Health & Insurance

While out getting our 5th wheel insurance we were also prompted to get our insurance in order too.  So we had called up Mr Moo’s insurance guy to come see us one afternoon.  Premium for Mr Moo is only about $25 a month and he would have no trouble getting his – in fact – we received the papers yesterday.  As for me – it would be harder to insure me – why?  i have diabetes – high blood pressure – cholesterol and now on anti-depressant.  Sure they will insure me – but at a higher premium and i needed to go for a medical.  So lesson to be learned here – don’t wait till you are 45 before you try and get insurance – else it would be a lot harder.  And insurance is a must – those especially with family – and kids.  Those with no kids – also must get insurance – why?  parents – siblings that need to take care of your funeral and stuff.  So think about it – your RV needs insurance – your house needs insurance – why not you?  you are afterall the biggest asset to your entire family right?

A Calmer Me With Anti-Depressant?

So I’ve been on an anxiety medication aka anti-depressant for a month now – well almost.  I asked myself – if it really kept me calm and cool?  Most times it does – but this morning – I started ranting again – because Mr Moo was dilly-dallying to get ready for work and so was Missy Moo – while i needed to wash up – brush my teeth and get ready for work myself.  So i lost my cool -  so for those out there – thinking that it’s a magic pill – no it is not and i have no intention of increasing its dosage as per suggested by my physician.  I only decided to take it – because i don’t want to get any worst – for Missy Moo – and i’m only human right?  so if i do lose my cool once in a while  – so what?  bite me!

Kids & Shampoo

Missy Moo is almost 7 yrs old and I’ve often wondered when should we stop using baby shampoo on her?  Don’t get me wrong – we don’t mind using baby shampoo and i supposed there is no harm using them – as long as it works and she has been using it since birth.  But we’ve been asked many a times from other parents – since sometimes – they do forget to buy baby shampoo and didn’t want to run out to get a bottle just because.

My guess is that as long as the kids doesn’t mind the shampoo stinging their eyes and can untangle their hair – then it shouldn’t be any harm using a normal shampoo.  I would still try not to use it so often if possible – since I am paranoid that she might have an allergy but if you are outta it and you needed to shampoo the kids’ hair – go right ahead.

Low Carb Snacks

Diabetic Living listed a few low carb snacks for those like us – diabetics – so I thought I would list it out and share it with you too and my concerns.

Yogurt is one of them – we all know yogurt is great – but make sure you check how much sugar is in it before eating.  I used to eat Yogurt from Tim Hortons – not realizing that there is like loads of sugar in it – sure it was like very little calories – but being a diabetic – i know eat 1/3 of it each time instead of a full cup.

Oranges – If you’re hungry for a snack, grab one small orange and get a juicy dose of vitamin C as well as fiber, which helps keep blood glucose under control.  You can’t go wrong with oranges eh?

Frozen Fruit Bar – Next time those hunger pangs hit, pick a frozen sugar-free fruit bar–it will treat your sweet tooth and might also have extra vitamin C.

Graham Crackers – They’re not just for kids! Graham crackers are convenient, portable, and offer that oh-so appealing crunch. Grab three graham cracker squares to get 15-20 g of carbs.

Bread with Peanut Butter – When you need a more filling snack, spread one slice of whole wheat bread with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. It’s a hearty treat that’s packed with protein and has heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. This one i love and easily available for anyone.

Popcorns – If you have a hankering for a crunchy snack, skip the chips and grab 3 cups of light popcorn (no salt, no butter). Plus, popcorn is easy to grab on the go and full of fiber.

Apple – you can’t go wrong with apple right..??  Apples come in so many varieties, it’s easy to find the perfect flavor. Choose one small apple at snack time for a serving of fruit that’s also a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps prevent cholesterol buildup.

To be con’td —

Low Blood Pressure

So the first week I used the infrared sauna 5 times a week – to get my pores to open up and to get some toxins out and it was going great.  So I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday and she told me my blood pressure was very low – so i had to stop going so often for the sauna session.  I quickly changed my sauna to only once a week now and looking to buy apidexin some anyhow – to keep my weight down.

