Amoena Life Spring 2017 by Amoena

For you, like no other

AMOENALIFE amoena.us | amoena.ca

Spring/Summer 2017

HELP OTHERS, HELP YOURSELF Backed by science: Generosity has a physical effect on you

REFRAMING MENOPAUSE Take control to prepare for and accept the famous Change of Life

SANDALS OPTIONAL Amoenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 Swimwear Collection

IN PRAISE OF THE WOMEN WE LOVE

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THE STORY’S THE THING

Giving you more Amoena LIFE content, more frequently Like good food, meaningful stories nourish us. We gather eagerly when a friend has a tale to tell. We crave the shared laughter, surprise, mystery or poignancy — those common emotional threads that stories use to connect us as humans. In the pages of Amoena LIFE over the years, it’s been our privilege to tell your stories — both the everyday and the extraordinary ones. It’s gratifying that you keep reading — and because we care, we want to give you more. Everything you love about Amoena LIFE is going to come to you more often in the years ahead. Our new website is dedicated to you, particularly to the informative, inspiring articles you have come to appreciate from Amoena — not just twice a year, but every month, available every day, when you’re ready. Connected online, we can see which stories you care about, and give you more of those — so everybody wins. This will be the last printed issue of our magazine. We know women like you spend more time reading digitally than ever before, so we’re with you. Let’s talk about the issues, and exchange our stories to build a better community. A rich, meaningful Amoena LIFE.

CELEBRATING THE WOMEN WHO LEAD We’ve come a long way!

By Christina Relf

Connect with us at amoena.us and facebook.com/AmoenaCompany

There are now more women leaders in politics, multinational business, the media and academia than ever before. Here, we celebrate women’s rise in leadership, looking at how far we’ve come, the barriers we still face and what is being done to break them down.

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With women currently holding around 4% of CEO positions at S&P 500 companies, Theresa May and Angela Merkel leading the UK and Germany, respectively, and female entrepreneurs making up nearly 37% of the world’s new enterprises, women leaders continue to make headlines in both business and politics.. Indeed, women now are more generally accepted as leaders in all walks of life, particularly in the developed world, with the focus being not so much on their gender as — quite rightly — on their suitability for the job. Britain’s biggest drugs company, GlaxoSmithKline, recently appointed Emma Walmsley as CEO making her the most powerful woman in the business — one of just seven female chief executives in the UK’s 100 top performing companies. Her appointment comes as GSK’s chairman, Sir Philip Hampton, leads a government review into increasing the number of senior executive women — and for good reason. Research has found that companies in the UK, the US and India perform better financially when they have at least one female executive on the board. It has been said that what every successful woman needs is a wife. Perhaps this could be reframed to allow for the fact that to succeed in business, everyone — regardless of gender — needs balance in their life and a support structure behind them. Society and working practices must evolve to reflect the new reality: we’re no longer living in the 1950s.

Melanie had a high-powered career in advertising before starting her own company. Postnatal depression led her to research fish oils that might help, and her quest led her to make Omega 3 supplements using the finest ingredients. Melanie launched Bare Biology in 2013, single-handedly building a brand that was snapped up by premium retailers, including Space NK, Liberty and Whole Foods; the company now has a reputation as the best Omega 3 on the market. See her top tips for women who want to be successful on the next page.

“We have come out of the shadows and are taking our rightful places on the world stage.”

SMASHING THE GLASS CEILING

The so-called ‘glass ceiling’ still exists, though. Women often find they can get so far and no further in their chosen field, with male colleagues making it to the senior roles. And the gender pay gap persists, although in some countries it is narrowing. Founder of UK brand Bare Biology, Melanie Lawson, says: “Women face three key challenges when it comes to issues like the gender pay gap and the glass ceiling. First, we have children. So we’re taken out of our careers for a period of time, which puts us at a disadvantage. Second, we’re our own worst enemies when it comes to pushing for a pay raise or promotion. Third, the responsibility for the children nearly always lies with the mother — even if her career is equal to, or greater than, her husband’s.” 4 Spring/Summer 2017

