I am stuck in a rut. There are only 10 shopping days left until Christmas and I haven't even gotten started! I have so many people in my family! I have toyed with ideas of handmade gifts, but at this point it's a bit late to start any projects. I have explored the idea of restaurant gift cards, but after a bit of math decided it would be too extravagant. I have explored the "gift in a jar" idea, but can't seem to come up with any new/fresh ideas.
I had a brainstorm this morning but am not sure how it might go over. I have decided that my gift to everyone in the family would double as a gift to myself! My gift to them would be my commitment to my health so that I could stay around and visit with them, teach them, learn from them, a bit longer than statistics say I should. AND the $$ that I would be spending on them would go towards a health club membership as part of my "Health Commitment" gift. I know, it sounds selfish and goofy.
I guess the biggest part of all this is that I'm hoping to avoid the crowds of stupid people at the stores. I shoulda started shopping online much earlier this year but also postponed doing so due to a bad debit card comprising experience a few years ago.
There are 21 Married Couples, 7 Single Adults, and 44 children under the age of 16. Anyway, the bottom line is that I'm feeling a bit Bah Humbug about this whole shopping, gift giving thing.
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Dec 15, 2009
May 13, 2009
Facing Rosacea
I've been so frustrated lately. I think I have rosacea though I've never seen a dermatologist to diagnose it. It really flared up during my last pregnancy and my obstetrician said it was hormonal. He prescribed Metrodonizole cream to apply twice a day to the red areas. That was nearly 4 years ago. Occasionally, it would get a little better but I chalk that up to cooler weather. Now that it's getting warmer it seems to be getting worse, even when I use the cream. My face is red, splotchy, itchy, and burns. Sometimes it itches to the point that I'll scratch until it bleeds.
Rosacea seems to be a very common problem and many people live with it. However, when it gets to the point where one is thinking about it a lot and not be distracted with something else, doesn't that mean that it's really getting problematic?
My step mother (from Bogata, Colombia) tells me to break a leaf off an aloe vera plant and apply to my face on a daily basis. I haven't tried it yet but plan to purchase an aloe vera plant tomorrow.
Do any of you suffer with rosacea and what do you do about it?
Rosacea seems to be a very common problem and many people live with it. However, when it gets to the point where one is thinking about it a lot and not be distracted with something else, doesn't that mean that it's really getting problematic?
My step mother (from Bogata, Colombia) tells me to break a leaf off an aloe vera plant and apply to my face on a daily basis. I haven't tried it yet but plan to purchase an aloe vera plant tomorrow.
Do any of you suffer with rosacea and what do you do about it?
Edited to Add: 5/15/09 After doing some searches on Google, I went out and bought a small jar of Olive Oil and some chamomile tea bags. Tonight, I will begin dabbing about a teaspoon of oil and tea mixture on my face before bed. We'll see what that does!!
Mar 29, 2009
Soft Drink Boycott
If you’ve read my entire post on the Chest Pains, then you know one of my reasons for boycotting certain products….one of which is Soft Drinks....or rather, the Gum Arabic that goes in soft drinks. Anyway, my 2nd reason for the soft drink boycott is in reference to the crimes against humanity in Darfur, Sudan.
Last week, I read an article that listed the top ten dictators on the globe. One of them is Omar Al-Bashir. The article states, “Under Bashir’s rule, the Darfur region of Sudan continues to be the site of a violent power struggle among government forces and allied militia, rebels and bandits. In 2007, Bashir ordered aerial bombing raids that killed dozens of civilians. While Bashir did appoint an official to investigate the human-rights situation in Darfur, the appointee himself has been suspected of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.”
This same article also reveals that the U.S. Link to Sudan and Omar is “The U.S. government has harshly criticized the abuses in Sudan. The Clinton Administration issued trade sanctions in 1997, but it exempted gum arabic, which is used in products ranging from soft drinks and candy to shoe polish and stamps. The U.S. still imports more than 4000 tons of the substance from Sudan annually.”
Some other articles I read that affect my decision.
http://www1.american.edu/TED/gumarab.htm
http://www.amnestyusa.org/darfur/page.do?id=1351050
My first thought upon reading this is that I’m always hearing about the crimes against humanity over there and while I disagree with our government sticking their noses where it doesn’t belong, I do feel sympathetic and would like to do something to help those poor people. I decided that I would no longer support those atrocities with my purchase of soft drinks. Of course, I’ll have to find a way to combat my withdrawal. Arrgggh!
Thanks for reading and feel free to share your thoughts.
Last week, I read an article that listed the top ten dictators on the globe. One of them is Omar Al-Bashir. The article states, “Under Bashir’s rule, the Darfur region of Sudan continues to be the site of a violent power struggle among government forces and allied militia, rebels and bandits. In 2007, Bashir ordered aerial bombing raids that killed dozens of civilians. While Bashir did appoint an official to investigate the human-rights situation in Darfur, the appointee himself has been suspected of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.”
