Tag: Health

Family · Home

January 1, 2021

cathysmaha1 Comment

January 1, 2021

We made it! At 12:01 am on Jan 1, for the first time ever, Hindsight will actually be 2020.  Hindsight means it is easier to evaluate situations when we are looking back at them, and with perfect vision (20/20). 

2020 was a year filled with isolation, fear, skepticism, loneliness, tragedy, depression, addiction, brain fog, strife, injustice, sacrifice, and much more. We learned so much about ourselves and the tremendous strength and perseverance we hold in times of difficulty.

Turning the calendar to 2021 doesn’t change everything, but what it gives us HOPE.  Hope, by definition, is a feeling of expectation and desire for certain things to happen.

Which brings me to my favorite bible verse from childhood, Hebrews 11:1 (KJV), memorized in the southeast Sunday school room of our church in rural central Iowa, the Carlton Brethren Church

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

It’s as if this verse was ingrained in my mind for hope then and for this very moment. As we begin this year, my wish and prayers for 2021 are:

  • To experience peace
  • To be gentle with ourselves
  • To be kind and gentle with others
  • To be grateful for all we have
  • To breathe
  • To see the beauty around us
  • To stay connected
  • To remember what matters most in our lives
  • To experience rest and joy
  • To have good health and an end to the pandemic
  • To continue to see humor in the everyday things

Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with many blessings!

Christmas 2020
Family · Holidays

Christmas 2020

cathysmaha8 Comments

One year ago, we were all hustling and bustling without a virus care in the world.  Stress was high because we put so many expectations on ourselves for the perfect Christmas experience.

Photo by @davidsonluna

Fast forward to Christmas 2021 and our lives are vastly different.  It’s easy to focus on the negatives, but for a moment, I’ll focus on the positives of the COVID experience and a sheltered Christmas.

  • My family and I are COVID free.  Every day I take the time to reflect on this blessing and pray for good health for all.
  • My family and I have shelter and food.  We have the opportunity to help others in need.
  • We are blessed with doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel who are working tirelessly to provide services during this challenging time. They have my complete gratitude for going above and beyond on a daily basis.
  • Vaccinations are on the way giving us hope of control of Coronavirus for the future.
  • Family and friends are even more precious. I love and appreciate each and every one of you!
  • Handwashing and mask wearing are second nature.  When I watch a television show or movie where people are in close proximity, and not wearing masks, I get a little anxious.  Do you?  Wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing is the least I can do for the good of our country.
  • Home has never felt so good.  I’ve always enjoyed being home but I’ve found peace and comfort in my own space.
  • Christmas ornaments are full of memories.  Each year, I think of the moment or the year I acquired each ornament.  Decorating the tree in 2020 was a reflection on a blessed life.
  • Christmas magic abounds with young children. My four young grandchildren are filled with wonder and awe for the holidays .
  • My hair is gray.  If you haven’t seen me in a picture or on Zoom, you may not know that I have gone totally gray.  Gray hair symbolizes the accomplishments and stress that I have lived.  It has given me new found freedom.
  • I’m cooking more.  Cooking has always been a passion and with more time at home, I can experiment.  Curbside pickup of groceries is a new service offered that reduces my risk of exposure to COVID and makes quick work of shopping.
  • I’m posting again on Fork-Lore.  I’m cooking; therefore I’m posting.
  • Technology allows me to catch up with family and friends to stay connected and enjoy social interaction.  Our ancestors didn’t have this luxury during other lockdowns, such as the Spanish (ie., Kansas) flu.
  • Journaling this COVID experience for future reflection started in March and goes on to this day.  Truly, I thought I would only be journaling for 3 or 4 months…Silly me!
  • Podcasts, audio books and long walks are saving me. My favorite podcast list has more than doubled and the number of books read in 2021 is far beyond any previous year.
  • Humor sustains me.  There is nothing more humorous than reflecting on the silly things I do and see each and every day.

This Christmas let us find joy, peace, and good health.  Sending virtual love and hugs to all!

Cathy

2014 Health Goals that make sense
Health · Holidays

2014 Health Goals that make sense

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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?

cathysmaha3 Comments

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!

cathysmaha3 Comments

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!

 

 

Gluten Free · Rheumatoid Arthritis

First Awareness Day for Rheumatoid Disease February 2 … food for thought!

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February 2 is Ground Hog Day and, this year, the first Awareness Day for Rheumatoid Disease.  I love the comparison of the Ground Hog seeing his shadow to first diagnosis of the disease and trying to predict how the course of the disease will run for each individual.  I am so happy to see this debilitating disease finally getting increased national awareness.

RA1

People often think of Rheumatoid Disease as ‘just arthritis’.  Rheumatoid Disease is an autoimmune disorder that attacks joint and organ tissue.  It manifests itself differently in each patient, young and old.

The Summer of 2008 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  My early symptoms included annoying nodules on my elbows and crippling hand pain. The nodules had been a problem for years and my Dermatologist treated them with cortisone injections (interestingly if she injected in one arm, they just jumped over to the other arm).

It wasn’t until I made an appointment with my Physician Assistant and related the hand pain and nodules, that the diagnosis process began.  She took a biopsy of one nodule and ran a panel of blood tests.  All results pointed to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and I was quickly referred to a Rheumatologist.

The first two years of treatment involved injections (Enbrel) and Celebrex and when a flare-up occurred, steroids came into play.  During this time, I also started seeing an Accupuncturist who treated my immune system and I began practicing yoga. Additional doses of Fish Oil, B12 and Vitamin D were added to my daily regimen.  I also began to realize the correlation between gluten and inflammation.

Flare-ups typically occurred during periods of high stress.  Solution…less stress.  In late 2010 I had the opportunity to retire early from my corporate management position.  Amazingly, once I knew I was leaving, the stress began to dissipate.  I discontinued taking Enbrel and Celebrex and my RA has been in remission for two years.

I’m lucky and grateful that, for today, I have my health.  Rheumatoid Arthritis is considered a genetic disease yet the only possible connection in our family is to a third cousin.  However, shortly after I was diagnosed, my niece, seven years my junior, was also diagnosed with Rheumatoid Disease.

Raise your awareness and voice on February 2 for Rheumatoid Disease.  I know I will.

ra4 ra8 ra9

http://rawarrior.com/first-awareness-day-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-established-by-rheumatoid-patient-foundation/#.UQAhXkxhGd0.facebook

http://rheum4us.org/

http://www.arthritis.org/