Day One: 52 minutes on the Wii
Day Two: did things around the house, including giving a wiggling dog a haircut! That should count for something.
Day Three: missed today. Didn't get home from work and meetings until 8 and Billy is out of town
Day Four: about 10 minutes on the Wii
Day Five: about 10 minutes on the Wii
Day Six: about 10 minutes on the Wii
Day Seven: danced, danced, danced at a Mardi Gras party
Day Eight: mostly rested but also worked on my dance routine for the Call-Out Ball. Not strenuous but I was up and moving
Day Nine: missed today. Billy's been sick and last night was the first in several that either of us slept so I didn't get up early and after work there was a board meeting and a football game.
Day Ten: about 10 minutes on the Wii
Day Eleven: 31 minutes on the Wii (hard minutes!) and I walked from one client to another for a presentation and then back. Felt get to get outside, if only for a few minutes
Day Twelve: sore muscles from boxing last night. Just got in a few balancing games on the Wii.
Day Thirteen: missed but totally worth it! Had a Mardi Gras duchess party tonight so no time to exercise. Better yet, barely had time to eat.
Day Fourteen: had to work, but that included moving and setting up new computers and walking around the office and so forth, not as sedentary as usual. Nothing I can quantify, but I did stretch some muscles.
Day Fifteen: kind of a rest day, but not entirely. I had to finish up with the computers this morning, still moving and stuff. Then I did a few things around the house and did some grocery shopping. So, again, nothing I can quantify but better than just sitting around.
Day 16 to Day 20: rough week. Worked out of town. Went to work early and stayed late at the client to maximize our time on-site and we ate out every meal. Tried to do okay with the meals but got very little exercise until Friday night rehearsing for the Call-Out Ball.
Day 21: Dancing at the Call-Out Ball! Tons of fun and good exercise!
Day 22: Had to go clean up the City Auditorium after the Ball. Carried furniture, walked up and down the stairs in the sections. Maybe nothing quanitifiable, but still moving and working the muscles.
Day 23 to 27: Another rough week. Was home, but Billy left on Thursday and it seemed that being gone for a week everything in the office piled up. Too much stress this week.
Day 28: Decorate the Community Center for the Dukes and Duchess' party and then danced at the party itself. No small feat in 6 inch platform boots.
Day 29: A few minutes on the Wii - balance games, some aerobics. Trying to stay in the habit before it leaves me completely.
Day 30: Needed a break. Mentally and physically. Being a "single" mom of 7 when Billy is out of town, in busy season, is draining.
Day 31: Not feeling well. Nothing major, mostly tired. Had to prepare for board meeting tonight so not much exercise other than climbing the stairs several times today - but that still counts for something!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monthly Reports
One of the things that helped me the most when I first started this journey was the weekly meetings of HealthQuest.
The weekly weigh-ins, I should say.
In typical, Deanne-the-perfectionist-fashion, I didn't want to somehow "disappoint" the lady recording my weekly weight in my log so I was always certain to make sure it went down a little each week. Some weeks were, obviously, better than others but it was the knowledge that someone other than me would know how I did that helped keep me focused.
Have no fear, I am not ABOUT to tell you how much I weigh. No way, no how. But I am going to give you my exercise "journal" each month. It will post at midnight on the first of the following month.
Which means I have to keep it current or you'll know I've failed at even the most basic of tasks. I don't expect comments or that you'll even read them but it is ME knowing I'm putting something out there PUBLICALLY that I HOPE will keep my focus on the exercise.
Because for me it is all about the exercise.
I can eat a lot or little but if I don't do something physical it just sits on me the same way.
So, you all are my public watchers. You will know if I tried or made excuses; if I stayed on task or wandered off the path; if I cared enough to try.
Be kind.
The weekly weigh-ins, I should say.
In typical, Deanne-the-perfectionist-fashion, I didn't want to somehow "disappoint" the lady recording my weekly weight in my log so I was always certain to make sure it went down a little each week. Some weeks were, obviously, better than others but it was the knowledge that someone other than me would know how I did that helped keep me focused.
Have no fear, I am not ABOUT to tell you how much I weigh. No way, no how. But I am going to give you my exercise "journal" each month. It will post at midnight on the first of the following month.
Which means I have to keep it current or you'll know I've failed at even the most basic of tasks. I don't expect comments or that you'll even read them but it is ME knowing I'm putting something out there PUBLICALLY that I HOPE will keep my focus on the exercise.
Because for me it is all about the exercise.
