Healthy Check-In February 2015

11 years ago

How is everyone doing with their healthy habits and goals for 2015? I know a lot of you have been snowed in.

February is heart month, and yesterday was Wear Red day for women and heart disease awareness.

Speaking of which, I did have my outpatient cardiac tests. I had an echocardiogram and a nuclear stress test. Both came back as normal. The techs had some concerns about my blood pressure on the test, but apparently their system was giving erratic readings that day when I talked to the nurse about the results. I was really worried about that for over a week. My max BP was actually 184/84 which is definitely reasonable. I got to my max heart rate of 171. I told the technicians I was going for it.

I had been having episodes of lightheadedness which prompted the tests. The cardiologist felt it was probably vertigo-related, but I am glad he ordered the tests. I may still need to see someone for the vertigo. There are physical therapists who specialize in that. So, I'll need to follow up with my primary care doc although the past few days I've really been feeling much better with this. I was just telling DH I feel very clear-headed the past couple of days.

My resting blood pressures have been excellent. I've been monitoring it three times per day. I've also lost about 4 lbs. this month, so I am very happy about that, too. I've got a conference early April, and I would really like to be down 10 lbs. by then.

All my other blood values were normal. I do need to get my Vitamin D level retested.

DH and I gave up alcohol for the month of January, but given my lightheadedness, it was not a good idea for me to drink anyways. I've really upped my fruits and vegetables following the DASH diet recommendations. I am tracking with Weight Watchers and using my FitBit and Polar HR monitor.

Hang in there everyone! Our weekend here is supposed to be gorgeous, nearly 60 degrees and sunny, so I will be sure to get outside (and get some VitaminD!).

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Comments (5)

hhireno
11 years ago
Ooo, I'm envious of your 60 and sunny. On my way back from the gym this morning, I noticed the temperature was 21. Twenty. One. That's just not necessary.

I'm glad your tests results were good.

Yesterday I forgot to wear the chest strap for my HRM. How did that happen? I wear that thing 5-6 morning a week. I was wearing the watch but somehow or other forget the strap. What a doofus.

Besides occasional forgetfulness, I'm same old, same old. I'm exercising and eating healthy but I do need to watch my portions.

I'm doing a creativity challenge with my niece and nephew (through a parent/kid website). We email each other photos of our interpretation of the day's suggestion (things like mirror, stripes, tiny doodle). Maybe thinking about all the artistic challenges made me forgetful of my everyday routine? There is only so much active brain capacity.

The longer daylight is certainly emotionally uplifting. I look forward to 60 degree, heck 40 degree days when I can get out and walk or ride my bike in comfort. Each day I am one day closer to spring.
ellendi
11 years ago
Well, here is my tale of woe: long story short, I thought I was losing weight and would not have to be so mindful during our two week vacation to Costa Rica. Went to my monthly weigh in at Weight Watchers only to find I was up from last month.

I should have realized that if I was losing the weight that the scale said, my clothing would be much loser! DH changed the battery and now my weight is more attuned to the WW scale. My scale did not give any indication that the battery was low.

Which means…..I have a lot of work to do. Although my weight has gone up during my adult life, my clothing size has remained constant. Just that sometimes it is tighter or loser. What I realized is that I have lost at least an inch of my height and weight that looked fine 5-10 years ago just doesn't cut it now.

I am okay looking in a mirror, but shocked when I see what I look like in photos.
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jlc712
11 years ago
Gscience, so glad your lightheadedness is better and your labwork was good. HH, sounds like you're doing well. Ellendi, it sounds like a little vacation setback--don't be too hard on yourself. Oh how I relate to being shocked when I see photos!

I am ashamed to report no progress, other than drinking more water and less diet coke. I have been sick, my son was sick, our schedule is hectic, but it comes down to me just not having the will to stick to my plans.

I have such a hard time sticking to 1200 calories a day (my Fitness Pal goal). I just don't love vegetables, and have a hard time figuring out anything to eat that is somewhat appealing and doesn't exceed 500 calories per meal.

My other difficulty is finding time to walk or go to the gym. I get up at 4:45, commute, work, pick up my son, deal with homework/activities/dinner/cleanup, and then it's time for bed! I only made it to the gym twice all of Jan. Ridiculous!

Ugh. I am going to regroup and remind myself I'm not going to lose weight by wishing and worrying!
mitchdesj
11 years ago
It's always nice to read everyone's challenges and motivation, yes indeed hang in there everyone !!

I made a few changes in my diet since new year and I believe it is paying off, I have been lightening my intake of carbs and also paying attention to gluten, ( if I eat bread it's Udi's gf bread) and have added turmeric capsules daily and I feel like I have much less joint pain and inflammation, much less pain overall. I did wait 30 days before evaluating if this was reaping any benefits .

Now if I can only tame the sugar beast that lives within me.
springroz
11 years ago
I am pleased to report starting February down 11 lbs.! The list of positive results from my new lifestyle is too lengthy to list here. Seriously. I NEVER thought I would be saying that.

DH, of course, is down 23 lbs.

Yesterday, we hauled the horses to the National Park, rode 2+ hours, and he is not even sore. I ride almost every day, he rides about 5 times a year!

Hang on.....Spring will be here soon!