SHE'S NOT AS DEFORMED AS WE THOUGHT

When we were in Whitehorse I took Naomi to the chiropractor. She is still having headaches every single day and the doctors had not been able to find any cause for them. She was getting pretty discouraged about it. Sometimes her headaches were so bad she just stayed in bed for the day. It was determined they weren't migraines. So, I thought it certainly can't hurt to go to the chiropractor. What I didn't expect was the relatively good news we received. She was able to determine that Naomi's scoliosis is not due to bone deformity, but rather to muscle tension. I guess when she was ready to start puberty, which brings about a huge growth spurt, the muscles on one side of her back were really tight. They stayed tight and as she grew it forced the spine to curve. The chiropractor was encouraged because when Naomi stands up her spine looks straight, it is only when she bends over that it becomes quite noticeable. Anyways, she thinks that with treatment we should be able to change her curvature from 19 degrees to 4 degrees or so. Naomi has to really work on posture and she shouldn't sit for extended periods of time. That is a much better option than a back brace. Hope it works. As for her headaches, apparently her upper spine between her shoulders and her neck is all tightened up. She thinks this would definitely cause the headaches. We are not sure what set it off. It was something in the summer - I am thinking the trampoline was the evil culprit. So, that is the news on my "not-so-deformed" daughter.
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LEARNING AS I GO

Lately we have come across a problem with our kids. Naomi seems to be exempt from this dilemma. However, the other 2 are usually in a huge hurry when it comes to writing tests. Especially math! So, Brian and I came up with a great plan. We figure that if they are fully prepared for a test they should earn a minimum of 80%. The plan was that if they came home with less than that they would be spending some quality with us every evening - to the tune of 1 hour studying the offending subject. We also thought it would be enough motivation to get them to slow down and reread their tests. Well, guess what? We have been spending quality time with Hannah. But the best news of all is that I was actually able to help her today. She is working on polynomials. At first glance I was just going to pass it off to Brian, but upon closer inspection I realized that it was something I could do. I guess I know more than I thought.So, now the girls and I are off to Whitehorse. Hannah is going to the orthodontist and Naomi is going to see the chiropractor. Plus, we must shop - our shelves and freezers are just about empty. So, I will be out of commission for a couple days. Have a great weekend.
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IT'S COMING OFF!!!

After many, many years of trying maybe this is it. At the beginning of January I started a new fitness and healthy eating regime. I have set a very realistic goal of 2 years to meet my target weight and measurements. Brian and I have talked about it extensively, and I want to make sure that I lose weight while staying healthy. Today I woke up and decided to take my weight and measurements even though it is a week earlier than I had planned. I was ecstatic when I found that I have lost 8 pounds! I also lost 5 3/4" off my measurements. Let me just say that it has been a hard fought battle, but these results definitely give me motivation to keep going. I also watch "X-weighted" when I need a boost of motivation. Another goal I had was to be jogging 2 miles by the end of the month. Last Saturday I achieved this goal - almost 2 weeks early. I will keep on with this and work at increasing my speed and distance. I am battling knee problems too, so things are never as easy as one might expect. I guess when you look at it realistically, I didn't put the weight on overnight, I can't expect to lose it overnight either. (Although that would be great.) Here's to looking fantastic!
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BLOOD TESTS AND MORE

Well, I got the results of my blood tests back. I was elated because my blood sugar levels are great! However, I was not so elated that my cholesterol levels are elevated. The nurse, Lynn, was great. She did a complete diabetes work-up on me. There are about 8-10 risk factors - of which I have about half. These include immediate family members with diabetes, being overweight, having gestational diabetes and slow healing of sores on hands and feet. If that isn't enough motivation to lose weight and remain active, nothing is. She was very happy because I am doing everything I should be to manage my health. Now for the weight loss regimen to finally kick in and start working!
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LOWERING MY CHOLESTEROL

On my last blog entry Sonya asked what I need to do to lower my cholesterol. This question led me to do some much needed research. After a very quick look here is what I have discovered:- I have to be careful which foods I eat because I don't want to lower my good cholesterol. - Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice. (At least I already have that one under control)- Lots of garlic is also great.- A tablespoon of organic flax seed oil every day provides Omega 3 fatty acids.- Reduce intake of refined and processed foods (Yay! Another one that shouldn't be too much of a change for me.)- These tidbits of food advice should also help:
Soluable fiber which is in oatmeal and other whole grain type cereals is good.Don’t get too fancy, just eat right: grains, vegs, fruits, etc.
Avoid cheese, fatty meats, dairy high in fat, etc.Also, niacin (non-flush), cinnamon, red wine/concord grape juice and olive oil are believed to help.
(http://www.43things.com/entries/view/496859)
Here is my question - can the cinnamon be that found in things like french toast??? LOL! Just joking - I cut those things out of my diet a while back. Seriously I have a lot more to learn about cholesterol reduction. I guess it will all come in time. I will be speaking to the nurse again on Monday and hopefully learn more.
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