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New York Post
13 hours ago
- Health
- New York Post
Study reveals major health upside of going through menopause later
Most women can't wait to give Aunt Flo the boot. After all, she's moody, messy and shows up uninvited every month. But new research suggests that having more years between your first period and your last comes with some serious health perks later in life. And it has nothing to do with what's happening below the belt. 4 When women enter menopause, they stop menstruating and can no longer get pregnant naturally. Syda Productions – In the study, University of Auckland researchers analyzed brain scans from more than 1,000 postmenopausal women and spotted a striking pattern. Those who got their first period earlier, went through menopause later or simply had more years in between showed noticeably slower signs of brain aging. 'These findings support the idea that estradiol — the most potent and prevalent form of estrogen during a woman's reproductive years — may help protect the brain as it ages,' said Dr. Eileen Lueders, lead researcher of the study. In animal studies, estradiol has been found to support brain health by enhancing neuroplasticity, reducing inflammation and improving communication between brain cells. 4 Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease. kangwan – Estradiol levels fluctuate throughout a woman's life. They rise sharply at puberty, stay high during most of the reproductive years, then drop steeply around menopause. Previous studies have linked that decline in estradiol levels to an increased risk of dementia and other age-related brain conditions. The findings suggest that health interventions, such as hormone treatment, in the years leading up to menopause and immediately after could help combat an increased risk of Alzheimer's for some women, researchers said. The stakes are high: Women bear the brunt of the memory-robbing disease, making up about two-thirds of the 7 million cases across the US today, according to the Alzheimer's Association. 4 A first period is typically a sign that a girl is nearing the end of puberty. Sarah Rypma – In the US, girls usually start menstruating around age 12, though the Mayo Clinic reports that periods can begin as early as 8 or as late as 16. The years when a woman menstruates and can get pregnant are called the reproductive phase. This stage ends with menopause, which is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a period. The average women in the US hits menopause around age 51, but it can happen anytime from the 30s to the mid-50s or later, according to the federal Office on Women's Health. The age you enter menopause is influenced by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle and certain medical conditions. For example, women who smoke may enter menopause earlier, while having multiple pregnancies can delay its onset. 4 The years leading up to menopause are often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes. Monkey Business – 'As more women weigh the benefits of hormone therapy during menopause, findings like these spark important conversations and open the door to more inclusive, focused research in women's brain health,' said Alicja Nowacka, a PhD student at the University of Auckland who wasn't involved in the study. While the new research adds to the growing evidence that estradiol may help protect brain health, Lueders cautioned that the effects were small and estradiol levels were not directly measured. She also noted that other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle and overall health, can play a role in brain aging. Looking ahead, Lueders is urging future studies to include a more diverse pool of participants and directly measure their hormone levels to better understand how estradiol and other factors impact women's brain health.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Struggling with a mental block? Answer these 5 questions to ‘feel a shift in your body'
