Dear Red Hot Mamas

By: Red Hot Mamas

Published: October 14, 2011

I’d like to share my travel tales about AARP’s Life @50 national convention held in Los Angeles on September 22-24. Can you believe more than 3 million Californians are members of AARP? And, this event, which was held at the LA Convention Center, attracted 30,000 people from all over the United States.

This was the first AARP event that I’ve attended, but it certainly won’t be my last. Why? Because I was able to converse face-to-face with thousands of women who openly discussed menopause and other health issues. In particular, incontinence problems. I truly learned there is a sisterhood out there that experiences drips, leaks and dribbles.

There are many women who suffer from this problem and are too embarrassed to seek help. It was great to talk to these women, lend them my support and understanding and encourage them to seek help. I met lots of women at the Tena Conversation Couch’s booth where bladder control came out of the closet. I was happy that I could be there to bring the problem to light. There were women of all ages from 50-93 and from all walks of life. In addition to meeting all these lovely ladies, there were many powerful speakers making presentations, as well as legends. To name a few…

Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, Tim Gunn, Lionel Richie, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spike Lee, Leeza Gibbons, Chris Gardner, Tony Bennett, Richard Simmons, Peggy Fleming, Martina Navratilova, as well as others. There were also on-site health services – free cholesterol/blood pressure screenings, flu shots and medical professionals providing information to help people stay abreast of health issues and preventive measures to take to protect overall health. There were so many free goodies, it was difficult for many individuals to carry their bags.

Check out more photos on RHM’s Facebook page and learn more about the Tena Conversation Couch as well.

I must confess that when I turned 50 (yes, several years ago and we won’t count the years), I remember getting a letter in the mail from AARP. I wanted to scream aloud as I felt like it was a draft induction notice. That I had been attacked as soon as 50 arrived. I wondered just how did they know that I was 50. And, I realize that I’m not the only one. Almost everyone turning 50 gets the letter from AARP. That’s millions of people each year they reach. And, membership is cheap and you’ll eligible for lots of discounts – trips, health and hospital insurance, florists, and much more.

I fought joining for a while. It was my husband who joined first and casually made me a member. At that time, I truly did not know what a powerful organization they were, and what they give back to their members. Now, I’m happy that former CEO, Horace Deets, sought me out and AARP’d me. I’m pleased to have attended this memorable event. By the way, their Saturday session was free and open to the public. It truly was an outstanding event and God willing, I would love to attend their next fabulous event in New Orleans on September 20-22, 2012. The red beans, rice and jambalaya is calling my name.

Speaking of the South and moving a bit West of Louisiana is the great Lone Star State of Texas where their motto is “Friendship”. Red Hot Mamas of Denton, Texas have found some friendship in their local menopause education program. The Presbyterian Hospital of Denton will begin their TENTH year of Red Hot Mamas programming in 2012. They’ll continue to Outsmart Menopause and get the new year rolling with brand new topics and fresh program materials. We are so impressed with all the hard work and effort the Presbyterian Hospital of Denton has put into their program and we thank them for continual commitment to menopause education and women’s health. We’re fixin’ to kick off year ten with a bang, Denton!

Don’t live near Denton? That’s ok! Find a Red Hot Mamas menopause education program near you and see firsthand what all the excitement is about!

Good Health to You,

Karen Giblin
Founder and President
Red Hot Mamas