You all know that a few weeks ago – my doctor told me that i had put on weight?  Yes! bummer!  someone with diabetes like me – that isn’t good news at all – so i took steps to correct that.  Besides eating right and exercising every day – even on weekends – i am still not going down very much except for the first week.  So i figured some help like a safe diet pill may help?  for now the infrared sauna gotta slow down a wee bit.

My Experience With The Infrared Sauna

I haven’t taken a picture of the infrared machine that I have been using since Monday of this week – i used it like 5 days already and am quite comfy using it.  You see – the spa near my work place had a package for $140+ tax for 20 sessions – that means it cost like $7 a session.  My main intention is to unclog my pores in my body and release some toxins out – and make exercising work for me to lose some weight.

Yes ! i’m pretty serious about getting healthy this time.  So have i lost much with the infrared sauna? not really !  because even though parts of my upper body does sweat the lower part don’t seems to have done much.  Anyhow – next week – i will be going for 3 times a week and then once a week – thereafter – i will upkeep by going once a week and continuing with my exercises.  The most important i know is the exercising and the eating part.  So the infrared sauna should only be used to aid the process and make me healthier.  They claimed that you lose like 10,000 calories for every 30mins spent in the infrared sauna – but it’s not true – because as soon as you drink water – you know that the weight comes back.  If there are any changes – i will continue to write here.

Refilling Your Prescription

So you all know I take a lot of medication – and you all know – if not – that i have a really bad habit – i never refill my medication – till i’m outta of it.   And i tend to forget to call in for my prescription till i get home.  So poor Mr Moo needs to rush out after sending us home and go to the pharmacy first before going back to open the store.

Usually, they are pretty quick – for they use a   barcode scanner at the cashier but of late – refilling my prescription can take as long as half an hour.  And then to wait to pay for it – takes even longer.  So just the other day – Mr Moo complained to me – that i should probably use Zellers instead because we never have to wait more than 10 minutes to get his prescription filled.  Or we have to let the owner know about this – because the prescriptions were called in – it’s not like they don’t have a barcode scanner – for scanning all their products – so why the delay ?  probably someone new working? or is it a new scanner that needs getting used to?

2 Kg Lost In 1 Week

So it had been a week since i changed my diet and started on my exercises again.  I gave up playing Cafe World on Facebook – so that I can get more time in exercising and cooking well for myself.  It was tough at first – the first couple of days – but i started slow with half and hour and work myself up to 45mins of exercise as of yesterday.   I also changed my bread back to rye bread instead of the croissants that i had been indulging myself with.  And fish 3 times a week.  My aim is not just to keep my weight down but to keep my blood sugar down as well.   Wish me luck now!

Music & Entertainment Good For Health

The girlfriends from New York  are going to get their Wicked tickets for the hottest broadway show  and trying to entice me to visit them – this summer  by offering me a free ticket.  I sure wished I could go for  I used to go for shows or concerts  to de-stress and to have a fun night with the girls.

It’s not only the dressing up that pumps my adrenalin up but the anticipation of a good Broadway show – can make one go giddy.   My girlfriends said that the raving and the reviews for Wicked the Musical were very good and that this Tony award winning show is almost always sold out.  I’m really tempted to go – afterall, New York is not too far from me – and I do miss my girlfriends very much – time for a short break perhaps?

Keeping Kids Hydrated & Cool

It had been a really hot summer here in Nova Scotia and some days – I just wished there were  ceiling fans everywhere in the store if possible.   Nope we don’t have airon – and it gets really muggy sometimes staying indoor even with the doors open.   We have had standing fans but they sometimes don’t work as good as the ceiling fans – some people uses the window fans but if the weather is hot outside – the window fans will just draw the hot air in instead.

But if the kids are outside a lot – how do you keep them cool and hydrated?  Fruits and veggies !  they contain 70 to 95 percent water. Try watermelon, strawberries, lettuce, and cucumbers.  Or make it fun for the kids by freezing cups of applesauce.   Yogurt – whether plain or fruity  – it contains – 80% water.  So there you have it – but the sprinklers in the lawn will work just as good while they are having fun!  keep cool inside and outside with ceiling fans and all the cooling fruits and food.

