WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR AUGUST 2023
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margaretturk wrote: »Kim I was stung by 12 wasps two summers ago. I took some Benadryl too. When I got stung I put bentonite clay on the stings, elevated what I could. Stung on legs and arms. I also put ice on the stings and tried to stay calm. I did go into emergency care but there was a young woman coughing who did not wear her mask over her mouth and we were in the middle of COVID so I left. Now I carry a homopathic remedy. I have not had to use it. I did think to take it to my friend's house. Because of the time of year there were wasps in her pool. I was careful and she and I keep filtering them out and I had no problems. She was going to let them drown in her pool. I said not a good idea they can still sting after they are dead if you are not careful. I did swell when it happened two years ago and for some reason after the swelling went down I swelled up again a week later. I carry a kit with benadryl or quercerin, the bentonite clay, and the remedy. It is a good reminder if we go to the State Fair to take my kit because the sweet drinks are ubiquitous wasps are very common there.
We have a bee first aid kit, just in case. It's recommended if a person has hives.
We do get wasps around but fortunately found their nest and they've been dispatched.
M in Oz1 -
cyntdooley wrote: »cyntdooley wrote: »It's Cynthia. I so enjoy reading all the posts. I realize now DH is divorced husband, right? First I thought dead husband. Tell me if I am correct.
My husband and I only have 1 grandchild. We get to keep him every other week for an overnight. Our son James and his wife Amy live an hour away not far but not like hey can I stop by. So 1wk we get him & the next wk Amy's parents have him overnight. If truth be known her parents probably have him more often. My husband spoils him too much, which is not a plus.
Jackson is 6 now. He says some of the funniest things. He is like his dad in that respect. He is partly home schooled and belongs to a home school group that meets in a classroom environment 3 days per wk. One of the days they have outside class. It really involves all the senses. On the day we have him we have school work to do with him. It's not easy. The last thing was on the tides and the sea and how it is affected by the moon. 6 yr old home work. Pretty intimidating. Trying to help him understand when he wants play with Poppa. Lol. I will sign off. Cindy from Pensacola.
I think DH is Dear Husband or Darling Husband. I don't use it because that's not how I refer to my husband. It doesn't roll off the fingers for me.
M in Oz
M ya know my hubs started acting cranky and I told him he needed to have a check up. He has never been cranky. Testosterone level down and Psa up. I get to give him a shot every 2wks woo hoo. Maybe ur guy needs check up.
That wasn't what I meant.
We just don't use the terms Dear or Darling to refer to each other. I rarely hear anyone referring to another as "Dear" here and Darling is usually used by one woman to another and is pronounced "Darl". "That dress looks lovely on you, Darl", "Can I just step past you to reach that, Darl" "No worries, Darl"
M in Oz5 -
SophieRosieMom wrote: »Machka - great photos of you and your DH, very elegant. You both look like you are in your 40's.
That venue was beautiful.
Lanette
SW WA State
Thank you!
I am only 6 years out of my 40s.
M in Oz
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Good morning, afternoon and evening, my chickens, whatever your geography may be,
Vicki - I'm on Lasix every morning. Taking it twice a day should help you get your steps in, too! The diuretic in it certainly worked for my edema in my ankles... Glad the pain is better. Sounds like we're in the same weather system. We got just a spit-spot of thunder and a few minutes of rain last night, but like yours, this is supposed to break Sunday. Still weeks of summer left after, but in the low 90s instead of the low 100s here.
Rita - The box breathing routine has helped me drop my blood pressure sharply when it gets too high, and my heart rate by ten or more. https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-box-breathing. I'm trying to remember to use it every time I do my random blood pressure checks--I take a reading before and after. I'm glad they're paying attention to your tests, dear heart. Please keep us posted.
Lanette - Gladys is my kinda chicken... who knew chickens could be overachievers?
⚓🛳️⚓Happy cruising, Allie! Hope it's a wonderful trip.
Slept soooo much better without the new meds. Didn't know how much they were wrecking my sleep, but woke up feeling better than I have in days.
My to-do list is full, but it's all bitsy things. The majority of the big stuff has been done. Taking a break at the moment--it helps me go back and look at rooms again. For instance, finding the compressed air spray can in the kitchen that I've walked past a dozen times and not put away in the workroom. Like I said, bits and bobs.