I can eat a lot or little but if I don't do something physical it just sits on me the same way.
So, you all are my public watchers. You will know if I tried or made excuses; if I stayed on task or wandered off the path; if I cared enough to try.
Be kind.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Small Victories
I want to share this picture with you.
Not because I want to name drop (Duece McAllister), and not because a friend saw it and thought I'd dropped 10 pounds (but who wouldn't when standing next to that brick wall of a man!) but because of the jacket. Yes, I think it is lovely and all Mardi Gras-ish and festive, but more importantly because I purchased it in the early 1990s.
For those that, like me, don't realize it, it is 2012 and the early 1990s were almost 20 years ago.
I share it because I needed the reminder of how far I've come. There were many, many years that I couldn't wear that jacket. I know because I tried. A few times I managed to get my arms into the sleeves but it was nowhere close to closing in the front.
It fastened when I wore it on Thursday night. Easily, and with room to spare.
So, to myself, good job on not losing faith in yourself and continuing to focus! Despite the crazy schedules and traveling and stresses. It would be so easy at this point to just give in to all the comfort foods and bad habits and all that accompanies those. But I won't.
I am too important to me.
I am valued, and valuable, and my health is the most important thing. Without it, nothing else will matter. I wouldn't be able to enjoy whatever Life was handing me.
So, if you find yourself in a rut or feeling discouraged or just down about it all, find your small victory. That mile that comes easily now that you couldn't walk a year ago. Or that dress you'd thought you'd never wear again but hadn't donated to charity yet because you loved it. Or playing with your children or grandchildren or puppies or whatever that maybe you couldn't enjoy a few years, or even a few months, ago.
It is the small victories that truly count the most. They are what keep us motivated and moving in the right direction. The small victories are what add up to the bigger ones, which ultimately culminate in our overall goals.
So celebrate them!
Not because I want to name drop (Duece McAllister), and not because a friend saw it and thought I'd dropped 10 pounds (but who wouldn't when standing next to that brick wall of a man!) but because of the jacket. Yes, I think it is lovely and all Mardi Gras-ish and festive, but more importantly because I purchased it in the early 1990s.
For those that, like me, don't realize it, it is 2012 and the early 1990s were almost 20 years ago.
I share it because I needed the reminder of how far I've come. There were many, many years that I couldn't wear that jacket. I know because I tried. A few times I managed to get my arms into the sleeves but it was nowhere close to closing in the front.
It fastened when I wore it on Thursday night. Easily, and with room to spare.
So, to myself, good job on not losing faith in yourself and continuing to focus! Despite the crazy schedules and traveling and stresses. It would be so easy at this point to just give in to all the comfort foods and bad habits and all that accompanies those. But I won't.
I am too important to me.
I am valued, and valuable, and my health is the most important thing. Without it, nothing else will matter. I wouldn't be able to enjoy whatever Life was handing me.
So, if you find yourself in a rut or feeling discouraged or just down about it all, find your small victory. That mile that comes easily now that you couldn't walk a year ago. Or that dress you'd thought you'd never wear again but hadn't donated to charity yet because you loved it. Or playing with your children or grandchildren or puppies or whatever that maybe you couldn't enjoy a few years, or even a few months, ago.
It is the small victories that truly count the most. They are what keep us motivated and moving in the right direction. The small victories are what add up to the bigger ones, which ultimately culminate in our overall goals.
So celebrate them!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Do Over
Perhaps I should have read my post from last May after I wrote it. Like, several times so it would have taken root.
Doctor's office called today. I didn't want to take that call. You know when everything turns out well you get a letter. Phone calls mean something.
Now, with all the testing that was done, I did get the best of the not so good news. My cholesterol clocked in at 240.
240.
I'm supposed to be under 180.
I'm nowhere close.
So, it's back to another doctor, another plan, a real goal this time. A true mission.
Wish me luck!
Doctor's office called today. I didn't want to take that call. You know when everything turns out well you get a letter. Phone calls mean something.
Now, with all the testing that was done, I did get the best of the not so good news. My cholesterol clocked in at 240.
240.
I'm supposed to be under 180.
I'm nowhere close.
So, it's back to another doctor, another plan, a real goal this time. A true mission.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Thought for this Tuesday
Saw this in my Denise Austin newsletter this morning: make peace with your past - so it won't spoil the present!
What a great thought! The past is just that, past. Over. Gone. Done with. Every day is chance for a new beginning. A fresh start.
