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LIVE HEALTHY NOW - Episode 37
A June menopause special episode
Why menopause is not the beginning of the end of your life
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The first of four special episodes in June sharing stories and insights into perimenopause and menopause brings you Nickie Kilkenny and her story of how she feared she was losing her mind, and why equipping yourself with the right knowledge and understanding about menopause is key to being able to live a healthy, happy life.
“We got the whole puberty talk at school and then you’re told - oh, and then you’ll go through the whole thing again, but much worse, when you’re older and then that’ll be it, that’s the decline into old age.”
— Nicola Mercer
“Working out has saved me from a physical and mental point of view. I no longer exercise thinking it’s about being smaller. I’m never going to be that size eight. But I’m a happier, healthier version.”
—Nicki Kilkenny
One of the key challenges we’re facing with menopause is the lack of knowledge about the topic amongst women. We haven’t been brought up with education and clarity about menopause so that we truly understand what it is and how it’s going to affect us.
There’s a lot of unknown, fear, stigma, and even shame still associated with menopause and the changes it brings to a woman. We’re seeing this play out in so many parts of our culture and society with 1 in 10 women citing that they’ve had to leave their job because of the struggles they faced with their physical or mental health due to the menopause.
Equipping ourselves as women with the right insights and knowledge so that we can take control and put the power into our hands to help us live strong an healthy is key. My guest this week is a local business advisor who our host Nicola heard talking about her difficult and challenging experience going through perimenopause and we knew we needed her to share her story on the podcast as part of our June menopause focus and awareness month. Nickie Kilkenny is a vibrant, professional woman helping other women in business to build successful, sustainable businesses. But, when Nickie was in the depths of perimenopause with no support or personal knowledge about what she was experiencing and why, she felt lost and incredibly scared. She describes herself as being a total mess and even fearing that she had dementia.
Nickie shares her story on:
Having no knowledge about perimenopause and even menopause and how it was something her own mother had experienced in her thirties but never spoke about.
Feeling isolated and lost because of her symptoms and their impact on her wellbeing.
Struggling to get professional help and her symptoms being explained as depression.
Fearing that she was losing her mind when her memory completely failed her in the most unusual way.
How arming yourself with information by taking control of your health and your life is key to supporting yourself through the menopause transition.
Why all women need to understand this huge season of their life and what will happen to them regardless of what symptoms they encounter.
Making lifestyle changes to support your health and most importantly to help you live a well and happy life.
How at fifty-five she is totally back in her game smashing not only deadlifts but her career too!
About Nickie:
As the Local Enterprise Manager for the Northeast, it’s Nickie Kilkenny’s responsibility to support businesses in the community, regardless of who you bank with. Nickie is accredited in business growth by the Institute of Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurship (IOEE). Nickie is also Women in Business accredited by Every Woman, designed to support the growth in female led businesses. Many have great ideas and the skills to start their own business but just lack the guidance or confidence to take the first step in achieving their ambitions. Nickie looks to add value and growth to SMEs to stay ahead of the curve, whether it be through one-to-one mentoring or by attending a local event - she is here to boost your business.
Nickie proactively spends time supporting local businesses by sharing advice, creating networks, leveraging the local ecosystem, and hosting events to help boost business.
Connect with Nickie:
The Balance App mentioned during our podcast: Get it here
Are you battling with menopausal weight gain and struggling to find a solution that works for your body?
Do hot flushes leave you feeling uncomfortable, embarrassed, and desperately seeking relief?
Are you constantly stressed and exhausted, feeling like you're running on empty?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then our brand-new programme ‘From Pause To Play’ is tailored specifically for you!
It's time to take control of your health, rediscover your inner glow, and thrive through menopause. Together, we can make this the most empowering phase of your life!
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