7 = Number of pounds lost since my last blog posting.
191 = Overall cholesterol count as of two weeks ago.
145/87 = My blood pressure, taken at doctor's office, November 2, 2009.
49 = My dad's age when he had his heart attack.
49 = My age as of November 21, 2009.
The last six weeks have been extremely hectic, leaving me no time (or too tired) to write in my blog; my apologies to any disappointed readers out there. But a quick glance at my stats above should give an indication of what's been occupying my time. Obviously, I've lost some weight. Obviously, my weight loss (plus adding fish oil pills to my daily cholesterol med) has had the added benefit of reducing my overall cholesterol -- the first time it has been below the benchmark number 200 in years! Breaking it down, HDL (good cholesterol) clocked in at 51 (good number); LDL (bad cholesterol) was 111 (not terrible -- under 100 is optimal). Other levels that fell within normal - good limits: triglycerides, blood sugar, kidney, and liver. It's amazing how much information one blood test can produce.
The only slightly alarming "number" was, of course, my blood pressure. To quote my doctor, "What's up with that?" (I'm sure the pun was unintended). Well, my elevated blood pressure is probably a reflection of stress (there's been a lot this fall). Happily, when I've checked my blood pressure in the weeks since the first of the month, it has been normal. I understand that lots of people experience high blood pressure readings in the doctor's office just from the stress of being in the doctor's office -- just a thought.
Except for the one elevated blood pressure reading, these are the best "numbers" I've had in a long time! And that's important because the biggest number on my mind this fall has been the number 49. It's the age my dad was when he had his heart attack . . . and it's the age I am now, as of last Saturday. As I mentioned in a previous "Weighty Issues" posting, there's a very strong family history of heart disease on both sides of my family. Having watched both of my parents deal with various heart issues -- heart attack, bypass surgery, stents, and a pacemaker -- I'm keenly aware of the risks. I'm also keenly aware that my weight is my number one risk factor now.
And that, dear friends, is why I have spent the last six weeks exercising my butt off (literally)!!! No kidding -- I've lost 7 lbs. in six weeks by hitting the pavement or the treadmill almost every single day! I've also been lifting weights every other day, with very few exceptions. There have been numerous days that I really, really, really didn't want to face the treadmill . . . but I did, anyway -- and I never once regretted it! In fact, I was very pleased with how good I felt afterward. I have also tried to get back in the yoga habit, which I find helps lower my stress levels as well as increase my flexibility. More importantly, it helps me sleep better at night. And that's another thing I've been trying to do -- get more sleep.
So, please forgive me for opting to go to bed instead of staying up late blogging. Students, if you come to your lesson and wonder why my hair is wet, it's because I just took a shower after working out in the afternoon before teaching. I'm still trying to eat better as well; that's always my biggest challenge. But I do have a goal, now that I'm less than a year away from the big 5-0 : I want to reach my goal weight by my next birthday. 7 lbs. down, 93 to go. No, that's not a typo. Ninety-three.
And you, dear friends, can help. Here's how: Keep posting your own healthy habits and successes on your Facebook statuses! I read them all the time, and you have no idea how inspiring to me all of you are -- and how thankful I am for your inspiration. So I'm telling you now:
Bill: Every time you post your treadmill time, you nudge me into the basement to hop on my own treadmill -- just to keep up with you! I know sometimes you admit to dreading it, but don't you feel good afterward? I do! So keep it up -- you're keeping me honest.
Lyra: I'm just in awe of all of the different types of exercise classes you have tried this past year! Admittedly, some of them aren't exactly my cup of tea, but just for the fact that you're out there making that effort is endlessly inspiring. I haven't signed up for any classes (I'm more of a solo exerciser) but I'll tell you what I have done -- I've created different walking routes outdoors, and I have varied my treadmill routines to incorporate intervals. You're right -- variety makes it fun!
Townes: I'm not a runner like you; my knees can't take it. But if you can run marathons, then surely I can spend 45 minutes walking around the park near my house! You're the busiest person I know, and yet you make the time to take care of yourself. You're my "no excuses" friend.
Byron: My Zocor buddy -- thank you for suggesting adding fish oil to my pill regimen. I must confess, taking them sometimes makes me gag because those pills are so big . . . but I'll choke them down for the rest of my life if they help keep my cholesterol under 200! I'm in your debt (or at least I should buy you lunch some time -- a salad at Panera, perhaps?).
Kaytee: You go, girl! I know what a struggle losing weight is for you, too, and yet you're way ahead of me! I can't quit now -- I have to keep up with you!