Anxiety Attack Medication

So I finally went to see my doctor about my anxiety attacks that i had a few weeks ago.  It was a civic holiday here in Canada and the doctor was there till noon.  My appointment was at 9.30am – so I took a cab there instead of making Missy Moo and Mr Moo get up so early to bring me there.  As soon as I got into the cab – i tried to get the windows open but it wouldn’t open.  I felt like i was going to have another attack there and then.  But managed to calm myself down.

After chatting with the doctor ( a new one – on training), my family doctor came to review my consultation with the new doctor.  I am just as happy I’m able to identify that i need help – as my doctor said.   So another medication on my list for try out for 2 weeks and I have to go for therapy too.  I started my “depression” medication yesterday – I guess we’ll have to wait for a few days to see how it is working.  The only reason why I figured i needed medication is because i don’t wanna traumatize Missy Moo should have i one of the attacks – i forgot to tell the doctor that the last time i had the attack bad – i had raised my voice at Missy Moo – because she asked for more noodles – and i so don’t like that.  So there you have it – should i be ashamed of myself for needing medication?  no of course not – a lot of ppl are shy to tell people that they are on medication – but I won’t – because would you be ashamed to tell people you have a cold or a flu? it’s the same thing yet not quite – but being upfront and taking control of one’s health is very important – because in the long run – it not only benefits me but my entire family.

Brisk Walking

As a diabetic – putting on weight is not a good thing – that can only mean that your blood sugar is going slowly up and surely.  I’ve always pride myself of identifying if something was wrong with me – and try to correct it and I know that I’ve been slowly but surely putting on weight.  I figured it is because this summer i wasn’t doing a lot of exercises nor walking – so in order to keep my weight down – i’m going to start brisk walking again for 30 mins a day – before or after meals.   I looked at some merrell shoes that i can wear for work and not having to change it to do my brisk walking because I would use any excuse I can to get outta it.   But truth be told – comfy shoes are very important for walking – and I won’t mind spending a little bit more for comfy shoes.  What about you?

Mini Exercises

Some doses of exercises throughout the day is good for anyone – especially one who is  a wee bit overweight or has diabetes or has high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  Yes – it’s me I’m talking about – so instead of making excuses about a busy schedule I now incorporate mini exercise. and you can too.

The goal is to get moving for a total of 30 minutes each day – you can choose to  a 5 mins Yoga.   Walk or climb some staircases for 7 – 12 mins a day – but start with 5 mins first and then work your way up to more mins a day.   Try to walk whenever you can instead of talking a bus or taking your car.  Stretch whenever you can – and if you are walking on the computer all day – take 5 mins from every hour and do some light stretching.  Try that for a month and see what happens – i bet you will feel a lot better like I am.

Children’s Wish Foundation

The town is currently celebrating summer with Seafest for the last couple of weeks and today – we see the Children’s Wish Foundation at the waterfront too.  For those who are not aware of what the Children’s Wish Foundation does -  they grant wishes to children who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  And how can one not donate right?  and i applaud the girls who were manning the counter – to collect and raise money for the Children’s Wish Foundation – and I would have recommended them to a good online printing services for doing their brochures and even their Spin A Wheel game.  I’m not saying they are not good enough – but had I known earlier – I would definitely contact one of my many sponsors and work something out for them – and make it even more impressive.  That’s alright though – Missy Moo and I played some games and did our part – maybe next year eh.

Oats & Raisin For Breakfast

I woke up this morning with a bad headache and also full of guilt because i had a cheese croissant for supper before going to bed.  I wonder if it was too much and my blood sugar was high therefore the headache – because i can’t imagine that i didn’t get enough to eat before sleeping.   So while thinking of what to eat for breakfast – and to somewhat make it a healthy one – Mr Moo showed me a best affiliate program review – because he knows i’m always looking out for ways to make money – and i got distracted.

Anyhow, my headache persisted and Mr Moo made me some oatmeal with some raisins – which prompted me to eat oats instead for a snack if i was hungry from now on at night.  I feel absolutely guilty if i ate noodles or even mini spring rolls – plus we all  know that oats is good for diabetics like myself.  But I think I might need some variety with my oats in the morning – like add a banana or granola – or even some pecan or almonds.  Yums!  try that !  i know you won’t think of oats the same way anymore.

