Home / health
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Jun 8, 2017

Day 2793 - The Lovin Life Linky - Antibiotics Edition

Three cheers for Alexander Fleming


It's been a bit of a rough couple of weeks in the land of the Deep Fried which started with the big grown up (step) daughter's sarcoma surgery and then progressed to complications and an emergency dash to the hospital over the weekend.



An infection in the surgery site led to septicemia and septic shock.

Septicemia is an infection of the blood, also known as blood poisoning.  It occurs when a bacterial infection in the body enters the blood stream.  In her case it entered via an infection of the drainage tube.

This resulted in septic shock which can be very dangerous and potentially life-threatening.  She was certainly in a bad way, that's for sure. "Death's door" is a term that comes to mind.

But thanks to the wonders of antibiotics and another urgent surgery to clean out the surgery site, she's managed to pull through and is now at home being nursed by her mum.

So today I thought I'd give a shout out to Sir Alexander Fleming, the Scottish dude who discovered Penicillin which has lead to the development of other life saving antibiotics. It's pretty safe to say that mass doses of intravenous antibiotics saved her life.

I know there's a lot of controversy surrounding antibiotics and their over-use in everyday treatment, as well as their use in food producing animals.  But if ol' Alex hadn't stumbled across penicillin in September 1928, then sepsis would still be claiming far too many lives.

When was the last time you had antibiotics?

Ever had a run-in with septicemia? 

Has there been a discovery or invention that has saved your life? 



*   *   *   *   *
Without further ado, it's time for the Lovin' Life Linky.

The Lovin' Life Linky is brought to you by Team Lovin' Life: Deep Fried Fruit, Seize the Day Project, Write of the Middle, And Anyways, 50 Shades of Age and Lifestyle Fifty #teamlovinlife







Jun 7, 2017

Day 2792 - Wellness Wednesday - Doona Day

Do you ever give yourself a Doona Day?


Occasionally we need to schedule ourselves a day of rest.  A PJ day with nothing but slippers, tea and back-to-back chick flicks.  A mental health day which we Aussies affectionately refer to as a Doona Day.

I do it so rarely that I have forgotten how to actually turn off my brain. Which of course can lead to stress, fatigue and complete and utter burnout.




It's occurred to me that I may be on the verge of burnout for some time.  But with so much going on in life, who has time for a break down?

Anyway, on this Wellness Wednesday I am making a commitment to myself: that I will have a complete day of forced bed rest.  Not because I'm sick but  because I want to avoid getting sick.

When will this day be?  Well ideally it will be when I have the house to myself.  Ideally it will be a day I can turn off the phone and unplug the computer.  Ideally it will be a day when nothing is due and nobody needs me.

Which is probably around the same time I see a pig fly past my window and a sparkly fresh batch of unicorn poo in my hallway.

So how does one effectively schedule a mental health day without the house falling apart, your work load suffering and (most importantly) without feeling guilty?

When it comes to that guilt thing, remember that mental health is just as important as physical health.  If you were blinded by a migraine, curled in a ball due to stomach cramps, coughing up phlegm or sitting on the toilet with a bucket on your lap you'd take the day off right?

As for scheduling it, check the diary.  Find a day in advance that has the least amount of impact on others.  A day when projects can be paused, communication can be cut off, kids are at school, the husband is at work and where there are no external appointments. Then block it out! If your kid was rushed to hospital due to a medical emergency you'd manage to block out your day wouldn't you?  You'd drop everything to spend the day by their side. It's time we started thinking about our Doona Days in the same no-holds-barred manner.

In reality an entire day from dawn to lights out for a mother is near impossible.  Even if you did have that bucket on your lap you'd probably be taking it with you while you drive the kids to school.  But having a Doona part-day is equally rewarding.

So my priority for this week is to find myself a Doona Day.  Even if it is only a part day scheduled within school hours.  Will it be today? Tomorrow? Friday?  Who knows.  But rest assured, there will be a day that the school run is being done in my slippers.

Do you schedule yourself a Doona Day?

What does a mental health day look like for you?

Seen any sparkling unicorn poo lately?  