If you're not where you want to be, get there. Get started. There's no time like now.
What a great thought! The past is just that, past. Over. Gone. Done with. Every day is chance for a new beginning. A fresh start.
If you're not where you want to be, get there. Get started. There's no time like now.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The Best of Intentions
I never intended for a post on May 1, 2011 to be the last one of the year. With this one, it won't be.
I became the "poster child" for what stress can do to you - physically, emotionally, all the "ally"s - this past year. For those that don't read the Random Thoughts blogs, my brother-in-law was killed in an accident on June 7, 2011. That single-second event changed our world in so many ways. Because Billy was gone so much helping his family, I had more to do here at home. Which meant less time for me. And once I got really out of my routine, that was it. And as the stress and strain of Life continued to mount, getting back into my routine was almost lost forever.
I checked my Wii calendar the other day and you could see it. Right before your eyes, in living color. January, February, March - never missed a day. The height of busy season but I was dedicated. At least to weighing myself and monitoring when I did get to exercise. In April, the only days I missed were those when I was in Washington DC becoming a certified fraud examiner and then one more that I can't figure out what I as going that day.
Missed a few more in May, but not many. In June, I missed the day of Dale's funeral, and then more towards the end of the month as Billy became busier.
In July, it was obvious. I barely made it at all. I never missed an entire month in the last six, but it got awfully close a couple of times. It appeared I turned on the Wii more out of guilt, or as an afterthought.
And it shows. I have a long road to hoe to get back where I was.
On the plus side, I have gotten healthy before and I can do it again. This time, though, the reasons are a little different. I will admit to a mild case of depression this summer and fall. I wasn't getting up and exercising because I was barely getting up in time to get to work. I didn't let it completely take over my life, but I did let it get to a very big part of it. Thing is, if I could have exercised, I know I would have felt better and helped combat some of that depression. But depression is very real and has its own agenda.
But I'm better. I'm doing the things I enjoy again, like writing and exercising and reading and so forth, but still not to the same level as before. But at least I'm not sitting and staring off into space. I am doing something.
As I tend to do, I look for opportunities for fresh starts. I've been on the Wii every day but one since last Sunday. Wanted to start again and come up with a new plan so I started on a Sunday - beginning of a new week.
And tomorrow is a new week, new month, new year.
An excellent opportunity to get on track and start working towards getthing healthier - both mentally and physically.
And I'll be looking to you all for support. Those are my intentions for the new year!
Happy, healthy, 2012!
I became the "poster child" for what stress can do to you - physically, emotionally, all the "ally"s - this past year. For those that don't read the Random Thoughts blogs, my brother-in-law was killed in an accident on June 7, 2011. That single-second event changed our world in so many ways. Because Billy was gone so much helping his family, I had more to do here at home. Which meant less time for me. And once I got really out of my routine, that was it. And as the stress and strain of Life continued to mount, getting back into my routine was almost lost forever.
I checked my Wii calendar the other day and you could see it. Right before your eyes, in living color. January, February, March - never missed a day. The height of busy season but I was dedicated. At least to weighing myself and monitoring when I did get to exercise. In April, the only days I missed were those when I was in Washington DC becoming a certified fraud examiner and then one more that I can't figure out what I as going that day.
Missed a few more in May, but not many. In June, I missed the day of Dale's funeral, and then more towards the end of the month as Billy became busier.
In July, it was obvious. I barely made it at all. I never missed an entire month in the last six, but it got awfully close a couple of times. It appeared I turned on the Wii more out of guilt, or as an afterthought.
And it shows. I have a long road to hoe to get back where I was.
On the plus side, I have gotten healthy before and I can do it again. This time, though, the reasons are a little different. I will admit to a mild case of depression this summer and fall. I wasn't getting up and exercising because I was barely getting up in time to get to work. I didn't let it completely take over my life, but I did let it get to a very big part of it. Thing is, if I could have exercised, I know I would have felt better and helped combat some of that depression. But depression is very real and has its own agenda.
But I'm better. I'm doing the things I enjoy again, like writing and exercising and reading and so forth, but still not to the same level as before. But at least I'm not sitting and staring off into space. I am doing something.
As I tend to do, I look for opportunities for fresh starts. I've been on the Wii every day but one since last Sunday. Wanted to start again and come up with a new plan so I started on a Sunday - beginning of a new week.
And tomorrow is a new week, new month, new year.
An excellent opportunity to get on track and start working towards getthing healthier - both mentally and physically.
