Just Breathe

My mom gave us another scare last week. She hasn’t been feeling well and has been extra tired and kind of out of it so finally on Thursday she and my dad went to see her doctor. Apparently, her heart rate and pulse/oxygen rates were really really low so she went straight to the hospital where they admitted her into the cardiac unit. She had a heart attack and bypass surgery a few years ago so they were suspecting that this may be what was wrong again. She had a bunch of tests run and it was determined that her heart was fine but she wasn’t getting nearly enough oxygen into her lungs, thereby causing all of the aforementioned symptoms. So, she is now on oxygen full time for the foreseeable future. Having the extra oxygen will dramatically improve her stamina, her ability to move, and her issues with pain, etc. This event turned out to be a God send because she now has the ability to FIX this issue—with exercise and deeper breathing. Finally, something that SHE could fix without surgery or medication. She just has to WANT to fix it. Fixing it involves more activity and walking and that will be her biggest challenge. The biggest thing she needs to do is BREATHE. Long, deep breaths to build up her lung capacity. I think she’s up for it because I really don’t think she wants to be on oxygen. So, fingers crossed, she’ll start to move more and build up her stamina.

I am just like my mom in a LOT of areas. I think like her, I act like her a lot, and I react like her a lot. However, I really really hope that this is where we differ. I don’t want to have all of the health challenges. So far (knock on wood), I have been healthy. I don’t really get sick, don’t have any chronic conditions (that I know about), and can move about freely and simply. But, having her go through this and seeing the results of low activity have really made me want to step up my health goals. I have been more on track with WW than I have been in a loooong time, I am moving more, and eating healthier foods. I feel a lot better than I have in a long time too. I am starting to walk during work too. My company has awesome walking trails that I have never even tried in the 2+ years I’ve been here. Pathetic. My friend and I are going to walk daily or almost daily during our lunch times or whenever we can squeeze it in. Why not? It’s so easy and will be a good stress reliever too!

I don’t want to grow old and face these challenges knowing that I could have prevented a lot of them. I never smoked a cigarette in my life because I saw what it did to my mom and her parents but a lot of my other unhealthy habits are very similar to what I saw growing up. Not blaming anyone at all—my parents and family are awesome and I had a kick ass childhood. But, it’s good to realize that I am in control of ME. Nothing is set in stone. I don’t need to repeat their behaviors. I DON’T have to have to follow this path.

I am taking bigger and deeper breaths, and I feel great.