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A huge NABBW welcome to new member Lorraine Miano, an Integrative Certified Health Coach who is especially passionate about working with women in all phases of menopause, with the clear goal of helping us overcome any weight, metabolism and aging concerns, so we can have more energy, less stress, and feel comfortable in our own skin. (Who doesn’t like the sound of that!)
I recently watched an awesome video clip from last December’s (2020) Perimenopause Summit, during which Lorraine was interviewed about her efforts to help us Western women understand that menopause can – and should – be viewed as the time we women come into our own, finally becoming the influential and powerful beings we were meant to be.
Lorraine also in explains that in non-Western cultures, especially Japanese — but also Greek, Native American, Indian, Chinese, Korean and African — societies, elder women are held in high esteem – and venerated for their wisdom. Be sure to watch the clip, you’ll find it very uplifting.
Below, I share Lorraine’s answers to our favorite questions. You’ll enjoy reading her responses. But I also want to encourage you to become familiar with her website, The Magic of Menopause, not only for the content Lorraine offers there, but because of the awesome first page introduction, in which she outlines her mission. Here’s what she shares:
I am especially passionate about working with women in all phases of menopause who have weight, metabolism and aging concerns, so that they can have more energy, less stress and feel comfortable in their own skin.
It’s time to change how we think and act about the change of life.
It’s time for the “2nd Talk.”
With over 37.5 million women going through menopause, and the fact that women will spend 50% of their lives as post-menopausal, steps can be taken at any age to keep menopause symptoms from affecting your life in a negative way.
There are so many myths and misconceptions about menopause, and I’d love to help you navigate this sea of confusion!
It’s time to say “adieu” to the “taboo”!
Through group coaching sessions, holistic nutrition, lifestyle choices and other resources (including my quarterly REFRESH programs), I can help you Get your Happy Back and Live the Life you Crave!
If you are a woman going through “The Change”, …I’ll have you saying:
“Damn right I am changing! I am becoming the woman I’ve always wanted to be!”
“Menopause can be magical. It can be your freedom years. This–more than any other time in your life–is yours to embrace and celebrate…”
Tell us about your family; married, divorced, children, grands, boomerangs or parents living with you, etc.
Hello fellow Boomers! My husband Richard and I are just about to celebrate our 41st Anniversary. We have three awesome children who are all married and employed… thankfully! Between them, they have given us six adorable grandchildren (so far). The oldest just started high school, and the youngest just turned 6 months old. They definitely light up our lives! I am also fortunate to have both of my parents who live close by. To be able to spend time with family is the reason I strive to live the healthiest life possible!
What is your favorite childhood memory that is reminiscent of growing up in the 50s, 60s or 70s?
In the late 60’s and early 70’s, my girlfriends and I just loved listening to all of the Top 40 music on our transistor radios. Can you say Casey Casem!? We were basically singing and dancing just about every day. A highlight was going to Madison Square Garden to see the Osmond Brothers live! Yes, we were those screaming preteens! Haha!
What qualities do you have that speak of our generation of women?
I’m not really sure how to answer this. All of us are so unique and bio individuals. My qualities include being determined, hardworking, positive, and happy. And I’ve got a crazy laugh. Does that count?
What inspires you?
Continuously educating myself on holistic health and menopause, not only for my business and the women I support, but for my family and personal benefit as well.
These days, what brings you the most pleasure in life?
Without a doubt, spending time with our grandchildren brings me the most pleasure. My husband and I are fortunate to be active and healthy, which makes it easy to travel to see several of our grands who live in another state. We love to take them each on a special individual trip for special bonding time too.
Do you have any interesting hobbies?
Traveling, and researching places to go are probably my favorite hobbies. My Dad instilled this in me from an early age, when he had me plan our family’s camping trip at the age of 12. I also love reading, hiking, dancing, and writing.
Do you have a favorite book or movie? If so, tell us why it’s your favorite.
I adore all of Pat Conroy’s books. My favorite is “Beach Music.” I enjoy family sagas that span decades and historical times. They intrigue me. As a matter of fact, I’m inspired to read it again now!
Do you travel and if so, who are your favorite travel partners and where do you like to go?
I LOVE traveling! Of course, my hubby is my most favorite travel partner. Quite often we travel with other couples, who we have known since high school. I’ll go anywhere! Recently we went on the St. Lawrence River cruise through Canada, and just booked an Alaska Adventure for next summer. I’m also headed to Tuscany in the Spring with my sister-in-law to stay in a villa with 9 women. Fun will be had! Oh! And in just a few weeks my husband and I are headed to Aruba with our good friends. Did I say I LOVE to travel?
What do you stress about?
I try not to stress! But currently, the health of my parents is at the top of my list. My Mom has had several serious health issues over the past few years. Doctor visits and caregiving take a good bit of time.
Is it important for you to retain your youthful looks, and if so, to what degree are you willing to go?
More than retaining a youthful look, I’m concerned more with healthy skin. This often happens from the inside out (can you tell I’m a health coach?). Good food, movement, stress reduction, and quality organic skincare products are at the top of the list.
Have you re-invented yourself, and if so, how?
At age 55, I decided to go back to school and attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and became a certified health coach. I’ve always been interested in holistic health, so when the opportunity presented itself, I say YES! Once I decided to guide menopausal women, I went back and became certified in Hormone Health. I wrote my first book, “The Magic of Menopause: A Holistic Guide to Get Your Happy Back,” at age 57. I’m currently 63 and a social media influencer, studying to become an Aromatherapist (more help for women) as well as working on my second book.
The Magic of Menopause
Do you plan to retire?
As of right now….No. We’ll see what the future brings. If and when that happens, it will most likely be to see more of our grandbabies and to travel!
Are you doing anything to GO Green?
Recycling has been part of our family’s lives for the past 38 years. As well, we eat organically grown food, support local farmers, and eliminate as many toxins in our lives as possible, from chemicals to plastics and more.
Do you still have unfulfilled dreams, and are you doing anything to accomplish them?
I wouldn’t say I have unfulfilled dreams, as enjoying the process itself is fulfilling.
This includes travel plans, education, creativity.
How do you make a difference in the lives of others, your community, your world?
Our family has sponsored children in the Philippines for the past 22 years through Unbound. As well, I was a weekly volunteer at Catholic Parish Outreach for nine years, and full time PTSA volunteer while my children were growing up. Currently I donate much of my time guiding women as they navigate the menopause years in a private support group. Many of these women are experiencing debilitating symptoms, and have nowhere to turn.
If you were to have a personal mission statement, what would it be? Feel free to be as serious or fun as you choose.
To be positive, happy, and healthy while living with intention and passion….for a very long time!
