Unlike what you watch, read and hear in mainstream media and health circles, which as I like to say are stories-mostly fiction, there are indeed some health and wellness stories that need to be heard. The following is a true story, let’s call it the story of BD.
So now that the introduction is complete, I will let BD tell it like it is. It is BD’s story to tell and I did not alter any of it. It is republished here with BD’s permission.
Take it away BD.
Could I find any more excuses why I :
got fatter
got unhealthier
got unhappier?
Yes, I wanted a magic bullet (should I call Marie Osmond at Nutrisystem to lose 50 pounds?)
Doctors had found my blood work results to be unhealthy for 15 years. But I was dealing with:
the stress of being a caregiver
poor sleep patterns
poor eating habits
no exercise because I hated exercise
Here I go with the excuses again. Doctors had all recommended medicine to put my diabetes in check, lower my blood pressure, lower my cholesterol, help me lose some weight... I do not like to take any medication, so I basically existed doing nothing to help myself. Notice I wasn't living, but simply existing.
I would see others having fun, smiling, happy, seemingly healthy, and there I was feeling sad and sorry for myself. I had to do something to bring me back to ME!
I saw others running a 5K race and thought “how hard could it be”? I had no idea 5K was 3.1 miles. The only athleticism I've shown in my life was playing putt-putt mini-golf with our son when he was a toddler 30 years ago. But I signed on to do the race to be held in October 2022. Why, I just don't know, but I'm glad I did.
So that I wouldn't embarrass myself at the race, I knew I needed to get motivated. I decided to begin an exercise program. I began January 1, 2022 walking in my living room each morning. I kept a diary of my results, which were pathetic. I was panting, sweating, nauseous, and felt like this could possibly kill me. But every day I got up (even though there were times I didn't want to, which were most days) and I walked in my living room. Next I ran in place in my living room and then I graduated to running outside on the street in front of my house. Exercise is important at any age level but you must be smart and gear your efforts to your physical capabilities. Possibly yoga or stretching exercises is a good start.
I also kept a hand-written diary of low calorie foods that would keep me full (high fiber wraps, cheese wedges, eggs... ) I chose to eat foods that would fuel me so that I could run. It's easy to tap an app or type a daily diet/exercise routine, but much better for me was to use the “old fashioned pen to paper method” to seal the deal.
I am now running and on target to finish the 5K race this October. So, if you see a 65 year old woman, running in a pitter-patter style, listening to polka music as she's running, it will be ME! My style may be different but I'm doing it my way and that is just fine!
If you are unhealthy, overweight, unhappy, and stuck in a rut, things won't change unless you change them! Changing your mindset is easy but sticking with your new decision to change, that's hard. But I'm here to let you know, it's never too late (my first race ever at age 65) and if you're like me and prefer natural methods to make your life better, it is possible.
What a story and all totally real and true.
BD found what has worked for her.
She did it her way!
Wellness Pearl:
Everyone must find the way that works for them. The Institute for Medical Wellness (IMW) is here to advise, guide and steer, but the ultimate direction to improved health and wellness is always yours to decide. The IMW will help you monitor your overall health biomarkers, provide new thoughts and options and hopefully, if needed, help you to safely reduce/remove prescription medications that are no longer needed.
As BD mentioned, Don’t you think it’s time to start living instead of just existing?
If you have a Wellness story you would like to share please send me a confidential email at drhorvitz@drhorvitz.com or if you are already an IMW Wellness member let me know via our confidential messaging app Spruce.
While I am known as being just a tad sarcastic at times, I just want to say how much I appreciate all the subscribers to my Substack, Common Sense Health and Wellness, especially the paid ones! Your support is so greatly appreciated.
P.S. Dr. Steven Horvitz is now licensed to practice in the State of Florida. While the home base of Dr. Horvitz and the Institute for Medical Wellness is presently is New Jersey, we are now able to Virtually evaluate and treat Florida residents using a HIPAA secure video messaging app. Our evaluations have a special focus on root cause evaluations and treatment guidance of Nutritional, Metabolic, Inflammatory and AutoImmune health issues. We can order traditional, nutritional and functional testing to help guide you on your wellness journey.
If anyone needs our help, feel free to visit our website at www.drhorvitz.com
Thank you! I DID IT!!! Finished bronze medal in my age group. Next year, going for the gold!
Just want to say, BD, I am routing for you. What an inspiring story. Love your ability to stick with your convictions.