Beauty Essence: Valuing people beyond looks.
Narratives: Challenging society's aging and beauty standards.
Unity: Encouraging women to uplift, not judge.
Aging: Seeing aging as natural and positive.
Joy: Finding beauty in laughter, meditation, and connections.
 
Laurie Hunt: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Choosing Self.
Movement: Overcoming limits to unlock potential.
Growth Mindset: Embracing possibilities beyond age.
Daily Practices: Balancing mood, movement, and mental growth.
Small Shifts: Setting achievable goals to break barriers.
Self-Care: Prioritizing oneself for growth and service.
 
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:48: what's in episode 7?
2:41 Part 1: Stephanie - Beauty Standards
4:08 Can we own our standard of beauty past our 40s?
6:12 women judge each other a lot
7:58 I think women need to share beyond Instagram
8:30 affordable tips that gives you that sense of uplift
10:27 what turns you on in your 40s compared to 20s or 30s?
12:03 when they say, "Dress your age!"
14:36 "suffering in silence"
15:44 Part 2: Helen - how we changed narrative about beauty and aging
16:08 - how you see essence of a person? how do you do that?
17:00 how do you define beauty?
18:51 - Internal struggle
21:21 stop judging each other
23:46 my brother believed in me
24:44 what would you tell your younger self
27:56 Three things you want TTOM audience to know
30:09 I wish celeb would be more transparent
32:00 what makes you feel beautiful?
33:31 part 3 - Laurie - overcoming limiting beliefs
34:35 what’s the small shift to overcome limiting beliefs
36:10 "I'm too old to do this"
37:45 transformation is achievable for everyone?"
39:14 what you would want TTOM audience to leave with?
43:27 SIL – Sh!t I Like
Green dress worn with Stephanie was kindly styled by @jordananoelle.styling
Additional Links:
Helen Tansey https://www.sundariphotography.com
Laurie Hunt https://www.lauriehunt.com/blog/the-more-in-me-movement-story-part-1-what-is-it
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Feminine leadership and the burden of health advocacy| TTOM S2E6

In Episode 6 of TTOM Season 2, we dive into the often-unspoken world of perimenopause, with a focus on the experiences of women navigating this transformative phase of life. Our guest, Charity Kabango, co-founder and director of entrepreneurial solutions partners (ESP), shares her personal insights, underscoring the importance of open discussions and the need for accessible information and support. The episode covers topics such as the early signs of perimenopause, how it affects daily life, and the challenges women face in seeking understanding and care from healthcare professionals. It also emphasizes the power of community and shared experiences in navigating this significant life stage. Join us for an episode that promises to enlighten and empower women in their journey through perimenopause.
Topic Covered:
Awareness and Accessibility: Discussing the gap in open conversations about perimenopause
Healthcare Challenges: Addressing the need for respectful healthcare, especially for women of colour
Community Support: Emphasizing the importance of advice from friends and family in understanding health concerns like perimenopause
Identifying Symptoms: Exploring signs like menstrual changes and sleep issue
Feminine Leadership: Charity highlights the strengths of feminine leadership, emphasizing empathy and a nuanced understanding of one's environment as key leadership traits.
Brain Fog Struggles: Highlighting brain fog as a potential, yet overlooked, symptoms.
Seeking Clarity: Charity's quest for answers about her symptoms
00:00 Introduction 
00:31 What is TTOM and what's in it for you?
00:55 Before we talked, did you know the word "perimenopause"?
03:07 Have you been proactively approached by Primary Caregiver?
06:12 Is there any symptom that you most associate with perimenopause?
07:37 This can be 1/3rd to half of your entire life.
09:47 Experience with Primary Caregiver on menopause
13:25 "Busy professional woman, is it fair to ask you to figure it out?"
14:37 Trust in the healthcare system
18:31 Feminine Leadership for 14 years
23:00 Having pads in the office: vision for better workplaces
27:03 you can't access pain care as a black woman 33:11 Is there #1 takeaway from this episode?
34:00 What makes you feel beautiful?
35:44 What's next? To learn more about Perimenopause Watch ep 1
Additional Resources:
'Menopause Manifesto' by Dr Jen Gunter (book review): https://youtube.com/shorts/fX6nCj4lCpw
Episode 1 with Dr Jessica Green:
https://youtu.be/mnRdqakL_2E
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttomcommunity/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTOMcommunity/
Note: Content in this episode is meant for educational and awareness purposes. It does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.