For more information on burnout see Natalie's post "12 Major Signs of Burnout" over at Be Kind 3 You

Jun 6, 2017

Day 2791 - the health benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar

Shot of ACV anyone?



They say an apple a day will keep the doctor away. It seems that drinking Apple Cider Vinegar will keep the naturopath, beautician and Jenny Craig away too. 

A bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar magically appeared in my food cupboard recently (no idea how it got there) and in my usual "must know everything" style I googled what I could use it for.

I not only discovered that it's the latest greatest buzz in all things health, but that it's now known as ACV because who has time to call anything by its real name anymore?

I learned that anyone worth their considerably lighter weight in ACV is taking a shot of the stuff at breakfast each day to improve everything from digestion to blood pressure to stamina (and everything in between).

So I grabbed my shot glass and took a swig.  

Not the nicest shot I've ever had but it's marginally better than that iron smoked apple wood whiskey I had once.

It turns out my "latest greatest" tag may have been premature because further investigation suggests ACV has been used throughout history to treat a long list of health problems.

Anyway, because I like to chat about ageing positively and all the super foods that help with that, I'm going to tell you what I found out about ACV.

9 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:

  1. Improved Digestion: Have a tablespoon 15 minutes before a meal to stimulate digestive juices for better break down of food.
  2. Reduce Heartburn: By correcting low stomach acid conditions it can prevent heartburn.
  3. Constipation:  If your bowel movements are a bit irregular ACV can act as a mild laxative
  4. Intestinal Bacteria:  Apparently ACV is "full of beneficial acids which are believed to help improve the make up of your intestinal flora".  (www.healthambition.com) 
  5. High Blood Pressure:  Some studies show that daily does of ACV can have a general benefit on the cardiovascular system which (in time) results in lowering of high blood pressure
  6. Immune System:  Because of the positive impact on intestinal flora, the malic acid making it a strong antiviral and benefits to the lymphatic system, ACV is said to strengthen the immune system. 
  7. Weight Loss:  I read that studies have shown the acetic acid in ACV helps suppress the accumulation of body fat and liver lipids.  Plus due to pectin content it can slightly reduce the body's ability to absorb fat.  Plus having a swig before a meal not only helps digestion but can also reduce hunger levels. 
  8. Detoxification:  drinking diluted raw and unfiltered ACV is believed to help detoxify and cleanse the liver
  9. Skin benefits:  Drinking ACV can help with pH levels in the skin and can help with acne when applied topically.  

Not enough to convince you?  

Then wait, there's more ...

My reading also suggests it helps with stamina and energy; leg cramps and restless leg syndrome; bad breath; regulating blood sugar and aiding in diabetes; soothing sunburned skin; whitening teeth; wart removal; marinating steaks; detangling hair; and (wait for it) removing the smell of cat urine.


Did you know about Apple Cider Vinegar?

Have you got this magic potion in your kitchen cupboard?

Are you and ACV on an acronym basis? 


PS  I have an inner Naughty by Nature rap wanting desperately to emerge: "You down with ACV? (yeah, you know me!), you down with ACV? (yeah, you know me!), who's down with ACV? (every last homie!) ....



Note: I am not a nutritionist, dietitian, naturopath ... not even a foodie.  The information above is simply information found through my reading.

Information sources: www.spoonuniversity.com; www.healthambition.com;  www.mindbodygreen.com; www.davidwolfe.com; www.naturallivingideas.com 

May 31, 2017

Day 2785 - Wellness Wednesday - Why I love my FitBit

It's official - I'm a Fitbit convert.



Usually when there's a craze that everyone is doing I avoid it.  Just because I hate getting on the band wagon.

I refuse to have an iPhone because apparently you've got to have an iPhone.  I have never read the Harry Potter series because apparently you've got to read the Harry Potter series.  I don't watch Game of Thrones because apparently you've got to watch Game of Thrones.  So even though I'd bought both my parents and the two kids FitBits, I refused to get one myself because apparently you've got to get a FitBit.



