Random Acts of "Kindness"

Posts tagged ‘HEALTH’

LUNCHEON

We used to see each other every week day. But it has been twenty years since the company we worked for closed. We no longer see each other regularly but we have remained friends. I ‘m the youngest of our group and usually the driver. The years have not been kind to my friends. One has battled cancer and walks with a walker. She recently celebrated her 88th birthday. Her daughter lives with her and her son is near by. She needs oxygen. The other, just two years younger, has Parkinson’s and severe arthritis and has moved into a senior housing complex.

This summer has been extremely busy for me — I’m gone more often than I’m home. Plans were made for the three of us to get together. The day was beautiful — blue skies, warm temperature. I would drive. No problem! Until I reached my friend’s house and saw a wheelchair sitting by the trunk of her car. I learned her ability to walk long distances has decreased and she needed the wheel chair. Her son showed me how to work her portable oxygen tank and how to set up her wheel chair. EXCEPT IT WAS TOO HEAVY FOR ME. I COULD NOT LIFT IT! Thankfully her son put it into the trunk for me. I prayed someone would be available to get it out.

The senior complex was a distance from my friend’s house but after wandering a little bit we found it. Ask and you shall receive — I found someone to get the wheelchair out of the car. Not only did Bill remove the chair from her trunk, he knew how to attach the leg supports and helped my friend out of the car along with her oxygen tank. ( I thanked him for his help and mentioned that he shared the same name as my father.)

SURPRISE — my other friend was in a wheel chair too. We were eating outside in a restaurant on the ground floor. Both of my friends needed to be transported downstairs. And one by one, I pushed. I also learned where the bathroom was and took my older friend twice. Since it is a senior complex, the bathroom was spacious enough for a wheelchair. Maneuvering it and her oxygen tank took a bit of doing but I was up to the challenge. Opening the door to the outside patio was also a challenge but I found people to help.

I was asked if I would take the resident up to her second floor apartment. Her apartment was lovely, very spacious. My older friend enjoyed her cup of coffee while I was gone. The lighter wheelchair was easier to push but it had trouble going over the threshold. When I returned to the ground floor, I learned the heavier wheel chair went over the threshold with no problems. And thankfully, Bill was available to collapse the wheelchair and put it back into the trunk.

Lunch was lovely — the food delicious and the company delightful. And a bonus. Our resident friend is Jewish and the day of our luncheon was the eve of Rosh Hashanah — Happy New year.

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POSITIVE MOVES

Where, oh where has the time gone? Just yesterday I had energy, was able to do the Sun Salutation in Yoga — my various body parts worked. Today, my knees prefer that I don’t kneel, getting down on the floor is interesting, getting up can sometimes be a challenge.

I’m facing another birthday. Each Fall I reflect on my life, the journey I have taken and the road ahead. Often the change of seasons and reflection on lost opportunities bring sadness. I try not to dwell on the mistakes, but focus on the accomplishments instead. I will admit that depending on the day, sometimes it is harder to do.

Since I have “friends in high places” I’m often reminded of the accomplishments of people much older than myself. Yesterday, a man of 101 was honored on television — his mind is strong, he just renewed his driver’s license. In my travels, I have heard other stories of men and woman over a hundred who are still living a quality life. It seems that new stories are popping up on a VERY, REGULAR basis. I’m trying to pay attention. I don’t know how long I will remain here on earth, but as long as I’m here, I would rather have a high quality life like the centurions. Some things are out of my control, but some things are still possible to improve on.

I admire Angela Lansbury as an actress. Recently I learned that she has written a book titled Positive Moves and has an exercise VCR available of the same name. Thanks to the internet, both are now in my possession. In fact, they were on our doorstep when we arrived home from our last camping trip. I have NEVER been a professionally trained dancer but I was able to do most of her exercises. Some easy stretches I have incorporated into my daily routine.

I’m often reminded that in order to live a healthy life I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT AND EXERCISE. All I can say is that I’m trying. One of my recurring messages is to meditate — to listen. I try, and I will continue to try — someday I might even hear. Until that time, I’m confidant that the important messages will get through.

