Everyone,
Ok. I tivo'd the Big O's shows for this week (I tivo them every day, when they're new) and I finally watched her Monday show last night. I was impressed (and if you know me, you know I am not easily impressed ever). She was honest, real (she's always real but this time, it was different) and really got to the heart of what most women (sorry guys) do and/or don't do. That would be:
We do not take care of ourselves but empty our 'well' taking care of everyone else.
This is what our program has always addressed and I was mucho thrilled to see the Big O talking about it.
We all struggle with maintaining our health, vitality and wellness.
We all struggle with food choices.
We all struggle to stay motivated to exercise and move our bodies more.
We all struggle to love ourselves, just as we are now.
Even the Big O.
And, as she said herself "No amount of square footage of your home, possessions or money can replace your health."
So, right now many folks are flocking to fitness programs like ours. By March, many will drop out. Why? Because we all struggle. "Life" takes over (as O said as well). But, DO NOT LET YOURSELF BE ONE OF THOSE FOLKS WHO PUTS YOURSELF ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR OWN LIST.
If you do, your health and wellness will suffer.
So, what do we do?
Well, in her Tuesday show the fabulous Dr. Oz was on (love him!) and he gave a healthy you checklist. I'm going to hit the highlights here but please visit the big O's website for details.
-Schedule a physical (How many times do I mention this in class? Especially yesterday since mine was yesterday! Sidebar-my arm does NOT hurt from the tetanus shot, BTW)
-Make sure you get your cholesterol tested, your blood pressure (I always preach 'know your numbers'), your thyroid (you may know O had a thyroid issue last year) and get a C reactive protein test. I've done them all. The last one I did because my Dad died very early in life of heart disease. C reactive protein measures inflammation in the body and can show whether or not you may have the genes to get heart disease. GET THIS TEST DONE. It can also show a propensity for strokes, etc. And, if your doc says your insurance won't pay-DO IT ANYWAY. They told me mine wouldn't pay and they did.
-Women, add in your pap smear and ask your doc if they are including the digene HPV test in that pap. If they're not, ask them to do it. It's no different than your regular pap, but screens for that virus that causes cervical cancer. My doc is doing this for me for the first time this year.
And, of course, your mammo's. I get the digital one at the end of Feb. and I'll let you know how it goes. (I have always gotten the traditional SMOOSH mammo...)
-Measure your waist (or ask us to do it). It should be 1/2 your height in inches. Larger and just work on it (all the core work we do in class will help). The fat stored in your abdomen is the most dangerous and contributes to heart disease/stroke. (the #1 killer of women)
-Take a multivitamin which includes Vitamin D. Vitamin D fights colon cancer (according to Dr. Oz) and other bad diseases and those of us in climates like ours (no sun) have low levels.
-Exercise (aka come to class). And, you should be doing resistance exercise (duh!). We do both cardio and strength and have always told you that you need both and Dr. Oz agrees. Thanks Doc!
Again, check the O website for all the checklist items.
And, ladies, take some time for YOU. Look, we know it's hard but you must do it. You'll be a better wife, Mommy, sister, friend, daughter...if you do. Love you-that's where it all starts!
See you in class.
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2 comments:
Hi,
I was one of those that was ready to stop classes due to making budget cuts. Then i realized that i'm worth 5.00 per class. See i never put myself first so this is new to me. I have no other vices, don't smoke,drink or visit dd for morning coffee. This is how i found all of you. One day i saw an ad for free class and arrived to try it out (by myself didn't bring a friend for reinforment) and i just stayed. It has been the best decision I've made. The instructors make it easy to arrive they are friendly and very personable. When i arrive all the other things are left at the door. See i can barely keep up never mind think about things during class. So i want to thank all you in class and all the instructors for making it easy to want to come to classes. My goal this year is to make more classes than i did last year.
Digital mammo's are a breeze. I was shocked at the big difference in procedure. On physicals at the GYN i take my friend and pay her co-pay for her b-day gift. What better present can you give.See she hadn't gone in 20 years so i tricked her into going we have now gone together for 8 years and I still pay her co-pay for her b-day. Now we do mammo's together and make both things a girls day out. So if you all know a friend that won't go please make it a gift and take her with you(be sure ins co will cover).
And Yes loving ourselves is the hardest thing to do. So in 2009 i wish all of you success in putting yourselves first. After all they say you can't really take care of someone else unless you take care of yourself FIRST
AuntieDarling,
Well said and we're so glad we're here for you!
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