I don't know about you, but I feel like I am always seeking something. I'm never quite sure what that "something" is though, which can be frustrating, because if I don't know what it is, how do I know when I have found it?
If you glance over this blog, which I have come and gone from many times over the past several years, you might think that I am all over the place. But if you look closer you can see a common theme of health, wellness and human behavior. More interestingly though there is a clear progression of sorts, a journey that doesn't seem to have a road map or an end.
Up until recently I was really bothered by this. Why am I never satisfied? Why can't I stick with any one thing? But through my recent meditation practice and willingness to open myself to whatever the Universe has planned for me I had an awakening of sorts, and thus have chosen to "notice" this frustration without judgement and without trying to change it. Rather I find myself looking into it a bit deeper, and perhaps reframing my basic belief around having to be "done".
If I was truly satisfied, what would be the fun in living? If I stuck with just one thing, how would I continue to learn? While noticing my frustration, and looking at what I am actually really frustrated with, I found that it was perhaps my uneasiness with not being able to label who I am and thus realize my life's purpose. And then it became clear, I know exactly who I am...it was there all along.
I am a Seeker. I chose to follow this journey so that I can continue to learn and grow. I am also a Teacher, while in my quest to learn and grow I get pleasure out of sharing my experiences and knowledge with others. Last but not least, I am a Healer. My path my be long and winding but the stops along the way are always the same. To help people to grow, to change, and to heal.
Of course I am not "done", because if I was I would no longer be here. Now I know, that I still have lots to do and the ability to identify who I truly am will allow me to stay the course. So instead of spending my days feeling unsatisfied and frustrated, I look forward to the opportunities that are laid out in front of me that will further the journey and my life's purpose.
My message to others in all of this, is that if you find yourself constantly feeling unsatisfied, stuck or frustrated take the time to sit with the feeling and observe it with a "beginner's mind". Examine it as if you have never seen it before, with curiosity and without judgment. Open your mind to the idea that the answers you seek are already right in front of you and all you need is a bit of reframing to see them.
A blog about a working mom staying healthy, balanced and motivated in the wake of life's trials and tribulations.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Travel, Exercise, and Staying Healthy - Guest Blogger
The following blog was written by a fellow fitness and healthy living enthusiast, Mike Manning. Visit mikemanningmusings.blogspot.
In the meantime, I love his ideas on how to continue a fitness regime while traveling...something that tends to be difficult, especially if you have kids! The in-room yoga is a fabulous perk, and exercise bands are easy to pack!
Enjoy!
Many aspects of travel can take a toll on your health. The crazy schedules and unfamiliar surroundings can make it difficult to stick to healthy routines you have established at home. Sadly, many frequent travelers experience serious health concerns, including obesity, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you take the time to plan and also maintain your self-awareness, you can perform your exercise and maintain your personal health no matter how much you travel.
Before you leave, learn about your destination. Find out what fitness amenities your hotel offers. If you can book your own accommodations, try to find a place to stay where you will have access to a well-equipped fitness center and other amenities that will encourage you to get some exercise during your visit. Some hotels have in-room yoga or fitness videos for guests. Others offer fitness sessions in the hotel gym or running trails on the premises. On a trip to Maui I was able to book a hotel with a phenomenal 24-hour gym, which allowed me to keep up my early morning workouts. I did this by scrolling through all of the Maui hotels on a travel site where I could see reviews and amenities offered.
When packing, remember everything you will need to get a good workout during your trip. Pack comfortable clothes and shoes for working out, and never leave home without a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated. Also, bring along portable workout equipment such as a simple workout band.
When flying, pay attention to exercise opportunities that present themselves. Walk around the airport terminals, or get some exercise in the Zen room, if your airport provides one. On the plane, be sure to stretch and do some in-flight exercises every hour or so. This will help alleviate common travel complaints such as cramping, stiffness and swelling.
Throughout your travels, remember to keep a realistic view of your personal fitness. You probably won’t be able to execute your usual exercise routine each day, but you will have time to get some exercise. In the morning, you may be able to get up early and go for a run or do some in-room yoga. If you have some time to relax by the pool in the evening, take the opportunity to get some exercise by hopping in and splashing around. If your schedule is particularly busy, get a little exercise during short breaks between or during meetings. You can get a great power workout in about 10 minutes using a chair and your exercise band.
Taking small steps toward fitness during your travels will help you make great strides in your overall health. When you pay attention and take advantage of fitness opportunities, you will find yourself more energized. Travel will be less stressful for you, and you will be better able to return to healthy routines when you arrive back home.
In the meantime, I love his ideas on how to continue a fitness regime while traveling...something that tends to be difficult, especially if you have kids! The in-room yoga is a fabulous perk, and exercise bands are easy to pack!
Enjoy!
Travel, Exercise, and Staying Healthy
Many aspects of travel can take a toll on your health. The crazy schedules and unfamiliar surroundings can make it difficult to stick to healthy routines you have established at home. Sadly, many frequent travelers experience serious health concerns, including obesity, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you take the time to plan and also maintain your self-awareness, you can perform your exercise and maintain your personal health no matter how much you travel.
Before you leave, learn about your destination. Find out what fitness amenities your hotel offers. If you can book your own accommodations, try to find a place to stay where you will have access to a well-equipped fitness center and other amenities that will encourage you to get some exercise during your visit. Some hotels have in-room yoga or fitness videos for guests. Others offer fitness sessions in the hotel gym or running trails on the premises. On a trip to Maui I was able to book a hotel with a phenomenal 24-hour gym, which allowed me to keep up my early morning workouts. I did this by scrolling through all of the Maui hotels on a travel site where I could see reviews and amenities offered.
When packing, remember everything you will need to get a good workout during your trip. Pack comfortable clothes and shoes for working out, and never leave home without a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated. Also, bring along portable workout equipment such as a simple workout band.
When flying, pay attention to exercise opportunities that present themselves. Walk around the airport terminals, or get some exercise in the Zen room, if your airport provides one. On the plane, be sure to stretch and do some in-flight exercises every hour or so. This will help alleviate common travel complaints such as cramping, stiffness and swelling.
Throughout your travels, remember to keep a realistic view of your personal fitness. You probably won’t be able to execute your usual exercise routine each day, but you will have time to get some exercise. In the morning, you may be able to get up early and go for a run or do some in-room yoga. If you have some time to relax by the pool in the evening, take the opportunity to get some exercise by hopping in and splashing around. If your schedule is particularly busy, get a little exercise during short breaks between or during meetings. You can get a great power workout in about 10 minutes using a chair and your exercise band.
Taking small steps toward fitness during your travels will help you make great strides in your overall health. When you pay attention and take advantage of fitness opportunities, you will find yourself more energized. Travel will be less stressful for you, and you will be better able to return to healthy routines when you arrive back home.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Meditating with a Carpenter Bee
This past Saturday, as I made my way to the shed with the intention of fishing through some old boxes, I found myself pausing to admire the beauty of our backyard. Although our yard is not much to look at (other than the well cared for grass that my husband tends to each year), I could feel the warmth in the air and the rays of the sun as they kissed the earth. The smell of fresh cut grass was pleasantly overwhelming and for some reason always takes me back to 8th grade typing class with Mr. Klick in the late afternoons of a May school day. The sound of the birds and lawn mowers in the distance grazed my ears and a smile played across my lips as I embraced the moment.
Halfway to my destination I realized that I had stopped, although not sure as to why, I turned around and made my way to the play structure that took up a large bit of landscape in the yard. I climbed to the platform and sat cross legged with the sun beating down on my back. I closed my eyes, somewhat aware that neighbors could probably see me over the fence, and settled somewhat hesitantly into my breath. Grateful for a moment of silence and the opportunity to be still in the midst of a busy day I slowly released my anxiety and turned my attention inward.
As I began to drop in, I became acutely aware of a large carpenter bee buzzing nearby. Anyone who has a wooden play structure knows what I mean. Come early spring, just when the children actually want to use the swings again, the carpenter bees swarm the structure, dancing around the slide and the monkey bars with their loud buzzing and impressive size. They often scare us off, forcing us to vacate that area of the yard until the summer heat settles in and the bees find a new home.
I decided however, in this moment, not to react. Rather, I found myself noticing. With my eyes closed I could only hear the bee as it whirled around me, coming in and out of my awareness as it made it's presence known and then flew off again. Once I muscled past the urge to open my eyes and/or move away, I was amazed at how easily I was able to observe my body's response to what I perceived to be the bee's antagonistic behavior. As the buzzing grew louder, I knew the bee was closer and acutely felt my body tense and my heart quickly accelerate as if in unison with the growing intensity of the bee's buzz. Then, as the bee flew away, I was simply left with the sound of my heart beat vibrating through my body and hastening my breath. Noticing, just noticing. Tuning in again, to my breath I purposely inhaled just a bit deeper and exhaled just a bit longer, effectively slowing my heart rate and coming back to calm.... no sooner would I drop in and the bee would be back.
As if it was actively engaging in this game with me, the bee would approach and retreat, sometimes staying longer, other times a quick buzz and it was gone. This dance went on for quite a while, and after a time I realized that the bee was not antagonizing me anymore, although it's behavior had not changed. In fact I welcomed it's approach, and felt pride in how it's presence pushed me beyond my normal limits. Rather than reacting, I noticed, I observed and I controlled what I could. I wish I could say that eventually I could sit with the bee without bodily response, perhaps if I had lasted another hour or two it might have happened. What did happen though, is that with each pass the bee made I was able to come back to center quicker and easier.
And this is where the story begins, because in real life bees happen all the time. How often do we find ourselves reacting to events, people, stress or trauma without noticing and observing? Our lizard brain response takes over and we fight, flee or freeze, reacting from a place of fear because that is what our body is telling us to do. Although useful when in serious danger, more often than not there is space to come back to center, if only we were able to stop and just notice. And maybe, just maybe we would realize that sometimes the bees are not really antagonizing, they are just simply being. We could then respond, or not, from a place of calm and love instead of fear.
