The Real Hot Story . . . .

Real Hot Attitude is a website dedicated to helping you embrace the changes that peri-menopause and menopause bring by advocating a non-pharmaceutical approach to dealing with your symptoms – and advocating a sense of humor and an openness to the really wonderful things this new phase of your life will bring.

On a cool October day in 2005 while I was working in my front garden at the age of 46, I had a hot flash – then, I had an idea!

I stood up from my gardening experiencing the mother of all hot flashes - feeling as though I was in the tropics rather than Cleveland, Ohio! As I stood there wondering if I was about to spontaneously combust, I saw a neighborhood couple jogging down the street. The cute, young 20-something woman wore a pair of running shorts with the word “HOT” emblazoned across her rear end. I laughed as I thought to myself “She has NO idea! I’m the one that’s hot – I am REALLY hot!”

And that’s where the Real Hot Story began . . .

As I started to talk with other women friends around my own age, I began sharing so many of the same stories: “I’ve had unbelievably irregular periods ”, “Even though I adore my husband, I’ve lost interest in sex”, “I’m feeling like I want to run away from work, home, the kids – everything”, and so many others. But, the two things in common for all of us were these: “My doctor says I’m too young”, and “My doctor says I may want to start thinking about hormone therapy”.

Women today are strong, confident, accomplished. They are mothers, career women, caregivers, lovers – they are hot - they are real hot – in more ways than one. If you’re a woman between 35 and 55, you know what I mean!

Clinical studies have proven that a regular combination of aerobic and weight bearing exercise, coupled with a healthy diet, can greatly reduce symptoms experienced - like hot flashes, night flushes, mood swings, and irritability - in 90% of women. And, proper diet and exercise may also reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis, heart disease, anxiety and depression. So, before jumping into HRT or other pharmaceutical remedies to relieve your symptoms, consider cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, avoiding spicy foods, putting on your running shoes, getting out the free weights and the yoga mat - and getting your real hot self into action!

That day in October 2005, I decided to develop a website for women – by women. It’s about me, my family, my friends – and you – sharing our experiences to help develop a healthy and positive attitude during this real hot time in our lives.

Here’s what you can look forward to every month:

- The Hot Zone, by Eileen Smotzer, President - personal stories by real women who believe that change IS good!
- Health Hotline - spotlighting top experts in women’s health sharing timely tips to help you feel great – physically 

  and emotionally
- Judi’s Gym, with exercise physiologist Judi Juvancic-Heltzel, MA, Certified ACSM Health Fitness Instructor® -

  bringing you the tools you need to develop the right exercise regime for your personal circumstance
- Real Hot Stuff! - Real Hot Stuff is designed to help you feel good, look HOT, and be healthy in your approach to

  menopause - great fitness apparel, hats, casual tees, totes, and even Real Hot Stuff for your support team: polos

  for that special person in your life, real hot dog leashes and collars (dogs are no longer man’s best friend – they

  are the menopausal woman’s best exercise buddy!) Our performance gear is made from fabrics featuring dry

  wicking capabilities, which draw moisture away, keeping you cool and comfortable while you exercise -

  StretchFlex™ technology provides garments with comfort, freedom of movement, lasting recovery and a great fit.
- Real Hot Community – where you can share your experiences and your questions;
- Command Central - a man’s viewpoint, with practical suggestions for spouses, partners, and children who want

  to surround you with support
- Monthly columns - covering topics including sexuality, skin care, fashion and relationships
- Real Hot Boot Camp – coming in 2008 – a weekend get-away for women, by women, where you can meet and

  enjoy exciting speakers and fitness programs, as well as find out what’s new in fashion, skin care, and more . . .

I’ve made a choice to embrace change and lead the charge into menopause. I’ve hidden all the dangerous weapons. Armed with a notebook, running shoes, soy nutties, my decaf soy milk latte, a sense of humor, and a ton of attitude, I bravely welcome the adventures this new phase of life will surely bring, thrilled to proclaim, loud and proud, that – “Yes, I am hot – I am Real Hot!” – in more ways than one!

So, don’t be afraid to tell the world that you’ve got Real Hot Attitude! Hot moms, hot chicks – whatever! Who’s hot? We’re hot – we’re REAL HOT – we’ve got attitude, and together, we’re going to Embrace Change with a Real Hot Attitude!