Health « anyways…

Saco Bay Criterium

August 19, 2008 at 1:52 pm | In Extra! Extra!, Health, Nursing | No Comments

Nursing has its privileges. For instance, Steve asked me to be the nurse for the Saco Bay Criterium. It’s a bicycle race. See you there!

Relax

July 20, 2008 at 12:48 pm | In Health | No Comments

Here are some good links for relaxation, meditation and doing nothing for we people with high stress lives. It can be used to reduce stress, increase spiritual guidance and lower blood pressure. Interesting, eh?

How to Do Nothing
How to Meditate
Harold B. Lee on Meditation
Studies Show…

Day one of Nursing

June 30, 2008 at 9:53 pm | In Health, Nursing | No Comments

Today was my first day of working at HAPPY Hospital. I was excited and it was nice to get paid for working. All I did today was tour, meet, read and take care of logistics. More of that is planned for tomorrow. They will be scheduling me for different departments in the hospital, including riding in a hospital ambulance to transfer patients. We will be building skills, learning procedures and getting socialized in the new culture of the emergency department. The other nurse is a recent graduate of my OTHER nursing school…Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing. She and I were in the same ERI Pre-RN seminar together. Nice to see her. I look forward to tomorrow.

I will also start going to the gym again tomorrow morning. We’ll see how that turns out.

I jus needa know ware i’ be-un

October 9, 2007 at 2:23 pm | In Health, Natter | 3 Comments

Caleb reminded me today just how much I like the movie Cars. I REALLY LOVE THAT MOVIE! Caleb was walkin’ backwards and he says, “I don’t need to know where I’m goin’, I just need to know where I’ve been.” It’s such a cute saying. I like the one where Mater says, “I’m happier than a ternader in a trailer park!” The movie’s cute, thought provoking and I even feel like crying at the end. I know, I know…it’s a toon! Yes, but I still like it - and I can like what I want…it’s America fer pete’s sake.

Oh yes, I went for a walk with all the kids except Liam. I had Mattea with me ’cause she’s here for babysitting. We went to the horses down the road and on to the pond. It’s such a nice day out here. I was feeling like I didn’t want to study or do school work. It is a repeat of last week. I hurt my back yesterday, though. So…I haven’t been working out this week ’cause I haven’t gone to Auburn. But my smart wife says, “Why don’t you go on a walk? It’s beautiful outside.” Thank you Kim. You were right. I feel a bit better now and ready to study.

Whirlwind, Building Blocks of an Athlete Report, Kids

September 26, 2007 at 2:34 pm | In Family, Health, Nursing School | No Comments

Well, I got a 94 on my first exam in my senior year. It’s the highest grade in the class. That’s great. How am I doing with my weight program? School is going well, but is in whirlwind status. Everything is happening at a steady clip. My hands hurt from typing and the projects keep coming. I am able to keep up with nursing homework, but OHS (occupational health and safety) is suffering. I think I want to work next semester instead of take an additional class (it would be statistics). I would of course finish the year with nursing, but not take another class to round out a full-time schedule. Whadda ya think?

Well, the weight program is going well. The first building block is still being worked on. I am trying to make my body eager like a horse. My mind eager like a nurse. My spirit eager like a bishop. Ahem. Anyways…I swam this morning…which was incredible! I loved it. Will I want to compete in this? Maybe. I continue to struggle with pasta…I am addicted. My friend Ann tells me she’s back on the box this morning. She and I LOVE (I MEAN LOVE) macaroni and cheese. She stopped eating it for a while. She usually eats it in stress or low amounts of free time. She’s back on the box, so I guess that means bad news.

I have been spending time with the kids (more in the family setting). It’s been nice. I am watching as their wings unfold. Lundi and I went to the fair alone together last week. More on this later, because it was a homeschooling adventure and I want to be able to tell you more about it when she’s done with the project.

Gotta go - studying.

Wasted Time

September 20, 2007 at 10:18 am | In Fuss, Health | No Comments

Yesterday was a bit disappointing. I was just tired of school work so I just lurked around the internet, blogging and researching some school stuff. Paid the electricity in town, bought sponges. I didn’t get much done, but then I had it with the kitchen, so I did ALL the dishes (the kitchen was a mess). Dinner, bedtime, etc. In my fit of kitchen duty, I got busy and agitated. I used Macaroni and Cheese to help bring me down. I was craving it. I LOVE mac and cheese and it loves me. It doesn’t, however, make an athlete. I have to curb this addiction.