I will try to remember this experience the next time my kids are fighting, or someone cuts me off in traffic or someone's anger is coming toward me. I now know that I have complete control over how I feel and I am able to choose how I will react to the bees in my world. Hopefully with practice I will reach a place where I stay close to my center and respond from the place I found on top of the play set while meditating with a carpenter bee!
Halfway to my destination I realized that I had stopped, although not sure as to why, I turned around and made my way to the play structure that took up a large bit of landscape in the yard. I climbed to the platform and sat cross legged with the sun beating down on my back. I closed my eyes, somewhat aware that neighbors could probably see me over the fence, and settled somewhat hesitantly into my breath. Grateful for a moment of silence and the opportunity to be still in the midst of a busy day I slowly released my anxiety and turned my attention inward.
As I began to drop in, I became acutely aware of a large carpenter bee buzzing nearby. Anyone who has a wooden play structure knows what I mean. Come early spring, just when the children actually want to use the swings again, the carpenter bees swarm the structure, dancing around the slide and the monkey bars with their loud buzzing and impressive size. They often scare us off, forcing us to vacate that area of the yard until the summer heat settles in and the bees find a new home.
I decided however, in this moment, not to react. Rather, I found myself noticing. With my eyes closed I could only hear the bee as it whirled around me, coming in and out of my awareness as it made it's presence known and then flew off again. Once I muscled past the urge to open my eyes and/or move away, I was amazed at how easily I was able to observe my body's response to what I perceived to be the bee's antagonistic behavior. As the buzzing grew louder, I knew the bee was closer and acutely felt my body tense and my heart quickly accelerate as if in unison with the growing intensity of the bee's buzz. Then, as the bee flew away, I was simply left with the sound of my heart beat vibrating through my body and hastening my breath. Noticing, just noticing. Tuning in again, to my breath I purposely inhaled just a bit deeper and exhaled just a bit longer, effectively slowing my heart rate and coming back to calm.... no sooner would I drop in and the bee would be back.
As if it was actively engaging in this game with me, the bee would approach and retreat, sometimes staying longer, other times a quick buzz and it was gone. This dance went on for quite a while, and after a time I realized that the bee was not antagonizing me anymore, although it's behavior had not changed. In fact I welcomed it's approach, and felt pride in how it's presence pushed me beyond my normal limits. Rather than reacting, I noticed, I observed and I controlled what I could. I wish I could say that eventually I could sit with the bee without bodily response, perhaps if I had lasted another hour or two it might have happened. What did happen though, is that with each pass the bee made I was able to come back to center quicker and easier.
And this is where the story begins, because in real life bees happen all the time. How often do we find ourselves reacting to events, people, stress or trauma without noticing and observing? Our lizard brain response takes over and we fight, flee or freeze, reacting from a place of fear because that is what our body is telling us to do. Although useful when in serious danger, more often than not there is space to come back to center, if only we were able to stop and just notice. And maybe, just maybe we would realize that sometimes the bees are not really antagonizing, they are just simply being. We could then respond, or not, from a place of calm and love instead of fear.
I will try to remember this experience the next time my kids are fighting, or someone cuts me off in traffic or someone's anger is coming toward me. I now know that I have complete control over how I feel and I am able to choose how I will react to the bees in my world. Hopefully with practice I will reach a place where I stay close to my center and respond from the place I found on top of the play set while meditating with a carpenter bee!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Trauma is, as Trauma does. My birth story after 9 years.
Timing is such a funny thing. Last week a friend sent me this article on PTSD related to traumatic birth experiences. I either hadn't noticed it, or didn't read it right away for some other reason. It wasn't until after I went to a doctors appointment at the hospital where my first son was born (which I have done twice a year for the last nine years) and I was telling this same friend that I still experience mild PTSD symptoms as I approach the building that he asked me if I had read the article.
I think I got to the second paragraph before I broke down in tears, having to take multiple breaks to get through the rest of it. My symptoms were not nearly as severe as what the woman in the article describes, but my experience was traumatizing....after all, I am reminded....I almost died. Maybe it was because I didn't know it at the time, or because I was so sick for the first 3 months of my son's life, or there was so much hub-bub around "my condition" that I didn't even notice....trauma runs deep.
My story is long and complicated so I will try to keep it brief. It starts right after my son was born. My pregnancy itself was uneventful, and the delivery went fairly smooth. In fact, I pushed for less than 15 minutes and my son was born healthy and strong. I was so busy looking at him, that I didn't notice the fear in my doctor's face and didn't think to question why all of a sudden there were 10 people in the delivery room standing around me, thrusting their hands inside me andasking demanding that I push. All I wanted was my baby, but they wouldn't let me have him. Insisting my son was okay...fear turning to terror as people bustled around whispering to each other and pounding on my belly.
Turns out, my placenta wasn't budging. For those who aren't in the know..once you deliver a baby, the placenta typically follows. If it doesn't, your uterus does not contract and you hemorrhage. In the rare situation in which this occurs (1 in 2500), a hysterectomy is the recommended course of treatment, the alternative is usually death. My doctor refused. I had a full placenta accreta (I called it placenta "creature") which is a condition in which the placenta abnormally implants into the uterine wall and does not release upon birth.
My doctor said, "This is your first baby and you are to young. If you were my sister I would treat you the same." So the cord was cut and stuck back in. I won't go into detail about what followed, let's just say it involved a lot of blood....everywhere....and a lot of, "What do you mean you're placenta is still inside you?" I went home with a hemoglobin level of 6 (normal is 12) and high risk for hemorrhaging. Needless to say, I was back within 24 hours for a blood transfusion. In the months that followed I was in severe pain and suffered from high fevers. All the while waiting. Waiting to bleed out. Waiting for the placenta to detach. Waiting to be normal again. Eventually the fevers subsided and the pain dissipated. The placenta was slowly absorbed by my body and life resumed some level of normalcy...as much as it can with a colicky infant.
Over the next 3 years I used whatever energy I had around my experience and funneled it, some would say compulsively, toward helping others (no big surprise there). I started a message board for Placenta Accreta, I built a website and posted my story, I fielded emails from multiple women who were experiencing the same issue. I started a life coaching business for expecting and new moms. All of which I eventually let slide away. I would check the message board every once in a while and there would be posts about how it wasn't well maintained. I gave up on the coaching and quietly stopped attending mom focused groups and meetings. At the time I chalked it up to not having the time or the energy, but the truth is...it became to painful. I realize now, that in my quest to "help others" in order to heal, I just kept re-traumatizing myself.
I'm not sure why I am coming to this realization now, although the article mentioned above certainly helped. I feel anger, I feel cheated, I feel sad, yet I know I am blessed to have a healthy, smart, incredible son who truly touches my soul. I also know from the work that I do, that everyone is in recovery from something and recovery is a very personal life long journey. I am in recovery from a traumatic birth experience.
One thing Icannot will not yet say is that I wouldn't change a thing. All things being equal, I would rewrite the script for that day in a heartbeat. But life doesn't work that way, and so we persevere, we integrate our experiences, and every once in a while something reminds us that we touched life's limits and managed to find our way back.
Written by me for my Boy on his 8th birthday
I think I got to the second paragraph before I broke down in tears, having to take multiple breaks to get through the rest of it. My symptoms were not nearly as severe as what the woman in the article describes, but my experience was traumatizing....after all, I am reminded....I almost died. Maybe it was because I didn't know it at the time, or because I was so sick for the first 3 months of my son's life, or there was so much hub-bub around "my condition" that I didn't even notice....trauma runs deep.
My story is long and complicated so I will try to keep it brief. It starts right after my son was born. My pregnancy itself was uneventful, and the delivery went fairly smooth. In fact, I pushed for less than 15 minutes and my son was born healthy and strong. I was so busy looking at him, that I didn't notice the fear in my doctor's face and didn't think to question why all of a sudden there were 10 people in the delivery room standing around me, thrusting their hands inside me and
Turns out, my placenta wasn't budging. For those who aren't in the know..once you deliver a baby, the placenta typically follows. If it doesn't, your uterus does not contract and you hemorrhage. In the rare situation in which this occurs (1 in 2500), a hysterectomy is the recommended course of treatment, the alternative is usually death. My doctor refused. I had a full placenta accreta (I called it placenta "creature") which is a condition in which the placenta abnormally implants into the uterine wall and does not release upon birth.
My doctor said, "This is your first baby and you are to young. If you were my sister I would treat you the same." So the cord was cut and stuck back in. I won't go into detail about what followed, let's just say it involved a lot of blood....everywhere....and a lot of, "What do you mean you're placenta is still inside you?" I went home with a hemoglobin level of 6 (normal is 12) and high risk for hemorrhaging. Needless to say, I was back within 24 hours for a blood transfusion. In the months that followed I was in severe pain and suffered from high fevers. All the while waiting. Waiting to bleed out. Waiting for the placenta to detach. Waiting to be normal again. Eventually the fevers subsided and the pain dissipated. The placenta was slowly absorbed by my body and life resumed some level of normalcy...as much as it can with a colicky infant.
Over the next 3 years I used whatever energy I had around my experience and funneled it, some would say compulsively, toward helping others (no big surprise there). I started a message board for Placenta Accreta, I built a website and posted my story, I fielded emails from multiple women who were experiencing the same issue. I started a life coaching business for expecting and new moms. All of which I eventually let slide away. I would check the message board every once in a while and there would be posts about how it wasn't well maintained. I gave up on the coaching and quietly stopped attending mom focused groups and meetings. At the time I chalked it up to not having the time or the energy, but the truth is...it became to painful. I realize now, that in my quest to "help others" in order to heal, I just kept re-traumatizing myself.