Son and fiancée will be here about five-ish, so I'm putting a deadline on myself of noon for getting things done. If I haven't dusted it, cleaned it, scrubbed it, wiped it, watered it, hung it on the line, mopped it, swept it, folded it, or put it away by noon, then it's just not going to get done.
Speaking of which... stuff to do!🙃
Love y'all!
Lisa in AR
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The Island Project
https://island.mooc.utas.edu.au/
"The Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND) Project will involve a range of studies that relate to understanding who is at most risk of dementia and how we can self-manage risk behaviours to build resilience to dementia."
It's the world's largest dementia prevention study, here in Tasmania.
"The Wicking Dementia Centre has world leading research on the cause, prevention and care of dementia. It has also developed a unique public health intervention, the Preventing Dementia Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), which builds self-efficacy in managing behaviours that contribute to risk of this condition.
Most of the risk for dementia is associated with ageing. However, international research has indicated that approximately a third of dementia cases may be effectively prevented if modifiable risk factors are addressed. It is never too late to tackle these risk factors, but it is particularly important from middle age onwards."
I'm an Island Member ... I signed up for the program some time ago.
As part of the program are free online courses:
https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking
"Our range of free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offer university-quality education that is designed to be accessible and appealing to people from diverse backgrounds and is based on the latest research.
The Understanding Dementia MOOC addresses the foremost issues surrounding dementia and provides knowledge designed to maximise quality of life across the trajectory of dementia for people with the condition, their families and carers.
The Preventing Dementia MOOC investigates the best available evidence about dementia prevention, drawing on a range of expertise from around the globe. You will learn about the latest research and how you can modify risk factors which may decrease your susceptibility to dementia.
The Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) MOOC will give you an introduction to brain science and the pathology of TBI from concussion to severe injuries. Information will also be provided to build knowledge relating to common causes of TBI, management and rehabilitation strategies for people who have experienced a TBI."
Courses:
I've taken the Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury course and will take the other two at some point.
I think you all should be able to access the links by going to https://www.utas.edu.au/wicking and scrolling down a bit, and I think that MOOCs are available in most countries of the world. If you're interested.
Dementia Risk Reduction
https://www.dementia.org.au/risk-reduction
Non-modifiable risk factors are risks that cannot be changed, such as:
- age – as you age, your risk of developing dementia increases
- genetics – there are a few very rare forms of dementia associated with specific genes
- family history – a family history of dementia increases your risk of developing dementia but at this stage it is not clear why.
Modifiable risk factors are risks that can be changed through lifestyle choices. You can reduce your risk of dementia by looking after your:- heart health
- body health
- mind health
Healthy brain, healthy life - How to reduce your risk of developing dementia
https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/20081_DA_HealthyBrainHealthyLife_A5_BOOKLET_FA_WEB.pdf
Reducing your risk of dementia
There are health and lifestyle factors that contribute to between 35% and 50% of dementia cases worldwide. These factors include:
• cardiovascular health conditions
• physical inactivity
• hearing loss
• sleep disturbance
• poor diet
• low levels of complex mental activity or stimulation in early life
• depression
• social isolation
Looking after your heart
Many people are unaware of the connection between heart health and brain health. The latest research shows that cardiovascular conditions, or those that affect the heart and blood vessels, are linked to a higher risk of developing dementia later in life.
These conditions include:
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• high cholesterol
• type 2 diabetes
• obesity
• heart disease
• smoking.
These conditions are often linked with lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and/or a poorly balanced diet.
Looking after your body
Being fit and healthy is important for your brain. You can maintain body health and reduce your
risk of developing dementia by:
• increasing physical activity
• maintaining a healthy, balanced diet
• maintaining healthy sleep patterns
• checking your hearing and other senses
• protecting your head.
Increase physical activity
A lack of physical activity is one of the highest contributing risk factors to cognitive decline and
dementia in later life. Exercise helps keep the brain healthy and improves memory and thinking by:
• supporting blood flow and oxygen
supply to the brain
• increasing new brain cells
• contributing to brain reserve
• protecting brain functioning in later life.
How much physical activity should I do?
The current Australian Department of Health guidelines recommend:
• 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on at least five days a week
• muscle strengthening activities twice a week.