This same article also reveals that the U.S. Link to Sudan and Omar is “The U.S. government has harshly criticized the abuses in Sudan. The Clinton Administration issued trade sanctions in 1997, but it exempted gum arabic, which is used in products ranging from soft drinks and candy to shoe polish and stamps. The U.S. still imports more than 4000 tons of the substance from Sudan annually.”
Some other articles I read that affect my decision.
http://www1.american.edu/TED/gumarab.htm
http://www.amnestyusa.org/darfur/page.do?id=1351050
My first thought upon reading this is that I’m always hearing about the crimes against humanity over there and while I disagree with our government sticking their noses where it doesn’t belong, I do feel sympathetic and would like to do something to help those poor people. I decided that I would no longer support those atrocities with my purchase of soft drinks. Of course, I’ll have to find a way to combat my withdrawal. Arrgggh!
Thanks for reading and feel free to share your thoughts.
Chest Pains
Last Monday, I went for a walk down the road with my husband and youngest children. I didn’t get very far at all when I was hit with severe chest pains which took my breath away and radiated up the left side of my neck. We strolled back home where I waited for the pains to pass. When 30 minutes went by with no relief, I told my husband to drive me to the hospital; leaving my girls with DQ.
Upon arrival at the hospital, I was immediately taken back to a trauma room, hooked up to machines, stuck with needles, blah blah blah. About 3 hours later, the docs chose to admit me for observation. Fortunately, all test results were negative (or normal). 2 EKG’s, blood tests for enzymes, monitors, and a treadmill test all showed that whatever I was dealing with was not cardio related. It DID show, however, that I’m very much out of shape. Anyway, if there’s a blockage, we won’t know until an angiogram is done but that won’t be until later…..like much later, when we have medical insurance and can afford such an exam or when it’s absolutely necessary.
I was discharged from the hospital the next day. I went home and proceeded to take 600 mg ibuprofen twice a day along with hugging a hot water bottle at bedtime. After 2 days, there was some relief which led me to conclude that this entire incident and pain was due to a pulled muscle. However, the question remains….how does one pull a chest muscle while walking?
On Thursday, I went shoe shopping with DQ and met a young man who was also purchasing shoes for himself. When I say “young”, he certainly looked to be younger than me. He was in the store with a small packet of papers stapled together at the top. He kept referring to the list while he looked for shoes. I saw him again in the grocery store with his wife, looking at the list and comparing labels on the foods they were putting in his cart. I got curious and approached him, jokingly asking him, “Are you having a lifestyle change?”. His wife responded that he’d had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago, and they were trying to follow doc’s orders by changing the way they ate. During our conversation, it was revealed that this young man is only 29 years old!!!
I learned many things through this experience. I learned that the fast food industry is killing us. I learned that soft drinks leach calcium from your bones, thus requiring those with bone density issues to take calcium supplements. I learned that the only groceries you REALLY need are located on the outside walls of the grocery store….the produce, meat, and dairy. Everything else in the middle aisles are processed junk that our bodies don’t need.
My first lifestyle change resulting from this experience is that I’m boycotting fast food. I’m also joining a gym in order to get some more activity. The fact that this experience began while walking out on the road frightened me into exercising in a more populated area….just in case. Oh, and I’m boycotting soft drinks too….but not just for my health. My other reason is here.
If you’ve read this far, thanks for sticking around to the end. I look forward to reading your comments and suggestions for healthier living.
Upon arrival at the hospital, I was immediately taken back to a trauma room, hooked up to machines, stuck with needles, blah blah blah. About 3 hours later, the docs chose to admit me for observation. Fortunately, all test results were negative (or normal). 2 EKG’s, blood tests for enzymes, monitors, and a treadmill test all showed that whatever I was dealing with was not cardio related. It DID show, however, that I’m very much out of shape. Anyway, if there’s a blockage, we won’t know until an angiogram is done but that won’t be until later…..like much later, when we have medical insurance and can afford such an exam or when it’s absolutely necessary.
I was discharged from the hospital the next day. I went home and proceeded to take 600 mg ibuprofen twice a day along with hugging a hot water bottle at bedtime. After 2 days, there was some relief which led me to conclude that this entire incident and pain was due to a pulled muscle. However, the question remains….how does one pull a chest muscle while walking?
On Thursday, I went shoe shopping with DQ and met a young man who was also purchasing shoes for himself. When I say “young”, he certainly looked to be younger than me. He was in the store with a small packet of papers stapled together at the top. He kept referring to the list while he looked for shoes. I saw him again in the grocery store with his wife, looking at the list and comparing labels on the foods they were putting in his cart. I got curious and approached him, jokingly asking him, “Are you having a lifestyle change?”. His wife responded that he’d had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago, and they were trying to follow doc’s orders by changing the way they ate. During our conversation, it was revealed that this young man is only 29 years old!!!