Then as I sat at my desk day in and day out lacking the motivation to exercise I decided that perhaps I should consider getting myself a "coach".  Someone or something to kick me in the butt wrist and push me out the front door.

As you know I got my FitBit for Mothers Day.  I sat staring at it for a week or so and then finally worked up the courage to form a relationship with it.

We've been together ever since.

My FitBit travels with me, works with me, walks with me, eats with me and even sleeps with me. Sometimes it needs to spend time alone to recharge and on those days I feel lost without it.

I'm devastated when I forget to put it on after a shower and then go shopping without it.  The FitBit loves to shop! So much incidental exercise as I walk up and down the supermarket aisles.

Recently I worked up over 8000 steps just sorting uniforms for the local soccer club.  Walking from the socks box to the shorts box to the jersey box and back again really adds a few K's to your day.

A few weeks ago instead of dropping the model daughter at Carriageworks for Fashion Week I suggested we park at Broadway and walk there instead as I needed the K's.

Last Tuesday as I sat on a couch at Carla Zampatti waiting for my girl to finish her work day the FitBit told me I still had 2000 steps to go until I reached my goal. So I walked to Pitt Street Mall and back choosing the long route and rejoiced as my FitBit congratulated me via a buzzing little arm party.

On Sunday the FitBit gently hinted that I'd been immobile for too long (lying on the couch will do that) so I put on my sneakers and went for a quick wander with the dogs.

Yesterday while in Sydney filling in time, I set up my mobile office in the food court at Broadway.  About 90 minutes into my work day my FitBit gave me a kick in the wrist and said "go, go, go!"  So I did.  I packed up my laptop, put it in the car then proceeded to walk around Sydney University for the next 45 minutes.


When I checked into my hotel yesterday afternoon the FitBit said I needed to do 120 in ten minutes. I had no idea what that meant but proceeded to jog up and down on the spot until my wrist started to buzz and another arm party began.

Right now as I type the FitBit is asking me if I'd like to go for a stroll.  After spending 3 hours in the car driving home from Sydney and now sitting in front of a screen, perhaps a stroll is a mighty fine idea.

The bottom line is the FitBit gets me moving.  It encourages me to make better choices and choose more active options.

The FitBit holds me accountable.  By setting up my health and fitness goals it does what all good coaches should do and asks me how I'm going, gently shoves me when I'm immobile and cheers me on when I reach my milestones.

The FitBit also has a support system.  You can set up groups with friends who are at similar fitness levels as yourself so that you're part of a health and wellness group even if you don't see each other face-to-face.

Apparently the FitBit also does clever things like encourages better food choices and helps you track your water consumption for good hydration.  I haven't looked into that side of things yet, but rest assured I will.

Best of all the FitBit isn't hard to use.  It's any easy to manage system and you can adjust your goals in line with where you're currently at it life.  It doesn't judge you or scream at you when you have a dodgy day.  It simply encourages you to think about your choices.

And that's why I love my FitBit! 

Because when it comes to health and fitness, we could all use a good kick in the butt wrist.  

May 24, 2017

Day 2778 - Wellness Wednesday - the foods to avoid before working out

There are too many lollies in our house! 


I have managed to bring up my kids without having lollies in my house.

Sure we have lollies at parties and special events, but we've never been one of those families to have lollies in the house just for the sake of having lollies in the house.

(How many times can one person use the world "lolly" in a single blog post?  I may be going for the record.)






Anywho, it seems that when my husband turned 50 his inner child decided to leap out and he's now got cravings for sweets.

As a result he makes weekly visits to the grocery store to buy bags of lollies which he then empties into a big Tupperware tub stored high in the food cupboard.

As a family of tall people that doesn't actually put it out of reach of anyone, so the lollies have gone beyond his cravings and have quickly morphed into a family affair.

Which is annoying because (a) I have managed to keep lollies out of our lives for this long and (b) now that they're here I'm one of the ones diving into the container on a daily basis.  This is not good for my Fit and Fabulous endeavors nor is it good for my bra size.

Sooooo ....

That got me to thinking about food and working out and all things wellness and I discovered a post in Men's Fitness about the Five Foods You Should Never Eat Before a Workout. (Lollies being one of them.)