Call her new book a block-buster. In 'You Have the Magic,' NYC-based influencer and manifestation coach Haley Hoffman Smith reveals the five questions to ask yourself to identify and break free of mental barriers limiting your success. Hoffman Smith — who rose to fame on social media with her spiritual self-help videos and peeks into her luxury lifestyle — said she developed the Subconscious Breakthrough Formula through personal discovery she achieved in EFT tapping sessions. Advertisement 4 NYC-based influencer and manifestation coach Haley Hoffman Smith wrote the new book 'You Have the Magic.' Yana Kovaleva EFT involves tapping on specific acupressure points with your fingertips while focusing on a particular issue or emotion and repeating affirming phrases. 'It's quite simple,' Hoffman Smith, 28, told The Post. 'If you don't yet have something you want or it's perpetually blocked, ask yourself these questions to work with the subconscious mind, and then you know exactly what to tap on and release.' The evolution of the five questions Advertisement Hoffman Smith tested variations of the questions by herself and within her Dreamaway Membership, a program that promises 'deep subconscious rewiring, magnetic breakthroughs and daily energetic support' for $250 a month. These five core queries deliver clarity, catharsis and 'delicious aha moments' in all aspects of life, including love, money and creativity, she said. 4 The book includes five questions to ask yourself if you find yourself stuck while trying to achieve a goal. Pintau Studio – 'I think we're used to asking ourselves, 'Why isn't this happening for me?' or 'Why is this so blocked despite my best conscious effort?' to which the answer is usually, 'I have no darn idea!'' Hoffman Smith said. Advertisement 'The nature of subconscious breakthrough questions is they're asked in a way we don't expect, so it yields answers that have been eluding us.' The five questions are: What bad thing happens if this goal comes to fruition? What do you believe you need to give up that you currently like about your life in order to bring this in? Why does it make sense mentally that this is blocked for you? What is the evidence that you have for why this should be difficult or impossible? What is an example of a time in the past when you also felt this way? How would a new belief — or getting what you really want — be a mismatch for your identity and self-concept? Tips for successfully using the formula Advertisement Hoffman Smith asks herself these questions 'quite frequently' when she seems blocked. She recommends doing the same if you notice yourself 'continuously bumping up against the same pattern' or 'experiencing an invisible forcefield around something' you'd like to do. 4 Break free from distractions when you tackle this exercise. Syda Productions – The key is to find a space where you can go deep without distractions. Self-compassion and playful curiosity are important. 'I find that in early morning hours or late at night, I am most likely to have a big breakthrough because I'm in a lower brainwave state, so the subconscious mind is a bit more accessible,' Hoffman Smith said. Slower brainwaves — associated with creativity, relaxation and reduced stress — are generally more prevalent in the evening as you prepare for bed. How to tell if it's working It's crucial to trace a situation to its root or understand why the subconscious is experiencing fear and resistance, Hoffman Smith said. Advertisement EFT tapping helps bring relief. 'It's highly encouraged to do some EFT tapping to clear the resistance and fear — and you'll know that's worked when you feel the actual shift in your body,' Hoffman Smith said. 'Fears dim, emotions release, stickiness melts, tightness loosens,' she added, 'and new perspectives and hope easily pour in.' 4 'Fears dim, emotions release, stickiness melts, tightness loosens, and new perspectives and hope easily pour in' when the process works, Hoffman Smith said. Alernon77 – Advertisement If that doesn't work, go deeper with the questions. For example, you could ask yourself, 'What bad thing happens if I get subconscious clarity here?' and see if there's any resistance. 'However, in my several years of doing this work with thousands of people, these questions have always consistently yielded 'aha' moments,' Hoffman Smith said. Advertisement If you have significant trauma or suspect that subconscious investigation might bring triggering reflections, she recommends working with a licensed mental health provider. 'This is an explorative process, and the answers it yields can lead to gleeful epiphany or some deeper emotions,' she said.