I learned many things through this experience. I learned that the fast food industry is killing us. I learned that soft drinks leach calcium from your bones, thus requiring those with bone density issues to take calcium supplements. I learned that the only groceries you REALLY need are located on the outside walls of the grocery store….the produce, meat, and dairy. Everything else in the middle aisles are processed junk that our bodies don’t need.
My first lifestyle change resulting from this experience is that I’m boycotting fast food. I’m also joining a gym in order to get some more activity. The fact that this experience began while walking out on the road frightened me into exercising in a more populated area….just in case. Oh, and I’m boycotting soft drinks too….but not just for my health. My other reason is here.
If you’ve read this far, thanks for sticking around to the end. I look forward to reading your comments and suggestions for healthier living.
Mar 11, 2009
Training Pain Update
Just a quick update. Last night I purchased an ankle stabilizer. This morning I put it on first thing and took 600 mg of Ibuprofen. I called my general practicioner and made an appointment for this afternoon. I called the G.P. because he would have to do a referral to the orthopedic specialist. Then I sat on my rear with my foot propped up until time for my appointment.
By appointment time, there was no pain at all. The doc put the foot and ankle through some range of motion stuff. He felt the ankle at the same time. There was no grinding or popping going on at all.
Finally, he told me to keep up with the 600 mg ibuprofen twice a day for the next few days. He also told me to resume my walks with the stabilizer for a few days but only for a mile. If no pain, then remove the stabilizer and try to lengthen my walk and see what happens. If the pain returns, I'm supposed to stop activity, ice the ankle, and call him immediately. I'm guessing that at that point (if it comes to that) he'll refer me to the orthopedic doctor.
I certainly hope his recommendations work.
By appointment time, there was no pain at all. The doc put the foot and ankle through some range of motion stuff. He felt the ankle at the same time. There was no grinding or popping going on at all.
Finally, he told me to keep up with the 600 mg ibuprofen twice a day for the next few days. He also told me to resume my walks with the stabilizer for a few days but only for a mile. If no pain, then remove the stabilizer and try to lengthen my walk and see what happens. If the pain returns, I'm supposed to stop activity, ice the ankle, and call him immediately. I'm guessing that at that point (if it comes to that) he'll refer me to the orthopedic doctor.
I certainly hope his recommendations work.
Mar 9, 2009
Training Pain
If I haven't mentioned it before, my brother has asked me to accompany him on the Crescent City Classic 5k. I'm not an athlete by any means but I figured that if I can walk a mile or two right now, then surely I can do a 5k in a month. So, I've been out walking every day this week.
Walking is great exercise but I'm not enjoying it so much right now. It seems that I have developed a problem. First of all, after each walk, my left ankle is throbbing and swollen. Immediately after I get home, I have to get off my feet, prop them up, and place ice bags on each ankle for a few minutes. After icing, the pain subsides and I'm okay but not great.
Yesterday I did 3 miles. Halfway through, the throbbing pain returned. By the time I ended the walk and was at home, I was limping. I came in and did the ice, remaining off my feet the rest of the evening. When I woke up this morning and got out of bed....OUCH!!!...Now I'm limping again and dreading today's walk.
I think I've developed tendonitis but I'm not sure. Also, while walking, I can feel the ankle pop and grind. Most likely an arthritic symptom.
This has happened before and I thought it was just my shoes. So I bought more and then didn't do any walking for over a year resulting in my sedentary lifestyle. I would love to do more exercise and/or walking but I certainly would like for it to be painless....well, painless beyond the normal pain, if you know what I mean.
Does anyone out in bloggy land have any suggestions?!!!???? Help!!!
Walking is great exercise but I'm not enjoying it so much right now. It seems that I have developed a problem. First of all, after each walk, my left ankle is throbbing and swollen. Immediately after I get home, I have to get off my feet, prop them up, and place ice bags on each ankle for a few minutes. After icing, the pain subsides and I'm okay but not great.
Yesterday I did 3 miles. Halfway through, the throbbing pain returned. By the time I ended the walk and was at home, I was limping. I came in and did the ice, remaining off my feet the rest of the evening. When I woke up this morning and got out of bed....OUCH!!!...Now I'm limping again and dreading today's walk.
I think I've developed tendonitis but I'm not sure. Also, while walking, I can feel the ankle pop and grind. Most likely an arthritic symptom.
This has happened before and I thought it was just my shoes. So I bought more and then didn't do any walking for over a year resulting in my sedentary lifestyle. I would love to do more exercise and/or walking but I certainly would like for it to be painless....well, painless beyond the normal pain, if you know what I mean.
Does anyone out in bloggy land have any suggestions?!!!???? Help!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)