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STUFF HAPPENS

I’m often warned to be careful. Whether the warning pertains to my driving, walking or cooking I try to pay attention. I didn’t receive a warning on Friday. As a matter of fact, I hadn’t been warned of a problem in a few days. Friday was a beautiful day. We had just returned from spending 10 days at the camper and as usual I was behind, out and about running errands. It was a beautiful day. Just a trifle hot.

Turning into the Aldi’s parking lot — my car and a bike collided. I put on the brakes as soon as I heard the scream. A young woman was laying on the ground, her bike knocked over. Where did she come from? I HAD NOT seen her. Evidently she was riding in a NEW bike lane, on a NEW bike in the blind spot of my mirror. I DID NOT SEE HER! She was upset, I was upset. The beautiful day had vanished in a heartbeat.

Two fire engines arrived, then an ambulance, then a police sergeant. Luckily proof of insurance was in the glove box of our car. A man had seen the accident from across the street. He told us that we collided at the same time. I know I had my turning directional on, and I had slowed down to make the right turn. I DID NOT KNOW that there was a bike lane. There was no one crossing the side walk, another car wasn’t leaving the driveway. Luckily, just her leg was scrapped but she was concerned that it was broken. Therefore the ambulance took her to the hospital. The sergeant told me to follow him to the hospital, asking if I had a lawyer. “Do I need one?” I asked. “Talk to your friends”, he told me. He had my drivers license and my insurance card, I had no choice but to follow him to the hospital.

I learned that he wasn’t able to write out an accident report. They were in the process of changing shifts when the accident happened and he was the only one available. I was unfamiliar with the hospital — parked my car on the third level of the parking garage and went in search of the emergency room. I think I was only at the hospital for a short time. The accident report showed the point of collision behind the REAR tire of the passenger side. The point of impact added to my belief that I hadn’t seen her.

Leaving the hospital, I COULDN’T FIND MY CAR! I walked up and down the levels of the garage many times. I didn’t want to call my husband to help me look for my car. His key ring had a car finder, mine didn’t. Luckily I finally found the car and continued my errands.

Arriving home, I called a friend and asked her if she knew of a lawyer in case I needed one. I shared the distressing news with the rest of my family. I tried to calm down.

Although I DID NOT SEE HER, I was involved in the accident. I could not relax! She phoned on Sunday with good news. NO BROKEN BONES, just bruised tissue. THANK YOU LORD! If it had to happen, at least she wasn’t severely injured. I’m wondering — Since I received NO WARNINGS — did this have to happen? Then the big question –WHY?

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ROAD BLOCKS

Why is it that when things are running smoothly — pebbles, rocks or boulders spring up in our path? I was feeling fine, okay maybe a little tired. We had returned from Florida — I dealt with the mounds of clothes, stacks of mail and empty refrigerator. I had gone through the mail, unpacked and washed clothes, replenished supplies. Taking advantage of a weekend at home — blue skies and warm temperatures — I had wandered the garden where the world had gathered. It was so crowded, I asked if parking was still available. And happily learned it was. When I asked why the excitement, I learned a kite festival was in progress. Still trying to use time at home well, I scheduled a date with a friend.

ROADBLOCK — hopefully only a pebble — okay a larger stone. Preparing to meet my friend, I got up from our dining room chair. I don’t remember doing anything different. I don’t remember banging my foot, twisting my leg or doing anything stupid. PAIN — radiated — ankle, knee and hip. “What the —-?” If I was smart, I would have cancelled the date. But I didn’t listen to my body — two pain pills and out the door I went. Sadly pain increased then lessened then increased like waves in the ocean. Pain pills all day. Severity of the pain had my attention. Question — Doctor visit?

Shopping I listened to my body and found an AM /PM yoga DVD that I enjoyed with my daughter in Florida. I bought a yoga mat for my husband so he could join me.