5 Foods You Should Never Eat Before a Workout

1.  Legumes - the high fibre content can cause bloating and indigestion issues before a workout
2.  Protein Bars - protein is a slower burning source than carbs so it may not give you the kick start you need for a good workout session.
3.  Carbonated drinks - the high sugar can cause bloating and diarrhea when in workout mode
4.  Simple sugars - lollies can have a negative effect by causing the blood pressure to drop
5.  Cheese - fats are slow burning so can effect the absorption of nutrients to muscles when working out.


What should you eat before a workout?  

Well, they say carbs are essential for athletic performance and according to Berkeley Wellness (University of California) we should eat a low-fat, high-carb meal or snack at least an hour before we hit the gym.

All of it of course depends on the type, length and intensity of our intended workout plus what we've eaten the day before, our metabolic rate and our own personal preferences.  A brisk walk or cycle for half an hour (for example) isn't impacted greatly by the fuel we give our body.




So there you have it.  That's the post about lollies and the 5 foods we shouldn't eat before a workout.

It's all a bit slap dash, but that's about where I'm at on this Wellness Wednesday!

Any other lollie gobblers out there?

What's your bad food craving right now?

Another other foods we should add to the "never eat before a workout" list? 

May 17, 2017

Day 2771 - Wellness Wednesday - The Fit Bit edition

I caved! 

I caved to peer group pressure and requested a Fitbit for Mothers Day.  Actually, it wasn't peer group pressure at all. It was more that I wanted to pressure myself to do my exercise by getting competitive with the people around me.  There is nothing that motivates me more than wanting to smash a few measurable goals and perhaps beat the person next to me in the process.



Anyway, I got a Fitbit and it's still sitting in the box staring at me.  I haven't even tried it on let alone worked out how to use the bloody thing. But I will and then I'll be bragging constantly about how many steps I've been doing.  Because it will magically make we want to exercise and I'll be burning so many calories I'll become a stick figure and you won't be able to see me.

If there's silence then you'll know there's probably nothing to brag about.

Watch this space.

Do you have a Fitbit?

Does counting steps motivate you to exercise?

Do you have a gadget that's still sitting in a box unopened? 

May 12, 2017

Day 2766 - 3 tips on how to ease anxiety levels

Feeling a bit anxious?


I've noticed that I've been suffering a bit of anxiety recently.  Nothing major, I just seem to get jumpy occasionally and my face tends to go red from nerves at the most unexpected times.




There are a few things I've read that may actually assist with reducing anxiety levels.

1.  YOGA

The first one is yoga.

A groundbreaking study at Flinders University in Adelaide has found that yoga can actually alter the function of DNA.

According to News.com.au the study found that "chronically stressed women who practised yoga once a week for eight weeks experienced biological changes as well as positive psychological benefits".

Specifically the study looked at the gene associated with inflammation and immune response because chronic stress has been associated with elevated inflammation.

Participants found that after just one session of yoga their anxiety levels had dropped dramatically.  After 8 weeks they were feeling completely stress free.


2.  POTASSIUM

According to mentalhealthfood.net, a diet low in potassium can cause anxieties to emerge. Potassium deficiency can also cause irritability, fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, Restless Leg Syndrome and chronic pain.

Livestrong suggests that foods high in potassium include beans, dark leafy greens, potatoes, squash, yoghurt, fish, avocados, bananas and mushrooms. They also say that the problem with potassium is getting the balance right as too much potassium can cause serious heart, nerve and muscle problems.

So if you want to stick to the more medium/low potassium foods to get your potassium levels up gently then lemons are a good middle ground.

Perhaps instead of a cup of tea in the morning a nice fresh glass of lemon water each day might do the trick.  The bonus is that lemons also support the immune system, aid digestion, repairs the skin, balances pH levels, cleanses the urinary tract, freshens the breath and reduces the appetite.  (Bodyandsoul.com.au)


3. LAUGH WITH A FRIEND

Apparently being around your best friend can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol.  If your best friend just happens to be funny, then that's a bonus!

