Selina Ayres
Eng 101
Dr. Sonia Apgar Bergert
15 Oct 2013
My Significant Educational Experience
Very young in life I had
no concern for my health. I was very reckless and did a lot of stupid things.
When I had my first physical and my test came back, that I had high cholesterol, I did not care.
I really did not understand the true meaning. I thought I knew but I did not. I did not do any research; I did not ask any questions. I made a few changes, l switched from whole milk to 2%, ate more vegetables. I started walking about 20 miles a week, bike riding and hiking. That was about it and that felt like a lot.
When I had my first physical and my test came back, that I had high cholesterol, I did not care.
I really did not understand the true meaning. I thought I knew but I did not. I did not do any research; I did not ask any questions. I made a few changes, l switched from whole milk to 2%, ate more vegetables. I started walking about 20 miles a week, bike riding and hiking. That was about it and that felt like a lot.
On my next physical, my
cholesterol is higher, my Triglycerides
were 300, my HDL was 35 “HDL
cholesterol is the well-behaved "good cholesterol." This friendly
scavenger cruises the bloodstream. As it does, it removes harmful bad
cholesterol from where it doesn't belong. High HDL levels reduce the risk for
heart disease -- but low levels increase the risk.” My LDL
cholesterol was 190. “LDL collects in the walls of blood vessels, causing
the blockages of atherosclerosis” I still really had no understanding of any of
this back then. The information I share with you above, I had no knowledge of
at that time.
In 2005 I was waiting
for a prescription at Walgreens. While waiting I decided to check my blood
pressure to kill some time. My blood pressure was very high, but instead of
being concerned, I decided the machine must not be working properly. At my next
Doctor visit my blood pressure was very high and then I remembered the incident
at the Walgreens. This is the moment where I felt some concern for the first
time. I went on medications, made more changes in my eating habits, and joined
a gym. I also sought out a naturopath. I lost 30 pounds and felt great.
A few years later I was back in the same spot,
gained the 30 pounds back, my cholesterol and blood pressure were still high. I
moved to Poulsbo from Seattle in 2005. Found a new doctor, had a physical and
found out in addition to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, I also have
type 2 diabetes. I cried all the way home. I had many prescriptions to fill. I
was so disappointed in myself. How could I have let it get this far?
When
I went to visit that Doctor in Poulsbo I had to order my past lab records. I
had them sent to my house. I sat down and looked over them very thoroughly. I
learned that I had been type-two for a few years and pre diabetic before that.
I made copies of my lab records and also requested a copy every lab visit from
that day on. I learned how to read my lab results. I sat at the computer and
did a lot of research. I talked to friends who were in the medical field and
asked a lot of questions. I started accumulating books, and reading them a lot.
My
Doctor signed me up for a class at Harrison
Hospital. It was at this class that I announced I was there to learn how to
reverse my diagnoses. I learned how to measure my food and count carbs. I was
taught to never look at the sugar content of the package, only the carbs, sugar
free is a deceiving word. I lost 30 pounds right away. Six months later my
type- two diabetes has reversed, but this became and up and down battle for me.
In
2009 I lost my insurance. So no more meds, not that they really made a
difference, so, more research. I started taking vitamins and supplements that
would assist me in my goal. I started taking co-q10, omega 3; I eat 5 almonds a
day. I made a lot of changes in my diet. I rarely eat beef or pork. I have not
had milk in over 10 years. I eat a lot of stir-fry, tofu, greek yogurt with
fresh fruit, humus and I love all fresh vegetables. My newest discovery is
spaghetti squash. I also joined our local Y. I find when I have a lot of stress
in my life, usually due to lack of time management skills, this all goes out
the window. I was determined to get this under control. Having no insurance is
a scary place to be in at my age. Learning to find balance is my new challenge
to help me achieve my goal.
This
has been a very long learning experience. I have read a lot of books on high cholesterol,
high blood
pressure, and diabetes,
books that I found at the library and goodwill. I have also done a lot of research
on the internet. My biggest learning experience was just around the corner and
I had no clue.
In
January 2010 my mother had pneumonia, so I went to help take care of her. This
is where I got to see my future if I do not get this under control. My mom and
step-dad are both on so many meds. My mother has become sedentary. She is on
enough pain pills to kill a horse. They are both type two diabetic. They suffer
from all the same diseases due to their life style, lack of healthy diet, exercise,
smoking and drinking (quit 15 years ago).
I
visit a couple times a year. It just seems to get worse. My step dad, Bob has a
100% blockage in his left carotid artery
and 40% in the right. My mom also has blockage in both sides. Bob also has Peripheral
artery disease. The list is long. All of these diseases are connected. They
both had the same symptoms that I now have. They ignored all the red flags,
like I did. So I have a choice. I can get on track and get this under control,
and save myself a lot of misery and pain. I can live a life,that consist of
pharmacies and doctor offices, or I can have a life of many fun activities. It
is all a choice.
So my
advice to you, know your numbers. Always ask for a copy of your lab work. Keep
a file and keep a copy on your computer. The best prevention is aerobic exercise.
If you have parents still living, share your knowledge, help them stay healthy.
Someday they will be your responsibility, so start now with prevention.
Works Sited
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