Stopping for lunch, only one empty table that I reserved for my friend and I. A gentleman in an orange vest was headed for the same table. I invited him to share ours. We talked about the state of the world and shared some of our wisdom of preparing for retirement. When he mentioned that he depended on help from above I asked him why he was at the right place, the right time to share a table with us. I suggested he think about it. I wonder what he shared with his wife that night. Lunch with two, older, crazy ladies?

Still shopping, TWO — TWO strong, younger men passed by to help me load a carton of heavy cans of soda into my cart, and later — place them into my trunk for me. Normally I would have done that myself. At that point in time — just walking was a challenge.

I paid attention to my body. I enjoyed soaks in our old fashioned bath tub — in Epson salt water, something I had postponed — afraid I wouldn’t be able to get out. I did gentle stretching, I did yoga. I accompanied my husband to the Ford dealer for a recall. Their inspection revealed a couple of items that needed to be fixed for safety. We asked our mechanic to make the necessary repairs. The cost might influence a trip in the motor home that we had planned, but we didn’t get stranded on the highway. Plans for a hundred plus trip was in the works. My husband was planning to go to the camper over the weekend but changed his mind when I told him that I wasn’t sure I would be able to drive all the way out myself.

THANKFULLY — the pain has lessened, although, a week later I’m still feeling the effects. We are at the camper. I have access to a pool. I went swimming last night, I did yoga this morning.

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TRUST THE PROCESS

Haylie Pomroy, in her book, The Fast Metabolism Diet, writes that the reader should trust the process. Give up the alcohol, the dairy, the caffine, the potatoes, the sugar and allow the body to recover. I’m almost through with the first week and I have to admit, I’M EXTREMELY HAPPY with my weight loss. As I write this, we are at our camper were I do not have access to a scale, but before leaving, our scale at home showed a weight loss of anywhere from three to five pounds. That was two days ago. I’m not sure of the exact amount because when we arrived home from our youngest daughter’s, the pizza and gyros had raised my sodium levels, therefore my weight.

I have been trying for more years than I care to count to lose weight. I eat a healthy diet and exercise. Boosting my exercise didn’t work nor did limiting the food I ate. The SCALE DID NOT MOVE DOWN, just up! Having the weight melt off with no extremes on my part is a gift. To which I say THANK YOU!
I will admit that healing the sore on my left leg held priority. I didn’t go to extremes, limiting food or tough exercise — I did not feel the burn. I’m not feeling the burn now either. The amount of recommended exercise is low: Cardiac – one of the first two days, strength training – one of the second two, and either yoga, massage or a walk on one of the last three.

I told my family that I would give the first week a serious try. I will admit that I have had a cup or two of coffee a couple of days, and a small piece of Italian bread. Other than that, I have followed the eating plan. I miss my chocolate and an occasional cookie. I’m sticking to it for another week or the rest of the 28 days. Who knows, I might continue on until I reach my desired weight. I have no idea at this point what it is. As we were heading for the camper, I noticed that a fashion outlet mall is being built. I mentioned to my husband that I just might have to go shopping there — to replace my wardrobe. For the first time in a long time. I’M EXCITED. I can trust that it will happen as long as I FOLLOW THE PROCESS!

Enough about the process, except I must admit that I see hands working behind the scene to help me find the right food, especially that which is already hidden in our freezer. Eating breakfast 30 minutes after waking is tough, especially preparing the food. Especially since the food changes every few days. That is where I’m getting in trouble the most. I bought a whole watermelon thinking the fruit was legal and our grandchildren would be at the camper to help me eat it. Well, the food is only legal on the first two days and my grandchildren are not coming out. Best laid plans of mice and men —–.

I planned to go swimming in the pool — it rained, more is predicted for each day we are out here. I planted geraniums — they looked lovely, returning to the camper, I saw nubs. ?? Then I saw the reason for the nubs — Momma deer and her twins ran through the park across the street. I guess my flowers were a tasty treat, and just the right size, down on the ground. I’m planting more flowers, I also bought a bottle of deer fence, it is supposed to keep the plants intact and growing. I just need the rain to STOP!