And I'll be looking to you all for support. Those are my intentions for the new year!
Happy, healthy, 2012!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
197
Fortunately that was my last cholesterol count, not my weight. Although there are days....
No, really, I am pleased to report that my last cholesterol check was 197. Only a slim hair under 200 but still better than 231. Wish I could say I contributed to the decrease, but I don't really think I did much. I think it was the difference between a fasting draw and one right after lunch. The other good news, at least for now, is that even though my internist had a note in my file to discuss Plavimox with me after receiving the 231 count from another doctor, he said my good cholesterol was really very good and that was a mitigating factor so we could hold off on a medication for right now.
And we all know what boosts our good cholesterol, right? Right? EXERCISE!
I didn't get a whole lot of that in the last few months. Very little in fact. But, today is a new day, a new week, and new month and you know how I feel about starting things on the 1st of something.
I have renewed my commitment to myself. The sixty plus work hours will be back down to 45 to 50, which is still a lot but saving 10 hours a week actually saves me a week over the course of the month. I went from 280 hours in March to only 220 in April. I played in a kickball tournament yesterday, although my participation was mostly organizational. I did kick the ball three times though, no strike outs, and got to at least run halfway to 1st base before getting out.
It was a start. And a start and a spark can sometimes be all we need to get things back blazing! I didn't even let my sprained ankle, that is still the size of an orange, get in the way of having a great time.
Nor am I using it as a complete excuse to put off what needs to be done.
So, today I'm firing up the Wii again for an hour(ish) long session - not too strenuous but getting all the parts moving again. I still want to be able to walk tomorrow!
Will today be the day you renew your commitment to yourself? It's the perfect day.
No, really, I am pleased to report that my last cholesterol check was 197. Only a slim hair under 200 but still better than 231. Wish I could say I contributed to the decrease, but I don't really think I did much. I think it was the difference between a fasting draw and one right after lunch. The other good news, at least for now, is that even though my internist had a note in my file to discuss Plavimox with me after receiving the 231 count from another doctor, he said my good cholesterol was really very good and that was a mitigating factor so we could hold off on a medication for right now.
And we all know what boosts our good cholesterol, right? Right? EXERCISE!
I didn't get a whole lot of that in the last few months. Very little in fact. But, today is a new day, a new week, and new month and you know how I feel about starting things on the 1st of something.
I have renewed my commitment to myself. The sixty plus work hours will be back down to 45 to 50, which is still a lot but saving 10 hours a week actually saves me a week over the course of the month. I went from 280 hours in March to only 220 in April. I played in a kickball tournament yesterday, although my participation was mostly organizational. I did kick the ball three times though, no strike outs, and got to at least run halfway to 1st base before getting out.
It was a start. And a start and a spark can sometimes be all we need to get things back blazing! I didn't even let my sprained ankle, that is still the size of an orange, get in the way of having a great time.
Nor am I using it as a complete excuse to put off what needs to be done.
So, today I'm firing up the Wii again for an hour(ish) long session - not too strenuous but getting all the parts moving again. I still want to be able to walk tomorrow!
Will today be the day you renew your commitment to yourself? It's the perfect day.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A New Mission
I was given a new challenge last week. I would have thought that dropping almost 1/3rd of my body weight would have solved a lot of health problems but that is not to be.
The blood work from my annual checkup indicated my cholesterol is 231.
231.
That's considered borderline, but when the end of that "border" is 239, who are we kidding?
I have high cholesterol.
For a diabetic, I have extremely high cholesterol. It should be less than 180 for me.
Technically, I've fought my cholesterol for years. Through all shapes and sizes. This time the doctor said the one thing I've been waiting to hear.
"It may be hereditary. You're so small".
It isn't that I want to be let off the hook. I'm a big proponent of personal responsibility. But i don't want to frustrated by trying to work hard on something that isn't going to work anyway. And I really have been trying to eat better and I get fairly regular exercise. So there may be some truth to it. I don't particularly want to take more medications, but I will if that will help.
I'm going to schedule a follow-up appointment and look into some options. But don't be surprised if you start to see some cholesterol tips.
And I'll gladly take any and all suggestions from any of you. I will need them.
The blood work from my annual checkup indicated my cholesterol is 231.
231.
That's considered borderline, but when the end of that "border" is 239, who are we kidding?
I have high cholesterol.
For a diabetic, I have extremely high cholesterol. It should be less than 180 for me.