I'm not sure why I am coming to this realization now, although the article mentioned above certainly helped. I feel anger, I feel cheated, I feel sad, yet I know I am blessed to have a healthy, smart, incredible son who truly touches my soul. I also know from the work that I do, that everyone is in recovery from something and recovery is a very personal life long journey. I am in recovery from a traumatic birth experience.
One thing I
Eight years seems like a lifetime ago,
The line between life and death thinner than I know.
New breath is taken, innocence lost,
Fear on stranger's faces embossed.
Karma from lifetimes past,
Shadows from angels unknown are cast.
Eyes alert and gaze intense,
His imprint on this world to be immense.
He is my soul outside of me,
Happy 8th birthday Caby Baby!!
The line between life and death thinner than I know.
New breath is taken, innocence lost,
Fear on stranger's faces embossed.
Karma from lifetimes past,
Shadows from angels unknown are cast.
Eyes alert and gaze intense,
His imprint on this world to be immense.
He is my soul outside of me,
Happy 8th birthday Caby Baby!!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Benefits of Physical Activity - Guest Blogger
Hey All! The following is a guest post written by David Haas. David Haas is a cancer support group and awareness program advocate at
the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In addition to researching many
valuable programs, David often blogs
about programs and campaigns underway at the Mesothelioma Cancer
Alliance, as well as creative fitness ideas for those dealing with
cancer, while creating relationships with similar organizations.
Tremendous
Benefits from Physical Activity – During and After Cancer Treatment
Regardless of whether you have completed treatment for cancer and are in remission, or are in the midst of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, you can benefit from physical activity. Repeated studies have shown that exercise provides both emotional and physical benefits over the long term for people with cancer.
Physical Benefits
It has been known for a long time that almost anyone benefits from exercise and physical activity, no matter what their health status. According to WebMD, people with cancer can especially benefit from integrating exercise into their health routine. Not only does exercise help boost energy levels and stamina, but it also can contribute to long-term survival and overall health improvement.
Repeated studies have shown that even after finishing cancer treatment, individuals who continue exercising have lower rates of recurrence and improved heart and lung function. In one study of patients with breast cancer, it was found that women who exercised just moderately on a regular basis had longer survival rates and better health outcomes than women who were sedentary and did not exercise.
Additional health benefits of exercising include weight loss and improved weight control, reduced fatigue and lower risk for cardiovascular problems and diabetes.
Emotional Benefits
The benefits from physical activity are not limited to the physical. Most patients who begin to exercise report that they begin to feel better overall. Depression and anxiety are very common experiences for cancer patients. However, regular moderate exercise can result in improved mood and relief from depression and anxiety.
Another benefit from exercise is that many people experience a boost in their self-confidence. As your body begins to get stronger, you feel more positive about the future. You may find yourself celebrating major milestones as your body gets stronger and you are able to do more.
Talking to Your Doctor
When you sit down and talk to your mesothelioma doctor or oncologist, ask for recommendations about what types of exercise are most appropriate for starting a new exercise routine. Depending on your stamina and strength, recommendations may range from simple stretching exercises to walking or swimming. As your health improves, you may find that you want to add activities or change what you are doing.
Your doctor may also recommend that you work with an occupational or physical therapist initially. They can help you develop a physical fitness routine of exercise that is not too strenuous and teach you how to exercise correctly. You may also benefit from talking to a nutritionist to get recommendations about healthy foods you can eat to improve your stamina and overall health.
When you are fighting cancer, use every tool you can find to build your body into a fighting machine. Even after you conquer the illness, continue the good health habits you develop to keep your body in fighting condition. In the long run, you will benefit and feel better and happier.
Regardless of whether you have completed treatment for cancer and are in remission, or are in the midst of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, you can benefit from physical activity. Repeated studies have shown that exercise provides both emotional and physical benefits over the long term for people with cancer.
Physical Benefits
It has been known for a long time that almost anyone benefits from exercise and physical activity, no matter what their health status. According to WebMD, people with cancer can especially benefit from integrating exercise into their health routine. Not only does exercise help boost energy levels and stamina, but it also can contribute to long-term survival and overall health improvement.
Repeated studies have shown that even after finishing cancer treatment, individuals who continue exercising have lower rates of recurrence and improved heart and lung function. In one study of patients with breast cancer, it was found that women who exercised just moderately on a regular basis had longer survival rates and better health outcomes than women who were sedentary and did not exercise.
Additional health benefits of exercising include weight loss and improved weight control, reduced fatigue and lower risk for cardiovascular problems and diabetes.
Emotional Benefits
The benefits from physical activity are not limited to the physical. Most patients who begin to exercise report that they begin to feel better overall. Depression and anxiety are very common experiences for cancer patients. However, regular moderate exercise can result in improved mood and relief from depression and anxiety.
Another benefit from exercise is that many people experience a boost in their self-confidence. As your body begins to get stronger, you feel more positive about the future. You may find yourself celebrating major milestones as your body gets stronger and you are able to do more.
Talking to Your Doctor
When you sit down and talk to your mesothelioma doctor or oncologist, ask for recommendations about what types of exercise are most appropriate for starting a new exercise routine. Depending on your stamina and strength, recommendations may range from simple stretching exercises to walking or swimming. As your health improves, you may find that you want to add activities or change what you are doing.
Your doctor may also recommend that you work with an occupational or physical therapist initially. They can help you develop a physical fitness routine of exercise that is not too strenuous and teach you how to exercise correctly. You may also benefit from talking to a nutritionist to get recommendations about healthy foods you can eat to improve your stamina and overall health.
When you are fighting cancer, use every tool you can find to build your body into a fighting machine. Even after you conquer the illness, continue the good health habits you develop to keep your body in fighting condition. In the long run, you will benefit and feel better and happier.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
My New Fitness Fun...finding your flow.
At the age of 40, I stepped outside of my fitness comfort zone and took a gymnastics class for the first time in at least 25 years. As I have mentioned previously, I was never one for team sports as a kid. Gymnastics was the only sport I really stuck with and enjoyed...until I dislocated my elbow for the second time when I was 11 years old while jumping over a pummel horse on the way to the water fountain. Doh!
I have thought about revisiting this sport as an adult, but never saw any classes being offered anywhere....until I signed my son up for a class this fall. There it was....adult gymnastics.....offered the same time as my son's class. Could it get any more convenient? Why wouldn't I do it?!
Well, I will tell you why....fear. Have you flipped into a foam pit lately? Or done straddle jumps and back handsprings on a tramp? When was the last time you kicked up into a handstand? Does the thought of it make your belly do flip flops? It did for me. No way can I get out there and do these things after so many years.
So week after week, I brought my coffee and my iPad and I sat.
I watched other big people tumble on the floor, flip down the tumble track and do hip circles on the bar. I always loved doing gymnastics and longed to be out there...but I thought I was to old, to rusty. The last time I did a forward roll I was dizzy for hours!
And then something happened.
Someone died.
What does that have to do with anything? Well, it has to do with everything....because life is short, and opportunities WILL pass you by.
If you allow fear to rule you, you will never progress. Because change means risk and risk means flip flops in your belly.
The morning after I went to the funeral I showed up to gymnastics with my son as usual, prepared to sit, drink my coffee and read the new Steve Jobs book on my iPad (which, having now finished the book, is ironic in and of itself). Then I overheard a woman talking about taking the adult class. I heard her say, "I've never taken gymnastics before." and I thought to myself..."if she is willing to give it a try...why wouldn't I?"
I did a quick check and realized that I had sweats on and an elastic around my wrist. $20.00 cash and I was IN. I refused to let myself over think it...in fact I blocked it all together and just moved forward.....and all of a sudden there I was....doing straddle jumps and back handsprings on the tramp...tumbling across the floor and doing hip circles on the bar.
I came home that afternoon and told my older son and husband what I had done. "I took a gymnastics class!". I exclaimed. My son looked at my husband and said, "I've never seen Mom so happy about something!"
And that was all I needed to hear.
My tummy still does flip flops on the Friday night before class leading all the way up until I get out there...but I refuse to over think it...and I keep moving forward...and by the end of every class I am totally in my flow.
You can check me out here.
I have thought about revisiting this sport as an adult, but never saw any classes being offered anywhere....until I signed my son up for a class this fall. There it was....adult gymnastics.....offered the same time as my son's class. Could it get any more convenient? Why wouldn't I do it?!
 |
| Looks like fun doesn't it?? |
Well, I will tell you why....fear. Have you flipped into a foam pit lately? Or done straddle jumps and back handsprings on a tramp? When was the last time you kicked up into a handstand? Does the thought of it make your belly do flip flops? It did for me. No way can I get out there and do these things after so many years.
So week after week, I brought my coffee and my iPad and I sat.
I watched other big people tumble on the floor, flip down the tumble track and do hip circles on the bar. I always loved doing gymnastics and longed to be out there...but I thought I was to old, to rusty. The last time I did a forward roll I was dizzy for hours!
And then something happened.
Someone died.
What does that have to do with anything? Well, it has to do with everything....because life is short, and opportunities WILL pass you by.
If you allow fear to rule you, you will never progress. Because change means risk and risk means flip flops in your belly.
The morning after I went to the funeral I showed up to gymnastics with my son as usual, prepared to sit, drink my coffee and read the new Steve Jobs book on my iPad (which, having now finished the book, is ironic in and of itself). Then I overheard a woman talking about taking the adult class. I heard her say, "I've never taken gymnastics before." and I thought to myself..."if she is willing to give it a try...why wouldn't I?"
I did a quick check and realized that I had sweats on and an elastic around my wrist. $20.00 cash and I was IN. I refused to let myself over think it...in fact I blocked it all together and just moved forward.....and all of a sudden there I was....doing straddle jumps and back handsprings on the tramp...tumbling across the floor and doing hip circles on the bar.
I came home that afternoon and told my older son and husband what I had done. "I took a gymnastics class!". I exclaimed. My son looked at my husband and said, "I've never seen Mom so happy about something!"
