Mom's Cancer Scare

I consider my mom a beacon of health so imagine my surprise when she told me that her doctor found cancer...

...Mom loves only lives 15 minutes away but I still get excited when she calls or wants to spend time with me. This phone call was different. There was something in her voice that let me know that she really needed me. I can't articulate it but I knew that I had to be there for her to talk to her. Problem was that Cinna, my sister-in-law was on punishment. I did not want to leave her alone in the house but my mom hinted that she would rather see me alone.

I trusted my instincts and agree to come alone, but when I talked to hubby he was equally concerned with leaving Cinna all alone, so with my mom's permission I took her with me the next morning. My mom, was glowing...she is usually a fun loving person but she is not the give you a big hug everything you walk through the door type. Instead she has got a killer sense of humor and a fierce stare that will cut you to pieces when she's mad, but today there was joy. Seeing her put my mind at ease and let me know that she had good news...and that she was happy to see me (Big relief).

My mom needed some project help that required some tech skills, so I took the easy part and gave Cinna the figure out this computer program part. While Cinna was in the office, my mom and I laughed and talked for over an hour until she laid it on me oh so casually. She'd gone to the doctor for a colonoscopy and they fond a cancerous polyp. She was schedule for a follow up to see if there cancer had spread and wanted to know if I could drive her. Strange thing was that we were both okay. I ave ever reason to hope for the best and she still had that unexplained glow like she was in love with life with only a touch of fear.

Next week me and my sister took mom to her second colonoscopy, and I have to say it was a good day. It felt so good to be all together and to have someone to talk to while I waited for my mom. Me and sis walked and talked outside as we walked a lap around the hospital. Mom was a little sore since the first test had only been a few days ago, but she was still in good spirits. So we when to her house, ate pizza and watched movies. It was a good day...

It became a bad day when the doctor did not call as promised. He was supposed to call on Monday but mom could not get to him. When she called th office the nurses assured her that he would call as soon as he could, that her results were on his desk and insisted she would hear from him soon. Since knowing is half the battle the whole family felt scared and stressed as they came up to scary possible answers for why she hadn't heard from the doctor. My sister was the most stressed and had pretty much resigned herself to a the probably of the results being bad news. Finally I was able to use my big sister skills and remind her that hope never fails. She listened and we felt better, but still anxious.




Long story short...my mom is cancer free. The surrounded cells were not cancerous and there will be no further treatments just another colonoscopy next year. The only reason why she was tested in the first place was because she'd heard that you were supposed to start having colonoscopies when you are fifty. She had no symptoms but asked her doctor to schedule a test. It was her intuition and assertiveness that allows me to joyfully proclaim that my mommy is cancer free.

Easy Stress Busters

I'm stressed out...how about you?

...Why do I ask? Stress has a way of sucking the productivity, health and joy right out of you and I want to share a few ways to combat stress. One of the best stress relievers I know is good old fashioned exercise.  Working out at a moderate pace for at least 20 minutes a day helps to releases  a lot of tension. Pick an activity that you enjoy like basketball, playing with your kids, gardening or dancing and you will score extra endorphins.

Talking to understanding friends is also a great way to let off some steam. Sometimes we store up stress in our bodies because we are too busy or too embarrassed to express our personal problems. Find people whom you trust to open up about things that are troubling you the most...Sometimes just getting it out in the open is all you need to feel better.

But the most important stress buster is taking the time to identify the root problem and then brainstorming for the best solution. Schedule at least 15 minutes of quiet time everyday: tea on the patio, prayer in a closet, mediation at dusk, laying in bed before you start your day, or walking in the park. Sitting still will help you focus and find your worries, fears and frustrations. Make problem resolution a top priority and commit to removing anything that hinders more than it helps. When you are stressed it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless, so seek advice from people you respect.

 Life will always have its challenges so don't wait for perfection. Learn what it takes for you to relax in times of stress and look for enjoyment in what you already have : )





Top Ten Stress Busters uploaded by illumistream

Better Food Pyramid Mediterranean Diet

A new study says that the way to fight of Alzheimer is by eating a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. Again it proves that the American diet fails us all: fatty, sweet, and processed foods. Besides its so much fun to try new recipes. Watch the video below to learn more.