Moderate-intensity physical activities are those that cause your heart to beat faster and feel out of breath.
So first and foremost ... get fit and healthy!
Keep reading the pdf brochure here:
https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/20081_DA_HealthyBrainHealthyLife_A5_BOOKLET_FA_WEB.pdf
For me, I need to work on my sleep quantity. I don't get quite enough sleep.
I also need to keep on top of my hearing loss.
And finally ...
Try something new!
Activities that are new, novel or challenging in some way require more mental effort and brain stimulation.
https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/20081_DA_HealthyBrainHealthyLife_A5_BOOKLET_FA_WEB.pdf2 -
Just in case you missed it before ...
Our story - my husband and me:
https://machka.net/2021/08/21/rowan-charlene/
Machka in Oz4 -
Happy Friday!4
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I did turn 65 at the beginning of the month (Thanks Betsy – I saw your wishes)
Kim in N. California
Happy Birthday!!
And I'm sorry you've had a rough month.Welllll, we did it, our new purchase
A big unit this time!
Planning to do more camping than you have been?
Machka in Oz
No, we go out about once a month. He just wanted more room with 3 dogs and luxury we could afford5 -
Tracey--Sounds like your camping trip is going well. Thanks for sharing pictures. Glad you are getting some relaxing time.
Machka--Thank is interesting what DH remembers. Sounds like a very nice evening.
Feeling much better today. weight is down 6 pounds so far. Lasix is working. Looking forward to the weekend and cooler temps. Our state fair starts in town today, so lots of extra people around. Good excuse to do nothing. Tomorrow morning going to watch our DGD play volleyball.
Blessings, Vicki GRAND ISLAND, NE6 -
Today I was up in my study/guest room when I noticed what I remembered as a really colourful Indian throw, with sequins on, which we bought in India. I had used it to cover a large pile of boxes containing photographs, and it was functioning as a telephone table. Well..........
I hadn't noticed that it had faded to a dirty brown! In my head it was still the original rich colours. But no.
So I've just ordered another one from Amazon! No sequins, but a colourful Mandala pattern.
Strange what we don't see when things change gradually!
I set off another carpet moth smoke bomb in there today. It kills off the moths OK, but I guess the eggs sre harder to kill. I have to do it every couple of months.
I've been enjoying watching a few Bob and Brad videos today and some Clutterbug ones. Maybe that's why I saw my throw with new eyes. I also cleaned the sink.
Small things are very pleasing.
Enjoy your guests, Lisa!
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx4 -
Recommended exercise: cardio 5 days 30 min 13/23
Strength all muscles 2 x 1/8 a week
Flexible (yoga, stretching) 1/8 a week 10 min
Balance 5 days 10 min 3/20
2023- Altruistic August
Word of the year: appreciate. Today I appreciate patient people.22. Give people the gift of your full attention. I will try.
Meditation: daily. 22/31 (82%(started Feb)(94%,100%, 74%, 93%,100%)
Walking and exercising slowed down because of record heat this month. Had bad asthma attack sending me to ER.
Rita
Stop B12
Switch DHEA to every other day on sept 6
Kev
Add folic acid, once a day
Add magnesium to 3x a day
Up Berberine to 3x a day
1. cut back drinking and limit to 2 days a week. 7/8–(100%,100%,0%,0%,0%,0%,0%)
2. Average 7,000 steps a week. 5418,4157,6745,7029 (7,700,100%-9851,100%-9526,100%-9,559,100%, -8347,100%—7465,100%—6328,90%)
3. Update budget every 2 weeks 3/2 —(100%,100%,100%,100%,100%, 100%.100%)
4. Contact close family every week (4x) 174/208—(100%,100%,100%,50%, 83%, 100%, 100%)should be 154 by September 1)
5. Contact Donat and sibs once a month (8x)71/94 (100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
6. Weigh less last day of month compared to first until I reach 140. Start at 178.6,176,174.2,173.4,175.4,174,175.6 (100%,100%,100%,0%,100%,100%,0%)
7. Develop a journaling practice by aiming to journal at least 5 days a week. 13/22 (100%,88%,100%,100%,100%,93%,100%)
8. Read 12 books at least this year. 31/12 (100%)
9. Pay off credit card debt by January 2024 by making monthly payments to NDR/Reach Financial 8/12—(100%.100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
10. Continue building emergency fund at SLFCU (min$25 a month)$25+$25+$71+700+25+25 +25+25 (100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%,100%)
11. April started putting 4% on income in savings. 700,200,200, 107, 157,(100%,100%,100%,100%)
January Met —100%
February met —-90%
March met met —-90%
April met——86.36%
May met——-89%
June met—-99%
July met — met 81%
August met
September met
October met —
November met—
December met—
1. Set an intention to be kind to others (and yourself) this month. I plan to be kind to people I meet and to myself. Not just this month but all the time. It may not be every time, but I will try.
