Menopause Store?

We went camping this weekend, and I forgot to pack warm clothes for myself. Where I live, the days may be sunny and warm, but the nights are chilly. Was this a Freudian packing slip that I didn't bring a jacket? If there's one thing I can count on, it's now being able to generate my own heat, but I can also count on generating my own arctic zone.

Fortunately, we were meeting another family, and I texted my friend asking if I could borrow a sweatshirt. She kindly obliged. But then, watching Steve unpack all the camping gear and set up for the weekend, something he loves to do, I thought about how ill-prepared I am, in some ways, to face this perimenopausal time of life. Where's my gear?

I'm not a shopper, as I've mentioned: the frugal part of me dislikes spending money on myself and the impatient part loathes the time wasted. But last night, I came across a press release advertising a cooling towel, which doesn't require refrigeration, and is supposed to be a refreshing 20-30 degrees cooler than body temperature when you shake it (it's also reusable).

The towel, which I gather has been used by athletes and firemen, was also tested on 20 menopausal women who gave it a 10 out of 10 for hot flash relief. I'm not a spokesperson, nor have I tried it, and testing on 20 women is hardly a scientific survey, but I'm tempted to order some. I can see using it at home and the gym, but pulling out a terry cloth towel in the middle of a meeting is a different story.

Yet this has got me thinking. First of all, why didn't I invent something like this? And second, perhaps what's needed is a menopause store.

What should we stock readers? Do let me know. I'd really like to hear your comments.

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