A recent community event at the Harbaugh-Thomas Library in Biglerville opened up a conversation on a topic often left unspoken: menopause. The September 9th event featured a presentation by Rebecca Speelman, Ed.D., a certified holistic nutritionist, titled “Menopause and Nutrition: It’s the One Thing No One Talks About…Until Now.”
The program highlighted menopause as a deeply personal transition experienced by all women, yet one that many enter without adequate preparation. It emphasized that menopause is more than just a physical change—it is also emotional, spiritual, and often isolating. Many women face this stage of life with uncertainty, and discussions about it are still limited in many communities.
Nutrition played a central role in the evening’s discussion. Speelman explained how nourishment can support both physical and emotional well-being during this time, helping to ease symptoms while affirming self-care. Choosing foods that nurture the body and mind was presented not simply as a health strategy, but as a form of empowerment.
The event underscored the importance of education and shared experience in breaking the silence surrounding menopause. By learning together and supporting one another, participants were encouraged to reframe menopause as a stage to be approached with strength and knowledge rather than endured in isolation.
A summary of Dr. Speelman’s presentation and additional information is available here: https://www.undeniablywell.com/blog/
Source: Harbaugh-Thomas Library, Rebecca J. Speelman, Ed.D.