Health and Fitness, April, 2010

[Harriet]

Welcome!

In this thread we chat about keeping ourselves strong and capable as we pursue our calling as homemakers. Our family members may need to lean on us, and we may need to lean on them. Proactive medical answers, sensible consumption of healthy food and water, getting enough rest, and getting enough activity, too - these are all part of our plans! Helping each member of our households work in all their healthy habits is priceless!

[Nancy]

I talked with my dsis last night and she reminded me of the
effect of menopause on our weight.

[Harriet]

Have made an appt with the ob-gyn/hormone specialist that dVetNeighbor has been nagging me about for more than a year. He really helped her understand her menopause, what was right/wrong for her, etc. I have a hint of a thyroid imbalance, too, which would dovetail right in to his hormone knowledge. He would test other markers of that to be sure there's nothing to correct. I don't exactly like starting up with a new dr, but dneighbor has my best interests at heart and wants me to learn as much info as possible while I'm going through so much stress. This Dr. is an expert on the adrenal glands and combating stress, too.

Checked my weight this a.m. and was at 145, so I'm content to have held to the "line in the sand" I made in late winter. My "circling 140 Jan. 1, 2011" sign still "waves" at me from my desk cabinet door. I will mind it.

[Nancy]

I'm trying to get back on track w/ my hrt herbs.
Had another hot flash this a/m h. asked if I was crashing or if it was a hot flash
said I had no idea was heading to check my b.s. it was fine.

Too cold for my walk here yesterday but
trips up and down the stairs and chasing after grand kids helped my bs #'s to be okay
so that was good.

[Harmony]

I was wondering if you could get the two symptoms mixed up, Nancy. Your life is one big balancing act, isn't it?

This is one reason I finally put my foot down to get this weight off. I don't want to get any sick diseases because of my weight.

Harriet, that is great. I think a dr. visit sounds like the thing to do. I need to go too, though sandwiching it in with all that's going on here medically seems hard right now.

I am mid-140's now and really happy of that. Today I cheated a little bit, but that's been the first for weeks. I'm feeling much more comfortable in my own body.

[Harriet]

Nancy, I have wondered if I was having a hot flash on a warm night, but then if really hot flashes they should come year 'round. So that confuses me. Also, I have wondered whether I would be able to tell the difference between a hot flash and acid reflux symptoms sometimes as I fall off to sleep, or the difference between a hot flash and a panic attack/adrenal rush type thing. What herbs are you taking - that sounds smart. I have started taking Siberian Ginseng, which is supposed to help the adrenal glands deal with stress. I'll ask the new dr about it and stop if he has a problem with it. I also have been taking the same seaweed Smile Lee was taking, but again, may stop if new dr has better ideas. I can't afford every good idea there is, so after talking with him I will reassess and consider my choices.

Spring is an easier time to lose weight than winter, I understand, Nancy. Maybe things will change more easily for you now.

Happy for you, Harmony.

[Nancy]

I'm taking over the counter Women's Health is has soy and other herbs;
I also have super evening primrose oil caplets;
I have wild yam cream but am not using it at the moment.

Today read that menopause can cause a big flux in blood sugar levels too.
Have experiences some of those.
As well as depression oh joy not!
~sigh~
Trying to just keep moving forward knitting
and thinking about all this a lot to take in.
A friend was telling me about a reverse hot flash;
I can now say I've had that experience too.
At least today my hot flash was first thing this morning so at least
it did not effect my sleep! I'm lucky in that respect I can just got right back to sleep most of the time any way.

[lucylee]

I really MUST get back into an exercise routine. Maybe, like y'all said, spring will be a good season for me to start fresh... more time available to walk outdoors, etc.
My weight is staying pretty steady below 155, but I'd love to have it below 150! I was 152 the first Sat. in March, and again the first Sat. in April, and that's with pretty much no effort on my part -- but a lot of stomach distress from time to time.

I will commit to posting exercise minutes, starting tomorrow.

[Nancy]

Back from my walk
plus I've been going up and down the stairs
doing laundry today.

[Harriet]

lucylee, I'm so glad we'll be "seeing" input from you. Now with spring break and the young couple gone you'll have a chance to "settle" and get in some exercise time.

Nancy, I understand the dr I'm seeing tomorrow is enthusiastic about evening primrose oil, too. We'll see.