And that was all I needed to hear.
My tummy still does flip flops on the Friday night before class leading all the way up until I get out there...but I refuse to over think it...and I keep moving forward...and by the end of every class I am totally in my flow.
You can check me out here.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Paleo out of curiosity. Gluten free out of necessity.
Funny how things happen sometimes. You see a video, read a post or hear a conversation and something about it catches your interest. You might think it is coincidence, but more often than not, if you really really think about it, you would realize that it's not. It resonates with you for a reason, even if you are not completely aware of it at the time.
A few months ago a friend of a friend overheard me talking about the book Sex at Dawn.
He stated that he was interested in the book and went on to explain how he had started this new way of eating called Paleo. Hmmmm..being somewhat interested in diets and the way we choose to eat I was intrigued....especially in how it related to Sex at Dawn. He went on the explain that basically the Paleo Diet is one in which you only eat what our paleolithic ancestors did. This means no processed food, no dairy, no legumes and no grains. You can eat meat, fruit, vegetables and nuts. But not peanuts because they aren't really nuts, they are actually legumes...who knew? The theory behind this diet being that we are not biologically meant to eat the way we do.
Shortly thereafter, another friend was praising the Paleo Diet, saying she has never felt better now that she has cut all the engineered stuff out of her diet. My interest was peaked again so I started to research this Paleo Diet. And..whoaa..turns out there is a whole Paleo lifestyle which includes an exercise "cult" called Cross Fit. So this is pretty cool now....a back to the basics diet paired with a fitness regime that...you guessed it....focuses on moves from back in the day (the paleolithic day I'm talking about). Squats, rings, rope climbing, pushing, pulling....all bundled into a WOD (Workout of the Day) that is posted on the website. Wait...this is just to perfect!! Check out this funny video about it... really.
So I figured...let me try this diet out for a few days....and maybe I will even try to do some WODs. I think I lasted two weeks trying to eat like our ancestors....and I did not give up my yogurt and I ate a handful of pretzels every night...and wine...I definitely did not give up the wine. This is called the 80/20 rule. Yes it is a real rule...honest it is...which says you can follow the diet 80% of the time and still say you are "Paleo". The WODs on the other hand....well I didn't even try, because let's be honest...they're kind of scary.
Not for nothing though.....I probably lost a few pounds due to cutting out a lot of carbs during that time but I really didn't feel any better....I actually felt pretty drained and ucky. I guess I just need my carbs and grains.
Fast forward a couple of weeks....I get a call from my son's doctor. We had taken him to CHOP for short stature...he is but a weeee little boy....with a very big presence...but that is another post all together.
Turns out he has Celiac Disease. For those who aren't in the know, Celiac is an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys the villi in the small intestine in order to protect itself from gluten which is perceived to be a foreign substance. With little to no villi, the small intestines are unable to absorb the nutrients we need to survive. Why does this happen? Well....maybe because for some of us...our bodies just haven't evolved enough to handle engineered food.
Although the main symptom of Celiac Disease was once thought to be gastrointestinal, they now know that is shows up in all forms, one of which is short stature. Hopefully within a few months the one who is little will be a bit bigger....maybe I will finally be able to pass on his 2T clothes to his 2 year old cousin who is probably taller than he is.
Treatment? Easy...remove gluten from the diet. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye which means no bread, no pasta, no cake, no cookies...well you get the picture....no bagels. Luckily going gluten free seems to be a trend these days, and the options are endless. This does make things easier for the little guy and for us. But it does take some foresight and planning...no more quick drive thrus or stopping at random pizza places for a pie on the way home. Not that we did either of those things often...but not having it as an option anymore kind of stinks.
Thankfully my little guy has a lot of HEART. He didn't even blink when I informed him, on the way to Trader Joe's to buy up all of their gluten free food, that he would have to change the way he eats. As a matter of fact, he told everyone in the store that he can only eat gluten free food now. That was three weeks ago and he is still a trooper, even when all of the other kids are making their own pizza at Pizzaria Uno and when I told him he couldn't play with the raw dough. "Okay Mommy" he says..."because it isn't gluten free?"
The only thing he is asked of me throughout this whole thing is that I go gluten free with him.
A few months ago a friend of a friend overheard me talking about the book Sex at Dawn.
 |
| Hi. You may think I am a nut...but I'm not! |
Shortly thereafter, another friend was praising the Paleo Diet, saying she has never felt better now that she has cut all the engineered stuff out of her diet. My interest was peaked again so I started to research this Paleo Diet. And..whoaa..turns out there is a whole Paleo lifestyle which includes an exercise "cult" called Cross Fit. So this is pretty cool now....a back to the basics diet paired with a fitness regime that...you guessed it....focuses on moves from back in the day (the paleolithic day I'm talking about). Squats, rings, rope climbing, pushing, pulling....all bundled into a WOD (Workout of the Day) that is posted on the website. Wait...this is just to perfect!! Check out this funny video about it... really.
Not for nothing though.....I probably lost a few pounds due to cutting out a lot of carbs during that time but I really didn't feel any better....I actually felt pretty drained and ucky. I guess I just need my carbs and grains.
 |
| Yummmm....bagels!! |
Turns out he has Celiac Disease. For those who aren't in the know, Celiac is an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys the villi in the small intestine in order to protect itself from gluten which is perceived to be a foreign substance. With little to no villi, the small intestines are unable to absorb the nutrients we need to survive. Why does this happen? Well....maybe because for some of us...our bodies just haven't evolved enough to handle engineered food.
Although the main symptom of Celiac Disease was once thought to be gastrointestinal, they now know that is shows up in all forms, one of which is short stature. Hopefully within a few months the one who is little will be a bit bigger....maybe I will finally be able to pass on his 2T clothes to his 2 year old cousin who is probably taller than he is.
Treatment? Easy...remove gluten from the diet. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye which means no bread, no pasta, no cake, no cookies...well you get the picture....no bagels. Luckily going gluten free seems to be a trend these days, and the options are endless. This does make things easier for the little guy and for us. But it does take some foresight and planning...no more quick drive thrus or stopping at random pizza places for a pie on the way home. Not that we did either of those things often...but not having it as an option anymore kind of stinks.
The only thing he is asked of me throughout this whole thing is that I go gluten free with him.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Just Being: Making Love, Not War....Would It Really Change Eve...
Just Being: Making Love, Not War....Would It Really Change Eve...: "I just finished reading Sex at Dawn written by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha It took me a while, only because I stopped a few times t..."
Making Love, Not War....Would It Really Change Everything?
I just finished reading Sex at Dawn written by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha It took me a while, only because I stopped a few times to read other less heavy books, like Unbroken. Okay...I guess Unbroken is pretty heavy but it was a much easier read...I mean if you can tolerate that kind of stuff. Great book by the way.
So back to Sex at Dawn and my thoughts on this book which is about the evolution of sex and how it effects our society today. Totally awesome book....again...if you can tolerate this kind of stuff. It is chocked full of info that makes you stop and say hmmmmmm. But, I warn you, it may rub some people the wrong way. It will challenge pretty much everything you think you know about sex, marriage, infidelity and society.
Other than an overall sense of "Wow...this is cool stuff", a few things stood out for me. Mind you, I have a horrible memory and tend not to remember any details...about anything (just ask my husband how many times he has to tell me which Salsa to get him at Baja Fresh... and I still get him the wrong one every time). But every once in a while a few useless facts will stick.
1. Our DNA is closer to that of the Bonobo Monkeys than the DNA of an African Elephant is to that of an Asian Elephant. This fascinates me. Bonobo Monkeys, by nature, are polyamourous.
2. When a woman is taking birth control pills her innate ability to chose a genetically fit male is effected. Apparently we are genetically engineered to choose men who have different MHC then us, thus optimizing the fitness of our children (this somehow increases the child's range of immunity). While on the pill women tend not to choose such men, sometimes even choosing men who have the same MHC which could predispose their children to significant health risks. The implications of this are mind boggling in so many ways! How has the birth control pill effected our evolution? Do we really have free will, or is it all an illusion?
3. Some theorize that survival for the fittest actually occurs on a cellular level. Basically, the sperm that makes it to the egg wins and each female is engineered to allow different sperm to win. The interesting piece is that it is presumed that the sperm is not all from the same male.
4. In sexually polyamourous societies males have no way of knowing which children are theirs, thus they treat all children as if they were theirs. Children are raised and accepted by everyone. Imagine this for a moment in the context of a little league game where Dads are posturing on behalf of their boys.
5. In these societies there is little aggression, no famine, no poverty, fewer chronic health conditions and no infidelity.
Basically, the authors are theorizing that if we just gave into our biologically driven desire to have sex, with anyone, or at least more than one person at any given time we would be a much happier society. But alas....we have evolved so far from this concept that it would take thousands of years to make it work.
Can you imagine waking up one day and suggesting to your partner..."hey hon why don't you go out and have sex with whomever you want...just be home in time for dinner."
Here is a comprehensive review of the book.
Would love to hear your thoughts.
So back to Sex at Dawn and my thoughts on this book which is about the evolution of sex and how it effects our society today. Totally awesome book....again...if you can tolerate this kind of stuff. It is chocked full of info that makes you stop and say hmmmmmm. But, I warn you, it may rub some people the wrong way. It will challenge pretty much everything you think you know about sex, marriage, infidelity and society.
Other than an overall sense of "Wow...this is cool stuff", a few things stood out for me. Mind you, I have a horrible memory and tend not to remember any details...about anything (just ask my husband how many times he has to tell me which Salsa to get him at Baja Fresh... and I still get him the wrong one every time). But every once in a while a few useless facts will stick.
 |
| Our closest ancestors |
2. When a woman is taking birth control pills her innate ability to chose a genetically fit male is effected. Apparently we are genetically engineered to choose men who have different MHC then us, thus optimizing the fitness of our children (this somehow increases the child's range of immunity). While on the pill women tend not to choose such men, sometimes even choosing men who have the same MHC which could predispose their children to significant health risks. The implications of this are mind boggling in so many ways! How has the birth control pill effected our evolution? Do we really have free will, or is it all an illusion?