Heather, Maria, and Katie B.: I can always count on you three to mention the tastiest healthy food in your posts. You make me want to eat healthy -- salud!
And to the rest of my friends and family, whether we're in touch through Facebook or not, I'm very thankful for all of your support and good advice. I've tried many times to lose weight and always got only so far before sliding backwards. But this time feels a little bit different. I'm seeing steady progress in a way I haven't before. So this Thanksgiving, I'm going to enjoy my dinner but in moderation -- and I'm going to make sure I keep up my exercise routine. I'll keep you posted on my progress. In the meantime, I want you to keep posting yours!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Except for the one elevated blood pressure reading, these are the best "numbers" I've had in a long time! And that's important because the biggest number on my mind this fall has been the number 49. It's the age my dad was when he had his heart attack . . . and it's the age I am now, as of last Saturday. As I mentioned in a previous "Weighty Issues" posting, there's a very strong family history of heart disease on both sides of my family. Having watched both of my parents deal with various heart issues -- heart attack, bypass surgery, stents, and a pacemaker -- I'm keenly aware of the risks. I'm also keenly aware that my weight is my number one risk factor now.
And that, dear friends, is why I have spent the last six weeks exercising my butt off (literally)!!! No kidding -- I've lost 7 lbs. in six weeks by hitting the pavement or the treadmill almost every single day! I've also been lifting weights every other day, with very few exceptions. There have been numerous days that I really, really, really didn't want to face the treadmill . . . but I did, anyway -- and I never once regretted it! In fact, I was very pleased with how good I felt afterward. I have also tried to get back in the yoga habit, which I find helps lower my stress levels as well as increase my flexibility. More importantly, it helps me sleep better at night. And that's another thing I've been trying to do -- get more sleep.
So, please forgive me for opting to go to bed instead of staying up late blogging. Students, if you come to your lesson and wonder why my hair is wet, it's because I just took a shower after working out in the afternoon before teaching. I'm still trying to eat better as well; that's always my biggest challenge. But I do have a goal, now that I'm less than a year away from the big 5-0 : I want to reach my goal weight by my next birthday. 7 lbs. down, 93 to go. No, that's not a typo. Ninety-three.
And you, dear friends, can help. Here's how: Keep posting your own healthy habits and successes on your Facebook statuses! I read them all the time, and you have no idea how inspiring to me all of you are -- and how thankful I am for your inspiration. So I'm telling you now:
Bill: Every time you post your treadmill time, you nudge me into the basement to hop on my own treadmill -- just to keep up with you! I know sometimes you admit to dreading it, but don't you feel good afterward? I do! So keep it up -- you're keeping me honest.
Lyra: I'm just in awe of all of the different types of exercise classes you have tried this past year! Admittedly, some of them aren't exactly my cup of tea, but just for the fact that you're out there making that effort is endlessly inspiring. I haven't signed up for any classes (I'm more of a solo exerciser) but I'll tell you what I have done -- I've created different walking routes outdoors, and I have varied my treadmill routines to incorporate intervals. You're right -- variety makes it fun!
Townes: I'm not a runner like you; my knees can't take it. But if you can run marathons, then surely I can spend 45 minutes walking around the park near my house! You're the busiest person I know, and yet you make the time to take care of yourself. You're my "no excuses" friend.
Byron: My Zocor buddy -- thank you for suggesting adding fish oil to my pill regimen. I must confess, taking them sometimes makes me gag because those pills are so big . . . but I'll choke them down for the rest of my life if they help keep my cholesterol under 200! I'm in your debt (or at least I should buy you lunch some time -- a salad at Panera, perhaps?).
Kaytee: You go, girl! I know what a struggle losing weight is for you, too, and yet you're way ahead of me! I can't quit now -- I have to keep up with you!
Heather, Maria, and Katie B.: I can always count on you three to mention the tastiest healthy food in your posts. You make me want to eat healthy -- salud!
And to the rest of my friends and family, whether we're in touch through Facebook or not, I'm very thankful for all of your support and good advice. I've tried many times to lose weight and always got only so far before sliding backwards. But this time feels a little bit different. I'm seeing steady progress in a way I haven't before. So this Thanksgiving, I'm going to enjoy my dinner but in moderation -- and I'm going to make sure I keep up my exercise routine. I'll keep you posted on my progress. In the meantime, I want you to keep posting yours!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Em, I love reading your blog. You remind me to keep going on the whole journey to a smaller me :) Happy Thanksgiving!
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