BUILD EACH OTHER UP

Dr. Claudia Jonzcyk, associate professor of organization studies at ESCP Europe business school, acknowledges that there are subtle barriers to women getting ahead. With campuses in Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Turin and Warsaw, ESCP Europe has a global perspective on management issues and Claudia believes women still face challenges like “benevolent sexism,” where people make hidden assumptions about the types of roles and assignments women may want to undertake. “There’s also a lack of support,” she explains. “Women need mentors but they also need sponsors. At decisive career moments, you need somebody senior looking out for you, and this doesn’t always happen for women.” The need for mentoring and the importance of support networks inspired Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the Savvy Women’s Circle — an online community designed to provide women with all the resources and support they need to maximize their business or career impact. Savvy Women’s Circle (SWC) delivers informative workshops, business seminars and more in-depth programs aimed at developing women leaders. Shola is also editor-in-chief of Women in Leadership, SWC’s quarterly magazine which offers insights into personal leadership journeys, the challenges faced and the inspirational moments that drive women into a lifetime of progressive change. Among the high profile female leaders featured in its first publication were Baroness Lorely Burt of Solihull, UK Government Ambassador of Women in Enterprise. “We don’t know anyone who’s grown a successful business or reached the peak in their career without getting the support, training or coaching they need for

WHY NOT YOU? Founder of UK brand Bare Biology, Melanie Lawson, says if you want to make it to the top: 1. S top trying to be perfect and just get on with it. Men don’t try to be perfect; they wing it and push themselves out of their comfort zones. 2. Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t overestimate the competition. Everyone has the same issues, anxieties and weaknesses. There’s no reason why you can’t be at the top. 3. We’re great at multi-tasking but this also leads to a lack of focus. Commit to working hard on one project or task. Turn off your phone, notifications and any other distractions and you’ll be super-productive.

their specific situation,” says Shola, who is dual-qualified as a New York attorney and solicitor in England and Wales. However, she celebrates the fact that women leaders are more visible today than ever before: “Both nationally and internationally, we are more vocal about our desires and ambition, as well as defying societal and cultural stereotypes that have held us back. We have come out of the shadows and are taking our rightful places on the world stage.”

IMPROVING OPPORTUNITY

So what about the leadership pipeline? Are we giving young women the tools they need to succeed? In the UK, women are 35% more likely to go to university than men. But getting the right start can depend on cultural conditioning, and this can be more deeply ingrained in certain parts of the world. Says Bare Biology’s Melanie Lawson: “We need to raise the ambitions of girls from a young age, help them to focus on the long term and picture a life for themselves that isn’t dependent on a man’s salary. In developing countries, education plays a huge part in this of course, but so does social change. Young girls who dream of being doctors but traditionally would be married off need to be nurtured, mentored and safeguarded.” In Africa, women like Folorunsho Alakija are only too aware of the obstacles women face. The fourth richest person in Nigeria, Folorunsho is vice chair of Famfa

Oil. She set up the Rose of Sharon Foundation to help empower women, explaining in a recent interview for Forbes magazine that she wanted to inspire a generation of leaders, mentoring and counseling them while providing opportunities for a better future. Her advice for would-be leaders is not to take “no” for an answer, no matter what the odds. “If you look in the English dictionary, there is no such word as ‘can’t’,” she says. “Whatever anybody else can do, you can be better. You just have to be the very best you can be.” And that is surely an aspiration we can all wholeheartedly endorse.

LEARN MORE

Bare Biology: www.barebiology.com Women in Leadership: www.savvywomenscircle.org ESCP Europe: www.escpeurope.eu The Rose of Sharon Foundation: www.roseofsharonfoundation.wordpress.com Writer, stylist and communications consultant Christina Relf lives near Winchester in the south of England and is a frequent contributor to Amoena Life. amoena.us 5

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SEAWORTHY STYLE Lima Swimdress in black/white 8-22

SANDALS OPTIONAL

POOLSIDE SPLASH Cairo Sarong in dark blue/white 10-14

SMOOTH SAILING Bogota One-Piece in dark blue 6-18

CAPTIVATING CLASSIC Paros One-Piece in taupe/black/white 6-16

Amoena’s 2017 Swimwear Collection See the rest of the collection online at amoena.us

BREEZY ISLAND ATTITUDE Madagascar One-Piece in aqua/paradise pink 8-16

RETRO STYLE Tavira Tankini Top in navy/white 6-16 Tavira High Waist Brief 6-18

6 Spring/Summer 2017

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CRAVING THAT WEEKEND VIBE

Don’t you wish every day felt like Saturday? A casual brunch, a dog park meetup, a few shopping bags, a latte, and unexpected plans for the evening...

