Some Background

I will admit...I have my share of unhealthy habits. Take a look at my plate in the buffet line...it's usually overflowing. Do you see me working out at the Y more than once a month (if that)? I don't smoke (my parents both did) and I usually opt for wine in social settings.

Some of it is genetic; I think I have my Father's stout build. And like many of you, I can look back on my life and pinpoint "reasons"....in a family of 6 kids, there seemed to be a free pass to steal off someone's plate if they were slower eaters....and I grew up in the "clean your plate" era. Cleaning off my plate was no problem, especially since my Mother's meals usually consisted of meat and potatoes; I don't think I knew about broccoli until after college!

I do know that I weigh more than I should. I know that I do not drink enough water. I think my blood tests will show high cholesterol. I did not work up a sweat during my physical, but if I had I'm sure it would show that my wind is not what it could be (although I will say that this past summer I had great air singing and dancing on stage during the Center for the Arts show "Songs From The Tall Grass.")

I had my initial visit with Dr. Lokken a few days ago and I need to call now and get the blood test results. I explained some of my health issues, including something that I've heard called a "pump bump" that bothers me if I run. We talked about some family history, some instances of diabetes in the family, and hopefully I will be able to meet with a nutritionist in the future. I'll keep you posted on what he/she says!

Dr. Lokken is one physician you can really look up to...he's 6-foot-8 inches tall! He's from North Dakota originally and fairly new to the community, so if you get a chance to say hello, do so!

Anyway, I'm going to call Dr. Lokken's office now and see if my bloodwork is done!

After getting that information, I will tell you my goals for this challenge!