3. Some theorize that survival for the fittest actually occurs on a cellular level. Basically, the sperm that makes it to the egg wins and each female is engineered to allow different sperm to win. The interesting piece is that it is presumed that the sperm is not all from the same male.
4. In sexually polyamourous societies males have no way of knowing which children are theirs, thus they treat all children as if they were theirs. Children are raised and accepted by everyone. Imagine this for a moment in the context of a little league game where Dads are posturing on behalf of their boys.
5. In these societies there is little aggression, no famine, no poverty, fewer chronic health conditions and no infidelity.
Basically, the authors are theorizing that if we just gave into our biologically driven desire to have sex, with anyone, or at least more than one person at any given time we would be a much happier society. But alas....we have evolved so far from this concept that it would take thousands of years to make it work.
Can you imagine waking up one day and suggesting to your partner..."hey hon why don't you go out and have sex with whomever you want...just be home in time for dinner."
Here is a comprehensive review of the book.
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Bullies are People Too
Just a thought on bullying. It really f'ing sucks.
I know none of us want to think that our child is a bully. Even if they are doing "bullyish" things...parents will often say, "Oh that's just a kid doing what kids do." Really? So when does "what kids do" cross the line into bullying? What are your thoughts on that?
Often times young kids don't even know they are being bullied. And even if they realize it, they may not have the verbal skills to express it in a way that an adult takes it seriously. They will say things like, "Kids are being mean to me." or "Joey pushed me today." As parents and educators we often go right to, "Well, what were you doing that caused this to happen?" In turn, children feel blamed and stop telling.
On the other side of the coin, sometimes bullies don't realize that they are bullying. Our educators do a lot of work teaching children about "being bullied" but how does a child know if they are actually doing the bullying? I have heard children say, "Oh, I didn't know that is what I was doing." School age children especially lack the ability to determine how their behavior is effecting others. Is is important that we talk with them about this, use role playing and ask questions.
Some people feel that being bullied is a right of passage. It builds character, makes you stronger. This might be true in some cases, but more often than not, bullying causes serious mental and emotional harm. Children are resilient, yes...but they are also impressionable and vulnerable. Having to encounter a bully on a day to day basis chips away at their self-esteem and feelings of self worth. Physiologically it causes an unhealthy increase in cortisol which is our stress hormone, making the child hyper vigilant, anxious, unable to concentrate and depressed. All of these things have an effect on the developing brain and psyche. Ultimately it can change brain function leading to long term consequences.
Bullying doesn't just occur with children. As adults we encounter bullies in the work place and in our social circles. These are the people who go out of their way to make others feel uncomfortable, unappreciated or unheard. Often times they lack the social skills needed to have positive social relationships...and if you confront them, they would probably be genuinely surprised by other people's experience of them.
Ultimately, we have to understand that there will always be bullies...and there will always be victims. It is inherent in our social structure and almost unavoidable. The good news is that we don't have to tolerate it. We have more options now than we ever have in terms of speaking up, finding our voice and being heard. I say this from the point of view of the bully as well as the victim because when it comes right down to it, bullies are victims too and should be afforded the same opportunities to grow and learn.
Often times young kids don't even know they are being bullied. And even if they realize it, they may not have the verbal skills to express it in a way that an adult takes it seriously. They will say things like, "Kids are being mean to me." or "Joey pushed me today." As parents and educators we often go right to, "Well, what were you doing that caused this to happen?" In turn, children feel blamed and stop telling.
On the other side of the coin, sometimes bullies don't realize that they are bullying. Our educators do a lot of work teaching children about "being bullied" but how does a child know if they are actually doing the bullying? I have heard children say, "Oh, I didn't know that is what I was doing." School age children especially lack the ability to determine how their behavior is effecting others. Is is important that we talk with them about this, use role playing and ask questions.
Some people feel that being bullied is a right of passage. It builds character, makes you stronger. This might be true in some cases, but more often than not, bullying causes serious mental and emotional harm. Children are resilient, yes...but they are also impressionable and vulnerable. Having to encounter a bully on a day to day basis chips away at their self-esteem and feelings of self worth. Physiologically it causes an unhealthy increase in cortisol which is our stress hormone, making the child hyper vigilant, anxious, unable to concentrate and depressed. All of these things have an effect on the developing brain and psyche. Ultimately it can change brain function leading to long term consequences.
Bullying doesn't just occur with children. As adults we encounter bullies in the work place and in our social circles. These are the people who go out of their way to make others feel uncomfortable, unappreciated or unheard. Often times they lack the social skills needed to have positive social relationships...and if you confront them, they would probably be genuinely surprised by other people's experience of them.
Ultimately, we have to understand that there will always be bullies...and there will always be victims. It is inherent in our social structure and almost unavoidable. The good news is that we don't have to tolerate it. We have more options now than we ever have in terms of speaking up, finding our voice and being heard. I say this from the point of view of the bully as well as the victim because when it comes right down to it, bullies are victims too and should be afforded the same opportunities to grow and learn.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Orchestrating Life
I read a great article today that compared choosing a fitness plan to conducting a symphony. The author likens the transformation of creating a fitness repertoire that encapsulates the whole body to that of orchestrating a symphony that encapsulates the whole spirit.
I especially like the first part where the author describes choosing a fitness plan that leads you to what you want to accomplish based on who you are. Now, the article is a bit skewed based on the fact that it was written for the Team Beachbody newsletter, however as a concept I think the idea ties real nicely into this whole concept of Being and Authentic Self. In order to figure out where you want to go...you have to know where you are.
So I would challenge folks to take a step back even further. A lot of people who jump full force into exercising end up losing momentum and ultimately stop. Time marches on and they wonder, "What ever happened to that exercise thing I was doing?" People give up, the desire fades, they get to busy, life gets in the way....in other words, Epic Fail.
I believe that in order to be successful in something, including transforming one's lifestyle to include a fitness regimen, one has to start with soul searching and ultimately orchestrate this life change based on their Authentic Self.
Where to start? Here are my thoughts:
1. What are your goals? In other words...why are you doing this? To lose weight? To lower blood pressure? To gain muscle? To get ripped? To feel good? Really take the time to think about this, because the answer will drive everything from this point forward. Once you have decided on what your goals are (which could change at any time by the way) WRITE THEM DOWN! Studies show that those who write their goals down are significantly more likely to achieve said goals than those who do not write them down.
2. What type of person are you? What is your inherent personality? Why is this important? Because it will determine what type of exercise you will choose to do and more importantly STICK WITH. For example: If you are a "Thinker" that likes to keep to yourself, do things at your own pace, and eschew group activities signing up for a boot camp or joining a community intramural sport is probably not the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a "Doer" joining an Ultimate Frisbee league is probably right up your alley!
3. What is your current lifestyle? Do you work 12 hours a day? Do you have a family? Are you engaged in hobbies? Do you attend a lot of social activities? How is exercise going to fit into the way you live your life? If you go to bed at 1am on most nights, don't plan on waking up at 5am to exercise. You will never sustain it. If you pick up the kids after school and have to run them around to their own activities on most days, don't plan on exercising in the afternoon. It will never work. Choose something that fits your lifestyle and you will be more likely to sustain it over time.
4. Research. What is available? Do you live near a fitness center? Do you have room in your home to do at home exercise? Are their boot camps in your community? What are your options? Fitness is nothing more than physical activity....anything active done purposefully can be exercise including cleaning the house and shopping.
5. Plan. Put all of the above together and come up with a 30 day plan. Don't commit to more than that until you know that your plan is working for you. If you find that you have not stuck to it within the designated 30 days or you don't get the results you want, it is time to re-evaluate steps 1-4.
WHEW! And you haven't even picked out your gear yet. This fitness stuff is hard work. Making a life change is not easy and it takes planning and patience. I guarantee though, once you figure it out and find what works it will just happen, like an orchestra performing the perfect symphony. Everything just falls together in the right places.
I especially like the first part where the author describes choosing a fitness plan that leads you to what you want to accomplish based on who you are. Now, the article is a bit skewed based on the fact that it was written for the Team Beachbody newsletter, however as a concept I think the idea ties real nicely into this whole concept of Being and Authentic Self. In order to figure out where you want to go...you have to know where you are.
So I would challenge folks to take a step back even further. A lot of people who jump full force into exercising end up losing momentum and ultimately stop. Time marches on and they wonder, "What ever happened to that exercise thing I was doing?" People give up, the desire fades, they get to busy, life gets in the way....in other words, Epic Fail.
I believe that in order to be successful in something, including transforming one's lifestyle to include a fitness regimen, one has to start with soul searching and ultimately orchestrate this life change based on their Authentic Self.
Where to start? Here are my thoughts:
1. What are your goals? In other words...why are you doing this? To lose weight? To lower blood pressure? To gain muscle? To get ripped? To feel good? Really take the time to think about this, because the answer will drive everything from this point forward. Once you have decided on what your goals are (which could change at any time by the way) WRITE THEM DOWN! Studies show that those who write their goals down are significantly more likely to achieve said goals than those who do not write them down.
2. What type of person are you? What is your inherent personality? Why is this important? Because it will determine what type of exercise you will choose to do and more importantly STICK WITH. For example: If you are a "Thinker" that likes to keep to yourself, do things at your own pace, and eschew group activities signing up for a boot camp or joining a community intramural sport is probably not the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a "Doer" joining an Ultimate Frisbee league is probably right up your alley!