The Woman's Day recently suggested that you can cut your stress levels by 39% simply by hanging out with your funniest friend.

According to AuthorityNutrition.com laughing relieves anxiety because it brings more oxygen into the body and organs; stimulates and relieves the stress response; and relieves tension by relaxing the muscles.  In the long term laughter can also improve the immune system and our overall natural mood.

If your bestie isn't readily available, or they aren't particularly funny, perhaps a daily dose of a slap-stick TV show will help.





How are you anxiety levels?

Could you use some yoga, lemons and laughter in your life?



Note: I am not a psychologist nor nutritionist.  The above information is brought to you via my online reading.  

May 10, 2017

Day 2764 - Wellness Wednesday - Get dressed to be fabulous

Are you feeling fit and fabulous today?


I've noticed lately that I haven't been taking a lot of care about my appearance.

The fact that I've been extremely busy, overwhelmed, unwell and a little bit blue  has all added to a "care factor zero" kind of mentality.

Which doesn't bode well for someone striving to get back to her Fit and Fabulous tagline, does it?



I hadn't had a nail appointment in five weeks which meant my nails were all chipped and broken looking very much like I'd been in some sort of scrag fight.

The grey hairs glaring from my part line looked like I was wearing a skunk for a hat.

The chin hairs were so long and lush that I could have raised quite a bit of money for Movember.

And we won't even talk about the welcome mats under my arms nor the mohair pantyhose I've been wearing.

Embracing what nature gave us is OK for some, but going au naturale hasn't exactly helped me feel fabulous.   So on this Wellness Wednesday I want to chat about "keeping up appearances".

To really feel fit and fabulous it's important to look after ourselves.  To take care of our exercise, to ensure we eat healthily, to work on our mindset and to make an effort with our appearance.

I'm not saying we need to go out and buy a new wardrobe, nor turn to botox or plastic surgery, but some general upkeep can go a long way to helping us to feel as though we're being the best that we can be.

So this week I have gone back to basics and tried to tidy up the exterior just a tad to ensure my interior is getting a good chance at feeling like home again.  It's hard to keep a good house when the yard is overrun with weeds and the paint is peeling.  So I went and had my nails done, threw some polish on my toes, died my roots, had a bit of a shave and even got the Nair onto my lions mane.

Wellness isn't just about addressing what's going on within.  Sometimes we've got to give the outside a bit of energy as well.

How has your week been?

Have you been looking after yourself?

What do you do to keep yourself looking and feeling fabulous? 

May 3, 2017

Day 2757 - Wellness Wednesday - Let's talk about mental health

Sometimes we need a mental breakdown to wake up.


Today I am not going to chat about exercise nor food nor the evils of bread.  Today I'm going to talk about mental health. Specifically my mental health.




As you know I take on a lot.  It's just part of who I am. I like to be busy.

Sometimes I don't actually realise how much I've taken on until all my projects are playing push-me-pull-me at the same time.

As I sit here and ponder my naval, I realise that investing in projects is a bit like investing in property.

It's all good when your investment houses are fully tenanted and the properties are paying for themselves without draining your resources. It's all good when the residents are behaving themselves and the world is sunshine and roses. It's not so good when the houses need maintenance, or they are all empty and your bank account is being depleted. It can lead to dire times.

It's the same with energy and mind matters.  It's all fun to take on new projects when they're running at different times and behaving themselves.  But when your energy is being consumed with all of them at once and your mind bank is being depleted through lack of resources, lack of time and additional personal challenges, it's draining on the mind, body and soul.  It too can lead to dire times.

I am writing this because I have over-invested my time.

I am writing this because my energy and mind bank is running dry.

I am also writing this because we've had a few extra challenges this year that weigh heavily on our shoulders causing structural damage.

I am tired and lacking resilience and it's all led to an iddy biddy breakdown.

So, here I am saying that when we invest our time, we should probably do it in the same way we invest in properties.  Only invest in them if we can sustain them even when there is no rental income or when there is maintenance or property damage to see to.

I am learning that I should only invest in projects if I can sustain them when they all suddenly peak at once and if I get hammered with challenges coming in from the outside.

