Sharing Personal Experiences with Shingles and Perimenopause
Actress, director, and producer Elizabeth Banks, a woman who can wrangle tributes in the “Hunger Games” and deliver Emmy-nominated laughs on “30 Rock,” is now tackling an even scarier beast: turning 50. But instead of hiding under the covers with a pint of ice cream (though she probably enjoys that too), she’s using her platform to champion health in midlife, particularly for her fellow Gen Xers who are likely feeling as bewildered by their changing bodies as she is.
At 51, Banks is on a mission to connect with her peers about the joys (and occasional groans) of living healthily in their 50s. She’s not just preaching kale smoothies and silent meditation retreats (though, again, maybe she does those – she’s Elizabeth Banks!), but also sharing her own very relatable experiences, like the time she got blindsided by shingles.
Banks recounted her experience contracting shingles a few years before turning 50, a painful viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Initially misdiagnosed due to her age, she experienced classic symptoms such as a one-sided rash and tingling, along with sleep disturbances and a burning sensation. This bout of shingles was the only time Banks had to miss work due to a medical issue.
“Suddenly, I felt a little bit my age, and my sense of invincibility was shattered,” Banks shared with Healthline. “I felt I needed to take better care of myself in all aspects.” She recognized that stress likely contributed to the shingles outbreak and realized her body’s resilience to stress might be changing. This experience prompted her to become more proactive about her well-being.
Highlighting the Importance of Vaccination
Banks learned that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the shingles vaccine for adults aged 50 and older. Dr. Jen Brull, president of the Board of Directors at the American Academy of Family Physicians, emphasized the importance of this vaccination, stating, “It’s important to vaccinate against shingles to keep you safe and healthy.” While Banks has always followed her doctor’s vaccination advice, her experience with shingles has made her more diligent about staying up-to-date on all recommended vaccines, including the flu shot.
Currently, Banks has partnered with Pfizer to promote awareness about pneumococcal pneumonia, a potentially serious respiratory condition. Through the VaxAssist.com website, individuals can schedule vaccination appointments and access information about the pneumonia vaccine, as well as other vaccines for respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
Dr. Brull underscored the significance of preventive health measures as we age, noting that “it can make the difference between catching something early or dealing with a challenging diagnosis later in life once a condition has progressed.” She highlighted that preventive services encompass vaccinations, cancer screenings (such as mammograms and colonoscopies), bloodwork, annual wellness exams, and guidance on lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, and mental healthcare. “No matter your age, having a baseline is important… that’s preventive care,” she explained.
Addressing Gen X Health Challenges and Personal Strategies
In an interview with Healthline, Banks discussed the unique health challenges faced by Gen X, who often juggle careers, raising children (both young and teenage), and caring for aging parents. She pointed out that these multiple stressors can often push personal health to the back burner. Her advice to her peers is a “reminder to Gen X to look out for themselves too and take care of their health so that they can be there for their families, young and old, and continue excelling in their careers without getting sick.”
Sharing her own approach to health in her 50s, Banks emphasized the importance of evaluating daily habits, particularly diet and sleep. She also openly discussed experiencing perimenopause, a transition that brings bodily changes requiring attention. As a result, Banks has made conscious efforts to improve her diet, prioritize exercise (especially walking), ensure sufficient sleep, and manage stress.
Beyond lifestyle adjustments, Banks is committed to staying current with preventive health measures, including vaccinations, mammograms, and colonoscopies. She highlighted the increased risk of contracting pneumococcal pneumonia for those aged 50 and older, stating that this realization underscored the critical need for proactive health management in midlife to ensure longevity.
Reflecting on perimenopause, Banks expressed a desire to navigate this phase smoothly, acknowledging the physical changes it brings. However, she also viewed it as an opportunity for self-reflection and prioritizing her health moving forward.
Through sharing her personal journey and advocating for preventive care, Elizabeth Banks is encouraging her generation to prioritize their health and well-being during this pivotal stage of life.
Source:
‘Hunger Games’ Star Elizabeth Banks on Perimenopause and Thriving in Your 50s
