Diabetes. What is it exactly? When I was growing up, all I knew about diabetes was that Mary Tyler Moore had it. She used to do PSA’s on television that would come on between my shows. Then when I was pregnant, diabetes came up because I had to do the glucose test that required me to fast. That was memorable because fasting while pregnant is a nightmare of hunger. Last year, my youngest daughter was found to have an enlarged pancreas, which is extremely rare in children. The first thing they tested for was diabetes. Though they haven’t figured out what to diagnose her with, they have ruled out diabetes. Earlier this year, diabetes came up at my check up, when my doctor expressed concerns about a my weight and the potential of a pre-diabetic state. Say What!? Now, I don’t have diabetes. I’m not in any pre-diabetic state, but just the thought that I could be made me stand up and take notice. [Read more...]
Miss Lori Go Red BetterU week 9 Giveaway: Diabetes, what to know to stay healthy.
Miss Lori Go Red BetterU week 7; Your numbers are your friend
Your numbers are your friend, That is the overall lesson that I am trying to teach myself during my summer’s journey as an ambassador for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women BetterU Program. Since I was a child, when someone has said “know your numbers” they have been referring to the numbers on the scale. And most of my life those “numbers” have not felt very friendly, particularly since the birth of my third child. But at age 40, the numbers that I need to be concerned about aren’t just restricted to the scale. As I learned in week 2 of the BetterU program, it’s important to know your cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index. These numbers aren’t your enemy. Quite the contrary. They are your friend, even when they are off the mark. Why? Because knowing your numbers helps you be better, live better, and feel better. If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know what you need to work on, or maintain.
When I had my heart screening earlier this month I found out my all-important numbers. (Unfortunately, I also found out my weight, even though I had my eyes closed and asked not to be told. UGH). The news was good regarding my cholesterol and my blood pressure. I’m managing fairly well in those arenas. But my BMI, (Body Mass Index), was a different story. Which wasn’t surprising to me. Even though I closed my eyes on the scale at the doctor’s office, I am well aware that I am carrying around extra “me” that I don’t need to. Which translates into a high BMI. That was one of the principal reasons that I embarked upon this journey to be BETTER. I don’t just want a Body Mass Index. I want a BETTER Mass Index! [Read more...]
