Finding Balance: Healthwise

The other day I signed up to access my medical record online.

Imagine my shock when I found out that it had been decades since I had tests that are considered vital for women's health.

Now because I have my health concerns addressed through two different health systems

(one private pay, one through our health insurance), I am not sure that this information is 100% accurate--but still I believe that it has been way too long since I have had a physical. No, I KNOW it has been.

I would have to confess, that with everything going on around me that in spite of my DH's not too subtle urging for me to go to the doctor, I have been putting this part of living in balance at the bottom of my priority list; it is time for this to change...

Another step in finding balance for me will have to be in the area of weight loss.
By the usual standards I am not a lot overweight (or maybe I am)--about 20 pounds or so--but my knees, feet and back are feeling the extra strain.
I know what to do about it--I know what it takes to lose these pounds. I know it will be a matter of choosing long term goals and gratification (better health, more energy) over instant gratification (sugar, high calorie foods). I know these things--so how much longer will I put it off? 6 months? 1 year? Things will only get worse; the time is now. And -- for me it is a matter of stewardship and obedience to God also.

Another area which must be addressed is fitness. Awhile back Patty, http://www.morningramble.blogspot.com/ addressed the use of a pedometer and how few are steps are daily as compared to those who work the land without the help of modern technology (the Amish). My sibling had an extra pedometer so I tried it out and was shocked, shocked, shocked at how few steps I take in a day...MUCH less than I did when we were tracking our steps through a program at work.
This got me to thinking---my sedentary lifestyle is only going to get worse if I don't take active steps to change NOW.
Relaxation is important, but we were made to be active--and if I want to keep healthy enough to travel to such beautiful places as these, I need to not put this aspect of living a healthy, balanced life off any longer.

So what will my next steps in this area be (let's say for the next week).
1. Ascertain the last date of labwork, bone scan, physical; take online health assessment.
2. Increase my steps to a minimum of 2,500 a day (see I told you my steps/day were BAD). If I remember correctly 2,000 steps=1 mile, but I will check on that. I'd like to see it at 5,000 steps but I can always work up to that and I don't want to set myself up for failure...baby steps, baby steps:) Research online programs for both weight loss and fitness through our health insurance.
3. Increase the amount of vegetables and fruit I eat. Decrease the amount of sugar I am eating.
Possibly eat more frequent, smaller meals as I have a problem with hypoglycemia and tend to go for the high carb foods when I feel hypoglycemic. Watch portion size.
4. Resist the urge to procrastinate. Be consistent!

Any suggestions?
What works for you?
Have you blogged about matters of fitness and health?
Feel free to leave a link to your blog if you'd like.
Be blessed,
Aimee

Word on Wednesday:
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."

Zechariah 4:6 KJV

This is the verse that came to mind recently as I was praying about a matter that was troubling me greatly. I tend to try to do things in my strength, especially in areas I feel strongly about.

I think God is letting me know that I need to realize it is not by my might or human power that this matter will be taken care of, but by His. I pray that I can 'rest' in this WORD and rely on Him.

Photos: Lee Wooden Park near Jewell, Nestucca River area (near Beaver).