Health Matters

I recently found out some things about my health that are kinda disturbing. I went to get some tests done with my doctor. The results came back and I got a long letter of instructions about how I really have to change my diet. The next day I got a phone call from my doctor informing me that I really should be on medication, but she will retest me in 3 months to see if I can change my ways first (but she doubts it). So what is wrong? I have heart issues. My cholesterol is dangerously high and I have been having chest pains. It's bad. Basically my doctor told me that I am a heart attack waiting to happen. I have to lower my stress, exercise everyday, and lose red meat. My doctor actually told me that I should go vegetarian, but I'd rather take a pill. I can do without beef and stuff, but I need at least poultry.

So, I have another diet going on in my house. My mom should be doing this one too, so it really isn't that bad. She's diabetic, has high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and I don't know what else, so she really needs to have her diet better under control anyway. Micah's diet doesn't really go, but that's ok, I'm kinda used to that. Everyone around here will just have to get over the fact that we will be eating a lot of chicken and turkey and fish around here. More salads, too. Tony will be fine. He'll end up getting his beef elsewhere. Micah has been asking for meatballs, though. I make an awesome meatball that is safe for him, but there is no way that I will be able to make them for a while. Maybe I'll make some for his lunches or something, but not until I have a bit more self-control.

As for exercise, I am now walking Becca to school everyday. Tony can take Micah to school, and I walk Becca with all the girls with me. It was interesting this morning. I strapped Ali on my back (the lightest of the bunch), put Cassidy and Zoe in the double stroller, and Becca walked beside us. It's about a mile (maybe a little less), and so I really walk quick to get my heart pumping. I would walk to pick her up all the time, but that won't always work with the kid's schedules, so it will just be to school. If I need to increase my workout I'll just go walking later, or do some sort of workout at home in the morning with the girls.

I hope all of that works, because lowering my stress level isn't going to happen. I have decided that nursing school may not be right for me right now, though. I'm still going to school, but that kind of intense program isn't going to happen for me. I have no direction, though. That's really hard for me. I'm to the point in my education that I really have to choose something or get a degree in liberal arts and stay vague forever. Of course, what does one do with a liberal arts degree? So, I am praying for direction. I need to be able to take care of my family. I need flexibility in whatever job that I eventually get so that I can still be around for my kids, and yet a job that pays well enough for us to be able to allow my mom to retire or do whatever she wants without us relying on her. Still, I can't stress over that decision.

So that's me.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones."
Proverbs 3:5-8