Various studies have found that after menopause, 38% to 70% of women have high blood pressure, and 30% to 36% of women develop insulin resistance, elevated glucose, and diabetes.

Add to that the fact that 43% of postmenopausal women are obese and you've got health challenges that can seem daunting.

But simple changes in your habits can help counter the risks of high blood pressure and insulin resistance, helping you lose weight.

• Stand up for yourself. A new study in the journal Circulation found that making sure you stand up from a sitting position 26 more times a day than you do now can reduce your blood pressure significantly. That’s only two to three times more frequently every hour during a 10-hour stretch.

• Stretch yourself. Other studies show that for women heading into menopause (and after too), meditation, deep breathing, and yoga help lower glucose levels. And one found that 25 minutes of yoga's sun salutation position decreases both glucose levels and elevated blood pressure.

In addition to standing and stretching, other simple ways to live younger longer include increasing your soluble fiber intake (nuts, avocados, root vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) and maintaining a healthy sleep routine.

If hot flashes and sleep disturbances are persistent, ask your doctor about hormone therapy using a patch for bioidentical estradiol, a micronized progestin, and a baby aspirin.