2. Send an uplifting message to someone you can’t be with. I will text my best friend who lives in Michigan, and my friend that lives in NY. Did this
3. Be kind and supportive to everyone you interact with. I did this!
4. Ask someone how they feel and really listen to their reply. I plan to try to remember to do this. Done!
5. Spend time wishing for other people to be happy and well. Will meditate and do this through a loving-kindness meditation.
6. Smile and be friendly to the people you see today. Will do!
7. Give time to help a project or cause you care about. I volunteer at Bottomless Lakes State park and also belong to the ‘Friends of’ group and am on the board as secretary. Does this count?
8. Make some tasty food for someone who will appreciate it. My DH does all the cooking. Perhaps i will look for something KETO to cook. Otherwise, we give food to our co-host often.
9. Thank someone you’re grateful to and tell them why. I will!
10. Check in with someone who may be lonely or feeling anxious. Checked in with my son.
11. Share an encouraging news story to inspire others. Did this at ER when the diagnosis was given.
12. Contact a friend to let them know you’re thinking of them. Did this yesterday and will do again today.
13. No plans day! Be kind to yourself so you can be kind to others too. I need the rest!
14. Take an actions to be kind to nature and care for our planet. Will do! Need to de-stress!
15. If someone annoys you, be kind. Imagine how they may be feeling. I will try to put myself in the other person’s shoes. Did this again last night with a camper.
16. Make a thoughtful gift as a surprise for someone. Will have to think about this! Did not do this.
17. Be kind online. Share positive and supportive comments. Will do!
18. Today, do something to make life easier for someone else. I did try to accommodate a camper.
19. Be thankful for your food and the people who make it possible. I am.
20. Look for the good in everyone you meet today. Sometimes that is hard but I am getting better at it. Maybe not right away but after I thought about the person’s reactions and what could cause it.
21. Donate unused items, clothes, or food to help a local charity. I will have to think on this. Not planning on going to town today. Did not do this.
23. Share an article, book, or podcast you find helpful. I do when I find something useful.
24. Forgive someone who hurt you in the past. This one is hard. I will try to forgive my father.
25. Give your time, energy, or attention to someone in need. Easy! I did that yesterday giving someone a campsite who didn’t know how to use the electronic means to reserve a site.26. Find a way to ‘pay it forward’ or support a good cause.
27. Notice when someone is down and try to brighten his day. (My DH’s birthday. He always gets depressed on this day. Worse this year as he turns 70 today).
28. Have a friendly chat with someone you don’t know very well.
29. Do something kind to help in your local community.
30. Give away something to those who don’t have as much as you.
31. Share Action for Happiness with other people today.
RVRita in Roswell, NM
The best predictor of the future or future behavior is the past. If until this point the relationships, hobby, friendship, job, etc. has not served you in any positive regard, it likely won't in the future.
— YALDA SAFAI, MD, MPHA Word From Verywell
Sunk cost fallacy can be tricky to wrap your head around, and it’s not without nuance. For more clarity in these complex decision-making moments, completely disregard how much you’ve already invested so that it doesn’t hold influence. Then, look at the facts.
\
Thrive Market EFGT code
Are you satisfied? Have you repeatedly been met with dead ends? Is there still potential for a positive outcome if you continue investing your resources and energy? What are the benefits of walking away and opening a new door? These are the factors that should influence your decision rather than any previously sunk costs.1 -
Hi all! I’m going to try to answer a few questions here at once:
I have not had Covid that I know of. That was another reason I went to the ER a couple of weeks ago when I had the asthma attack. They tested for Covid, the flu, and pneumonia. All negative. I think most of it is coming from my microscopic colitis which is acting up. The D stopped but the cramping and pains are still there. Been there for over a week now and not easing up. I am taking budesedide (sp) at 6 mg a day. I can go up to 9 or low to none. I am considering the 3 a day regime now because it is not going away. At least I hope this is what is causing the blood pressure issues.
