Normally, I choose to look at something going on in current health pop culture, whether it be a new finding, or a study to comment or think on. Today, I'm going on a totally different track.
All of us have "bad" days, and that can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. I think we can all agree that a bad day can definitely be relative. I am blessed and there is something within each day that I can be grateful for, no matter what. I know a lot of you going through chronic diseases may struggle with finding that thing today. If you search for it, I promise, it's there. Today, something really got me thinking.
I woke up with a headache, knowing it was a running day, and overall felt foggy, and groggy. I set it up without even realizing it. I unconsciously decided that it was going to be a "bad" day. I just didn't feel uppity, like I really should have.
I took an ibuprofen, and set out for my run, practically forcing myself. As I started to get moving I realized my IPod was acting up. "Great", I said, just another road block, another frustration. After the first few minutes of my run it was clear to me it wasn't going to be a easy, fun, or fast run. I was going to struggle today.
It really got me thinking. Mostly, I tried to remind myself this really isn't a bad day, but God is throwing me some minor road blocks. I am running, and using my legs and my lungs, that in itself is a gift and not to be taken for granted. Also, I thought about all the people I know and people I don't know going through a much more difficult day than me.
It also occurred to me the road blocks are there for a reason. The "bad" days are there for a reason. The bad days not only allow us to enjoy the good days, but they also test us.
Now, the next time not every little thing is going absolutely perfectly I will know mentally how to handle it. I will be less likely to immediately write the day or the morning off. This is what the bad days teach us.
Ironically, as soon as I realized this things started looking clearer. My run was still horrendous, but I realized I hit the wrong switch on the IPod and got the right playlist going, and the headache was gone. Now I know, my mood is a decision, I can navigate the road blocks, and I am better for learning how.
I suppose I should have learned this by watching my Mom struggle with cancer with a smile on her face. But sometimes, you just have to wait for that moment to pop in your consciousness.
I think a lesson can be learned here. The bad days are the ones that make us stronger, wiser, and more grateful. In short, it's the bad days that are the good days.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A Look At Skin Cancer
Summer is here again and as a lover of warm weather and sunny days I get so anxious to be out in the power of the sun's energy. Also, if you know me, I am fair skinned, an esthetician, and the daughter of a Dad who had skin cancer. Yes, both of my parents had cancer, a topic for another time......
First we heard, lather on the 50 SPF sunscreen, every 2 hours, on a cloudy day, when you're indoors. Overkill? Perhaps.
Now, we are hearing about all the great cancer fighting agents of Vitamin D, which comes from the sun. I have heard dermatologists say, it's ok to go out for 15-20 minutes on a sunny day, without sunscreen as long as the unprotected areas are your arms and legs. I have also heard contradicting evidence that you really should just get Vitamin D from your food, and supplements. On top of all that a new study recently came out about the most common place for melanoma. Guess where it is? On your legs. Not to mention the highest rates of melanoma are in Colorado, where I live. So many people enjoying over 300 days of sunshine at a high altitude. Are we all just spinning in contradicting information? How do we know what is best for us?
In a new study by the researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine indicates that taking Vitamin D could actually help prevent melanoma. Although there is a long way to go to prove this information, it is a little ironic. "The Institute of Medicine recommends that most adults get 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium per day and 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D. It sets a recommended upper limit at 2,000 mg of calcium and 4,000 IU of vitamin D"
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/06/28/can-vitamin-d-lower-your-risk-melanoma/#ixzz1Rw9tQ2Um
I always try to give you the information and let you decide between you and your doctor what is the right course of action for you.
Today, from all the research I have heard I think it's still vital to wear sunscreen, eat the right foods, and just do the best you can. Let's face it, we have all been outside and didn't re-apply the sunscreen after being in the water, or waited longer than the 2 hours so we're likely getting the Vitamin D. Especially if you are lucky enough to have as much sunshine as me in Denver.
First we heard, lather on the 50 SPF sunscreen, every 2 hours, on a cloudy day, when you're indoors. Overkill? Perhaps.
Now, we are hearing about all the great cancer fighting agents of Vitamin D, which comes from the sun. I have heard dermatologists say, it's ok to go out for 15-20 minutes on a sunny day, without sunscreen as long as the unprotected areas are your arms and legs. I have also heard contradicting evidence that you really should just get Vitamin D from your food, and supplements. On top of all that a new study recently came out about the most common place for melanoma. Guess where it is? On your legs. Not to mention the highest rates of melanoma are in Colorado, where I live. So many people enjoying over 300 days of sunshine at a high altitude. Are we all just spinning in contradicting information? How do we know what is best for us?
In a new study by the researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine indicates that taking Vitamin D could actually help prevent melanoma. Although there is a long way to go to prove this information, it is a little ironic. "The Institute of Medicine recommends that most adults get 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium per day and 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D. It sets a recommended upper limit at 2,000 mg of calcium and 4,000 IU of vitamin D"
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/06/28/can-vitamin-d-lower-your-risk-melanoma/#ixzz1Rw9tQ2Um
I always try to give you the information and let you decide between you and your doctor what is the right course of action for you.
Today, from all the research I have heard I think it's still vital to wear sunscreen, eat the right foods, and just do the best you can. Let's face it, we have all been outside and didn't re-apply the sunscreen after being in the water, or waited longer than the 2 hours so we're likely getting the Vitamin D. Especially if you are lucky enough to have as much sunshine as me in Denver.
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