DRESS IT UP 1

There’s nothing more comfortable than an obligation-free day in the spring.

1 Amoena Reversible Top in wild berry, sizes S-XL, with built-in shelf bra 2 Leticia Padded Wire-free bra in dark blue, sizes 32-42 AA, A, B, D, D, DD; coordinating panty, sizes 6-18 3 Gracy Padded Wire-free bra in nude and off-white with Memory Foam cups, sizes 32-42 AA, A, B, C, D, DD; coordinating panty, sizes 6-20

GET THE LOOK 1 2 3

Amoena Spaghetti Top with lace in rosewood, sizes S-XL, with built-in shelf bra Aurelie Wire-free bra in off-white, sizes 32-44 A, B, C, D, DD; coordinating panty, sizes 6-22 Emmy Padded Wire-free bra in rose nude and off-white, sizes 32-42 AA, A, B, C, D; coordinating panty, sizes 8-20

8 Spring/Summer 2017

More styles online at amoena.us

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Have you noticed it’s rare to hear positive language on the topic of menopause? “Gloom and doom” is more typical. Granted, when menopause and its side effects start earlier in life than you planned, from chemotherapy or surgery, it feels very unfair. But we like the sunnier outlook of U.S. nurse Marcelle Pick (from her website):

“ Baby-boomer women have changed the world already, and in menopause they will do it again….It’s time to retire that tired old stereotype of the post-menopausal woman as old, weak, crotchety, [and] unattractive.” –Marcelle Pick, RNC, MSN, OB/GYN NP and co-founder of Women to Women (www.womentowomen.com)

BEFORE

DURING

There are actually things you can do to prepare for menopause, whether yours is a natural or a chemical/ medical menopause. Here are five things to think about:

Hot flashes?

right, exercise, and don’t smoke. 1 Eat

With these 3 healthy habits,, you can delay the onset of natural menopause, as well as lessen the severity of your eventual symptoms. Make good choices: fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and a physical activity you can commit to and enjoy.

up your bone strength. 2 Build

Calcium, Vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise will help protect your bones once menopause starts, so they don’t become weak and develop osteoporosis.

your treatment options. 3 Know

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be effective for treating menopausal symptoms, but if you’ve had breast cancer, the estrogen in HRT can increase your risk for recurrence.

your baseline levels. 4 Check

Hormones like estrogen, testosterone and thyroid, as well as bone density, can be checked before menopause, to help your health team equip you with the right treatments when the time comes. A simple blood test or x-ray is all that’s required.

Fertility Preservation Options. 5 Explore

Young women with breast cancer sometimes experience a temporary menopause due to chemotherapy or other treatment. Before treatment begins, it’s worth learning about fertility preservation, if having children is something you’re planning.

REFRAMING MENOPAUSE

Take control to prepare for and accept the famous Change of Life

10 Spring/Summer 2017

Hydrate. It keeps your whole system cooled down. Sleep problems/fatigue? Create quiet, cool, and dark conditions which promote better sleep. Mood swings/depression? Engage a support system and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Vaginal dryness? Talk to your doctor. Non-hormonal lubricants are available to ease this common issue.

AFTER 1 Be aware. It’s not officially “menopause” until a year

has passed with no menstrual period. In chemo? Your menopausal symptoms may lessen and your period return after the therapy ends.

2 Take heart. All the good habits used to manage

menopausal symptoms, like diet and exercise, yoga and meditation, will also help lower your risk of heart disease. Keep up the good work!

3 Enjoy freedom. For many, the years after menopause are a “golden” time, free of the responsibilities of younger womanhood, and filled with the wise perspective of life experience. Embrace it!