Seems pretty straight forward doesn't it?

But you know all of this already.  It's me that is the queen of over commitment.  I'm a bit slow on the uptake.

This Wellness Wednesday I have taken a step back, I've dropped a couple of commitments and I'm taking some time to breathe.

Otherwise I may just end up bankrupt.

How's your health and wellness this week?

Are you feeling fit and fabulous?

How wisely are you investing your energy? 

Apr 26, 2017

Day 2750 - How to make exercise a priority

Tip: Put exercise on your to-do list.


If you're anything like me, then you're extremely busy trying to balance work, family, house, life.  I'm a big believer in to-do lists and I can tell you right now, if exercise is not on my list, then it's likely it won't get done.

Exercise doesn't come naturally for all of us.  For some of us it's a chore (yes, that includes me).

So in order to make it a priority I simply treat it like the rest of my to-dos.  I put it on my list and then it gets done.  If you want to take it one step further you can even schedule it in the diary for a specific time in the day.

It really works.

Check! 


Apr 24, 2017

Day 2748 - The World Masters Games

Olympics for old people



This week the Hubster is in Auckland playing basketball at the World Masters Games.  At last check they'd won their first two games convincingly and are hoping to at least get a medal in their 50-55 age group.



The World Masters is governed by the international Masters Games Association and is open to sports people of all abilities and many age groups.  The minimum age for some sports is as low as 25, with most sports being around 35.

The top story today is that a 101 year old woman just won a sprinting gold medal.

While most 100m sprints are completed in around 10-11 seconds, the very inspiring Man Kaur did hers in around 1 minute 15 seconds.

She may have been the only person in her category (she ran alongside the much younger 85-89 year olds) and technically she may not have been sprinting, but that doesn't take away from the fact that she actually stepped up and took gold.



This isn't her only sport either. She'll also be competing in the 200 metres, shot put and javelin later this week.

Even more inspiring is the fact that she only started her track and field career 7 years ago at the age of 94. She trains with her son who is also competing at the games.  He competed in his own 100 metre sprint in the 75-79 year age category.

So with that said I'd like to say that it's never to late to start! Whether it be a sport, project, career, hobby or fitness campaign, every day gives us the chance to create a fresh start.

Thanks for the inspiration Man Kaur.

Three cheers for all the athletes competing at the World Masters games.

Three cheers for my clever hubby who top scored at his game yesterday.

And three cheers for Man Kaur who has inspired me to get off my bum and shuffle down the road for at least 100 metres.  


Apr 22, 2017

Day 2746 - Are wraps any better than bread for weightloss?

Bread versus wraps - How do they stack up?


If you follow me daily then you'll know that I'm on a bit of a health and wellness mission.  I'm trying to get back to honouring my Fit and Fabulous tagline.

This mission includes weight loss because the truth is I've stacked on the kilos over the last six months and as I creep towards menopause I know it's going to be bloody hard to lose it if I don't get onto it now.

Anyway ...



I know for a fact that bread does me no favours.  It's the one food that instantly pads my stomach, butt and thighs. It also slows me down.

I also know for a fact that bread seems to be my comfort food. It's something I crave when I'm feeling pain (fibro) and migraine.  Which is happening fairly regularly right now (making the aforementioned fit and fabulous tag difficult).

So in order to reach a middle ground (for now) I tend to switch the bread for wraps.

But that got me wondering, is there any difference?

How do wraps stack up against bread?

So I did some quick research

Note: I am not a dietitian nor nutritionist (not even a foodie). This is all just my own uneducated thoughts taken from my reading.


According to my research, two slices of wholemeal bread contain around 760 kj (which is about 180 calories) compared to a wholemeal tortilla style wrap which is around 380 kj (about 92 calories).

Two thin slices of white bread contain around 755kj (about 180 calories) and two thick slices contain about 840kj (about 200 calories). Compared to a white wrap which is 422kj (about 101 calories).


So there you have it.  That's the deal with bread versus wraps.  If you don't want to ditch the carbs completely, making the switch from a thick white bread sandwich to a wholemeal wrap could save you 460kj which is around 110 calories.

