Orono-Hampden-Old Town Adult Ed Partnership

The Women’s Health Series with Carole Freeman - 5 Course Series in 3 Weeks - $85

You will learn how breathing is different for women and why it matters, how to manage pain and stress through breathing techniques, how female sex hormones influence your breathing and health, how to prevent and treat pelvic floor dysfunction, and how to cope with menopause symptoms. This class will empower you to take charge of your health and well-being by understanding and improving your breathing habits.

1. Monday Oct 16, 6:00-7:30 

Yes, Breathing is Different for Women

The field of science and research has predominantly focused on male subjects. However, gender differences do affect breathing control and vulnerability to illness. Women recover faster from hypoxia, respond differently in sleep apnea and heart rate variability. 

The time for investigating respiratory health in 2,000 men and only 29 women has passed.

Also discussed will be;

What is dysfunctional breathing

Sleep disordered breathing

Anxiety Disorders 

Women’s Hormones and sports

Asthma

2. Wednesday Oct 18, 6:00-7:30

Pain Conditions and Breathing in Women

Pain perception differs depending on the concentration of sex hormones in the body, and dysfunctional breathing can aggravate pain.

Also discussed will be;

Fibromyalgia 

Back Pain

TMJ

Migraines

3. Monday Oct 23, 6:00-7:30

Female Sex Hormones 

Women with PMS have a higher-than-normal sensitivity to CO2, perhaps caused by progesterone, resulting in “pronounced hyperventilation” - and that the hyperventilation is responsible for the PMS symptoms. That same over-breathing contributes to anxiety and can derail our stress management strategies.

Also discussed will be;

PMS and hyperventilation

How female hormones complicate stress management strategies

How to have deeper sexual orgasms

Anxiety during and after pregnancy

Infertility and breathing  

4. Wednesday Oct 25, 6:00-7:30

Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions

The pelvic floor muscles and respiratory diaphragm are structurally and functional connected by fascia and muscles that control urine flow. 

Also discussed will be;

The connection between the breath, pelvic floor function, and sacroiliac joint stability

Why do I pee when I sneeze or cough?

How to strengthen pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises and stop urinary leakage

How back pain and breathing difficulties relate to pelvic floor dysfunction

How breathing coordinates with the pelvic floor to stabilize posture and improve core strength

5. Monday Oct 30, 6:00-7:30

Managing Menopause

Women who smoke enter menopause about a year and a half earlier than those who don't. This already points to an obvious link between menopause and overall wellbeing and, more specifically, respiratory health. 

Also discussed will be;

Impact of hormone replacement therapies on the breath

Onset of asthma

Osteoporosis

Slow deep breathing and menopause symptoms