Mom’s Musings

“What’s with the recent interest in health posts?” you may ask. My answer, “I don’t know! This just really caught my interest!” Maybe it could be because BPA is especially bad for pregnant ladies, and I currently know several expectant mommies. Please view this video to learn about BPA.

I saw this on the blog Funny Things are Everywhere.

I know that posting an excerpt from an article is not what I typically do, but I read this this morning and was struck with its importance. Early in the article the shocking statistic was presented that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, more than all cancers combined. Even many doctors are not aware of this fact, and will often dismiss a woman’s heart attack symptoms. Here, then, is the excerpt for your consideration:

A so-called “silent killer,” coronary artery disease
can strike when a woman least expects. According to the American Heart Association, you should always be alert to these “classic” or most common warning signs of heart attack:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back

• Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, or arms

• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath

As a woman, you may have other, LESS COMMON warning signs of heart attack:

• Stomach pain

• Nausea or dizziness

• Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue

• Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness. Common warning signs of stroke (brain attack):

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.

• Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye

• Loss of speech, or trouble talking and understanding speech

• Sudden, severe headaches with no known or apparent cause

• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, particularly in conjunction with any of the other listed stroke symptoms

Especially if any of the above warning signs are severe or exacerbated by physical exertion, make a beeline for the nearest emergency room. New treatments can reduce or prevent damage from the attack, but only if you get prompt help.

Further Resources

The American Heart Association offers age-appropriate information about heart disease in women. Call their toll-free number 888-MY-HEART.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers a free brochure for women with high blood pressure, a common risk factor for heart disease. To get a copy, call toll-free 800-575-WELL.

National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease

www.womenheart.org

This non-profit promotes education and awareness about women with heart disease. Its site offers bulletin boards, journal entries, caregiver support sections, and articles on managing heart disease.

Reviewed by Matthew Sorrentino, MD, FACC, a cardiologist and associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Chicago. Dr. Sorrentino also reviews consumer-oriented publications on heart disease for the American Medical Association.

First published May 15, 2001

Last updated November 7, 2007

Copyright © 2001 Consumer Health Interactive

For this Thursday Thirteen
I offer you Thirteen Tips for Healthy Living. The first seven have to do with physical health, and the remaining six with mental well-being. These are suggestions for your consideration, not a pretended panacea:

• Go for a daily walk.
  
• Eat fresh fruit and veggies daily.
  
• Enjoy indoor pets, including cats and dogs.
  
• Wash your hands after using the toilet, changing the baby, caring for pets, before handling food, or, in other words, Keep your hands clean!
  
• Sneeze into the crook of your arm if no tissue is available, in order to stop the spread of airborne pathogens.
  
• Floss your teeth daily (Brush them, too.).
  
• Remove all wall-to-wall carpet from your home, and cover mattresses and pillows with dust-proof covers.
  
• Do your part to live peaceably with others, especially those in your own home. Romans 2:18 is a Bible verse that expresses this thought.
  
• Think about praise-worthy, beautiful things more than “the dark side” of life. I’m especially thinking here of what “food” you feed your mind. Garbage in will yield garbage out, eventually.
  
• Treat others the way you would like to be treated, including your children and spouse. Matthew 7:12 is a Bible verse that speaks of this: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  
• However, don’t be a Pollyanna who PRETENDS that everything is OK. Sometimes things ARE bad, or dangerous. These things can be dealt with in a responsible way, but pretending that something is good doesn’t make it so.
  
• Set priorities for your day, based upon your current calling in life, and do the work in order. This way you won’t be overwhelmed by stress, or the tyranny of your TO DO list.
  
• Cultivate the habit of THANKFULNESS. As a Christian, I am first of all thankful to the Lord for all His undeserved blessings. But I also mean, say, “Thank you!” to the people in your world.
  

Here’s the update on how we’re doing:

• Poor Biddo stayed home from school today due to the terrible tummy bug which is also an achey-breaky bug. She has such a headache and back ache and has mainly been sleeping today.
  
• Rick is doing violent sneezes again. Uh oh. Sure hope I don’t get THAT. Last time it really settled in his chest.
  