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NOT GIVING UP

This new eating idea is all my husband’s fault. We were at Costco. I have had the book in my hand many times without buying it. He told me he wasn’t leaving the store until the book was in our cart. So it came home with us. I have to admit that I have enjoyed reading it. The author makes a lot of sense. So as not to keep you in the dark, the book is THE FAST METABOLISM DIET by Haylie Pomroy. She is a nutritionist. (You might remember that I was counseled to meet with a nutritionist last March.)

Through the years I have tried many eating plans: Weight watchers, The South Beach Diet , and the Shred just to name a few. Some I actually lost weight on but recently, even though I eat healthy, walk and exercise, my weight loves me. I’m hoping that the author’s idea to awaken my metabolism will work.

Most of the food on her plan I already eat. Some food is off the diet and I will miss my caffeine, dairy, potatoes and wine. I really don’t snack on cookies, cake or pie. Nor do I munch on chips or drink soda. So  the eating plan will be interesting. I have to drink half my weight in water a day. That will not be easy! Trying to match the food my husband and son will eat with my eating restrictions will also be a challenge. Her book suggests making meals in advance and freezing them. That would work EXCEPT there is NO ROOM in the freezer.

Time is not a factor on the other side. “My friends” must have been aware of this plan for a while. I found some of MY frozen single sides in the freezer that will work in her menus. Speaking of aware, I tried to renew a prescription for a cholesterol pill UNSUCCESSFULLY. After many phone calls, I learned that my doctor wants me to get a fasting blood test. He placed an order for one refill but where the order went, I don’t know. The pharmacy doesn’t have it.

My plan, (don’t laugh now) is to try this 28 day plan, hopefully lose some weight, then do a blood test. Maybe my cholesterol will be in a healthy range and I will no longer need pills. I only have one prescription, but I take many vitamins and a few herbs. I’m planning to put them aside for the duration.

Her plan only calls for aerobic exercise one time a week, strength training once, and yoga, massage or walking once. I usually try to exercise a bit more. It will be interesting to see if my metabolism wakes up. I planned to start this coming Monday. I thought I would be in control of my eating. Laugh with me!
Monday we are taking our eldest daughter out to dinner for her birthday. Tuesday we are meeting friends for lunch.

Stay tuned. Either way — I will write about the results.

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WHERE AM I?

My son and I were only home from Hawaii for a day when he and my husband went out to the camper to tear down a room addition on the lot next to ours. Luckily the man who camped behind us was available to help with the work. It turned out to be an extremely tiring job. It took all week and they filled three bins with lumber. They wouldn’t let me help, so I became the errand person. We learned that the lumber company in the neighboring town not only made blades for the chain saw but sharpened them too. I made many trips into town. On one of the trips, I found an angel statue holding a puppy in the store. I have many dog friends in high places. I will admit that I didn’t examine the statue. As I tried to pick the angel up, a stronger, older woman came by to help me. Not only did she carry it to the counter but she took it out to my car and safely stowed it in the trunk. When we placed it in my serenity garden, I was surprised to see the angel was a young boy, in overalls. I thought of my brother whose birthday is in May. He passed away with my mother in the fire when he was almost two.

I stayed in Chicago for a couple of days to get caught up and then I toured Botanical Garden in the city before heading for the camper. I love the crab apple trees and was afraid they would no longer be in bloom when I returned to the city. Sadly most of the trees were only beginning to bloom but I found a couple that where in sheltered, warmer spots.  I was surprised when I arrived at the camper to see our apple tree in bloom, also our crab apple tree, and azaleas bush. Our tiny lilac bush was also in blossom. Raking leaves, I noticed a Dutchman’s breeches in bloom. I didn’t remember planting it. Whether it came along as a guest with another purchased plant or volunteered to be in our garden, I don’t know.