The kidney counts have been going down for a while. I saw a different NP who became very concerned about the the kidney numbers. I have looked them up each time I got blood work and with this result see (online, not confirmed) that I officially am in the kidney disease levels.
Luckily, we have both a cardiologist and a kidney doctor (can’t spell the real name. Lol!) here in town right across from the hospital and in the same building as my GI doc. Waiting on call backs for appointments. Meanwhile monitoring my BP, pulse, oxygen levels, peak flow, and inhaler use for all 3.
Working on improving my gut health as was also stated in a post earlier. Re-read a book I have on this and hoping that at least helps the colitis stuff.
Edited to add: I have been seeing a therapist and am doing meditation daily where I have learned the box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, longer exhales than inhales and diaphragm breathing which I find hard (I thought that was breather in your upper lungs not using your stomach muscles at all. At any rate I have difficulty doing that method.). It lowers my BP but not into normal right now. It used to, but within the last 3 months has not worked. (If you are interested, I use the ‘Balance’ app for meditation-free for a year). The last 3 months have seen me have a terrible bought of arthritis where everything hurt like the dickens, a colitis D attack, a UTI, and then the Asthma attack. My NP believes something is going on and so do I so, I am doing another blood test for food sensitivities to address my gut, and awaiting for the other doctor appointments to resolve what I can’t on my on. I am so glad I go to a functional doctor for my PC! They begin with the better diet and look for the root cause of the issues, not just treat the symptoms.
Thank you all for your concerns. I love you all!!
RVRita in Roswell, NM11 -
3093091
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Katla in Illinois1 -
Cindy from Pensacola here.
-Rita- I can empathize with you in regards to arthritis and gut issues. Last November I had a bad colonoscopy and decided to quit eating red meat. 95% of the time I don't. I have found that I have less gut issues than I did before. I still have days that it encompasses my whole day but is rare. My arthritis is better too. I still have to take meds for arthritis. I find exercise has helped. Sometimes it's a vicious cycle. You feel bad so you don't want to get out of bed then no exercise. I tell myself if I can just get started -if it's walking around the house and taking shower that it's a start. MFP noted that being outside 30 minutes a day helps wt. Loss. IDK about that but sure feel better. I know I talk about my trike but I feel like a kid again and I can feel myself getting stronger. Rita I hope that you can find the triggers for your gut cause I know how debilitating it makes you feel.
-Again I love reading all the updates.
- A little chime in memory. I worked in an acute rehab facility attached to hospital many years. Treatment for Brain injury (BI)traumatic and non-traumatic BI , Spinal Cord Injury SCI, Stroke, Major Multiple Trauma MMT, Orthopedic & Amputation. I saw a multitude of people with memory issues. I think it's so important to be honest with your provider #1. Medication or over medication is one of the major causes of confusion. As far as disease Urinary Tract Infections UTI and Pneumonia PNA are #1 culprits for confusion and many times once that is treated the confusion will improve. Pain medication has a long half life (the time it takes the body to clear it from system) which is increased the older you are. This is just a little tidbit to think about if you have a loved one or your self having memory issues. This in no way substitutes educating yourself more. If someone asks or tells me that they are having memory issues I ask them about meds, the bladder, the bowel, the lungs, or fever. Constipation can cause confusion. Okay probably too much info.
- Blessings to all
- hugs
- Cindy Pensacola
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Rita- nephrologist ,I have one and a cardiologist and all sorts of other drs.
2 uneventful flights which is good.but maybe 4 hrs sleep not so good.
Cousin coming to pick me up at 4:30 going to there house for cocktails and then to dinner.. hope they don't keep me out to late lol.
Tomorrow is the big day to get over to the cruise port.7 -
Thank you for the Welcomes!
ready- Calif3 -
Barbara: You could screen shot them, then post the picture. This is from my Weekly report.
☘️ Terri5 -
3103100
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