All women inevitably go through some physical changes of age which will dramatically affect their health, well-being and lives. Adequately facing this issue when you are STILL YOUNG, says Edith Bianchi, can totally change the aging experience and life path of women, and that is why it is so important for women to remain the positive and strong individuals that they are.
Edith Bianchi is a nurse and the founder of Still Young, an organization dedicated to spreading information and support for females in their 40's and 50's around the world, through online seminars and courses.
Edith is well familiar with what it feels like not having control over your own body. At age 23, she was diagnosed with cancer but with the help of medical personnel, she miraculously recovered. Inspired by those who treated her, she decided to join the health industry and become a source of light and strength, just like her doctors had been to her.
During her time, Edith has seen many women deeply damaged by menopause. Many women feel as if they lose their functions as a female and as result falls into depression. Because of these severe issues, Edith emphasizes the importance of preemptive care.
There are many symptoms that women do not realize is caused by menopause and understanding the symptoms is essential to coping with it.
In addition to her background in the medical industry, Edith is also the director of the international association “Nurses Lead Technology” which aims to promote technology and innovations. Using her knowledge and experience, Edith’s current goal is to help women around the world to maintain their health, their youth and happiness. According to Edith’s vision, women are the heart of their home and helping them is going to influence their families, their communities and countries.
Interview with Edith Bianchi
―――You have survived from cancer at the age of 23. Why did you decide to focus on menopause instead of cancer?
As a former nurse, I have helped a lot of patients in critical conditions including cancer. Now I realize that I also want to help people live well, and not just to survive diseases. I want to help women avoid health risks that are waiting for them for certain.
I have met many women around the world in my career, and I have realized that many females do not know much about their bodies and what processes are expected to happen in it. Because of this lack of information, I have seen so many cases of women feeling very bad both physically and mentally, and sometimes even losing their health and lives because they did not act in the right way on time and did not seek treatment for symptoms.
Especially in women’s 40s and 50s – these are years of hormonal changes which are happening to every woman and impact every cell and system in her body. So we must understand it and know how to best cope with it in advance- before symptoms start and health risks occur. In these years we become at higher risk for diseases such as diabetes, cancer, depression etc.
There are many elements causing cancer but stress is one of the major causes. This also makes menopausal females very susceptible to cancer, which is why I think it is an extremely important issue to work on.
―――Can you tell us about “Nurse Lead Technology”?
Nurses are the ones to mostly use medical devices in the hospital. So they have great capabilities and instincts on how to best address the usability of medical devices. Our group is a safe place for companies to seek advice on new medical devices being developed and also for nurses to raise their own innovative ideas. In addition, nurses can learn something new by sharing information with each other, which can help improve the quality of care in the hospital.
―――Still Young is aiming to prevent or relieve menopausal symptoms, can you tell us the points and theme?
There are many changes which occur in a woman's body and may cause many different symptoms of menopause including hot flash, sense of fatigue, sleep problems but also loss of urinary control, weight gain and damage to many of the body's systems . Women in their 40s and 50s tend to gain visceral (belly) fat obesity which is extremely dangerous even to women who are slim and are not aware of it like in Japanese Women. Because of this, it is important to understand all the potential harms and dangers to know if you are being affected by menopause. The important part is detecting that you are being affected by menopause so that you can act to prevent or minimize the risk as well as receive the right treatment.
I’ve visited Japan a few times due to my work with some distinguished Japanese companies. On one of my visits to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, I was shocked to learn that many Japanese are diagnosed with diabetes even though the population is mostly not considered obese. This is yet another sign of how fat distribution in the body, is changing with aging and is so dangerous even to slim people.
The objective of “Still Young” is to educate women on their body which is totally different from men's in many ways, so that they can maintain their youth, their health and their happiness.
Of course, it’s also important to improve daily routines, nutrition, and exercise but I believe that it’s important to incorporate both natural and western medicines with careful consideration to each individual case.
Women are the heart and center of their home. They are busy taking care of so much around them and of their families. I truly believe that by changing women’s health and well-being, we can change much more. Just like a stone that you throw in a puddle and form ripples, we can create change in many circles around the woman – her family, her community, her country even. All simply by making women healthier and happier.
And there is much to do because there are still many gaps in knowledge and many taboo topics that women don’t talk about. For example, when menopause occurs, the vagina becomes atrophic, making it more susceptible to infection, pain and dryness during sexual intercourse, and causing a genitourinary syndrome which also reflects in urinary leaking. About 70% of women experience urine leakage by their 40s-50s, but many don’t feel comfortable talking to a doctor about it because it is a difficult topic to speak about. Not all women know that urine leakage can be prevented or improved with the right knowledge.
As a result, many menopausal women dislike sexual activity itself but actually, it can very much help to improve their vaginal and urinary disorders. But this needs to be done in the correct manner to also relate to the woman’s emotional needs.
―――Can you tell us about the reaction of people who took your courses?
I get amazing feedback from women from all over the world. Telling me how much they have achieved to incorporate into their lifestyle and knowledge. They enjoy good levels of energy, less headaches and better control of their health and mood. They tell me how my classes also help them to control their weight and aging process. I even sometimes get emails from husbands thanking me for having their wife in a great shape and mood.
With the help of Still Young, our audience consistently improved their health and regained everything they lost from menopause.
Because everyone is a different case, I also provide one-on-one consultations so I can face their issue at a personal level. I also reply and speak to people through email or with the help of a translator that I hire for a call.
Via Still Young online programs, we can improve the lives of so many women around the world. If you feel a need to consult about your issues of any kind, I welcome you to join my online program and contact me by email StillYoung.masterclass@gmail.com
―――Given your international career, do you have any particular reason to stay in Israel?
I was born in Israel which is a very special country. It is a melting pot of Jewish people who came here from all over the world after 2000 years of exile from our land. Just like Japan, Israel has a long and admirable history and culture. Because of this, the country is very diverse and wonderful to live in. I do however, travel a lot and regularly give presentations all over the world.
―――Why is Japan your favorite?
I have visited Japan for my work and also when I have lectured during an international medical international summit in Tokyo.
There are many sushi shops in Israel and I love sushi but I was impressed by the variety of fresh fish in Japan and the cultural aspects of food in Japan. I was also impressed with the lack of dairy used in Japanese cuisine.
Other than food, the scenery of Shirakawa-go is an unforgettable memory. I was healed by the hot springs. One thing that surprised me was how shy Japanese people were in public, but how bold they were in the hot springs wearing nothing. It was a very special experience for me.
―――Can you give us any recommendations about Israel?
I would love to! Despite being a small country, Israel has an unusual landscape, so I recommend you to taste and visit various places, such as the Dead Sea and the deserts. The beaches and the mountains of the north. The holy city of Jerusalem which is like no other in the world. Also, although the state of Israel is young, the history of the country is thousands of years. I strongly recommended to go around with a guide as there are many historical aspects which turn the visit to much more enjoyable and interesting.
Hummus and falafel are also recommended foods that you must try in Israel. I also recommend the health aspect of food, to try a sauce called Hilba, which is a side dish of Yemeni food, which comes from my heritage. It is very healthy, so if you have a chance to eat Yemeni food, please try it.
Online course available in Japan
Still Young also offers online courses in Japan. You can try now with a free trial to get started at LINK.