A small old car show was held in a neighboring town on Saturday. Our son left for the city and both my husband and I were tired but we went anyway. It was a good thing that the car show was small but there was a good variety of cars, trucks and motorcycles.  My husband talked to an older couple — he was 86, his wife 89 — who had a 1950 Chevrolet. Stopping in a small store, my husband bought an angel pendant for me.

I decided to go to Mass on Saturday, so we could sleep in on Sunday. I was surprised when it was the feast of Pentecost. I was doubly surprised when I realized the tee shirt I was wearing was from Great America — red — words “light my fire”. Pentecost is represented as tongues of fire (the Holy Spirit) descending on the apostles and disciples in the locked room.

When we were at the camper, I bought a copy of the weekly woman’s magazine and was reminded of a tea I drank last summer that seemed to give me energy. When we arrived back home, I put a pot on the stove and made a new batch of tea.

Maybe my writing will reflect the events as they happen, maybe the writing will be delayed. I’m expecting my life to be busy. Either way, I hope my rambles help you become aware.

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PRESSURES OFF

I’ve tried, and I will continue to try. I’m NOT GIVING UP — but there is no way I’m going to lose the weight before we fly. My BODY LOVES ME just the way I am. Pressures off.

I wanted to increase my energy levels — I’m not at the former level yet but then again, I’m not fifty anymore either. My expectations are high, I have something to strive for. But I’m not upset with the reality.

The forecast promised sunny skies, temperatures in the 60’s. Too nice to stay inside. My husband and I wandered to Morton’s Arboretum.  When we entered the gate, I asked if any places were closed because of the recent rains. I learned that the park had been closed for FOUR days, the underpass was under ELEVEN FEET of water. Many places were still boggy, which meant watching your step when walking off path. Like the Botanic Garden, many daffodils were ladies in waiting, but some of their neighbors were excited to show off.  The difference in access to sunshine was noticeable. I found gentle hills and today my thighs aren’t yelling. I don’t think I’m ready for mountains, but I won’t need a nap after walking a mile or being up for two hours. PROGRESS.

Still preparing, I haven’t packed yet. Still adding stuff to the pile when I think of something. I could make a list and I still might. Watching the piles grow, I’ll have to do some serious cutting. Just how many purses do I need to take? How many pairs of shoes?

Shoes — I’m finally able to wear gym shoes again. PROGRESS! When we were at the Wisconsin Dells, I was unable to walk some of the terrain because of my shoes. I found a pair of new gym shoes that I bought before I had issues with my feet. Not only do they fit, but I’ve walked two miles in them just to break them in. They are definitely going.

We are hoping to go to Turtle Bay on the North shore of Oahu. I tried to do some advance planning on the computer which generated challenges of its own. I learned that the park on the North Shore is now run by the Audubon society. I’m expecting the terrain to be anything but flat. My son is thinking about climbing Diamond Head again. I have made some progress but I don’t think I’m up to the climb and I know my knees wouldn’t do the crawl through the tunnel. I’m realistic — some things aren’t going to change.

“My friends in high places” are excited. I KNOW they are going with us, or will drop in when we are there. I won’t need to be locked out on the patio. I’m sure “they” will have other surprises in mind.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

I have trouble thinking of the title for my thought rambles. This morning while washing clothes I thought of this title. I thought it was meant as a nudge for you — to share your stories with your friends. Often I have shared a story of mine, which in turn gave the person I was talking to the courage to share one of theirs. But then again, was the title a nudge for me?

The countdown to Hawaii continues. Last week, Woman’s World magazine had a few headlines on their cover which encouraged me to buy it: “Gina Neely grilled her way 20lbs slimmer,” “Reverse Alzheimer’s”. I didn’t have hope for the reverse Alzheimer’s title but I had to read  it. Losing 20 pounds,  another pipe dream. But I’m a dreamer. I was surprised that the magazine also featured Oahu as their get-away.

