Health Update

A few weeks ago I went to the doctor concerning some private issues.  I had a physical and the doctor wanted me to come back for blood testing.  I went back a week later and they took blood and I got the results yesterday in the mail.  Well, it was all pretty good except my cholesterol.  My cholesterol (as they put it) was "slightly elevated".  Now this didn't sound too bad, but when I told my mom that my cholesterol was 232, I thought she was going to come through the phone.  Now, it's thanks to my mom's family that I have high cholesterol at my age.  I am 24, 5'2" and average about 105 lbs.  For some of you, it may be a surprise that I have this health problem, but if you know me and my eating habits, this should not be much of surprise.  I honestly was not very surprised when I got the results.  I am a fast food and junk food junkie.  I also don't exercise as much as I should.  I keep my weight where it is by genetics (thanks Dad!) and by eating my fast food and junk food in moderation.  I stop when I am full and try not to snack too much.  When I do snack, though, I usually reach for something sweet.  I never usually crave salty stuff, so I usually fill up on Hersey Kisses, cookies, ice cream etc.  Well, after talking to my mom last night, she breaks the awful news that all of those things are not good for my cholesterol.  (That sucks big time!)  I realize that this is a problem and have family members on my mom's side who are carrying around 300+ and 400+ cholesterol levels.  I know that I have to do something now and I can't put it off any longer or else it will turn into something bigger than it already is.  The doctor recommended that I start a diet that is low fat/low cholesterol, exercise 3-5 times weekly, and eat more oat fiber (whatever that is) daily.  I have made the decision that it is time for a life style change in my life.  My days of eating fast food (almost daily) are gone... my days of filling up on sugary substances are gone... my days of being sedentary with Bandit are gone.  I am planning to start a food and exercise journal this weekend and will try to update you guys at least weekly with how things are going.  If I don't update you... I am putting it in your hands...  bug me as much as possible to help keep me accountable.  I have to go back to the doctor in 6 months for a recheck and I am hoping to get my good cholesterol (HDL) higher than it is now-- I think it's at 76, and get my bad cholesterol (LDL) down lower-- I think it's at 147 or so.  (I don't have the numbers with me now, but I will put up my accurate numbers later).

Wish me luck!

Sadness

I am writing this post with tears in my eyes and falling down my cheeks. I talked to my best friend tonight on the phone and found out that his beloved dog, Mary, was hit and killed by a car yesterday. He was chasing after her and trying to get her to come back and she ran into the street. He didn't see it happen, but he heard it. The people never stopped and by the time he got her to the vet, she was gone. Bandit had met Mary before and she was actually one of the few dogs that Bandit accepted right away and didn't growl or bark at. She was the sweetest dog and was not even 2 years old. I know that my best friend gave her a wonderful life, although it was too short. Here is a poem that I found to help us remember that our pet will always be part of our lives:

I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

Author unknown