Sunday, September 19, 2021

Health and Fitness Update

It's been a while, and I'm still working steadily towards improving those cholesterol and blood pressure figures that I didn't like at my last doctor visit. Granted, the doctor wasn't concerned and I trust her, but improving my diet and exercise routine can't be a bad thing.

I've been faithful to my dietary changes. They weren't drastic, after all, so that's been easy except for how much I miss cheese. What I've done is cut hamburgers and pizza down to once a month and cut out cheese completely except for pizza. My diet is fairly healthy otherwise. I've discovered flax seed and flax seed meal and have altered my oatmeal muffin recipe to include those. I eat one of those with a meal many days. Tasty.

I have not been faithful to my goal of walking 30 minutes each day. I'm not sure why... I do 30 minutes of cardio using YouTube videos, but I'm not convinced that's the same.  I do yoga every day, weights (dumbbells) 3 times a week, and Tai Chi every day using various YouTube videos. I wear my weight vest while engaging in these activities as well as while doing the heel drops.

My insomnia hasn't improved at all. I've tried a few phone apps and am currently using the free versions of Headspace and Insight Timer. It's been years since I practiced meditation, and these are helpful. Bob suggested a Netflix series from Headspace, and I'm working my way through those. I bought a blood pressure monitor and small cuff and am taking my blood pressure every morning just to get a sense of how consistent it is. It does give lower readings than the number I got at the doctor's office. I'll take the monitor with me to my next doctor visit and get her opinion on it.

I've added some supplements -fish oil, milk thistle, Co Q10, for example- and will report everything I'm taking to my doctor when I go back in December. I've been careful to look at each one online and only add ones there's general agreement on as being helpful for cholesterol or blood pressure, but I'm still thinking she may say most aren't helpful. I'll trust her judgment on that and eliminate ones she doesn't recommend.

In the meantime, it's time or past time for medical tests like colonoscopy, mammagram, and bone density scan, so I'm having those done. The only one I'm concerned about is the bone density scan, but I'll know soon enough if my efforts to stave off bone loss are helping at all.

Thanks to all of you who have suggested additions to my plan. I'm always open to suggestions.

22 comments:

  1. ...my doctor said that I was in good enough shape to buy green bananas.

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    1. lol! I hafta use a knife with those

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  2. I should take a page from your book. I was doing T'ai Chi daily, but fell of the wagon and then it rolled over me.

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    1. I do love the YouTube videos. There's variety to choose from, and I've been told varying routine is important.

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  3. It's good to do what you can go improve your health!

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    1. I'm motivated, but I miss cheese. I will ask the doctor how often I can include cheese without affecting my cholesterol levels. Once a month pizza just isn't nearly as much as I'd like.

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  4. Kudos to you... you ARE motivated! Keep up the great work. I'm pretty good at getting in a regular walk, but terrible with my diet.

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    1. It's good that I already like so many foods that are good for me.

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  5. I wish you good health -- and good luck with your efforts to maintain it!

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  6. You're doing a lot for your health. I got out of walking mode this summer due to heat and rain, and I'm trying to get back into it. And eat less at each meal. I'm trying to shed a few pounds. We'll see how that happens. I wish you lots of luck.

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    1. Weight loss is hard. I hope you find a plan that works for you.

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  7. It sounds like you are being very proactive and doing all the right things and that's the main thing. Your doc will be able to advise and I"m sure you will see some results in your next exam. Good luck. (I know what you mean about pizza only once a month!)

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    1. I'm actually looking forward to my next dr visit lol At least then I'll see if it's been worth it.

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  8. I can't live without cheese. I don't eat pizza, but I love, love, love grilled cheese sandwiches with real butter slathered on both sides. I'm probably in very poor health and don't know it. I don't even have a doctor, but I have a vet for the cats. You can see where my priorities lie.

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    1. Grilled cheese with real butter! Yes, I love that. I find having a primary care physician I can call on at need is a comfort. My husband's health issues proved to me the value of already having a doctor.

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  9. Good luck with your health just remember change takes time so stay true to your plan.

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    1. Thanks! I hope December's appointment gives me time enough to see a difference. I can keep this plan up 'til then, I know :)

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  10. I could never let go of cheese - you have my respect.
    A weight vest? Clever - I only have those wrist-weights.
    Oh, oh, I fear next year it´s time for me to get colonoscopy and mammagram and I really fear that.

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    1. The weight vest is something I got when I was trying to improve my bone density numbers.

      The colonoscopy wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The prep has changed a lot since I had my first one 10 yesra ago.

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  11. I dance everyday with Body Grove. I like that you found flax seed. One of the best things for you. Wishing you the best of health always.

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    1. I found the Body Groove YouTube channel. Such fun!

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