I follow a pendulum swing when it comes to my health. Thankfully, I have been overall blessed with good health. Most of my health issues come down to elements that are within my control, especially in the realms of diet and exercise. Unfortunately, that often makes me complacent about my overall well-being. It takes some sort of outside intervention to push me into trying adopt a healthy lifestyle, and even then my motivation is often short-lived.
Case in point: I was not allowed to give blood yesterday. This has been the second time in a row that I have been at a blood drive and turned away due to my blood pressure being too high. When I looked up the numbers online after having been turned away, I discovered that the bottom number was extremely close to an "emergency" situation ... which is probably why the nurse looked so uncomfortable.
I felt terrible. I was sitting there with the sticker saying "I made a difference" on my shirt knowing that I had to walk out despite all of the information about how much they currently need blood donations, especially O- (my blood type). Granted, it was the end of the first week of school and I did eat sausages for lunch. Also, I was worried (as I will be the next time) that I would be turned away again, thus creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
I also had to walk by Mr. Ferry, my ninth grade biology teacher and one of the leaders of my junior year hiking group. I made a bit of a joke to him as I left, but my spirits were definitely at a low point. I like my life-style. Sure, I could eat better and exercise more regularly, but I don't want to give up the foods and drinks that I love. And unless someone decides to pay me more, the stress in my life isn't going to change anytime soon.
For a little while, the pendulum had me thinking about going cold-turkey on many of the foods and drinks that I like. I tend to be extreme about things like this. Thankfully, my better angels talked me down and reminded me that the key is moderation, not deprivation.
Case in point: I was not allowed to give blood yesterday. This has been the second time in a row that I have been at a blood drive and turned away due to my blood pressure being too high. When I looked up the numbers online after having been turned away, I discovered that the bottom number was extremely close to an "emergency" situation ... which is probably why the nurse looked so uncomfortable.
I felt terrible. I was sitting there with the sticker saying "I made a difference" on my shirt knowing that I had to walk out despite all of the information about how much they currently need blood donations, especially O- (my blood type). Granted, it was the end of the first week of school and I did eat sausages for lunch. Also, I was worried (as I will be the next time) that I would be turned away again, thus creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
I also had to walk by Mr. Ferry, my ninth grade biology teacher and one of the leaders of my junior year hiking group. I made a bit of a joke to him as I left, but my spirits were definitely at a low point. I like my life-style. Sure, I could eat better and exercise more regularly, but I don't want to give up the foods and drinks that I love. And unless someone decides to pay me more, the stress in my life isn't going to change anytime soon.
For a little while, the pendulum had me thinking about going cold-turkey on many of the foods and drinks that I like. I tend to be extreme about things like this. Thankfully, my better angels talked me down and reminded me that the key is moderation, not deprivation.
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