thorninmyside

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When I look at pictures of myself (and resisting the urge to compare the image to Cindy Crawford or Heidi Klum), it is more recent pictures where I feel I look healthy.  Take picture 1 for instance:

I was eighteen and was enjoying my first Mother’s day.  Yes, I started a little young.  The problem is that I was thinner than I am now and was five months pregnant with my second son.  I had an issue with food (not eating it) that was not healthy.

Picture 2- I look better physically than I do now but I was working 50+ hours a week, skipping meals, not dealing with emotional issues and I believe it was this lifestyle and way of coping that has brought me to the health situation I am in now.

Now, picture three.  I wish my face was not as round and I weighed 15-20 lbs. less.  But, emotionally and physically speaking I am doing better now than ever.  So, to me this is what the healthy Melissa looks like.  And, by goodness, with the focus I am putting on taking care of my mind, body and soul in the upcoming year- the Cindy’s and Heidi’s of this world better look out

Sorry for my absence the last few weeks.  With the craziness of the holidays something had to give and blogging it was.  But, I am back and excited to share my healthy resolutions for 2009.  You can view my recommendations for setting realistic goals/resolutions at my business site, Organized Life by Design. 

In I Corinthians 6:19,20 we are reminded that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that one of our purposes in this life is to honor God with our bodies.  I have to admit that I thought much less about that pre-diagnosis than I do now.  Cause and effect has played a large role in that.  Researching the links between foods that can actually cause inflammation in your body has helped me avoid such foods.  My CRP (c-reactive protein) levels have responded.  Eliminating foods that contribute to high cholesterol has kept me off of cholesterol reducing meds (so far).  Participating in the Feldenkrais method of physical therapy has reduced my pain and improved my balance tremendously.

When you see visible improvements you’d have to be pretty dense not to want to continue the things that are causing said improvements.  And I pride myself on my lack of density LOL.  So, I thought a lot about my health goals.  Next Thursday (which is also my 30th birthday, BTW) is the one year anniversary of my diagnosis.  It took my awhile to rid myself of the denial and then a little longer to consent to treatment and then even a little longer to take my health seriously.  And, I am feeling better.  So, my goals reflect the desire to continue on this path of wellness- mind, spirit and body. 

***Drum roll, please!

1. Take a daily nap.
2. Increase physical activity (mall walking, exercise bike, continue PT)
3. Maintain a healthy diet and eat three meals a day (no skipping)
4. Reduce amount of meds that I am on
5. Be grateful for the health that I do have and take any setbacks that may come in stride=
6. Keep a positive outlook and attitude!

So, what are your health goals this year?  Do you think I left any out?   Feel free to share!

With the holidays upon us I wanted to take some time to talk about the effects that this busy time of year can have on our health.  It is tempting to push yourself with the amount of activity on the calendar this time of year.  Here are a few tips for taking care of yourself while still enjoying this joyful time of year.

1. Pace yourself.  It is not wise to plan several events in one day, especially if you don’t allot any time for rest in between.  It is better to attend a few get togethers and truly enjoy yourself than attend many and end up feeling yucky!
2. Remember to maintain  a healthy diet.  Pigs in a blanket and eggnog do not a healthy diet make!  Certain medications need you to maintain your intake for your body to metabolize them properly (such as anti-coagulants).  So, don’t forget to eat and when you do eat, try to keep the foods as nutritious as possible.
3. Be careful with alcohol, especially if it is contraindicated with any of your medications.  Even if it doesn’t interfere with any meds, alcohol can impair your balance.  So again, be careful!
4. Take a nap.  Even if it is just for 15-30 minutes it allows your body to re-energize. You will feel better physically and mentally.
5. Take time to enjoy the little things this holiday season.  There are a lot of ways that limitations may affect your holidays but there is so much more to be thankful for so focus on the positive!
6. Do a lot of your shopping online.  This avoids exposing yourself to the crowds at the malls (and the germs if you are immuno-compromised) and allows you to save your energy for spending time with family and friends.
7. Keep it simple.  If you are entertaining or participating in holiday events, resist the urge to go all out, thus exhausting yourself.  Your guests are coming to spend time with you.  So, if that means sticking a frozen lasagna in the oven leaves you feeling up to visiting and enjoying your company, that is just fine!
8. Get some sunlight.  Being indoors too much limits your Vitamin D intake.  Vitamin D is not only good for your mental health but your neurological health as well.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a risk this year, especially for those of us cooped up.  Ways to avoid this are to spend time doing things you enjoy, with people you enjoy and to get outdoors when you can.
9. Laugh!  Laughter is awesome medicine and the holidays are usually full of opportunities to laugh at others and yourself (in a nice way of course:-)
10. Remember the true reason for the season.  The birth of Christ, being thankful and making goals for the new year that is almost upon us.  The world is about so much more than just us- so reach out and help someone less fortunate.  That will always make you feel better!