Washington, DC -- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently released its spring/summer edition of pause® magazine, the consumer publication lauded by millions of women in midlife for its comprehensive and timely health information. The new issue of pause® marks the magazine's 11th year of educating women who are approaching or going through menopause by promoting an understanding of the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause.

"We recognize that quality of life is one of the most important aspects of health care for menopausal women," said Isaac Schiff, MD, chair of the pause® Medical Advisory Board and chief of the Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology Service at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Meigs Professor of Gynecology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "The magazine guides women through menopause and beyond to make informed decisions about their health and helps them make the transition as smooth as possible—from handling hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms to managing their weight and starting an exercise program," he added.

"The menopausal years are an ideal time for women to take stock of their health and evaluate their lifestyle habits before moving ahead with the next one-third or more of their life," noted Dr. Schiff. "It's also a good time to protect against long-term health concerns, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast and colorectal cancers. No matter where a woman is in the transition through menopause, it's never too late for her to start taking better care of herself.

"pause® magazine also is ideal for postmenopausal women since it addresses health topics, such as osteoporosis and urinary incontinence, that are still very relevant to their lives," added Dr. Schiff. "The magazine isn't just for women in their 40s and 50s; women in their 60s and 70s can benefit from reading it as well," he said.

More than a decade later, women and their ob-gyns will continue to find the same trusted and balanced health information they've come to expect from the magazine. "Women should feel confident that the advice they receive in each issue of pause® is medically accurate and relevant to helping them improve their health practices and enhance their sense of well-being," noted Dr. Schiff.

Article topics include:

• How to tame the emotional ups and downs that sometimes coincide with menopause
• A help-you-decide guide to hormone therapy
• Important "heart numbers" to know
• Keeping your sex life satisfying and safe
• Knowing your risk for breast cancer
• The facts about osteoporosis
• Making smart nutrition choices

The latest issue of pause® also includes information on the basics and benefits of yoga and features a new article on women and colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer, often referred to as colon cancer, is the second leading cancer killer among men and women in the US. Yet, it is largely preventable and curable with regular screening and early detection. To learn more about colon cancer and the importance of regular screening, please click here to view the article "The Beatable Cancer."

ACOG's pause® magazine is published biannually and available free through ob-gyns' offices. The magazine has an annual circulation of over 1.5 million. ACOG Fellows can order free copies of pause® to give their patients, and women and journalists can receive a sample copy of the magazine, by calling ACOG's Office of Communications at 202-484-3321 or emailing communications@acog.org.

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