Apr 5, 2006 5:44 pm US/Eastern
Health Alert: Red Hot Mommas
by Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Millions of women are suffering through the difficulties of menopause and there are very few treatments.
Medical reporter Stephanie Stahl has the story of one unique solution.
Many middle aged women have had conversations sharing the madness of menopause
"You never know one day one moment to the next what your body is going to do," said Marilyn
Marilyn's night sweats were so bad she and her husband never had a good nights sleep until he brought her some pajamas.
"It wasn't real romantic, but very practical," she said.
The pajamas absorb moisture, but stay dry. They are a big seller at Red Hot Mommas in New Hope.
"Cool comfort for hot bodies, but the bottom line is it really is a menopause store," said Joann Gigliotti.
Gigliotti opened the store after suffering through menopause herself and finding very little help.
"I think the baby boomer women are having a really difficult time with menopause and there's just not enough out there," she said.
The store is an oasis of camaraderie and humor as well as practical relief, like a chilled neck band.
There's also a lavender spray that is supposed to instantly cool down a hot flash.
"What the lavender does, it's a natural sedative, so if you're getting a hot flash and you spray that on you, immediately it will cool your body down. It has a neurological impulse," said Gigliotti.
Cami loves the Chillo, a pillow that stays cool. She was desperate for relief going through menopause and breast cancer treatments at the same time.
"When your head is cool you whole body's cooler, so it makes big difference," Cami said.
Because there's not a safe, effective treatment, millions of women suffer with symptoms, like sweats, moodiness, wrinkles, and weight gain. For many, it is the little comforts that count and the sisterhood of women who understand.
"I know I have the ability with these products to help women in a time of their life when they're not getting a lot of help," said Gigliotti.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