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Love ain't cheap: Here's where Americans splurge — and skimp —on first dates
Romance is in the air — and it's charging by the minute. A new survey has exposed the price tag on first impressions, revealing just how much Americans are shelling out for that all-important first date. And let's just say: folks in the Northeast are dropping dollar bills faster than hearts in a rom-com, as reported by Newsweek. Single people in the Northeast are the biggest spenders, topping the list at $138.40, followed by the West at $133 — while Midwesterners are keeping things humble at $118.50. Nationwide, the average amount people say they'd cough up for a first date is a whopping $125.60 — with regional wallets telling very different love stories. 3 According to the survey and map, Northeasterners came in first at $138.40, then came the West at $133. Midwesterners, however, were more modest at $118.50. U.S. Census Bureau 2021 boundaries And while 34% of Americans opt for the relatively reasonable $51–$100 range, 10% of Northeasterners are willing to dish out $151 to $200, with another 4% fine to blow past $300. But don't confuse spending with sentiment, warns relationship therapist Aly Bullock. How much people spend on a first date '…could also be influenced by the types of activities and restaurants available in your area…' Bullock told Newsweek in a recent interview. Still, that first-date fever comes with financial consequences. 3 Dating isn't cheap — especially in this economy. Syda Productions – The average American has gone on $3,025.12 worth of dates over the past year, according to a 2023 survey conducted by OnePoll in partnership with LELO — with each romantic rendezvous ringing in at around $189. And good luck splitting the check. While 27% of daters alternate tabs, men still overwhelmingly foot the bill (54%) compared to just 12% of women. That gap adds up — especially for Gen Zers, who are leading the love economy with $194 per date and nearly 14 outings per year, according to a February 2025 study by BMO Real Financial Progress Index. This totals a heart-thumping $2,676 annually. Even so, younger singles aren't all-in on pricey meetups — 46% say they feel pressured to plan expensive dates. Bullock warns that breaking the bank too soon could blow up in your face. 'Spending too much can look like love-bombing and set you up for unrealistic expectations in the relationship, and spending nothing can indicate that you're not super excited about making a great impression,' she said to Newsweek. Translation: Don't bring steakhouse energy to a situationship. Singles might be spending less per date than couples, but committed millennial men are the real high-rollers — dropping an average $252 per outing. But as inflation tightens purse strings, many are scaling back — 37% say they'll go on fewer dates this year and 60% are budgeting for love. 3 With prices up and wallets down, romance is on a budget — 37% plan to date less this year, and 60% are putting their love lives on a spending diet. Adobe Stock Luka Matutinovic, chief marketing officer at LELO, says it's time for a reality check. 'In the dynamic landscape of modern relationships, where 'infla-dating' is reshaping connection costs, we encourage couples to redefine their approach to love's expenses,' Matutinovic said in an interview with SWNS. 'Stretch your budget wisely, opting for meaningful moments over extravagant expenses, and watch your relationship thrive without financial strain.'
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Cuomo's education plan filled with goodies for powerful teachers' union — as he tones down support of charter schools
What a teacher's pet. Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a 25-point education plan Tuesday — boosting several policies backed by the New York teachers' union while toning down his support for charter schools hated by the labor group. The press release from Cuomo's New York City mayoral campaign outlining his educational platform makes no mention of charters — the popular privately-managed, publicly-funded alternative schools that are fiercely opposed by the United Federation of Teachers and its boss Mike Mulgrew. 5 Andrew Cuomo released his 25-point education plan on Tuesday. Robert Miller The Democratic primary frontrunner buried mention of his support of charters — which are mostly staffed by non-union members — in bullet point 16, under the heading 'Support Diverse High Impact School Models.' 'Specialized high schools and public charter schools that demonstrate strong results for students — especially those of color or from underserved communities — must be supported and expanded, not politicized or undermined,' Cuomo said. 'Access to excellence should be available in every neighborhood for students.' Cuomo's soft-pedaling on the school networks was a far cry from his aggressive pro-charter advocacy days as governor, when he boasted of being the 'students' lobbyist.' 5 Andrew Cuomo did not mention his support of charters until bullet point 16 in his education plan. Syda Productions – In a rebuke of then-Mayor Bill de Blasio, he rammed through a state law that required the city to pick up the rental costs of charter schools to lease space in private buildings if the mayor and city Department of Education refused to allow them to co-locate in public school facilities. 