Comfort+ for the Win You’ve already beaten the heat if you choose an Amoena breast form with Comfort+ temperature-equalizing technology. Our ENERGY, NATURA, ADAPT and CONTACT products help you stay cool all day. Learn more at amoena.us

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Help Others Help Yourself

Backed by science: Generosity has a physical effect on you 12 Spring/Summer 2017

By Beth Leibson Barbra, a survivor of triple negative breast cancer, volunteers five days a week at three cancer hospitals near her home in southern Massachusetts. She volunteers in their resource centers providing information to cancer patients, survivors, and their families; she hosts multiple monthly sessions of Look Good, Feel Better, a free American Cancer Society program that helps patients cope with the esthetic side of cancer treatment; she acts as a hospice volunteer and bereavement counselor; and she does fittings at the local wig bank, also operated by the American Cancer Society. While not remunerative, Barbra finds these experiences immensely rewarding and empowering. “The women tell me the most wonderful things,” she says. “When I’m fitting wigs, I hear, ‘Oh my God, I feel like you’ve given me my life back,’” Barbra explains. One woman said, “I haven’t smiled in six months, but thanks to your help I’m going to be smiling every day.” Helping others gives Barbra’s life meaning and joy. What she may not realize, though, is that helping others pays her physical dividends as well. “When people focus on contributing to the lives of others, many studies indicate that they themselves benefit in a variety of ways, as well as the recipients,” says Stephen Post, Ph.D., Director for the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics at Stony Brook University and best-selling author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping. Helping others can actually affect your brain’s chemistry with a release of dopamine, the hormone and neurotransmitter that provides what researchers call a “helper’s high;” oxytocin, which can ward off illness and keep you healthy; and serotonin and endorphins, which can offset depression and anxiety. As a result, doing regular volunteer work can reduce stress, combat depression and decrease incidence of other mental illnesses. It can also aid in longevity, offer mental stimulation that can prevent or decrease declining brain function, combat hypertension, and even aid pain control. “One of the best ways to get your mind off your own aches and pains is to get your mind on somebody else,” says Post. Note that it’s not a matter of increasing volunteer work for added benefit, adds Post. Most people who reap the benefits offer about 100 hours a year, or roughly two hours a week. “I think clinical sites should be prescribing — or at least strongly recommending — volunteer work for a variety of survivor groups,” says Post. And this is an area where self-medicating is perfectly safe and generally effective.

Resources: Imagine Canada (www.imaginecanada.ca), National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov), Corporation for National and Community Service (www.nationalservice.gov),

Want a Healthier, Happier Life? Volunteering works. Volunteer work is just as good for the people who donate their time and energy as for those who receive the fruits of their effort. In fact, studies show that:

96% of those studied say it makes them happier

94% report that helping others improves their mood

92% say it “enriches their sense of purpose in life”

89% say it “improves their sense of well-being”

80% report feeling increased control over their health

78% note that it enables them to

overcome loss and disappointment

78% say it helps them feel less stressed about their own situation

76% say volunteering helps them feel healthier

73% report lower stress 44% experienced a decreased risk

of death over a five-year period

13%

report alleviation of physical pain

POSTSCRIPT One more time, we want to say thank you. We’ve loved being a part of your life. Knowing our work was in your hands, being enjoyed over coffee or in a waiting room, has given us real joy. Receiving your letters and spending time with you, even moreso. We’re grateful, inspired, and full of hope as we look ahead to our new online format. There’s so much to be discovered — come along with us. amoena.us/amoena-life

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Publisher Amoena USA Corporation | Editor Lee Thrash | Contributors Beth Leibson, Christina Relf | Art Director Shan Willoughby | Design Sekayi Stephens | Photography Dorothea Craven, iStockPhoto, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock | Contact Amoena Life, 1701 Barrett Lakes Blvd., Ste. 410, Kennesaw, GA USA 30144, 1-800-741-0078, amoenalife@amoena.com | The entire contents of this publication is copyrighted by Amoena, Kennesaw, GA, USA 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents in any manner is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. Amoena Life magazine is published twice a year and is distributed to subscribers, retailers and medical facilities. No liability for unsolicited manuscripts. Amoena cannot be liable for pictorial or typographical errors. While every effort is taken to ensure the information contained in this magazine is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any use of or reliance on the accuracy of such information. Any information provided is not a substitute for professional care and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you have, or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. The editor reserves the right to edit or abridge letters.

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TAKE $10 OFF Save $10 when you spend $75 or more in-store on any Amoena seasonal collection purchase!* *Discount given by your Amoena retailer.

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