3. What is your current lifestyle? Do you work 12 hours a day? Do you have a family? Are you engaged in hobbies? Do you attend a lot of social activities? How is exercise going to fit into the way you live your life? If you go to bed at 1am on most nights, don't plan on waking up at 5am to exercise. You will never sustain it. If you pick up the kids after school and have to run them around to their own activities on most days, don't plan on exercising in the afternoon. It will never work. Choose something that fits your lifestyle and you will be more likely to sustain it over time.
4. Research. What is available? Do you live near a fitness center? Do you have room in your home to do at home exercise? Are their boot camps in your community? What are your options? Fitness is nothing more than physical activity....anything active done purposefully can be exercise including cleaning the house and shopping.
5. Plan. Put all of the above together and come up with a 30 day plan. Don't commit to more than that until you know that your plan is working for you. If you find that you have not stuck to it within the designated 30 days or you don't get the results you want, it is time to re-evaluate steps 1-4.
WHEW! And you haven't even picked out your gear yet. This fitness stuff is hard work. Making a life change is not easy and it takes planning and patience. I guarantee though, once you figure it out and find what works it will just happen, like an orchestra performing the perfect symphony. Everything just falls together in the right places.
Monday, July 11, 2011
To Blog or Not To Blog
Since my last post, I have lost the boot (that was a little bit over 3 weeks ago) and my chest ailment has been rediagnosed as some type of gastro issue for which I am taking "the purple pill". I am back to doing my Insanity and P90x workouts and running intervals. I even went dancing in heels Sat night to celebrate my 40th birthday!!
So now I have a decision to make about this blog....do I keep it up or let it die? I mean, life goes on whether you blog about it or not..right?
I happened to have an interesting conversation with some people at work today. We were working on a project and some how the discussion led to the concept of "being". Why is it so hard for us to just "Be"?
And so is born the next subject on which to focus a blog.
Since I am no longer "Bringing It with a Broken Foot", really because my foot is not broken anymore...I am now just "Being". And perhaps, while bringing attention to "being" I will be able to focus my energy around the ability to just "be".
Monday, June 6, 2011
Our Delicate Selves
Again, another delay in blog posts. It has been a difficult week (or two) to say the least.
Last I left off, I was going to see a Sports Medicine Doc, which I did. Of course, while I was there my chest didn't hurt at all. Nope...no pain...whatsoever. I felt it earlier in the day...oh and later when I got back to work...but while I was at the doctor...nope, nada, nothing. And....nothing he did recreated it.
It was kind of like a comedy skit..."Does it hurt when I do this?" "No." "How about this?" "Nope" "What about here." "No...nothing". Figures.
Regardless, great experience, great doctor, asked lots of relevant questions and pushed and probed all over my chest and back. I mentioned the motrin and the foot...he didn't think I was crazy and actually told me to stop taking the motrin and use tylenol for the pain. When I explained to him that I would rather be in the boot for an extra week than deal with the pain in my chest, he explained to me that the bone has a window of time in which it can heal. If it doesn't heal now...it is not a matter of being in the boot for another week or two...or three or four. You get the picture..
He checked for blood clots and did an EKG to make sure my heart was okay...and it is. Finally, he wrote me a script for chest X-Rays.
So it's Memorial Day Weekend and of course, I get to Roxborough Memorial Hospital (Yes...that is where I had to go) and they were cloooosed. Funny thing is...they didn't even know it. The Emergency Room Nurse was freaking out because she had to register "Outpatient Patients" and the radiology department wasn't even open! Typical.
So I go back on Tuesday morning for the X-Ray, call on Wednesday to follow up...and hey...guess what???
Everything looks GOOD.
Try to wrap your brain around this...I am in terrible, terrible pain. At any given time when this thing flares up, I am thinking that I am going to die...and nobody can tell me what is wrong. Seriously, in my head I was picking out a new nanny/wife for my husband and kids.
Meanwhile...here is the kicker. Everyone stops me on the street to ask me how my foot is doing because I am still hobbling around in the the big black boot (which by the way, for anyone wondering, it doesn't hurt a lick) and all I want to do is scream about my chest.
Lesson here: you never know what people are dealing with internally.
Loooong story short...next theory: Gastrointestinal. In other words...we think you have reflux and/or severe heartburn. Really?
So now I am on Prevacid OTC and I go back to the sports medicine doc on Thursday. I have actually felt pretty good the last few days. Today was pretty much symptom free!! Wahoo!!
For those of you interested in the fitness aspect of this deboccle of a blog...the doctor did say I could continue using the bike but to lay off upper body stuff until he figured out what was going on with my chest. So I have been alternating spinning and intervals using the exercise ball for core work. I have also been doing leg lifts for quads and hamstrings on the weight bench.
I will be really annoyed if it was reflux this whole time and I could have been working my upper body.
My guess...a combination of things.....costochondritis, reflux, heartburn, muscles, nerves and a broken foot. All a reminder of how delicate our bodies really are and how much physical pain can effect our every day lives.
Last I left off, I was going to see a Sports Medicine Doc, which I did. Of course, while I was there my chest didn't hurt at all. Nope...no pain...whatsoever. I felt it earlier in the day...oh and later when I got back to work...but while I was at the doctor...nope, nada, nothing. And....nothing he did recreated it.
Regardless, great experience, great doctor, asked lots of relevant questions and pushed and probed all over my chest and back. I mentioned the motrin and the foot...he didn't think I was crazy and actually told me to stop taking the motrin and use tylenol for the pain. When I explained to him that I would rather be in the boot for an extra week than deal with the pain in my chest, he explained to me that the bone has a window of time in which it can heal. If it doesn't heal now...it is not a matter of being in the boot for another week or two...or three or four. You get the picture..
He checked for blood clots and did an EKG to make sure my heart was okay...and it is. Finally, he wrote me a script for chest X-Rays.
So it's Memorial Day Weekend and of course, I get to Roxborough Memorial Hospital (Yes...that is where I had to go) and they were cloooosed. Funny thing is...they didn't even know it. The Emergency Room Nurse was freaking out because she had to register "Outpatient Patients" and the radiology department wasn't even open! Typical.
So I go back on Tuesday morning for the X-Ray, call on Wednesday to follow up...and hey...guess what???
Try to wrap your brain around this...I am in terrible, terrible pain. At any given time when this thing flares up, I am thinking that I am going to die...and nobody can tell me what is wrong. Seriously, in my head I was picking out a new nanny/wife for my husband and kids.
Meanwhile...here is the kicker. Everyone stops me on the street to ask me how my foot is doing because I am still hobbling around in the the big black boot (which by the way, for anyone wondering, it doesn't hurt a lick) and all I want to do is scream about my chest.
Lesson here: you never know what people are dealing with internally.
Loooong story short...next theory: Gastrointestinal. In other words...we think you have reflux and/or severe heartburn. Really?
So now I am on Prevacid OTC and I go back to the sports medicine doc on Thursday. I have actually felt pretty good the last few days. Today was pretty much symptom free!! Wahoo!!
For those of you interested in the fitness aspect of this deboccle of a blog...the doctor did say I could continue using the bike but to lay off upper body stuff until he figured out what was going on with my chest. So I have been alternating spinning and intervals using the exercise ball for core work. I have also been doing leg lifts for quads and hamstrings on the weight bench.
I will be really annoyed if it was reflux this whole time and I could have been working my upper body.
My guess...a combination of things.....costochondritis, reflux, heartburn, muscles, nerves and a broken foot. All a reminder of how delicate our bodies really are and how much physical pain can effect our every day lives.
Friday, May 27, 2011
One Day at a Time
So here we are.
I went to the foot doctor on Monday, expecting some good news, but alas, none was to come. He asked how my foot felt, I said "fine". He said it wasn't swollen. I said, "Yeah...that could be because I am taking 2400 mg of motrin a day for Costochondritis. He nodded his head, asked how I got Costo and empathized with my pain. Then he took an X-ray.
When he came back he looked a bit baffled. "Still not healed. These suckers take a long time...how about we put screws in your foot?"
WHAT?!?!
Okay....so a month ago you said 4-6 weeks in the boot no problem....now you want to put screws in? No effin way!
So I looked at him and simply said, "You are not putting any screws in my foot." I healed from a Jones Fracture in 12 weeks, I will heal from this too.
And so, he sent me on my way with another appointment in 4 weeks.
In the meantime I started to think about all of the motrin I have been taking (and trying to wean from). Hmmmmm....I had a hunch so I googled "Motrin effects bone healing". Isn't google great?
What do you know?? Motrin (or any NSAID) slows bone healing. In fact, they give it to people when they DON'T want a bone to grow back.
FABULOUS!
I have been trying to wean myself off of the motrin for two weeks now. Sunday and Monday were pretty much costochondritis symptom free.
Anyone who has experienced the pain associated with costochondritis will understand my expression of joy.
So I went down to 1800mg of motrin on Tuesday and Wednesday. By 1:00 on Wednesday afternoon, it was back. Full force! Like a sucker punch, bam...there it was.
So back up to 2400mg I go. Slow bone healing I have to accept.
I made an appointment with a Sports Medicine Doctor for this afternoon. I am feeling very confused around this whole thing. I'm not sure what I should be doing, could be doing or absolutely should not be doing in order to make this chest pain go away.
I exercised Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mostly on the bike but I also did light resistance with arms and shoulders and some core stuff. Could that have triggered a relapse in symptoms?? Should I lay off all resistance, or will resistance actually help the healing? Is the motrin really effecting the healing time of my foot? Is there an alternative anti-inflammatory? How long can I expect this to last?
Oy, so many questions. Hopefully today I will get some answers! Stay tuned. :)
I went to the foot doctor on Monday, expecting some good news, but alas, none was to come. He asked how my foot felt, I said "fine". He said it wasn't swollen. I said, "Yeah...that could be because I am taking 2400 mg of motrin a day for Costochondritis. He nodded his head, asked how I got Costo and empathized with my pain. Then he took an X-ray.
When he came back he looked a bit baffled. "Still not healed. These suckers take a long time...how about we put screws in your foot?"
|
| They look like drywall screws...are you kidding? |
WHAT?!?!
