Editor Letter for December: Connected by Personal Journeys

LIKE MANY OTHER WOMEN, I’m going through quite an intense midlife journey: perimenopause. Don’t worry, I’m not here to go in-depth into the specifics but to share this message with my counterparts: You are not alone.

Going through this profound change can be a very lonely process, even with the best support network, and I found a helpful resource in the ladies I interviewed for our health story, “The Peri/menopause Chronicles.” I never connected that the brain fog and other mental symptoms could be associated with perimenopause. Yes, everyone has heard of hot flashes, and while those are very real, it’s uncovering and talking about additional symptoms that makes me feel more human—and connected.

Menopause and perimenopause have been taboo topics, and they shouldn’t be. They’re just health issues that should be discussed freely and openly. By working on this feature and learning how others have found joy through what is literally sometimes a hot mess gives hope to us all. I encourage you to read our featured stories—I’ve already come away enlightened.

This month, we also bring back our Giving Guide. With so many people facing insecurities this season, it’s vitally important to give as much as you can. Among the nonprofits we’ve included are those who work to end hunger, stamp out hate, help the unhoused and are making The City Beautiful more walkable, bikeable and rollable for visitors and locals alike. Learn about all of these causes, and more.

Our December edition also offers the most comprehensive Doctors Issue in Central Florida, with more than 800 physicians recognized by their peers in dozens of categories. Plus, we sit down with nine amazing local doctors who share the most memorable moments from their careers, which include a physician who, with his office, sprang into action after learning about a patient’s food insecurity issue; an orthopedic surgeon who gave a patient back her independence after her elbows fused straight and she could no longer feed herself; and an infectious disease specialist who started his career at one of the facilities that did “ground zero” research into the AIDS epidemic.

Now, it’s time to go out and enjoy some holiday fun. We’ve all worked hard this year and deserve some down time. And for our staycationers this holiday season, consult our feature for all of the festive options.

Don’t forget to celebrate yourself, and those you love.

Happy Holidays!