• Cadet-o went to school, and stayed for track practice, but came home looking miserably tired. She is such a go-getter that it’s hard to slow her down. She knows how to comfort Biddo, though, so things are happier for the poor Lydia this evening.
  
• Debra is finally better, and said she had a good day at school.
  
• Seth seems fine, so I’ll ask him to do the vacuuming this evening.
  
• I stayed home from school and slept half the day, feel much improved, and even managed to make a simple supper for those who can eat.
  

So many of our friends at church have been ill, too. How about you and your family? I hope you’re keeping well.

This evening I had to stay home from evening worship, due to finally succumbing to the unpleasant tummy bug that’s been hovering about our family for a few weeks. Now it’s time to go to bed, and hopefully be well enough to carry on with life’s duties as usual tomorrow. I DO feel quite a bit better.

As I was snuggled under extra covers due to shaking chills, I thought of the many things for which I can be thankful, even in this. Here are some things that came to mind:

• We have good, wholesome water to drink. This affliction is not from tainted, filthy water.
  
• We have wholesome food to eat, in plenty.
  
• We can easily keep our clothing and our environment clean, to cut down on the likelihood of “filth” diseases.
  
• When I am well, I can assemble with others to worship the Lord, without fear of senseless violence and persecution.
  
• We have a loving church family for whom we care, and who, in turn, care for us.
  
• We have INDOOR plumbing, and central heating, both of which are a great comfort when one is ill.
  
• My family carries on, keeping things neat and feeding themselves, when I’m out of commission.
  
• I have my own copy of the Bible, which I may read and which I may study, and find comfort (and conviction) therein.
  
• I am not ill with a chronic, debilitating illness.
  

Well, I could go on. But it is time to bid you, Adieu. May the Lord keep you safe, bless you with a true nearness to Himself, and keep you well. May your heart overflow in love and gratitude to Him:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Last night, poor Debra was awakened by the need to barf. She was SO miserable, because dry heaves continued after the initial barfing episode, her head ached terribly, and she was too warm to the touch (I didn’t take her temperature, so I don’t know exactly how hot she was.). At first she couldn’t keep water down, but perhaps that was because she tried to drink too much water at a time. She was finally able this morning to keep down frequent small sips of a hydrating solution made from 2 cups water, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 Tablespoon sugar. She has also been able to eat two grapefruits.

Seth was home from school today with a bad sore throat, plus he was overtired because his rest had been quite disturbed during Debra’s nighttime troubles. Even so, he was the one who took care of his older sister while I was at the Middle School this morning. He made sure Deb had her drink, prepared the grapefruit for her, and read to her for hours to comfort her (Her head ached too badly and her eyes were sore, so she couldn’t read on her own.). I do so hope that Seth and the rest of us don’t get sick with this flu thing.

The thing that concerns me is that, aside from now being able to keep the water and grapefruit down, Debra is worse. Her temperature is higher (as least to the touch), her head aches terribly, and she is so weak and achy. I hear her moaning quite a bit in her sleep. If she isn’t significantly better in the morning, I’ll have to stay home to take her to the doctor, since he is only open in the morning on Wednesdays.

I always worry a bit about appendicitis when something like this happens. Appendicitis runs in families, a surgeon told me. (Two of our children so far have had an appendectomy.) I’m on the lookout for the following symptoms:

• Nausea not relieved by vomiting
• Continued fever
• Extreme pain when walking; walking kind of hunched over, and gingerly as if walking upon egg shells
• Pain beginning perhaps in the navel region and settling finally in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen

So, this evening I’ve been reviewing the symptoms of stomach flu, checking to see if they include all of Debra’s symptoms. So far, I think everything matches up. Here, if you’re interested, is a handy list I found on Answers.com:

(This information is from the Children’s Health Encyclopedia: Gastroenteritis, an article by Julia Barrett Angela M. Costello)

Symptoms

Gastroenteritis symptoms include nausea and vomiting, watery diarrhea, and abdominal pain and cramps. These symptoms are sometimes accompanied by bloating, low fever, chills, headache, and overall tiredness or weakness. Gastroenteritis symptoms typically last two to three days, but some viruses may last up to a week.