Technically, I've fought my cholesterol for years. Through all shapes and sizes. This time the doctor said the one thing I've been waiting to hear.
"It may be hereditary. You're so small".
It isn't that I want to be let off the hook. I'm a big proponent of personal responsibility. But i don't want to frustrated by trying to work hard on something that isn't going to work anyway. And I really have been trying to eat better and I get fairly regular exercise. So there may be some truth to it. I don't particularly want to take more medications, but I will if that will help.
I'm going to schedule a follow-up appointment and look into some options. But don't be surprised if you start to see some cholesterol tips.
And I'll gladly take any and all suggestions from any of you. I will need them.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A Gift to Me
I did something last weekend that is very rare for me.
I went shopping.
I've said before I hate to shop. Still do.
But, true to my norm, I went with a purpose. I went to replace a long string of fake pearls. I had a long one that could be doubled, used to could triple it before Scooter broke it the first time. And I found one. On sale even. Could have left then.
But the store was having a 50 to 70 percent off sale.
Surely I could look at the just a couple of sweater dresses? That wouldn't hurt would it?
Well, I spent too much money, but I got several very nice sweater dresses and one suit for work. With busy season hours, the sweater dresses are nice. They are comfortable for all day and still look nice.
But here's what I want to share. I've said before, and will continue to say, I'm more than just a number. I'm more than the number on the scale or the one on the label in the clothes.
But, true confession time now, it was really quite nice to be able to look at the rack where the size in the label is a single digit. Or a single letter that is not an L. It really made me feel very good inside. Because it's been a long time since I could. I believe I was just out of college the last time I could buy single-digit sized clothes.
I know that wasn't the purpose of the weight loss. Wasn't really even a consideration. I went two years before I even started buying new clothes so it wasn't foremost in my mind.
And I fought having to shop even then!
So it really was a pleasant surprise when I walked up to a rack and realized I was starting in the smaller sizes. Sort of like a bolt from the blue.
Lots of programs tell you to reward yourself with non-food treats when you meet goals or reach an achievement. And I have to agree. It was really pretty cool.
Now, when I got home, I laid the receipt on the bar, which is the rule in our house, but I circled in a BIG circle the amount SAVED. I felt like that would be the place to start. I did save more than I spent. Which is a very good thing.
So, if you're having trouble meeting a goal, then pick a reward. Maybe it's a massage or a facial. Maybe a new swimsuit. Find something you want and go for it!
Sometimes focusing on the reward at the end is easier than focusing on the journey to get there.
I went shopping.
I've said before I hate to shop. Still do.
But, true to my norm, I went with a purpose. I went to replace a long string of fake pearls. I had a long one that could be doubled, used to could triple it before Scooter broke it the first time. And I found one. On sale even. Could have left then.
But the store was having a 50 to 70 percent off sale.
Surely I could look at the just a couple of sweater dresses? That wouldn't hurt would it?
Well, I spent too much money, but I got several very nice sweater dresses and one suit for work. With busy season hours, the sweater dresses are nice. They are comfortable for all day and still look nice.
But here's what I want to share. I've said before, and will continue to say, I'm more than just a number. I'm more than the number on the scale or the one on the label in the clothes.
But, true confession time now, it was really quite nice to be able to look at the rack where the size in the label is a single digit. Or a single letter that is not an L. It really made me feel very good inside. Because it's been a long time since I could. I believe I was just out of college the last time I could buy single-digit sized clothes.
I know that wasn't the purpose of the weight loss. Wasn't really even a consideration. I went two years before I even started buying new clothes so it wasn't foremost in my mind.
And I fought having to shop even then!
So it really was a pleasant surprise when I walked up to a rack and realized I was starting in the smaller sizes. Sort of like a bolt from the blue.
Lots of programs tell you to reward yourself with non-food treats when you meet goals or reach an achievement. And I have to agree. It was really pretty cool.
Now, when I got home, I laid the receipt on the bar, which is the rule in our house, but I circled in a BIG circle the amount SAVED. I felt like that would be the place to start. I did save more than I spent. Which is a very good thing.
So, if you're having trouble meeting a goal, then pick a reward. Maybe it's a massage or a facial. Maybe a new swimsuit. Find something you want and go for it!
Sometimes focusing on the reward at the end is easier than focusing on the journey to get there.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Know the Signs, Save a Life
Such an important reminder. This is the Denise Austin Newsletter for January 21. 2011.
