Health · Holidays

2014 Health Goals that make sense

The new year is a time for fresh starts, new goals, and hope for the future. This week I heard an interview on ABC with Dr. Richard Besser that outlined 5 ways that can improve your health without being overwhelming.

5 Ways to Improve Your Health in 2014

1)  Lose 5% of your weight:  We all have the desire to lose weight and, in reality, more than 5%; however, 5% is a great step toward improving our health. I can do that!

Day 2/365 - New Years Resolution

2) Take 5 Minutes and Move:  Our society is a ‘sitting society’ at work, at home, driving, etc. Take 5 minutes several times a day to get up and walk around, take a few flight of stairs…move!  When I was working at home one of my doctors suggested I set a timer that went off every 20-30 minutes to remind me to get up, stretch and move around.  We know that we are supposed to exercise 30 minutes a minimum of 5 days a week, but if that isn’t doable, chunk it down into smaller increments several times a day.  Beats nothing!  In 2014 my goal will be to increase my yoga practice and walk more (now that the darned boot is off!).

3)  Take 5 minutes every morning:  As Mom always said, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I’ve always been good about breakfast, grabbing a Greek yogurt or a boiled egg. Take 5 minutes to make/eat breakfast and improve your mental state for the day and curbing binges later in the day.

English: American healthy breakfast in Chicago...

4) 5 Things You are Grateful for TODAY:  Each day focus on the positives in your life, taking mental note of the little things that make a difference. Did someone say hello to you today, open a door, call you to chat, etc.?  At the end of the day, before bed, think of those 5 things and perhaps jot them in a Gratitude Journal.  A few years ago, I pledged to review a daily reading in two different books and keep a gratitude journal.  I made it through the year and found it very inspiring.

Gratitude Journal

5)  Take 5 Minutes for You:  Time is such a precious commodity and most likely time for you is at the bottom of the list.  It was for me for many years.  There were too many family and work commitments and just not enough time for me.  I’ve learned the hard way that unless you take care of yourself, you cannot take care of anyone else.  The suggestion made by Dr. Besser was to meditate twice a day for 5 minutes.  Meditation, in my definition, is to clear your mind of all thoughts.  Clear the clutter and stress from your day and start anew.  While I do not practice meditation regularly, I find that when I do, it is wonderfully refreshing and I feel at peace.

For me, Prayer is also a critical piece of the formula for peace and comfort each and every day.

2014 is full of surprises and we will do the best we can do. My advise to those that are killing themselves with stress from work and family…slow down…enjoy and appreciate the little moments with joy and laughter…take care of yourself…and have a healthy, joyous New Year!

Health

I’m back but what in the world have I been up to?

Sometimes, you just need a break. For example, not being motivated to do something whether it’s cooking dinner, calling your cable provider to lower your bill or update your blog.  I’ve learned to ‘go with my gut’ and this time it was my gut (or gall bladder to be most accurate) who got to me.

I Love Your Guts Anatomy Embroidery Hoop Art

I’d had a nagging pain under my right shoulder-blade for months.  I blamed the pain on bending backwards, painting the ceiling of my front and back porches. While I am certain that did not help, it was not the problem.  I tried more yoga and stretching, longer deep tissue massage, chiropractic and acupuncture with no relief. Finally, my Chiro/Acupuncturist suggested it was gall bladder.  Crazy, right…not so!

http://training.seer.cancer.gov/module_anatomy...

The ultrasound confirmed what they thought was a polyp but post surgery it was a gall stone. I saw the surgeon and he strongly suggested we go with Robotic Surgery (Single Site) vs. Laparoscopy.  Knowing the recovery from the surgery would be better, we went with the Robotic plan.

The procedure went very well and I literally had no abdominal pain post surgery. Abdominal tenderness and some swelling were the only symptoms.  Anesthesia recovery, was another story and after 10 days, the fog finally lifted.

Little did I know that little pain in my back was an indicator that something else was going on.  My ‘gut’ told me there was something more and I’m glad I went in for the testing.

Things that I’ve learned or confirmed as a result of this experience:

1) Listen to your gut
2) When something doesn’t seem right, get it checked out…pronto!
3) If you need to cut back on commitments to take care of your physical or mental health, just do it!

Listen, Understand, Act
Listen, Understand, Act (Photo credit: highersights)

I’m back, and feeling stronger every single day.  Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Rheumatoid Arthritis · Yoga

Yoga, health and a mental health break!

2008 was one of those years…after a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sleep Apnea, it was time to take action over my health.  A friend of mine had just finished yoga training and was putting together a group to meet weekly to practice yoga. All of my life, I’ve wanted to try yoga, but the thought of trying it alone was too overwhelming. This intimate setting offered a safe place to begin and it has been a life-saver.

In the beginning I had no flexibility and that darn muffin-top of mine was always in the way.  Five years later, my flexibility has DRAMATICALLY improved and I look forward to our weekly class together.  We share a love for each other as well as a love of yoga (despite the occasional moaning and groaning).  None of us take it too seriously, complimenting our practice with a good hearty laugh or two each week. Thank God for our teacher Diane and for alternate teacher and host, Chris.  And who doesn’t love wearing yoga pants!

yoga flexibility cartoon

In a few days our ‘hot flash yoga’ team (never to be confused with HOT Yoga) will head to Shoshoni, in Nederland, Colorado for a yoga retreat.  The fresh air, mountain views on top of two days of yoga and meditation is just what I need!

bird yoga cartoon

After almost two years of posting faithfully 2x a week, I’ve decided to take a break from posting but will be back soon, so stay tuned.

English: Prônam Mudrá Português: Prônam Mudrá

Namaste!