El Paso Curriculum

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MENOPAUSE

INTRODUCTION:

The students will learn about menopause. They will discuss the pros and cons of allopathic and natural remedies to alleviate menopausal conditions and discomforts.

 

CRITICAL DISCUSSION:

Use the Menopause Fact Sheet to guide a discussion about menopause. The fact sheet can be used by students to follow along as the instructor guides the discussion, or the students can divide into groups to study the fact sheet and present what they learned.

Following are some guiding questions to use for the discussion:

  • What do you know about menopause?
  • What are some of the myths and stereotypes about menopause?(for example: menopause is a curse, wild woman, depression, anger, not sexual)
  • How can you compare this to the idea that menopause is a time of growing wisdom, confidence, financial security, freedom from raising children and the worries of birth control, mental calm and stability.
  • How is menopause viewed in your home culture or home country?

 

READING ACTIVITY

After the Critical Discussion presentation, have students read another handout or brochure found from local organizations or the Online Resources. If your students speak Spanish, they can read Las Yerbas y La Monopausia. It is a list of traditional herbs found in parts of Mexico and bordering U.S. areas that are used to treat symptoms of menopause.

 

WRITING ACTIVITY

Using the Menopause Fact Sheet and the readings from the Reading Activity, have students write letters to the "editor" on their menopause beliefs and what they believe is the right approach to menopause (i.e. HRT, natural remedies, nothing, etc.).

 

GROUP ACTIVITY

Act out small skirts demonstrating the positive and negative stereotypes around menopause. How do our beliefs reflect on our culture's view on women and aging in general?

 

ACTION ACTIVITY

Have students conduct an informal oral history report with an older woman. Have them ask her about the positive and/or negative changes she has felt, changes in family's attitude, changes in community's attitude.

 

HANDOUTS AND BROCHURES NEEDED:

 
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