Here in the United States, we're fighting a very tough killer: heart disease. Every year, 1.2 million people suffer a heart attack, and almost 40 percent of them die. It doesn't have to be that way! The faster a person having a heart attack gets medical care, the better his or her chances are for survival and recovery. And you can do something about that!
Whether you're 25 or 85, it's important to know the symptoms of a heart attack. While heart disease is more common among older individuals, young people sometimes experience heart attacks, too - many times without any history of heart disease. Even if you know your heart is strong and pumping, you probably come into contact throughout your day with people who are at risk. A simple way to be prepared is to make sure you recognize these signs of a heart attack, from the American Heart Association, so you can respond ASAP!
Chest pain or discomfort
Discomfort in other areas of the body, such as the arms, back, neck,
jaw, and stomach
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Light-headedness
Jaw pain
If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, call for emergency help right away!
As the new year brings new resolutions to exercise and get in shape, we sometimes overdo a good thing and add stress to our hearts. Hearts that may or may not have been given the best diet of late, if you know what I mean. Our hearts are so important and have to be taken care of! Part of that care is knowing the above signs (NEVER knew about jaw pain!) and paying attention.
Minutes matter.
I'll share a short story. In 2007, I found that I was having numbness in my right arm. I couldn't grasp things with that hand very well and it just didn't seem to work right. But it was intermittent and I just blew it off. Until one day at work the numbness started and was followed by a pain going across my chest. So I called my doctor's office and asked to speak to a nurse. I barely got the first sentence out of my mouth when she stopped me and said "get to an emergency room, now".
So I did.
I'll never forget calling Billy from the emergency room. Fortunately it started with "everything's ok but...".
I was lucky. A car wreck earlier in the year had messed up my neck and the pain and numbness were from a buldging disc in my neck. Another problem that actually could have caused a lot damage if I hadn't gotten to the doctor when I did.
My point is this. A lot of those warning signs are not big, dire, bells going off indicators. They are common, every day symptons that can easily be ignored or brushed off. Especially for those among us that think we're Super Woman and must do everything and do it all ourselves and so on.
You know who you are. Or you know someone does and needs you to keep an eye on THEM.
So, know your family history, know the signs, and get yourself checked as needed.
It's important.
Not just to you, but to all who love you.
Have a great weekend!
Here in the United States, we're fighting a very tough killer: heart disease. Every year, 1.2 million people suffer a heart attack, and almost 40 percent of them die. It doesn't have to be that way! The faster a person having a heart attack gets medical care, the better his or her chances are for survival and recovery. And you can do something about that!
Whether you're 25 or 85, it's important to know the symptoms of a heart attack. While heart disease is more common among older individuals, young people sometimes experience heart attacks, too - many times without any history of heart disease. Even if you know your heart is strong and pumping, you probably come into contact throughout your day with people who are at risk. A simple way to be prepared is to make sure you recognize these signs of a heart attack, from the American Heart Association, so you can respond ASAP!
Chest pain or discomfort
Discomfort in other areas of the body, such as the arms, back, neck,
jaw, and stomach
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Light-headedness
Jaw pain
If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, call for emergency help right away!
As the new year brings new resolutions to exercise and get in shape, we sometimes overdo a good thing and add stress to our hearts. Hearts that may or may not have been given the best diet of late, if you know what I mean. Our hearts are so important and have to be taken care of! Part of that care is knowing the above signs (NEVER knew about jaw pain!) and paying attention.
Minutes matter.
I'll share a short story. In 2007, I found that I was having numbness in my right arm. I couldn't grasp things with that hand very well and it just didn't seem to work right. But it was intermittent and I just blew it off. Until one day at work the numbness started and was followed by a pain going across my chest. So I called my doctor's office and asked to speak to a nurse. I barely got the first sentence out of my mouth when she stopped me and said "get to an emergency room, now".
So I did.
I'll never forget calling Billy from the emergency room. Fortunately it started with "everything's ok but...".
I was lucky. A car wreck earlier in the year had messed up my neck and the pain and numbness were from a buldging disc in my neck. Another problem that actually could have caused a lot damage if I hadn't gotten to the doctor when I did.
My point is this. A lot of those warning signs are not big, dire, bells going off indicators. They are common, every day symptons that can easily be ignored or brushed off. Especially for those among us that think we're Super Woman and must do everything and do it all ourselves and so on.
You know who you are. Or you know someone does and needs you to keep an eye on THEM.
So, know your family history, know the signs, and get yourself checked as needed.
It's important.
Not just to you, but to all who love you.
Have a great weekend!
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