Which is fine by me because I LOVE wraps and more than anything I like toasted wraps.  I'm thinking I might even start a blog series on wrap recipes.


Does bread make you gain weight?

Any other wrap lovers our there?

What's your favourite wrap?


Information source:  www.fatsecret.com.au/calories-nutrition; www.caltorieking.com; www.weightlossresources.co.uk. 


Apr 19, 2017

Day 2743 - Wellness Wednesday

How's your health and fitness going?



Put your hand up if you ate too much chocolate on the weekend.

Put your hand up if you drank too much champagne.

Put your hand up if you're now feeling like you need to run a marathon to deal with the consequences.



The good news is today is a brand new day with a blank sheet of paper in which we can write a new story.

Who's with me?


I did do one thing that was somewhat healthy and fit on the weekend - I climbed a hill.  Not sure if it was enough to ditch the chocolate and the huge Easter lunch, but my calves are definitely feeling the benefits.  They're reminding me of it every time I stand up.

Walking up Rocky Hill, Goulburn, NSW

Dare Devil Dogs enjoying the view from the top

The War Memorial at the top of Rocky Hill, Goulburn

Happy Wellness Wednesday!

Hope you are well.  

Apr 15, 2017

Day 2739 - Breaking News for fibromyalgia sufferers

Apparently my pain may be coming from the blood vessels in my feet!


As you are aware I have fibromyalgia.  That means I have pain through my body, I get brain fog, I have irritable everything and for a long time I suffered chronic fatigue.

I went into a lot of detail about it in this post.


Although Fibromyalgia may have been around  since the early 1820’s (called muscular rheumatism at that time), the syndrome was officially recognised in 1990 by the American College of Rheumatology. 

For a long time it has been thought that fibromyalgia was serotonin or neurophysiologically based. That it was closely related to depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Then there were thoughts about its relationship to arthritis.  I've also read about its link to the central nervous system.

There are people and doctors that think fibromyalgia is all in the patient's head.  That their symptoms are signs of aging and that they must simply have low pain thresholds.

Even I have questioned my diagnosis and keep trying to find answers elsewhere.  I've been tested and retested for MS, and as recently as last year I had whole body scans in case I was actually riddled with arthritis or bone cancer.

The weather has an impact on fibromyalgia. I've known for a long time that the cold weather does me no favours.  The pain increases in winter and on low pressure system days (cloudy and rain) I can be so deep in the fibro fog that I dare not drive because I feel completely dazed.

Something I've also noticed in more recent years is that my feet have become very sensitive. Something as small as dropping a pen on my foot will have me dancing in distress.   Kicking the shopping trolley in open toed shoes renders me immobile in mouth gaping horror. Even having the dog stand on my foot in his "is it dinner time?" excitement causes me to wince.

The foot thing had me thinking that it must also be another symptom of fibro.  So when I came across this article with research suggesting the secret to fibro may be found in the blood vessels in our hands, feet and legs, it all made total sense!

Click article to read more

A few years ago researchers announced they'd examined skin on the hands of fibromyalgia sufferers and compared it against the skin of a person who lacked sensory nerve fibres.  They were surprised to find that fibro patients have an extremely excessive amount of arteriole-venule (AV).

It was previously believed that the AV shunts were only responsible for regulating blood flow but they've since discovered that these nerves are linked to the widespread body pain that fibromyalgia sufferers experience.

According to Neuroscientist, Dr Frank L Rice, "This mismanaged blood flow could be the source of muscular pain and achiness, and the sense of fatigue ..."

So while there is no cure yet, these findings have the potential to assist with treatment and the quest for a cure.

I'll be keeping my overly sensitive fingers and toes crossed!




Information sources:  www.ushealthylife.com; www.chronicpainreliefoptions.com; www.naturalhealingmagazine.com; www.guardianlv.com 




Apr 14, 2017

Day 2738 - How to save calories with your fish and chips

Are you having fish for your Good Friday?