Okay....so a month ago you said 4-6 weeks in the boot no problem....now you want to put screws in? No effin way!
So I looked at him and simply said, "You are not putting any screws in my foot." I healed from a Jones Fracture in 12 weeks, I will heal from this too.
And so, he sent me on my way with another appointment in 4 weeks.
In the meantime I started to think about all of the motrin I have been taking (and trying to wean from). Hmmmmm....I had a hunch so I googled "Motrin effects bone healing". Isn't google great?
What do you know?? Motrin (or any NSAID) slows bone healing. In fact, they give it to people when they DON'T want a bone to grow back.
FABULOUS!
I have been trying to wean myself off of the motrin for two weeks now. Sunday and Monday were pretty much costochondritis symptom free.
|
| HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY |
Anyone who has experienced the pain associated with costochondritis will understand my expression of joy.
 |
| And it's back |
So back up to 2400mg I go. Slow bone healing I have to accept.
I made an appointment with a Sports Medicine Doctor for this afternoon. I am feeling very confused around this whole thing. I'm not sure what I should be doing, could be doing or absolutely should not be doing in order to make this chest pain go away.
I exercised Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mostly on the bike but I also did light resistance with arms and shoulders and some core stuff. Could that have triggered a relapse in symptoms?? Should I lay off all resistance, or will resistance actually help the healing? Is the motrin really effecting the healing time of my foot? Is there an alternative anti-inflammatory? How long can I expect this to last?
Oy, so many questions. Hopefully today I will get some answers! Stay tuned. :)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Unbearable Pain and Cycling..Where Did The Week Go?
Sorry for the lack of posts this past week. I suppose I haven't had much to say, but I have also been a bit distracted. I am writing now for any folks who are reading this relating to either a broken foot or costochondritis.
This past week was really tough. The pain associated with costochondritis has been unbearable at times, making it difficult to function or get anything done. Last weekend I did finally get on my bike (using the trainer). Big black boot and all. If you have a broken foot and are allowed to put any weight on it, I highly recommend a stationary bike for cardio. I rode for 25 minutes on Sat and 30 minutes on Sunday and then I iced my chest. Interestingly enough, my chest did not hurt at all during the workout or directly after. Icing it either made it worse or didn't do anything though, because both days were pretty torturous.
On Monday and Tuesday there were actually moments when I wasn't thinking about my chest. I decided to start weaning off the motrin and took my dose down to 600mg 3x/day instead of 800. By Friday I felt just as bad as I did the previous weekend. Back up to 800mg....ugh! As of yesterday I also added a Zantac and if it is really hurting...I take tylenol too. So far today has been a GREAT day. I feel halfway human. Just not sure what the other half is yet..
In the meantime, I have been walking just the tiniest bit on my foot without the boot in the morning and at night. Mostly to get back and forth to the bathroom, because using the crutches hurts my chest to much. The GOOD news is that I don't feel any pain in my foot!
So, either my chest hurts so badly that it is completely masking any pain in my foot, or maybe it is the 800mg of motrin I am taking 3x/day....or it could be that the break is pretty close to being healed!!
I have continued on the bike every other day for the last week. I am still steering clear of any strength training, however I am considering working my arms tomorrow. By the way, a great resource for cardio workouts is a website called motiontraxx.com
You can download workout music for free. The cool thing is that you get tracks that set your pace. Some even do intervals for you. Currently there is a series of cycling mixes. AWESOMENESS!
Tomorrow I go to the foot doctor. There is a possibility that I will be able to get rid of the boot. Which would be great for many reasons, one of which is the fact that it is FUNKY from sweating my ass off on the bike.
Stay posted for updates...and thanks for reading!
 |
| Similar to the boot I am wearing. |
 |
| Bike on a trainer. |
On Monday and Tuesday there were actually moments when I wasn't thinking about my chest. I decided to start weaning off the motrin and took my dose down to 600mg 3x/day instead of 800. By Friday I felt just as bad as I did the previous weekend. Back up to 800mg....ugh! As of yesterday I also added a Zantac and if it is really hurting...I take tylenol too. So far today has been a GREAT day. I feel halfway human. Just not sure what the other half is yet..
 |
| Halfway human...although imagine it with only one foot. |
So, either my chest hurts so badly that it is completely masking any pain in my foot, or maybe it is the 800mg of motrin I am taking 3x/day....or it could be that the break is pretty close to being healed!!
I have continued on the bike every other day for the last week. I am still steering clear of any strength training, however I am considering working my arms tomorrow. By the way, a great resource for cardio workouts is a website called motiontraxx.com
You can download workout music for free. The cool thing is that you get tracks that set your pace. Some even do intervals for you. Currently there is a series of cycling mixes. AWESOMENESS!Tomorrow I go to the foot doctor. There is a possibility that I will be able to get rid of the boot. Which would be great for many reasons, one of which is the fact that it is FUNKY from sweating my ass off on the bike.
Stay posted for updates...and thanks for reading!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Survivor, Game Theory and Life
This most recent season of Survivor was probably one of the most fun to watch. Why? Because it really couldn't have been better if it was scripted. Boston Rob, a seasoned player knew exactly what he needed to do and he did it, playing "as close to a perfect game as anyone has played on Survivor".
How? Game Theory coupled with a little bit of charm, hard work and self admittedly, a little bit of luck.
So here is the thing. If anyone watched the season, you would know that Rob completely dominated his tribe and they pretty much did whatever he wanted them to do. It looked pretty easy from our vantage point, but a lot of work went into having that much control over that many people.
On Survivor, Rob was able to make each person feel as though he had their best interests in mind. He promised each one that he would take them to the end and they believed him. Therefor none of them even considered voting him off until it was to late. This took a huge amount of insight, a lot of manipulation and a certain amount of mathematical prowess that allowed him to predict the behavior of others.
How does this play out in real life though? In many instances, people don't cooperate even though the outcome would be best all around if they did. Why? Because quite often people have their own interests in mind. We see this play out in economics and social policy all the time.
We can expect that people are going to do what they believe is best for themselves. However, if everyone does what is best for themselves, nobody wins. If people cooperate with each other each individual may not get what they consider to be the "best case scenario" but will ultimately be better off than if they acted upon their selfishness.
Kind of hard to wrap your brain around if you are not use to thinking this way, but fascinating nonetheless.
In Survivor, there can only be one winner, so in the end pretty much everyone but Rob got screwed anyway. Unless you count all the "life lessons" and getting "closer to God" crap they all spouted at the end.
Real life is much more complicated and "winning" means different things to different people. It is fascinating though. Pay attention to what people want, give it to them, and in return...if the theory is correct....you will get what you need. So simple, yet so incredibly complicated.
Friday, May 13, 2011
No Pain, No Pain
It's been five days since I last exercised...FIVE! I haven't gone that long since I gave birth to my youngest....and even then I could at least take a walk. If I wasn't so freakin uncomfortable I would probably be climbing the walls by now.
What is it they say about the best laid plans and good intentions??? Oh yes, "Sometimes life gets in the way of life."
My original intention with this blog was to write about life with a broken foot, how to continue to exercise and get through each day with a positive attitude (with a few social work related commentaries thrown in)...yet where do I end up???
See pic right.
Struggling to get through each day, feeling like an elephant is sitting on my chest, not being able to exercise, and stillhobbling around in a big black boot recovering from a broken foot.
I will say, yesterday was a better day. The pain wasn't quite as intense and when it peaked it didn't last for as long as it had in days past. I was able to eat pizza and wings for dinner without dying after wards. I even had a glass of wine. I went to sleep hoping for an even better day today.
I awoke an hour later with such intense pain in my chest that all I could do was lay there and breathe. What made it worse was that I couldn't even get downstairs to take my ibuprofen because I would need to use the crutches...which was absolutely NOT happening in that moment.
What a weird random occurrence. I mean I would rank this pain right up there with labor pains. At least with labor though, there is a prize at the end. What's the point here?
Even worse, when I finally "breathed" myself to sleep (meditation is a fabulous thing), I was plagued by dreams of chasing a doctor who had just performed surgery on my chest around an exam room, all the while bleeding from wounds on my chest that he had carelessly forgotten to stitch back up.
Dear Subconscious: Thank you for making it clear that I am experiencing intense pain, as if my waking brain could not figure it out on it's own. Love and Kisses, J.
Alas, here I sit...frustrated and uncomfortable.
Yet I remind myself that it is only a moment in time.
This too shall pass and one day soon I will feel "normal" again.
I hate it when life gets in the way.
 |
| This is really what it feels like! |
What is it they say about the best laid plans and good intentions??? Oh yes, "Sometimes life gets in the way of life."
My original intention with this blog was to write about life with a broken foot, how to continue to exercise and get through each day with a positive attitude (with a few social work related commentaries thrown in)...yet where do I end up???
See pic right.
Struggling to get through each day, feeling like an elephant is sitting on my chest, not being able to exercise, and still
I will say, yesterday was a better day. The pain wasn't quite as intense and when it peaked it didn't last for as long as it had in days past. I was able to eat pizza and wings for dinner without dying after wards. I even had a glass of wine. I went to sleep hoping for an even better day today.
I awoke an hour later with such intense pain in my chest that all I could do was lay there and breathe. What made it worse was that I couldn't even get downstairs to take my ibuprofen because I would need to use the crutches...which was absolutely NOT happening in that moment.What a weird random occurrence. I mean I would rank this pain right up there with labor pains. At least with labor though, there is a prize at the end. What's the point here?
 |
| Woman in inflammation of the chest wall (hard to tell which) |
Even worse, when I finally "breathed" myself to sleep (meditation is a fabulous thing), I was plagued by dreams of chasing a doctor who had just performed surgery on my chest around an exam room, all the while bleeding from wounds on my chest that he had carelessly forgotten to stitch back up.