So this morning I got up late because I hit snooze twice. Urgh. I go to bed at about 10pm and I am totally exhausted. I sometimes have a hard time waking up at 5am. That’s 7h of sleep. I am usually OK with 7h of sleep. I will still use this as a golden standard and hopefully with proper eating, exercise and stress management I can pull out of it.

As if this isn’t enough…I get a slow start because I want to download the weather and the Writer’s Almanac to my iPod. OK choice, but not priority. Then…I forgot my lab coat (required today) and marched out the door and sped away in my black knight car. I remembered 20 minutes away. So home I go, then out with a bang again. This time, I also remembered that I should have my occupational health and safety textbook - that too comes with me.

Workout at the gym was great!I am at a weight I like (progress to 200lbs and size 36 waste). I ran on the elliptical for 10 minutes, 1.2 miles. Heart rate less than 160. I then proceeded to super slow exercises on the Nautilus equipment. I will reassess my weight and fitness at the end of October (in between clinical rotations). This morning I took a before and after picture - only the before one. I was without a shirt. The picture was - well - not good. I thought I would post it here, but I am afraid to. Will it offend anyone? Will it break your computer? I don’t want to look like that. I want to wear a speedo to compete in swimming and not look like I did this morning. My goal is to be healthy, compete and become an athlete. Right now, though, I have put off school work too much and I will do that. TTFN.

Fit for the Kingdom - Fit to Serve

September 19, 2007 at 2:43 pm | In Credo, Health, Natter | No Comments

Here are my thoughts on being fit for the kingdom.

Here are some references from Scriptural and Modern Revelation:

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62)
“Disciples of the living Christ have always known that as we bear one another’s burdens, we “fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). The irony of this is that, although we may make a difference in the lives of those we help, we who give charitable service are often the ones who benefit the most. When we sacrifice our time, talents, and resources for the sake of others, we refine our character and thereby become more fit for the kingdom. The Savior said the poor would always be with us (see John 12:8). And it is a good thing too because we cannot become exalted without them. We need the poor as much as the poor need us.As we open our hearts to those in need—whether they be poor or discouraged or grieved or in distress—and as we give of ourselves to lift their burdens, our problems seem a little smaller. We grow in spirit. We grow in peace. We grow in joy.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Two Guiding Lights,” Ensign, Aug 2007, 64–69)
“The sacred hymn “More Holiness Give Me” (Hymns, no. 131) brings to our remembrance the virtues worthy of more of our attention…The virtues expressed in “More Holiness Give Me” fall into several groups. Some are personal goals, like more holiness give me; more strivings within; more faith, gratitude, and purity; more fit for the kingdom; more purpose in prayer; and more trust in the Lord. Others center on adversity. They include patience in suffering, meekness in trial, praise for relief, strength to overcome, freedom from earth stains, and longing for home. The rest firmly anchor us to our Savior: more sense of His care; more pride in His glory; more hope in His word; more joy in His service; more tears for His sorrows; more pain at His grief; more blessed and holy; and more, Savior, like Thee. More of these virtues is better. Less is not desirable.” (H. David Burton, “More Holiness Give Me,” Liahona, Nov 2004, 98–100)

As I strive to become more like the savior and serve others - truly serve others, I can bless those lives, my burdens become lighter and more able I am to realize the things of the Kingdom. In order to do that - serve others, bear others’ burdens, fulfill my callings of father, husband, Church positions, nurse and spiritual son of God, I must be physically strong. My body must be ready - even eager to serve. My energy must be available. My mind must be clear. My spirit must be worthy. I know there are other considerably weightier issues to wrestle in our lives, but it is nonetheless a requirement to be able to answer the call.

As I become an athlete, I will use this ideal as a motivator and the ultimate goal. Becoming an athlete will help me focus my determination, past failings and present fears. Who will I depend on to get me through this? I hope to find others who share my views and desires, but the three companions on whom I will always look to is Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

Yesterday, I stumbled a bit. Lunch was heavenly - leftovers from the night before…My Chicken Goody…very fattening. My exercise was less than desirable. Today, I had a bit of ice cream, but nothing to worry about. My workout goal this morning was to make it to 25 minutes (from 20) of cardio. I met that goal. I am learning how to not eat pasta as much as I do. When it is placed before me, I become a horse. How do I stop that? Especially with Mac & Cheese - which those who know me, know this is my true vice.