For those Catholics out there, today's the day we ditch the red meat.  Given we're at the coast, it makes it easy for us to grab some fish n chips wrapped in paper to eat on the beach.

I'm very much looking forward to it, but what does that do for my overall weight loss goals?

Let's take a look shall we.



According to nutritionist Amanda Ursell (Woman's Day Magazine, April 3 2017), the chips alone can have an incredible 4000 kj per serving.  That's close to a thousand calories!

When it comes to the battered deep fried fish, she suggests that the batter alone has 1067 kj which equates to around 255 calories.

So with that in mind on this Good Friday, if you're keeping an eye on your figure and have the resources available to you, then it might be better to bake your own fish and chips.

Scrap the batter on the fish completely and cut up your own potatoes, spray with a little oil and bake them instead.  According to Amanda, oven chips come in at around 820 kj per 100grams (196 calories).

Hmmm.

This does not help my vision of take away fish n chips on the beach.  But perhaps if I ditch the chips, grab a salad and remove the batter I'll be doing OK.

Let's not take bets on whether or not I'll actually stick to that.

Do you eat fish on Good Friday?

Are you a fan of fish n chips?

What's your best fish n chips tip? 




Note: I am not a nutritionist nor am I a foodie. Nor have I thoroughly researched this other than a quick read of a magazine and a wander around Google. Always do your own research when it comes to your health and fitness.   

Apr 12, 2017

Day 2736 - Wellness Wednesday - the challenges of being on holidays.

Why do holidays contain so much bread?



It's that time of the week,  Time to check in and brag about the wins and admit to the defeats of the Wellness Week.



We're on holidays!  So let me firstly brag about that.

Wandering along the board walk at Narooma

Paddling around the rock pools and in the shallows at Tomakin 

Now let's get into the nitty gritty of this post.

Exercise
As far as exercise is concerned for the past week, I can safely say I didn't do well.  One of my volunteer roles has had me strapped to the keyboard which has meant the dawn exercise has suffered.While there has been a bit of incidental exercise, the 5km morning walks have gone by the wayside mainly because of the extra screen time I've had at 5.00am.

Of course I can't blame the volunteer work.  I could have made it happen if I'd really wanted to.  I just used the "lack of time" excuse because sometimes that's easier than pushing myself that little bit further.

Excuses, excuses, excuses.

Food
My food choices have not been as bad as they could have been.  Holidays do tend to bring with them more meals with bread (which I'm feeling very attracted to right now), but so far I have managed to avoid the fish and chips, pizza and hamburgers.

Holidays also seem to bring daily doses of champagne.  Which feels incredibly fabulous but may not be doing my body any justice.

Salads are still high on the menu, as are all the clean green foods without packaging.

Sugar is starting to creep back in via baked goods that magically appeared in our holiday house.

Mindset
You can't beat a holiday mindset.  While I'm still at my screen during periods throughout the day keeping things ticking over, I'm managing to get plenty of time to read my book, hang with the fam and wander along the beach.

I think the best part about holidays (whether you take your work with you or not) is that when you're away from your home you can cleanse from the worries of household management, the kids schooling and the general day-to-day chores.   A few layers are removed that help you feel lighter.

I can safely say I feel lighter this week, even if the bread and baked goods won't reflect that on the scales when I return to the real world.

How's your wellness this week?

Anyone else on holidays?

What one food brings you undone when you're on holidays?  


Oct 13, 2016

World Food Prize is Here!

World Food Prize is Here!

It is mid October which means one thing...It's World Food Prize time! Each night following the Borlaug Dialogue we will post highlights from the day to get you thinking and discussing these topics around the globe. Tuesday of this week we hosted Emiliano Mroue on campus, as part of the World Food Prize Lecture Series, to share the work he is doing in Sierra Leone with The West African Rice

Jan 8, 2016

Build the Soil

Build the Soil

We started off the morning with our great elementary students with our "what we know about agriculture" lesson, but this time shared it with 4th graders. At the end of the lesson they raised the chain above their head while in a circle and stated "Agriculture feeds the world!" in both Creole and English.



Next we had some down time before our afternoon activities so we loaded up and headed to a
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)