Dear Subconscious: Thank you for making it clear that I am experiencing intense pain, as if my waking brain could not figure it out on it's own. Love and Kisses, J.
Yet I remind myself that it is only a moment in time.
This too shall pass and one day soon I will feel "normal" again.
I hate it when life gets in the way.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Moral Animal
I'm sitting in the exam room of my doctor's office with whom I reluctantly made an appointment because I told myself, if my chest still hurt by Monday I would go. Given that I had my head on my desk and was practicing Lamaze breathing techniques by lunchtime, I thought I better hold true to my commitment.
The Nurse Practitioner walks in and the first thing she asks is, "What are you reading?" Not exactly what I came there for, and since talking when you feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest takes more effort than one would think, I simply show her the cover of my book. "The Moral Animal. Why We Are The Way We Are"
"For school?" She asks. "Nope." I say..."For fun."
She gives me this sideways glance, as if to say, "What kind of loser reads something like that for fun?"
Yes, I am weird in that way. Granted, it has taken me 3 months to get through it, but this stuff is off the hook!!
Have you ever wondered....I mean REALLY wondered why we do the things we do? I mean, there has to be a reason...right? This is the stuff that keeps me up at night....again weirdness...I know.
Like, why do people "love" their siblings even if they don't "like" them? Why are we inclined to help others? What attracts us to a certain "type" of person? Why is polygamy actually a better gig for women than it is for men? What does game theory have to do with being successful in life? (This will be another post related to Survivor at some point I'm sure....cuz it's really cool stuff).
So much of this is hardwired into our brain...into our being...that it seems spiritual...or is it?
From a Darwinian perspective, with a little bit of Freud thrown in, this book really forces one to rethink motives, responsibility and purpose.
Of course it's just a theory.
As far as my chest is concerned, the NP confirmed inflamed chest wall, probably as a result of over use of my chest muscles....duh!
Not quite sure how that would play into my "fitness" according to Darwin...other than perhaps my body is telling me to slow down.
The Nurse Practitioner walks in and the first thing she asks is, "What are you reading?" Not exactly what I came there for, and since talking when you feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest takes more effort than one would think, I simply show her the cover of my book. "The Moral Animal. Why We Are The Way We Are" "For school?" She asks. "Nope." I say..."For fun."
She gives me this sideways glance, as if to say, "What kind of loser reads something like that for fun?"
Yes, I am weird in that way. Granted, it has taken me 3 months to get through it, but this stuff is off the hook!!
Have you ever wondered....I mean REALLY wondered why we do the things we do? I mean, there has to be a reason...right? This is the stuff that keeps me up at night....again weirdness...I know.
So much of this is hardwired into our brain...into our being...that it seems spiritual...or is it?
From a Darwinian perspective, with a little bit of Freud thrown in, this book really forces one to rethink motives, responsibility and purpose.
Of course it's just a theory.
As far as my chest is concerned, the NP confirmed inflamed chest wall, probably as a result of over use of my chest muscles....duh!
Not quite sure how that would play into my "fitness" according to Darwin...other than perhaps my body is telling me to slow down.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Inflamed Chest Wall....Really??
I would think it was comical if it didn't hurt so freakin much!
For the last three days my chest has been hurting. Not the "Wow that was a great workout I'm gonna feel it in the morning" kind of hurting, but the "Something is seriously wrong with my chest, am I having a heart attack?" kind of hurting.
WTF???
I don't want to seem like a hypochondriac or anything so I figure, whatever it is, it will pass. But people keep asking me, "Are you ok?" "What's wrong with your ribs?" Apparently I keep touching my chest and wincing in pain.
No idea. All I know is that I wake up in the morning and feel okay, but by 11:00am I feel like an elephant is sitting on my breastbone.
Maybe it's reflux...I take an antacid...no dice.
My co-worker...who tends to be my go to person for bodily aches and pains mentions "inflamed chest wall". So I GOOGLE: "Inflamed Chest Wall"
Costochondritis is a condition that causes chest pain due to inflammation of the cartilage and bones in the chest wall. Also called Tietze's Syndrome, costochondritis occurs when there is inflammation at the junction of the rib bone and breastbone (sternum). At this junction, there is cartilage joining these bones. This cartilage can become irritated and inflamed. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, costochondritis can be quite painful.
This condition is thought to be bost commonly due to repetitive microtrauma, or overuse. This means that activities are causing repeated damage to the cartilage of the chest wall leading to inflammation.
Hello?? Perhaps I am overdoing it with the upper body workouts.
Repeated rows and push ups while also using crutches...hmmm. Should have thought that through better.
I wonder what Tony Horton would have to say about this?
Of course I'm self diagnosing, but it does make the most sense. Motrin seems to help and I have promised to lay off the push ups and rows for a little while. I am wondering if trauma to any part of your body effects the rest of you. Is my body less resilient in general because it is working to heal my foot??
Luckily my girl hooked me up with her bike trainer so I can get my burn on.
Not so sure how it will work with the big black boot, but it's worth a try!
For the last three days my chest has been hurting. Not the "Wow that was a great workout I'm gonna feel it in the morning" kind of hurting, but the "Something is seriously wrong with my chest, am I having a heart attack?" kind of hurting.
 |
| This can't be comfortable |
I don't want to seem like a hypochondriac or anything so I figure, whatever it is, it will pass. But people keep asking me, "Are you ok?" "What's wrong with your ribs?" Apparently I keep touching my chest and wincing in pain.
No idea. All I know is that I wake up in the morning and feel okay, but by 11:00am I feel like an elephant is sitting on my breastbone.
Maybe it's reflux...I take an antacid...no dice.
My co-worker...who tends to be my go to person for bodily aches and pains mentions "inflamed chest wall". So I GOOGLE: "Inflamed Chest Wall"
Costochondritis is a condition that causes chest pain due to inflammation of the cartilage and bones in the chest wall. Also called Tietze's Syndrome, costochondritis occurs when there is inflammation at the junction of the rib bone and breastbone (sternum). At this junction, there is cartilage joining these bones. This cartilage can become irritated and inflamed. Depending on the extent of the inflammation, costochondritis can be quite painful.
This condition is thought to be bost commonly due to repetitive microtrauma, or overuse. This means that activities are causing repeated damage to the cartilage of the chest wall leading to inflammation.
 |
| "Do your best and forget the rest" |
Repeated rows and push ups while also using crutches...hmmm. Should have thought that through better.
I wonder what Tony Horton would have to say about this?
Of course I'm self diagnosing, but it does make the most sense. Motrin seems to help and I have promised to lay off the push ups and rows for a little while. I am wondering if trauma to any part of your body effects the rest of you. Is my body less resilient in general because it is working to heal my foot??
Luckily my girl hooked me up with her bike trainer so I can get my burn on.
Not so sure how it will work with the big black boot, but it's worth a try!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Education and Poverty - Having Nothing to do With My Foot
Privatizing education in low-income areas so that the "whole" child can be addressed. This totally makes sense to me.
I came across this article in the Wall Street Journal about a High School in Philadelphia that is going to be one of the "turnaround" schools in the city, meaning it will be owned by a private Charter School company with the hopes of effecting change, supporting children and their families and improving outcomes, something the School District of Philadelphia couldn't do on it's own.
The Charter School company is a non-profit that has obtained funding through a federal grant called Promise Neighborhoods which ties together housing, health care and additional supports in the community. It looks like Promise Neighborhoods funds projects modeled after Harlems Children's Zone which began as a "one-block pilot program" in Harlem and has since expanded to 60 blocks.
Having provided behavioral health services to children in the Philadelphia schools I know that when a child enters that school building, they don't leave the rest of their life at the door. And no, therapy is not going to "fix" them. A wise person (although I can't remember who) once said, "Toasters can be fixed, children can't".
The best way to impact a child, is to impact their environment. How can we expect a child who is hungry and hyper vigilant to focus in school? Stealing food and constantly moving around the classroom are survival skills in their world....a world that doesn't stop at the door step of their school. How does "No Child Left Behind" account for that?
Harlem Children's Zone has figured out a way to address the multiple needs of children and their families who face generational poverty. No solution is perfect, but at least this one is working.
Now, if we could just get funding streams on board...maybe we will make some progress.
I came across this article in the Wall Street Journal about a High School in Philadelphia that is going to be one of the "turnaround" schools in the city, meaning it will be owned by a private Charter School company with the hopes of effecting change, supporting children and their families and improving outcomes, something the School District of Philadelphia couldn't do on it's own.
The Charter School company is a non-profit that has obtained funding through a federal grant called Promise Neighborhoods which ties together housing, health care and additional supports in the community. It looks like Promise Neighborhoods funds projects modeled after Harlems Children's Zone which began as a "one-block pilot program" in Harlem and has since expanded to 60 blocks.
 | ||
| THIS IS FREAKIN AWESOME! |
"Our strategy is bold. We have created a unique, and uniquely successful paradigm: provide a pipeline of services that support children from birth through college graduation, and create a critical mass of engaged adults who understand what it takes to ensure a child succeeds"HELLO! Someone in Philly finally gets it. I'm not dissing the School District of Philadelphia. Some of my favorite people work there. But the fact is, there is not enough money, resources or knowledge in the PA Department of Education to accomplish the daunting task of educating children who have so many additional needs. Everything is funded through these silos. Wake up people!! Children do not operate in a silo!!
 | ||||
| Can Fix |
 | ||||||||
| Can't Fix |
The best way to impact a child, is to impact their environment. How can we expect a child who is hungry and hyper vigilant to focus in school? Stealing food and constantly moving around the classroom are survival skills in their world....a world that doesn't stop at the door step of their school. How does "No Child Left Behind" account for that?
Harlem Children's Zone has figured out a way to address the multiple needs of children and their families who face generational poverty. No solution is perfect, but at least this one is working.
Now, if we could just get funding streams on board...maybe we will make some progress.
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