Building Blocks of an Athlete

September 18, 2007 at 8:10 am | In Health | No Comments

So I was out on my morning exercise. I have been going religiously to the gym, but Tuesdays don’t require me to physically be at school. So, here I am at home today, and what did I do? I went biking! It was exciting to be out again - I haven’t been out in a while.
Out on the ride, I met three horses and they were all eager to come greet me. I didn’t stop, though I felt I should. While I was riding, I was pleased with my surroundings. It was early enough that people were still just stirring up their day, but late enough that some have left for work. Quiet, peaceful and still. But my mind was stirring. I am still a bit tired from the weekend (not partying, but playing with my kids and catching up with homework). But my mind is eager - like the horses. They were happily grazing, and ready for interaction and work. I was physically straining because all the roads here are hills, but I was eager. Eager like the horses. I am eager to build my athlete. So, my first building block in building my athlete is eagerness. I will call the first block “Eager Horse“. I am going to train my body and mind to be eager. Eager to please me. Eager to work. Eager to motivate. Eager to move and thrill and watch the pounds go away and the strength and endurance rise. Eager to be fit to serve in the kingdom. Eager.
Enough eagerness this morning. I will share the building blocks of my athlete - me. I haven’t decided how many building blocks there are, but I will know my athlete when he is finished.
I was exploring what kind of athlete I want to be. I thought of running a marathon. I thought of cross-country skiing, or skate skiing. I thought of swimming and alpine skiing. We’ll see. I haven’t decided what that athlete will be. I want to decide soon.
OK - so I am now down to 225 lbs. Kim doesn’t like me because my body responds fast to eating right and exercise. I eat like a horse (hmmm) My diet is about 2200 kCal per day to lose weight while building muscle mass. I start eating within the first half-hour of waking and eat small portions about every two hours while I am awake. I drink a lot of fluids, eat more protein and track my food intake. I use slim fast, but I don’t skip breakfast - I only use it to curb my hunger, while still providing nutrients and calories. The truth is the initial weight loss is true for the first 2 weeks or so, but thereafter, I will probably only lose 2 lbs / week. In any case, it’s not only the pounds, but the pant size. I barely squeeze into a size 38 waste. I want size 36. I want to look good in a tight shirt. I sometimes wear XXL, but can get away with XL. Larges fit, but you can see my fat and I don’t like that. I want to fit in a large comfortably. We’ll see.
OK - about the athlete. I was thinking swimming, cross-country skiing or skate skiing because of my lower-back injuries, but what do you think? I want to COMPETE - that’s the key. My goal is to build an athlete. Athletes compete. What should I do? What do you think? What building blocks do you recommend? Building blocks could be areas to develop in order for me to become the athlete I want to become. Thoughts? (not that many people leave thoughts here - but it’s worth a try). I need buddies and friends to help mentor, motivate and inspire me in this endeavor.

Building an Athlete

September 13, 2007 at 9:59 am | In Health | 1 Comment

So, I know - another mens locker room story…but…
I was in the locker room at the gym this morning and feeling self-conscious about my flubber. The thing is, there’re all those fit men in there, and you can see it. I guess I am making them feel better ’cause when they see me, they are thankful for how fit they are (see Kim for where I got this idea). I am not saying they’re good-lookin’, just that I want to be like that - low BMI, no extra fat around my waste, etc. etc. I am 233 lbs and I consider myself to be about 30 lbs overweight. Sooooo….I was thinking what I could do, like a goal or something. I thought about running a marathon. Can I do it? Can my back take a marathon? Am I an athlete? The truth is, I have never never been an athlete. My father used to tell me that I throw a ball like a girl and run like I’m constipated. Kids would choose me last on their team during phys. ed. - and they were disappointed. I didn’t play baseball, football or soccer very well at all. I was a slow runner and I wouldn’t pay attention like the other kids to the ball or other players. I did get quite good at skiing - and frankly, I’m still good. However, I never really competed. So, long story short, do I have the staying power, drive and body to become an athlete? Can I make myself have those things? I need help, because I just may take myself up on my challenge. Anyone want to join me? Anyone want to train me?

Pasta out the ears

September 7, 2007 at 5:57 pm | In Health | No Comments

Ok - so I didn’t do so well with my health plan for today. I started out ok with oatmeal, 1 egg, banana and OJ. Then I went on to the gym. Did good there. Then I had a BIG helping of spaghetti at lunch. When I got home I had brown rice and margarine and now I made a homemade mac & cheese for the kids…I had a big bowl. Oh well…that’s OK. I will pay for it and I will move on. But I must learn what to do about this weakness. I love pasta!