It finally happened, the big 4-0. Welcome to your 40s! Now what? The body you thought you knew looks and feels different. Menopause has begun or is about to. Your doctor notices that your health is not what it used to be.

But does waiting until you are over 40 mean that it is too late to make any changes?

When it comes to looking after yourself, it is never too late to get started! In Your Best Body Now, Tosca Reno relates her personal challenges that she faced and overcame during her 40s.

For many women, the 40s bring feelings of accomplishment. Success and fulfillment come from raising a family, and pursuing a career. But while you are there for your growing children, partner, aging parents, and friends, are you there for yourself? After years of putting yourself last on your priority list, you may feel that something is missing in your life. There may be goals you never achieved or even tried to reach. Your body may remind you that neglect comes at a price.

Think if any of these scenarios sound familiar:

*You are beginning or in menopause and are experiencing a variety of symptoms
*You gain weight more easily; your metabolism has slowed to a crawl
*Your doctor says you are facing possible health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and osteoporosis
*You have trouble sleeping, have little energy, and tire easily
*You notice changes in your skin and hair; little signs of aging
*You are stressed out, irritable, and moodier

On top of these, you may have children moving out, changing relationships (divorce, dating), and aging parents. With so many things and people to look after, who has time for themselves?

You need to make yourself a priority for better health.

By your 40s, the choices you made during the previous decades are apparent. Women are at greater risk for cancer (breast, colon, ovarian, lung), diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. You may now have to make some drastic changes to improve your health and it can be difficult to undo years of poor habits. But there are ways to make those changes and work with your doctor to prepare for a better future.

*Discuss with your doctor the solutions available to deal with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms
*Look for areas to make changes in your eating habits; are you still relying on sugar, fat, salt, caffeine, and alcohol to cope with stress?
*Make sure you are getting enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis
*Add exercise to your routine, daily if possible; add resistance training to cope with decreasing muscle mass and speed up your metabolism
*Get tested for health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease especially if you have a family history
*Adjust your skin care routine to deal with wrinkles and loss of elasticity
*Reassess your life goals; what do you want out of life now and in the future?

Change is never easy. Each decade brings additional obstacles. However, this is not the time to give up. By working with your doctor, your family, and friends, you will be able to make the necessary adjustments for a better quality of life. Just remember to work with the most important person in the equation – yourself!

Please visit www.ToscaReno.com for tips on how to make the most of your 40s!