Many men and women reach their 50s and 60s and decide the adventure of a new challenge is simply too hard to resist. Oftentimes, this new challenge comes in the form of a second career.

Though the United States Department of Labor notes it's difficult to pinpoint how many career changes the average worker undergoes during his or her lifetime, career coaches typically say men and women will undergo between three and seven career changes during their lifetime. Of course, such estimates no doubt include career changes at the onset of a one's professional life, when many people are not precisely sure what they want to do for a living.

For older workers, the uncertainty lies less in what they want to do and more in if they can pull it off. For those who have already decided what they want to do, consider the following tips to help ensure that dream becomes a reality.

by Fred Cicetti
Coastal Journal contributor

Q. I usually get a bit light-headed when I stand, but this feeling is much worse when I get up from the dinner table. I don't drink. Any ideas?

A.There's a possibility you have "postprandial hypotension," or, in layman's language, low blood pressure after a meal. This is a senior malady; few younger people experience this. Other possible symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and fainting. I recommend going to a doctor to have your symptoms checked.

When you eat, blood pours into your digestive system. To maintain your blood pressure, your heart pumps more often and your blood vessels constrict. But these compensatory mechanisms don't work for some people.

To help prevent postprandial hypotension, eat small portions several times a day and limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice, pasta and bread.

There's another form of low blood pressure called "postural hypotension" that affects some people when they stand up. Also called "orthostatic hypotension," this is especially common in older adults who are more likely to use high blood pressure drugs. When you experience postural hypotension, blood pools in your legs.

Low blood pressure is commonly caused by drugs for high blood pressure, surgical medications, anti-anxiety agents, diuretics, heart medicines, antidepressants, narcotic painkillers and alcohol.

Other causes of low blood pressure include dehydration, heart failure, heart arrhythmias, shock from infection, stroke, severe allergic reaction, major trauma, heart attack and advanced diabetes.

The effects of hypotension can lead to falls, which can be serious for seniors. Here are some pointers for avoiding the dangers of low blood pressure:

When arising, let your feet hang over the side of your bed. Then flex your toes up and down about a dozen times. Stand up slowly. Count to 10 before you start walking. This is a good idea whenever you get up from lying or sitting for more than 20 minutes. Crossing your legs while sitting upright may also help increase blood pressure .

Some experts define low blood pressure as readings lower than 90 systolic (the first number) or 60 diastolic (the second number). However, low blood pressure is relative, so doctors often define blood pressure as too low only if there are symptoms.

In many instances, low blood pressure isn't serious. However, it is important to see your doctor if you have hypotension symptoms, because they sometimes can point to serious problems. Chronic low blood pressure may increase the risk of Alzheimer's-type dementia in some older adults.

Low blood pressure without symptoms rarely requires treatment. In symptomatic cases, doctors address the primary problems such as heart failure. When hypotension is drug-induced, treatment usually involves altering the drug regimen.

It is possible to raise blood pressure when that is required. Here are some ways:

• Eating more salt. However, too much sodium can cause heart failure, especially among seniors. (Don't increase your salt without consulting with your doctor.)

• Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration.

• Compression stockings used to treat varicose veins may help reduce the pooling of blood in your legs.

• There are also medications your doctor may prescribe.

If you have a question, please write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

DAMARISCOTTA — What does Albert Einstein have to do with it? Learn the science and technology of Zero Point Field Energy and how it is used in self-healing. Experience Bio-energetic energy at work. Learn how to raise your cellular vibration aligned with "Source Energy" to optimize your body's potential for optimal function! Experience increased balance and flexibility. Come to Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center, 521 Main Street in Damariscotta on February 22 at 10:15 a.m. for a self-healing workshop that you will not soon forget.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience a new Paradigm in Healing. Experience the "SELF CARE EVOLUTION" and discover a new way of enhancing your wellbeing by attending Dana and Sylvia Tavares, owners of the Tree of Life Center for Wellbeing and Amega™ Independent Business Associates self-healing workshop.

DAMARISCOTTA — In a continuing effort to define and develop the Spectrum Adventures Travel Program on a local, regional, state, national and international basis, an invitation is extended to community members to participate in a Trip, Tour and Travel Focus Group at Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center, 521 Main Street on February 18 at 11 a.m. The purpose and goal of this focus group is to identify your travel interests and needs: traveling around the world and back, taking a week's vacation, going on a day trip, study tour, small or intimate group travel, women's or men's groups, economy or luxury, intergenerational or ? What is on your ultimate travel bucket list? Are you looking for a cultural or life changing adventure, food and wine experiences, extreme sports, places to see, celebrations to attend or a sense of direction and destination for inspiration?

TOPSHAM — People living with ongoing health issues experience challenges beyond dealing with their disease. They may worry about their future, feel frustrated they're unable to do the things they use to do, or experience other difficulties such as stress, anxiety, depression, pain or fatigue. The Living Well for Better Health workshop can help these people take control of their health, and continue to do the things they want to do throughout their life.

People with a variety of health issues participate in a series of discussions and activities, learning a number of tools to better deal with their health condition and the emotions and limitations that go along with it. Topsham Family Practice is holding an informational meeting on the Living Well for Better Health workshop series on February 10 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Topsham Family Practice is located at 4 Horton Place, off of 196 in Topsham. The workshop will be held each Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. beginning on February 17and ending March 24. Call 798-6200 to register.