Service Above Self: Rotarians brave cultural barriers

By Kitt Brand on February 28, 2026.

Admittedly, for its first 75 years, Rotary was a males-only club. It was the first international humanitarian club, but it was still all-guy; so, language usually was about men.

In Medicine Hat however, there were many projects focused on helping women: Driving nurses into the countryside for a break from their Spanish Flu labours; Providing an elevator to the hospital for easier care of patients; Donating an iron lung for polio victims to give nursing mothers some relief.

Later, there were bold international efforts to help girls stay in school during monthly “visits by a friend” by providing feminine hygiene products and education, help for third world nations. But real talk, real words about “lady issues” – not so much.

And certainly the “M” word, “Menopause” was probably never heard in the hallowed halls of local Rotary club meetings any more than it was mentioned in polite society.

All of that is about to change. Women’s bodies are about to be discussed not as the perfect hourglass form, the Twiggy look, or the Kardashian full-busted, proudly tushed figure. This bold initiative will be about female physiology and changes that occur naturally and inevitably.

Witness this vignette:

SHE: Will you still love me when I’m old and gray, occasionally act crazy, and forget things?

HE: How will I know the difference?

Time for the answer. Mar. 26, 7 p.m., specialists in the Hat will start a daring discussion by screening a documentary, “The M Factor.” Organized by Manali Shanbhag, doctor of physiotherapy, and Nadia Deenen, certified pelvic health therapist, and certified lymphedema therapist – owners of Thrive, Physiotherapy and Wellness, this is a timely and significant free-of-charge offering in partnership with the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat.

Why, you might ask, is it essential to break the taboo and say, “Menopause, Menopause, Menopause” in polite society. It’s pretty simple. According to the latest census, more than half the population of Medicine Hat is female. And when the menopause process starts, as it will in post- childbearing aged women usually around age 51 in Canada, it affects virtually every system in the body and can last for 15 years or more: cardiovascular, metabolic, neurocognitive, urogenital, musculoskeletal. Families don’t know what to expect, what is normal, or what support is available. Without the discussion, there is less understanding, a greater chance of worsening symptoms, and definitely a reduced quality of life not just for women but also for all those about them, family, friends.

But, wait! There’s more, and it isn’t a delight. The M factor keeps on giving. Decline in estrogen increases risk of heart disease, which becomes the No.1 killer of post menopausal women. Estrogen, or the lack thereof, also affects memory and brain function, naturally not favourably.

Metabolic rate decreases; visceral fat redistributes. Time to welcome a chubby waist and invest in shapewear. And yet, there is still more distress ahead. Osteoporosis steals stability as up to 20 per cent of bone density disappears in the first 5-7 years of menopause. Sleep patterns change. Women who have been vigorous and powerful often become exhausted, achy, moody and depressed, often resulting in marital and family stress. “The change of life”? No kidding.

There is, mercifully, good news. “The M Factor” provides evidence-based information that has been used world-wide for community education events. Now this vital documentary is coming to Medicine Hat to inspire an informed community group, reduce stigma, improve access to local resources, and build a long-term menopause education initiative in our area.

Who might be interested in participating in the screening on March 26, 7:00 pm (doors open 6:15 pm) screening? Actually, anyone who knows a female.

Menopause – coming to a beloved woman near you.