Mood swings can be drastically reduced by following a course of action such as a weekly exercise regimen. Exercise, specifically meditation and yoga, has been proven to relieve mood swings. Besides, it is ultimate anti-aging activity – women who exercise well into their sixties report looking and feeling younger. Another objective is to have a steady social support group to turn to. Menopause sufferers will find soothing words by their family and friends a positive contributor to their overall well-being.

The third course of action is to follow right diet. Caffeine loaded drinks like coffee and soda will not work for you: it will only excite you leading to restless sleep making you cranky throughout night. Drink certain teas that increase serotonin levels in brain, like passionflower and chamomile, will also relax and provide for blissful sleep.

Grab milk bottle in refrigerator and warm it up – tryptophan, a component found in warm milk, is known to increase serotonin in brain as well. A multivitamin and mineral supplement may also help load your body with right nutrients, balancing things out. So, avoid menopause mayhem and eliminate mood swings and sudden onset of crying by following above advice – feel refreshed mentally and emotionally for a better day.

6. Keep an up-to-date list of your medications with you at all times.

7. It is your responsibility to learn names of your medications and why you are taking them! Most likely, your provider does not know what you mean by “little pink pill” or “white capsule”. There are literally dozens of each.

8. Check your medications before you leave pharmacy. If something does not look right, ask about it right then. DO NOT take something you are unfamiliar with.

9. Follow label directions. If you are taking something for osteoporosis, chances are you were told to take it with a full glass of water, sitting upright while avoiding any other food or fluids for 30 minutes. They were not making it up! This goes for labels on over-the-counter preparations. This is one time that “if a little is good, a lot must be better” can be a dangerous thought.

10. Another very important tip. If at all possible, it is in your best interest to have a primary care provider. Ideally, he or she will coordinate your care with specialists, and keep track of all medications you are on. If you have a complete profile on record, then between your one primary provider, and your one pharmacist, any problems in your medications should be picked up.

11. This bonus tip comes from a lesson taught to me by a wonderful patient of mine…If you and your partner both take medication, do NOT mix them up. It can have serious consequences!

While proper nutrition and exercise are mainstays of treatment for most health challenges, medication use is sometimes unavoidable. Make sure you need them; know what they are and how to take them. Follow directions, and don’t share! Most of all, always seek to understand what you are taking and what it’s suppose to do for you. Your body will thank you.

©2005, OlderWiserWomen, LLC. Barbara C. Phillips, Nurse Practitioner and founder of OlderWiserWomen(tm) inspires women to embrace the freedom, magic and wisdom of Successful Aging. Visit www.OlderWiserWomen.com for your copy of "Celebrating You: 50 Tips for Vibrant Living".