I’m not going to lie. I’m feeling a teensy bit doomed. Why? Well, because my family history is suddenly very close to me. My maternal great-grandmother died of cancer. My maternal grandmother died of…wait for it…cancer. My mother died of cancer. Guess who’s next in line?
Not that I believe that I’m screwed solely based upon family history, but it’s looking like the odds are not in my favor when it comes to serious incurable diseases. On top of it, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity run in the family too… Oh, and very few people in my family have lived past 65 (the ones who haven’t had cancer have had heart disease related issues). See how I could feel a little uneasy about my future health?
Having to repeat family history to doctors all summer has really kicked my butt into high gear as far as doing everything I possibly can to be healthy. I know a lot of it is out of a person’s control as far as cancer is concerned, but I also know there are preventative measures I can take against it and other diseases.
So here’s what I’m up to:
1. Quit biting my nails. I’ve been trying to stop biting my nails for, oh, ever. This time is it for me. It’s a gross habit and a germy one at that. Yuck.
2. Exercise more. More than what, you ask? More than the nothing I had been doing, I say. With the warm weather still upon us here in Pittsburgh, I’ve been taking my kids on long walks through the neighborhood every chance I get. It ends up being something like 2 miles a day, while pushing a 20lb stroller with 60lbs of kid in it, and another 10lbs of baby strapped to me in his carrier. If that isn’t cardio, I don’t know what is.
3. Count calories. I’m watching what I’m eating, based on what my nutritionist suggested for my kidney disease. Eating fewer overall calories, much less “bad” stuff, and way more “good” stuff has helped me to have more energy, lose weight, and generally just feel better.
4. Cut soda. I’ve tried this almost as much as I’ve tried to quit biting my nails. Instead of trying to do it cold turkey this time, I’m weaning myself from the soda I’ve made a habit of drinking daily. So far, so good. In its place, I’m guzzling water like a champ – and I’m already noticing a decrease in acne breakouts and stomach sensitivity.
5. Lose weight. Now that we are done having kids, it’s time to get super serious about losing weight. Since Harrison was born 5 weeks ago, I’ve lost 21lbs. with about 50 more to go for my goal weight. My “goal” is what I weighed before we started having children, nearly 5 years ago. And writing that out makes me feel suddenly very self conscious. But that’s motivation, baby!
Aside from these things, I’m also decluttering physical things from my life, ridding myself of toxic people/relationships, and upping my effort to take time for myself – even if it’s only 10 minutes a day – to recharge.
What healthy steps have you taken lately?
Hi there,
It’s good to be health conscious and set goals so as to keep your body fit and healthy in the long run. But please, don’t be afraid, I have read about your mother’s demise and am sorry for that. But taking too much of tension like this, will take a toll on your health.
Take care
Rashmi
That all (family history) sounds daunting, but you are doing great with the small steps and great attitude.
Cheering you on from Washington,
Angela
I know the feeling!! Everyone in my family that is dead died to cancer (with the exception of my paternal grandfather – he died of a heart attack at the ripe old age of 45). What I do now is only drink water (and beer) and eat lots of onions, garlic and tomatoes. I’m hoping to be around for great grandkids.