We were out in the country, opening our camper for the season. Saturday I walked to the closest lake which is about a mile away. And my body strongly suggested I return home. Bit tired when I arrived. I remembered that a few years ago I was able to walk  3 miles and still be ready for more. Times have changed! Sunday, I tried again.  This time I walked about half way behind the lake when my big toe began protesting. Reaching our camper I was glad I turned back. This Tuesday, back in the city, sun beckoned me outside. I was able to walk to a distant main road, turning around, I was half way home when whatever energy I had — LEFT. Reaching home, my pedometer read 2.33 miles. PROGRESS!

This morning I was grousing about my weight, it loves me and IS NOT LEAVING! Then I remembered a lovely dinner I attended on Tuesday night — Mediterranean flavors, — seven bountiful appetizers , 3 entrees and a lovely desert platter. The evening was sponsored by a local hospital, the program on vitamins and nutrition. I totally enjoyed my share of the food!

Tuesday night, I learned a friend is celebrating her 70th birthday soon. I knew just the present to give her. Our youngest granddaughter painted a picture when she was 2 and 1/2. In the painting I saw an angel. Of course I shared my photo of the painting with friends. For a few years my friend has requested a copy of the photo. It would be a perfect present if I could find the disk. FINDING — the quest began. I would not be exaggerating if I said I take a lot of photos, putting them on a disk for safe keeping. (I also make hard copies of the ones I really like. Technology is changing too quickly)  I easily have 12 disks covering a year but probably it is much more than that. Long story short — with the “help” of my friends, I found the disk and was able to enlarge the photo.

Did I mention that the countdown to Hawaii has begun. Wednesday, I was reaching for a can on my filing cabinet. It fell out of my hands onto the floor. Retrieving the contents, I found a bag with brochures from our last trip to Hawaii, including a map and a brochure from a hidden restaurant that we enjoyed. I mentioned the find to our son. He laughed and asked if the can had been nudged. Just a little “HELP”.

Please Share YOUR STORIES with others, they might also help you to see the “help” in your life.

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COMPROMISED

I’m not sure compromised was the word the doctor used describing my legs when he strongly suggested that I give myself shots before flying to Hawaii. I know it was a “c” word — the word didn’t stick. Compromised will have to do. I said I always take an aspirin before flying, he replied that was a glass of water compared to a strong highball. He won, I will give myself a shot before getting on the plane, and another shot 24 hours later, and another 24 hours later and repeat the process coming home. The shot is a strong blood thinner — I really don’t need to get a blood clot. I will get up and walk down the aisles, it is an eight hour flight.  I will make sure that I stay hydrated. I will be a good girl and wear my compression stockings. I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER ULCER!! Walking on the beach, going in the water, I’m ready.

Even if I lost weight, which sadly isn’t happening — the veins in my legs have gone through the war and they won’t return to their youthful vigor.  Taking stock — my energy level is rising. I don’t need a nap mid morning, sometimes I can make it through the whole afternoon. We won’t discuss how early I’m falling asleep at night though, and of course, by now you know that “my friends” thought better at 4:00 AM.  (Now they aren’t restricted by time.) I still haven’t convinced them that I DO NOT.

I told my doctor that I wasn’t able to meditate during the 21 day challenge with Deepak and Oprah. He replied that I ‘m too stubborn. He only met me in January and he already knows.

And I will use that stubbornness to my advantage. I will continue to exercise, try to eat healthy and continue to try to lose weight.  Maybe, just maybe, my weight will decrease. And I’m confident “my friends” will continue “to Help” when needed.

When I wrote To Pap With Love, and Journey with Me, I had “help from my friends”. Sentences would disappear and other interesting things occurred when what I wrote didn’t measure up. Evidently they didn’t like what I just wrote. Four paragraphs gone! I was detailing the events of the last four days, my younger grandchildren were in town. I “saved” the writing. The save didn’t work so I cancelled it and the whole added paragraphs disappeared.

Much of my life is meant to be private and I guess that includes the last four days. Rather than try to rewrite, I’ll just say that I had enough energy to wander through the Peggy Norbert Nature Museum, the Shedd aquarium and Garfield conservatory. I have a sore foot because I wore new shoes, but I was able to do it. PROGRESS!

THANK YOU LORD!

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