So I normally try to keep my posts motivational, informative, helpful, etc.  My old blog was lots of ramblings, nonsense at times & just a “hey, I’m alive.” I wanted this one to be different but still want to keep it personal.  That is what I’m doing today.  It’s my “what’s new with Heather” post!

I’ve made no secrets that my family has a history of heart disease.  In fact, my Mom’s birthday is today & had she not become a victim to heart disease would have been 61 this year.  It was also my parents wedding anniversary & my own wedding anniversary…2 years today for hubby & I!!  I digress…..

Since 2006, when Mom died, I have been really living well.  Watching what I eat, exercising regularly, etc.  I promised my Dad the night at the hospital when Mom died that I would stay healthy.  I’m not even lying.  He made me promise & I did!  So that’s just what I’ve done.  Annual physicals, regular lab work, watching my weight (even with ups & downs….)  the whole shebang.  Through everything that transpired last year with the miscarriages, I became even more vigilant that I was before (which was hard to believe for some.)  I started using Isagenix, added yoga to my fitness routine & began thinking about what I could do live even better.  Let’s face it, we can all make improvements even when we think we are being healthy!  That took me to lunch with a friend who recommended her doctor in Chicago.

As it turns out, Wholehealth Chicago was covered under my insurance!  I immediately made an appointment & waited 4 weeks for it to roll around.  I read their website, blog & all the reviews I could find.  The amazing thing about this clinic?  Dr. Edelberg is an Internist (as is his partner) but the whole clinic practices holistic medicine!!!

My first appointment with Dr. E was amazing.  Full review of my life (in 10 year increments,) full physical, labs done, met with the nutritionist, got my recommended supplements & an awesome book to read!  He suggested that we do a full cardiac workup.  No one in the last 5.5 years has ever suggested that.  Shocking with the family history, so I agreed.  Just a week later, I got the results.  Turns out living well doesn’t always matter when you face genetic adversity.  I have been found to have two increased markers that show elevated risk of heart disease.  Aside from continuing to do what I’m already doing in terms of exercise, making the dietary changes noted by the nutritionist (changing to an anti-inflammatory diet,) adding the supplements (pharma grade fish oil, coq10 & resveratrol) & continuing supplementing with the Isagenix (he made a point to tell the nutritionist that I could continue that in lieu of what they normally recommend.)

What does this mean?  Nothing.  It means that if I’d not been on the path that I am on now, it might have been a lot worse.  I might be suffering with heart disease rather than being noted for elevated risk.  My cholesterol is awesome!  My HDL is 75!!

Why am I sharing?  People should be more aware of what they do & how it really affects their health.  So many (and I was one of them for many years) are blissfully unaware of what they do on a daily basis & how much it really impacts their lives.  So I guess it’s a PSA of sorts.  Be smart about how you are living.  Stop saying you will start tomorrow.   Stop fooling yourself into thinking that you can continue to put off being healthy.  If I had done that, I’d likely be facing my first open heart surgery soon.  My Mom had her first surgery at 42.  I’m glad I didn’t take any chances.  I’m glad I got scared when I turned 30.  Let me say that it’s never too late.

Get healthy, live well & turn back the clock.

So today is the day before Valentine’s Day.  Hubby said I was off the hook but I know that means he wants off the hook too   No such luck! haha  I love giving him stuff.  It’s the usual arsenal of a little chocolate, an assortment of protein bars & sweet card that makes him blush!

What I really wanted to talk about was goals!  January is gone & February is half gone now.  How are you doing with the goals you set for the New Year?  Did they include weight loss?  Fitness goals?  Making amends?  Whatever they were, how are you doing?

What about me?  I’m doing great!  My goal was to start yoga & I committed to stick with it for a full year.  After one month, I was so glad that I tried it!  I go to Asana Center & it’s such a fun place to be!  We do our “oms” but it’s so laid back & hands on with instruction!  Seriously love it!  Maintaining my weight has been fairly easy & I’m back on the lower end of the range. 

Last month, I attended Camp Savage & had the time of my life.  It was my fourth camp but there was something different this time!  The energy was amazing.  The timing of camp with life was perfect!  I came away feeling renewed with some new friends & strengthened friendships!!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

So let’s talk skin.  It’s the largest organ in the human body.  Yes, really!  I don’t make this stuff up!   Many of us eat well, try to be sure that we are getting in our veggies, fruits, protein, etc.  But how many of us really take care of our skin?  Do you know what it takes to make sure it’s healthy too?

• WATER!!!!  Are you drinking enough?  We need to stay hydrated!  I typically drink between 1/2 to 1 gallon per day.
• Eat your fats!  My own Mom became “victim” to the fat free craze that plagued us (yes, I said plagued) for so long.  It still exists but smart girls (and boys) realize the importance of eating good fats.  One of my faves is coconut oil.  I can eat it by the spoon full!  Also look into macadamia nut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, etc.  The list goes on & on.  But don’t cook with it!  Top your favorite foods with it when they are served.  Your body will feel better from the inside out & your skin will start to be less dry.
• Moisturize!  Remember that coconut oil I mentioned?  Get a jar for the shower & smear it on when you are done.  It feels pretty amazing  & it keeps with you all day long.
• Use a GOOD quality product on your face.  I currently use the Isadermix line from Isagenix. Make sure you are washing your face before bed, moisturizing TWICE a day & protecting yourself from the sun.  I am a recovered tanning addict & while it’s only been a few months over a year since I last tanned, I see a major difference in my skin.  Even my sun spots are faded now.

Those are just the basics but please be sure you are being kind to your skin.  It’s not hard but it’s so so important!

Until next time!