How to get you children to eat their veggies

"Anyone who has kids understands that it takes a lot of skill and a little finesse to get your kids to eat their veggies. Most kids would prefer to dine on a strict diet of sugary and processed goodness. Pleading seems in vain because they tune out when you say, "Please eat your vegetables. They're good for you." Lucky for me I had a mom who did not force food; instead she offered huge portions of veggies her kids liked and tried to sneak..."

This is an excerpt from How to get you children to eat their veggies and the entire post can be found Wellness Wednesday.

I don't have tots but I do have a teenager and a husband that are not keen on most veggies. I purchased Deceptively Delicious and enjoyed the delicious recipes that are appealing kids and adults a like. Just remember to always show visible veggies and fruit at each meal to get kids use to eating veggies voluntarily. If they refuse to eat the veggies no worries, they will be getting the vitamins from the hidden veggies in the main entree.





Kids can learn to love their vegetable, just get creative.

Kids and Exercise

Maybe your workout routine is great and your in great shape; what about your kids? Kids today move a lot less then they use and it takes a toll on their bodies. Avoid future health problems by making working out a family activity. Kids love playing so get creative and incorporate recess all year long:

* Rollerblade or riding bikes together instead of driving for short distances.
* Take turns or walk the dog together two to three times a day.
* Limit time spent watching TV, on the computer or playing video games
* Create a chore list that includes yardwork and other housework.
* Family exercise: go to local park, play sports, dance together for 1/2 hour.
* Keep kids hydration by having them drink water before and during exercise.
* Play games like tag and follow the leader.

I dare you to watch this video and follow along



Okay I'm so sorry that I did that to you. I just want to get in touch with your inner child and so that you are will enjoy exercising with your kids.

Ready, Set, Go!

"Hello all. I hope you enjoyed the last post, Stride Into Summer, which was about running and tips to get started. Below is a simple and easy workout for you to try. This will be a good test run; you will see how your body feels and reacts to running and you will get a sense of recovery time (both will get better; we all know after working out the first few times, especially if we haven’t worked out in awhile, soreness will set in.)"

This a sample from Ready, Set, Go! on Wellness Wednesday. In this article the Homebody Blogger share a 30 minute workout that will help to prepare you for a new running program to get help you achieve your best beach body. On the post there is a large gap between the text and the workout table. I tried to fix it but could not find the problem so please scroll down to seen the program and forgive my lack of html knowledge.

Ready, Set, Go

Love The One You're With

I'm fat and I'm beautiful. I never understood why fat was such a dirty word. I grew up with women who were over weight and they are absolutely stunning; not because they were fat, not in spite of it but just because they were beautiful. Then I grew up and grew out and understood that being called fat was not desired. I did not mean to let myself go but life got the best of me and now things that were once easy are now difficult. Instead of doing 200 sit-ups effortlessly I now do 50 with muscle soreness for three days. Instead of eating two or three helpings I now get a small plate once or twice a day without the scale noticing. Yes it's hard but I love my body. Not just because it has gotten me this far, but because it still looks good to me. I still long for the days when my friends would ask me to lift my shirt so they could stare and my abs with awe and I miss finding lots of clothes that flatter my figure but I'm okay with me.

I wish that everyone could just love the body that they have today. You should always strive to be your best, but you should appreciate what you already have. Working with people with all kinds of handicaps and help you to get a better perspective on self esteem and the function of a body.If you can't see your beauty on the outside start with your inner beauty and all its glory.

"If you are overweight or out of shape toning up is beneficial if not necessary for your health. However, learning to love your body unconditionally is a significant step that is often overlooked..."

This is from a post titled Love The One You're With and can be found on Wellness Wednesday.




What role do you think media plays in societal beauty standards? Do you have a love or hate relationship with your body? How have you improve your body image through out the years?

Stride Into Summer

There's is a new article from Trainer's Corner titled Stride Into Summer. This article gives beginner tips on how to incorporate running into a fitness program. Read the first tip to get a taste of what you will learn:

"1. Just like any exercise program, it is important to set attainable goals. Whether it’s to be able to run for 30 minutes straight or to run at least 3 days a week, set a couple of goals and stick to them...."

You will find the entire article on Wellness Wednesday and don't forget to check out the Homebody Blog for the latest music and interviews with artist.

Free Running Inspiration

Do you routinely run for fitness and if so how has running helped you? Are you been interested in running but too intimidated to give it a go? Do you have any questions regarding your fitness program?