Infants, young children, the elderly, and anyone with an underlying disease are more vulnerable to complications of gastroenteritis. The greatest danger presented by gastroenteritis is dehydration. The loss of fluids through diarrhea and vomiting can upset the body’s electrolyte balance, leading to potentially life-threatening problems such as heart beat abnormalities (arrhythmia). The risk of dehydration increases as symptoms become prolonged. Untreated, severe dehydration can be life threatening. Dehydration should be suspected if symptoms of a dry mouth, increased or excessive thirst, or decreased urination are experienced.

When to Call the Doctor

If symptoms do not resolve within one week, an infection or disorder more serious than gastroenteritis may be involved. Prompt medical attention is required if the child has any of these symptoms:

* a high fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or above

* blood or mucus in the diarrhea

* blood in the vomit

* bloody stools or black stools

* confusion

* severe abdominal pain or swelling

* inability to keep liquids down

If a child has the following symptoms, the parent should contact the child’s pediatrician:

* diarrhea or vomiting that wakes the child during the night

* persistent or severe diarrhea or vomiting

* dehydration symptoms, including dry mouth, increased or excessive thirst, few or no tears when crying, decreased urination, dark yellow urine, irritability, low energy, lightheadedness or fainting, severe weakness, and sunken abdomen, eyes, and cheeks

* no improvement in symptoms after 36 hours

(Here is a link to a cartoon about stomach flu (if you’re interested :P). I can’t actually post the cartoon on my blog unless I pay for the right to do so, but the cartoon site says it’s OK to link to the image, which you can then click to view.)

Can you believe it? An easy, short, refreshing exercise routine in just 13 steps.
Each repetition of these steps takes just 7 minutes.

Do each exercise for 30 seconds. (I have a wall clock with a sweep second hand on which I keep an eye to tell when each 30-second interval has elapsed.) Walk around for 2 minutes to rest after completing the routine. As your strength/stamina increase, repeat routine, rest, repeat routine, etc.

MARCH Lift legs high and swing arms

PUSH UPS

SQUATS

SHADOW BOXING Stand with legs apart; do not twist at waist

SEATED BENT-KNEE LEG RAISES

HOLD STAFF AND SWING LEFT LEG, then HOLD STAFF AND SWING RIGHT LEG (Hold onto something with one hand.)

TOE RAISES (while standing behind chair for balance)

JUMPING JACKS

SIT-UPS (CURLS)

SWIM STROKE 15 seconds freestyle, 15 seconds backstroke

SIT KICK Sit in chair; try to kick alternating shoes off

STRETCH TO SKY, THEN TOUCH TOES

WINDMILL Legs apart, alternate toe touches

Do this routine for 2 days; rest a day, etc.

Thirteen Easy Exercises

I’m still making my way through the book The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science by Norman Doidge, M.D.

Here’s a portion I read today that I find both hopeful (as an older middle-aged person) and amazing:

We now know that exercise and mental activity in animals generate and sustain more brain cells, and we have many studies confirming that humans who lead mentally active lives have better brain function. The more education we have, the more socially and physically active we are, and the more we participate in mentally stimulating activities, the less likely we are to get Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Not all activities are equal in this regard. Those that involve genuine concentration - studying a musical instrument, playing board games, reading, and dancing - are associated with a lower risk for dementia. Dancing, which requires learning new moves, is both physically and mentally challenging and requires much concentration. Less intense activities, such as bowling, babysitting, and golfing, are not associated with a reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s.

These studies are suggestive but stop short of proving that we can prevent Alzheimer’s disease with brain exercises. These activities are associated with or correlated with less Alzheimer’s, but correlations don’t prove causality. It is possible that people with very early onset but undetectable Alzheimer’s begin slowing down early in life and so stop being active. The most we can say about the relationship between brain exercises and Alzheimer’s at the moment is that it seems very promising. - pages 254, 255

Well, I’m still on the subject of managing one’s weight in a healthful manner. I am a healthy, happy mom and gramma, and I’m also overweight, by approximately 40 pounds. Do I have a plan?

As I mentioned in my first post on this subject, I plan to stay away from “diets”, since I believe they are a good way to unbalance one’s metabolism. However, I am willing to be more conscientious about the quality of the foods I eat. I tend to feed my family mainly whole grains and very little sugar for a while, and then gradually let lesser quality foods back in.