Burn Calories Burn

My metabolism has always been slow – i think it has to do with my age – at 45 – and not moving a lot – i need to kick my own butt – so to say to get my metabolism going.   But someone told me the other day – that it had to do with the hormonal changes as well but what i eat and how active i am plays a very important part too.

Ever since my old family doctor told me that I was obese  last year – guess what?  i had been putting on  more weight!  darn! Plus since i’m diabetic – i need to test my blood glucose level as frequently as possible.  So that my decrease in my calorie intake will not affect my blood sugar.   So since i’m feeling a bit fat these days – i’m gonna be doing things differently from today onwards.   Eat a more healthy breakfast – no more Macdonalds.  More low fat cheese – high fiber whole grain or oats and some fruits.  And definitely more exercises – i’m going for my walks from today onwards before lunch!  I’m also gonna pace my food from now on – eat in smaller portions – i hear it’s really good.

Anxiety Attacks

No i don’t get this way – when i have one – i’m just afraid for Missy Moo because i’m at home alone with her.  This week – it had been even worst than usual – i know what triggered it – i’m guessing – but do i go to the doctor and get some medication – because i am very worried that it might scar Missy Moo.

My only fear is for Missy Moo – how my attacks may affect her – and since I feel that i no longer can control my feelings – I should see the doctor and tell her about it.  Yes – i feel irritated extremely – my tummy feels lousy and i start to feel hot behind my neck.  My emotions go topsy turvy – for years I’ve been able to control it and i thought i was getting better.  But could it be that i hear my aesthetician talk about taking meds – so i wanna take it too?    Mr Moo isn’t too keen about me taking more meds – because i’m already on so many – but I’m making an appointment no matter what to see what the doctor has to say.

Solids For Baby After 3 Months

A customer who recently had her baby not too, too long ago – told me that she had just started her baby on solids.  I went like “huh?”  how old is your baby?  she said – oh ! he is already 3 months old.   I can’t really remember when we did start Missy Moo on solids but i know we were told by the Pediatrician not to start her till she was at least a year old.   But normally people start around 6 months so i was kinda surprised that this customer would start at 3 months.  But of course, I didn’t say anything – the fact is a 3 month old baby has an immature gut and is not ready to digest food.  The baby also doesn’t have enough control over the muscles in her tongue and mouth to properly swallow solid food, which poses a choking risk.

I heard that introducing solid food early may also increase the risk of developing food intolerances or allergies.  But it is said not to wait beyond 6 months either.  Older babies are more reluctant to change and may not adapt well to the different texture of solid foods.  Also, recent research has found no convincing evidence that delaying the introduction of solids beyond 6 months protects against food allergies in healthy children with no risk factors.  Anyhow – having said all the above – you as the mom would know if your child is ready or not – but in my humble opinion – 3 months is way too, too soon.  I think there is no need to rush introducing solids; breast milk or iron fortified formula are all your baby needs until she reaches 6 months.

Baby Constipation

My girlfriend who just had a baby called all worried one day – because her baby  seems constipated. She asked me if Missy Moo had the same problem when she was a baby.  But truth be told Missy Moo pooped everyday without a problem – but she was on bottled milk – so i don’t know if there was any difference.  Anyhow, I tried to calm her down and told her the that frequency of bowl movements varies with different babies.  However, if the baby’s infrequent bowel movements are hard and dry and difficult to pass, she may be constipated.  And to help the baby relieve some discomfort, my grandmother used to rub my sister’s babies tummy all the time.  You can also bend her legs into her tummy and gently rotate in a clockwise motion.

Keeping Cool In The Summer

Or should i say staying hydrated in the summer?  Missy Moo is in summer camp and she refused to drink her water even though every time she comes back either for lunch or for the day – she is dripping wet.   But we all know we need to keep the kids hydrated else they have get a heat stroke.   So now i offer her fruit juices freshly squeezed from home and in a thermal bottle instead.  Not the best alternative – but if you asked me anything is better than nothing and fruit juices freshly squeezed at home – has gotta be the second best – although i prefer if she drinks water.