[Alicia] So, in the spirit of getting healthy and working to challenge ourselves and other family members to get healthy, I am working toward a goal of 10,000 steps a day. Right now Brian is definitely outstepping me and not just because his one stride is equal to three of mine. He's on his feet with school and teaching all day almost every day, but I found this nice fitness trail to aid me in increasing my daily dose of cardio when we don't have the opportunity to walk to and from the campus which is approximately 2.5 miles. Besides increased exercise, we are also watching our diet more by increasing vegetables (lots more greens for the Greens) and fruit and drinking at least the recommended 8 cups of water a day. This is alll especially important because of the news I received today.
As I have not had the opportunity, for a variety of reasons, to get my thyroid checked since moving here, I went in for some tests last week. Well, the results as in as of this morning and they're not good, but they're not untreatable either. My thyroid (or TSH reading) is almost as high as when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In addition, I apparently now have high cholesterol. The thinking is that my cholesterol will go down once my thyroid gets under control and with the aid of good diet and more exercise. The results were rather surprising. I expected my thyroid level to be off, but not that far off and I certainly did not think that I would have high cholesterol, especially considering that I eat fairly healthy and am only 29, but apparently it is not an uncommon additional problem to have if you are as hypothyroid as I am right now. BUT, I just have to stay positive and realize that this is all completely treatable and that this is just that much more of a reason to increase my focus on establishing a more healthy lifestyle. So...there you have it! Maybe you too should join the challenge - I challenge you...get a pedometer and start journaling what you eat and how much water you drink. I bet you'll be surprised!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Spring is here...
[Alicia] Yes, indeed it is and with Spring showers, er, and hail, and high winds, and tornadoes. We have escaped any real damage or harsh weather. We continue to see weekly forecasts for strong thunderstorms, but nothing serious down here and, in fact, it cools things off which is nice considering the hot, humid summer is just around the corner. Everything is in bloom down here which is quite lovely. So far our allergies haven't really been affected too much which is a good sign. I think actually Brian has a harder time with allergies than I do, but then we all know how sensitive he is - just kidding.
Brian continues to work steadily at his studies as finals are just around the corner (first week in May). The first year is almost over. It's hard to believe! It's been quite a year of adjustment for both of us.
I continue with my work for the National Environmental Health Association, part-time, and am working on getting my health issues under control and am continuing to investigate the best option for me with regard to my future endeavours in the field of anthropology.
For the immediate future, however, I will be moving, temporarily, to Huntsville for about a month and a half to help out my family any way I can. You see, my mother was just diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer and will be undergoing surgery in about 2 weeks. So, please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers as we journey through this challenge together. The cancer has been caught at a very early stage and we are very hopeful for a successful surgery and recovery. My mother is doing a great job of trying to get as healthy as possible prior to the surgery by walking several miles almost every day, eating better, and drinking lots of water. She also has an ever-growing support group outside of her family as we learn about other friends and co-workers who have dealt with cancer personally or know someone who beat it.
Well, it is now time to sleep perchance to dream and wake tomorrow rested and ready to make the most of the gift of life for one more day.
Brian continues to work steadily at his studies as finals are just around the corner (first week in May). The first year is almost over. It's hard to believe! It's been quite a year of adjustment for both of us.
I continue with my work for the National Environmental Health Association, part-time, and am working on getting my health issues under control and am continuing to investigate the best option for me with regard to my future endeavours in the field of anthropology.
For the immediate future, however, I will be moving, temporarily, to Huntsville for about a month and a half to help out my family any way I can. You see, my mother was just diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer and will be undergoing surgery in about 2 weeks. So, please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers as we journey through this challenge together. The cancer has been caught at a very early stage and we are very hopeful for a successful surgery and recovery. My mother is doing a great job of trying to get as healthy as possible prior to the surgery by walking several miles almost every day, eating better, and drinking lots of water. She also has an ever-growing support group outside of her family as we learn about other friends and co-workers who have dealt with cancer personally or know someone who beat it.
Well, it is now time to sleep perchance to dream and wake tomorrow rested and ready to make the most of the gift of life for one more day.
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