Walking Workouts

Walking is one of the best and most underrated workouts out there. Now if you run marathons, play professional football or climb mountains you might not find walking enough of challenge. Still walking has so many benefits that it is good to add it to your already structured, or none existent, workout routine. Before starting a new walking routine there are a few tips you should be mindful of in order to keep you workouts safe and effective:

* Walk at least 30-60 minutes a day five or more days a week.
* Find the right pace- you can talk but breathing a little heavy.
* You can split up your workout into 10 minute session 3 times/day.
* Climbing stairs is great for the heart.
* Always warm up and cool down for 5 minutes for each walking session.
* After you warm up and cool down stretch to prevent injury.
*Avoid long strides- roll your foot from you heal to toe to increase speed.



Later to today post title The Benefits of a Walking Workout is on Wellness Wednesday.Let the Proclaimers' video inspire you to put a little pep in your step.

proclaimers - I' m gonna be 500 Miles Uploaded by jesus_lizard

Do you enjoy walking for fitness or just for fun? What are some of your favorite songs to workout to? Please share tips you may have on how to make walking a fun and challenging exercise routine.

Football and Ballet Workout

football-ballet uploaded by John. Blakely

I can’t remember the first that I heard about football players being sent to ballet class but the image stays with me: big and stiff manly men attempting graceful movement and while looking a little insecure and out of sorts. When I was young I had a competitive spirit and fast legs. I was 50% tomboy and 50% girly girl and I loved it; that was until I’d get excluded from playing sports with my friends cause I was a girl. It did not matter that I could out race most of them, or was very strong and that made me mad. I hated that boys need to take on certain mannerism to be a true man. So when a jock can exchange his cups for tights he gets my respect.

Here are some benefits from paring of football and ballet:

• improves kinesthetic awareness and increases the range of motion in your hips
• adds fluidity to movements which helps w/evading
• ballet movement require strong ankles and knees which helps to prevent injury
• practicing plies help add lift to your jumps

Make no mistake dance is a sport in its own right and ballet is one of the toughest. It is hard on your body but it builds muscles, techniques and grace that you won’t learn from any other practice. The first video includes clips of different exercises so when you have time get outside and try them out. The second video is a workout that you can follow from start to finish.





I have to be honest, I'm a little intimidated by the football workout but I plan to try it out later this week. Which workout do you think you will enjoy more, football or ballet?

Spring Break Meltdown

Oh how I've missed blogging. I did not intend to leave to neglect LL&L but I had to take an unexpected vacation. First of all hubby and Cinna keep their computers downstairs while mine is upstairs in our bedroom. Cinna was out for Spring Break which made her a permanent fixture on the phone and on her computer. Hubby could not work downstairs because of that and so he kidnapped my computer. I cannot work with the distraction either so even though I was a bit under the weather I decided now was a good time to spring clean/rearrange furniture. We changed the position of the furniture in the living room, kitchen and moved Cinna computer upstairs to her bedroom. Later that day I rearranged our bedroom furniture by myself and got in trouble for not asking for help. My family still does not know that I am Wonder Woman.

Apparently my body did not recognize that I was WW either because the next day I felt awful. I exacerbated my sickness and now all my muscles were sore. So instead of pushing through I just spent time with Cinna, relaxed the best I could and let hubby use my computer (it's better than his). I'd planned to get back to work on Monday when Cinna returned to school but I failed miserably. Both my mom & grandmother had a b-day, we had a couple of small family crisis, and my feverish body was very fatigued so it was hard to get back into the swing of things.

Well I'm back, still not 100 % but good enough. So please bear with me as clear the cobwebs from my mind and work on making sure that LL&L lives up to the LL&L Creed. So please lavish me with compliments and tell me how much you missed me; this is only time deception is acceptable on LL&L. But if you can't bring yourself to lie just tell me some fun spring break memories or share your best cleaning tips.

Morning Yoga Routine

Yoga is a beneficial addition to any workout plan. It can help stretch out fatigued muscle, add flexibility to help prevent injury and help with stress reduction. While practicing yoga I've personally experienced a better connection with my body which gave me a boost of confidence. LL&L is focused on Yoga for this Workout Wednesday because I'm feeling a little under the weather. I understand that you have to commit yourself, without excuse, to living well and to a good workout plan. Yoga is something you can do when you need to slow down and give your body a little breather.

 

Related Links:

Yoga-111-blogspot

AdvancedYoga- Expert Village

Yoga DVDs- Amazon

 

 Have you practiced yoga before? Please explain how yoga has helped you or why yoga is not for you?