'Cuomo is definitely playing ball with the teachers' union,' said a longtime political insider. His plan does promote other initiatives backed by the UFT and public school teachers, such as more early childhood education programs and 'community schools' with wraparound health services. He also backed implementing the UFT-backed class size reduction law with adequate state funding. 5 Michael Mulgrew speaking at the United Federation of Teachers Annual Meeting held in Manhattan. Robert Miller The Cuomo campaign would not explicitly say if he would support a state law to lift the cap on charter school openings, which he backed as governor. The campaign referred The Post to comments he made on Bari Weiss' podcast on Tuesday. Pressed on whether he supported 'school choice,' Cuomo said: 'I believe in charter schools, but I believe we have so much work to do in the public school system now, which is educating like ninety-five percent of our students.' 'We have to focus on that, we have to fix that,' Cuomo said, in a line mouthed by other mayoral candidates. 5 Andrew Cuomo speaks to the congregation at the Mount Ararat Baptist Church. 425 Howard Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Gregory P. Mango During recent Post editorial board meetings, mayoral candidates Brad Lander and Jessica Ramos opposed lifting the cap on charters, and candidate Scott Stringer would not commit to doing so. Financier Whitney Tilson is the only Democratic mayoral candidate who has promised to lobby Albany to lift the artificial cap that restricts the opening of new charter schools in the city if elected mayor. Charter school advocates said they hope Cuomo does not abandon them. 5 Whitney Tilson speaks at the Mental Health Mayoral Candidate Town Hall presented by The NYC Mental Health Collective at the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights at 450 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY. Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post 'At least he's on record supporting charter schools. That's a positive,' said Raymond Rivera, founder of the Family LIfe Academy Charter Schools network in the Bronx. 'I'm hoping that Cuomo is not backing down. We support lifting the charter school cap,' added Rivera, vice chairman of the Black, Latino, Asian Charter School Collaborative. Cuomo spoke at the UFT's mayoral forum last weekend, vowing to support a repeal of a controversial Tier 6 pension law he approved as governor in 2012 that slashed benefits to new hires as a cost saving measure, over the objections of the unions. The UFT declined to comment on Cuomo's educational platform.
New York Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Gen Z homeowners ‘give up' on classic renovation project: ‘It's tough work'
An Aussie woman and her partner have just bought their first home in Queensland – but what should be cause for celebration has turned into a major headache. Maddison Smillie, 23, told her social media followers that she decided to 'give up' on a tricky renovation chore, to which many Aussies echoed her sentiments. Advertisement 'We have decided to give up painting our own home,' she announced in a TikTok video. 'We just bought our first home and to save money we thought it would be a good idea to paint the house ourselves.' 'I'm here to tell you that it is not a good idea,' she said. An Aussie woman said she decided to 'give up' on a tricky renovation chore. Syda Productions – Advertisement Amid the cost-of-living crisis it's become increasingly common for Aussies to undertake tasks usually done by professionals to save some cash. In 2023, Aussies ranked third globally for their love of home renovation with over 57 percent of Australians considered to be 'DIY-ers.' A massive 44 percent of respondents said their reason for doing the tasks themselves was to 'improve their home in a more affordable way.' Advertisement 2022 saw Aussies put $12.3 billion into renovating their homes, up 33 percent on 2020, reported the ABC. Smillie revealed they bought a two-storey house and had endeavored to paint the top level first. 'We started the top-storey so we're going to finish that ourselves and then hire a professional to do the rest,' she said. 'The idea of painting your own home sounds good, but when you're actually doing it, it's tough work.' Advertisement She warned her followers that it's definitely a lesson learnt and that sometimes it's better to just hire a professional. 'I will in fact be putting this on my resume though,' she joked. 'The idea of painting your own home sounds good, but when you're actually doing it, it's tough work,' she said. aetb – The clip, which has over 30,000 views, saw Aussies flood to the comment section to share her pain. 'I couldn't think of anything worse,' said one viewer. 'I'm a painter myself and I feel you,' added another. 'Painting is the worst. Especially the ceilings,' echoed a third. Advertisement Others pulled through with helpful suggestions for the couple. 'Dad's a painter by trade, don't hesitate to message and ask if you guys want to keep doing it yourself and need any advice,' offered one kind commenter. 'Nah, spend two days prepping and then buy a spray gun. takes you less than a day,' suggested one. 'We went to pay a professional until we were quoted $6k and then decided we'd suck it up,' said another. In a separate video, Smillie revealed she was 'so happy' with how the professional paint job turned out.