I’m not going to rely on supplements for weight loss. At one point I consulted a naturopathic physician, who suggested conjugated linoleic acid, L-carnitine and a B-complex to help my body metabolize its own fat stores. This seemed to work for a while (I effortlessly dropped 15 pounds.) but caused a lot of intestinal upset. Finally, my throat would just clamp shut so I couldn’t even swallow the pills.

I do go for a daily walk, but I don’t think I’m really getting enough exercise. So, that is what I propose to do: Become systematically more active.

The gentleman who cuts my hair has had good success with the following exercise regime. Doing the routine once requires just SEVEN MINUTES of one’s time. He told me to do this routine for two days, then rest a day, etc.

EXERCISE ROUTINE

Do each exercise for 30 seconds. Walk around for 2 minutes to rest after all exercises are done. As strength and stamina increase, repeat routine, rest, repeat routine, etc.

MARCH Lift legs high and swing arms
PUSH UPS
SQUATS
SHADOW BOXING Stand with legs apart; do not twist at waist
SEATED BENT-KNEE LEG RAISES
HOLD STAFF AND SWING LEFT LEG
HOLD STAFF AND SWING RIGHT LEG
TOE RAISES (while standing behind chair for balance)
JUMPING JACKS
SIT-UPS (CURLS)
SWIM STROKE 15 seconds freestyle, 15 seconds backstroke
SIT KICK Sit in chair; try to kick alternating shoes off
STRETCH TO SKY, THEN TOUCH TOES
WINDMILL Alternate toe touches

This picture was taken in my kitchen about nine years ago, when I weighed sixty pounds less than I do now. The weight gain started about eight years ago. I promise you, this change did not result from suddenly becoming a foolish, intemperate glutton. Whatever happened?

After our youngest child was born eleven years ago, my natural, post-baby weight loss plateaued at 185 pounds. I joined a ladies’ exercise group and did a combo of aerobic exercises and mild weight lifting. The result was very pleasing. From that beneficial activity, I lost my desired 25 pounds, taking me down to 160 pounds. Being a tall girl, that poundage was fine with me, plus the class was fun and I was feeling great.

Then . . . BIG MISTAKE HAPPENED. Whatever was it, you may ask? I went on an extremely restrictive DIET for one year. I didn’t want to go on this diet, but succumbed to social pressure. My exercise instructor, who had been so helpful to me after all, wanted the entire class to try the same diet she was on. I faithfully weighed all my food to ensure that the portion sizes were kosher. The food allowed on this diet was all healthful, nourishing food, but in amazingly small portions. After one year, I had lost a total of only 10 pounds, and was the extremely thin person you see in the above picture. I was also very unhappy with my lot in life, since the simple pleasure of dessert was nevermore to be heard of in this diet. I felt like an anorexic, obsessing over the exact amounts of everything I ate.

I stopped the DIET, and resumed eating the temperate portions of healthful foods which I had been eating when I weighed 160 pounds. I was also still exercising at the gym three times a week, and had even graduated to a more intense step aerobics class. The speed with which my body packed on the lard was amazing! I was so dismayed.

This is my theory about what went wrong:

1. By depriving myself of a normal food intake for such a long time, I convinced my body that it was starving. My poor body was pushed into a mode of saving everything it possibly could to keep me from starvation. Weight gain mode was switched on.
2. I was in the midst of menopause, when a lady’s metabolism naturally slows down. Double whammy.
3. I think I was exercising TOO HARD. I forget where I read that this does not help with weight maintenance, but merely burns whatever carbs one has consumed. I’m a bit hazy on this part, not having read about it for a while. All I know is that gentle exercise helped me to lose 25 pounds. On the vigorous exercise regime, I gained weight FAST.
4. I was going through some mega-stress in my life, which contributes to weight gain also.

So, here I am today at 210 pounds. The children say I look healthier and happier than I did at 150 pounds. I could really be happy with 170 pounds, though, or even 160. I’ve been carrying this weight for about eight years now. I still eat temperately and healthfully. I almost daily go for a one to two-mile walk. However, there is definitely room for improvement, and I have a plan. But . . . Guess what is NOT part of my plan? A diet!