Supporting Others

I had the privilege this week of escorting a relative to the Hall Center. Many strategies were discussed to improve the overall health of this person. Since I sat in on the consultations, I was able to pick up some tips from the nutritionist. If my relative wishes to feel better he/she will be eliminating or drastically reducing dairy, gluten, Splenda and soy in the diet. Consumption of caffeine is a no-no. Peanut butter should be switched with almond butter and cow's milk for almond milk. Cereal for breakfast will be replaced with egg whites and green vegetables. I guess many of the items mentioned increase inflammation in the body. When I asked if oats could be substituted for wheat we were told that wheat, oats, barley and rye all contain various amounts of gluten.

We found out that chromium helps deter food cravings. Lack of iodine is not healthy for the body. And a whole bunch of other important information was shared. The road to recovery will take some time, but if my relative stays the course I am confident that there will be better days ahead.

Been Busy Living

Well, it is a quiet Sunday morning and I thought I would take a moment to get back on the saddle and update my blog. Over a month has gone by without posting. Why? I have been busy living! Now that I feel so much better and sleep through the night, I had to prioritize my tasks and hobbies to fit into my revised schedule.

In my last blog I mentioned I obtained a referral for a bone density test. I honored my appointment and visited my health insurance approved women's health clinic. I was greeted by a female technician and placed on the bed of a machine called DEXA. My body was placed in different positions which took all of about five minutes. My test results reflected that I am in the middle of the normal range for my age and in comparison to other women. The technician pointed out a projected path of declining density if I take no steps to strengthen my bones. We both agreed that proper diet, supplementation and weight bearing exercise should help keep me on the right track well into my eighties. If I choose not to be proactive, I could easily have osteoporosis in my early sixties.

As for the skin cancer exam, if anyone out there knows of a free check up let me know. I live about ninety miles northeast of Los Angeles. My insurance company has to have a biopsy before it approves any referral to dermatologists.

Well what else? Oh yes! My weight is now at 135lbs. The breakouts on my face, neck, shoulders, back and chest are still periodically bothersome. I will keep trying to find a way to eliminate this issue. I have no PMS symptoms. I must, however, refrain from eating white processed anything. Over the weekend my husband and I had some delicious french basque food and all the bread, pasta and potatoes wrecked havoc on my digestive tract! Being naughty sometimes just doesn't pay...