Thankful!

It was two years ago when she told me about the pain.

I recall the shock upon discovery of the lump. What's more the size of it. I needed effort to keep a straight face and stay calm. 

Things moved swiftly and in less than a week, she is in the hospital, awaiting surgery to remove what we hope is large but benign lump. 

Two years ago she went in to the operating theatre. Two years ago when she came out, I sensed the person was different.  It was as if she changed. And so she did. For the better.

So thankful to the Lord for the way things worked out. Hallelujah!

Eventful Week

She said there was a problem, and upon checking I concurred. We saw a few doctors and the next thing we knew, she was scheduled for surgery. Somehow it felt right too.

So after prayer and much prayer, we went to the hospital at the appointed time. There, whilst the operation took longer than expected, things were nonetheless smooth. 

She was discharged into my care the same day, despite having a small drain in situ. Thankful that I was able to care for her, it made good mother-daughter bonding time....

Parents never expect to see their children in hospital. So thankful for the peace of the Lord that passes all understanding.

A Break

I am still feeling the effects of last month's whizzing around non-stop. At times I get giddy. Other times I break out in a rash. Quite unlike me.

Yes, I have been to the doctor. I finally succumbed!

The diagnosis? Not sure. Probably chemical imbalance under the skin, stress, lack of sleep.... all the above. What with perimenopause as well!

I think I need a good break. A long one. Go away somewhere and have a retreat. No, not just a retreat but have one of those luxury retreats! Yes! I am getting excited at the thought of that!

The recent wedding? It was held at one of those fancy places and the couple had a estate weddings and events planner to assist them. What a grand affair it was. Not only that, it was also an lovely emotional one.

Goodness! All this talk makes me want to hop on the next flight out....!

Changes

The other day, I was told by this fine young man that I didn't look my age. Haha! No, he was not flattering me, nor was he out to win me over. A happily married young man that he was, he was stating what he felt was fact. Nice eh?

Except that he didn't know the full story. Amazing what a good set of clothes well worn can do! It hides a lot! And I mean a lot!

I honestly replied him that I felt my age, even if he thought I didn't look it. In particular, I felt it when the hot flushes came. And what are hot flushes I hear you ask? Check it out here. Simple diagrams which help explain.

Anyway, thankfully the hot flushes and other symptoms have ceased since I started on a herb....

But that's another story!

Perimenopause

Sometimes I scare myself.

Other times I think it's ok. Especially when I read articles like this which help to put my perspective right and assure me that I am doing ok. I found myself hankering for a lot of the things on this list!

Remedies for Memory Loss, Concentration Problems and Forgetfulness

Everyone had days when they didn't feel like they were 'on their game' including you. And as you age, both your bodies and brains grow old as well. Not to mention the effects of hormone imbalances during your perimenopause and menopause phase. But smart food and supplement choices might be just the remedies for memory loss, loss of concentration and forgetfulness in menopause and perimenopause you needed.

Healthy foods and natural supplements are becoming popular as they act towards making better numerous aspects of health and well-being. They are derived from substances that occur naturally and have been consumed in one form or another for centuries. Their effect on body functions proven over time and their ability to encourage better memory are worth investigating.

Here are a couple of natural supplements for the brain and memory that may remedy your memory loss, loss of concentration and forgetfulness in perimenopause and menopause and help you get your thought process back on track:

• Fish Oil
  Fish oil is a form of supplement which is harvested from the fish bodies and purified through a systematic process. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids that will benefit your overall health. It is associated with treating memory loss, better concentration, and health of the heart. It also helps to prevent the attack of Alzheimer's disease.
• Ginko Biloba
  Ginkgo Biloba is an extract from the green leaves of the Ginkgo tree. The active ingredients in the extract are the ginkgoflavoneglycos, bilobalide, and terpenelactones including ginkgolides A, B and C. Ginkgo improves blood circulation and oxygen flow to the body and brain. One of its benefits is improving memory retrieval and treating loss of concentration. Thus it may help many women to deal with their memory loss, forgetfulness and loss of concentration during menopause and perimenopause.
• Rosemary
  People often considered rosemary as just a spice they use when cooking. However, its effects as herbal supplement are surprising. Rosemary helps to keep the brain stimulated and make certain that memory is working correctly. A good working brain will certainly improves memory. There are many available types of supplement that include rosemary thus you're encouraged to check the dosage and strength before taking one.
• Green tea and black tea
  The potent antioxidant and other ingredients in green tea and black tea are believed to promote healthy blood flow, cure many aliments and improve memory function. Since green tea and black tea do contain caffeine it's important to use it sensibly. When taking moderately, green tea and black tea may be the right remedy for perimenopausal and menopausal women's memory loss, forgetfulness and loss of concentration symptoms.
• Ginseng
  Ginseng also appears to improve memory function. Ginseng is an herb that improves energy. And many aging people insisted that it has the ability to revitalize. If it has this profound effect on other parts of the body it would seem reasonable that it would work as a booster to the mind and memory.
• Caffeine
  Caffeine is a stimulant and it works to stimulate not only your hearts but your minds as well. It can give a person the extra boost they need to clear their mind. The caffeine that is found within the coffee, tea or chocolate jolts the brain and the memory can retain more information.

Other natural foods which are great for the brain and may help to reduce symptoms of memory loss, loss of concentration and forgetfulness in menopause and perimenopause include:

• Blueberries
  Blueberries have been demonstrated to protect the brain from stress, chronic insanity, and Alzheimer's disease. Research has also indicated that diets rich in blueberries significantly increased both the learning ability and motor skills.
• Avocados
  Avocados though considered a 'fatty fruit', help to promote healthy blood circulation and lowered blood pressure, diminishing the possibility of developing hypertension, which can lead to a stroke.
• Deep-water fish
  Deep-water fish is abundant in Omega-3 essential fatty acids that are important for healthy brain function. Salmon is a wise, freshwater fish choice.
• Nuts and seeds
  Nuts and seeds are great sources of vitamin E, an important vitamin required by your brain to avert deteriorating cognitive functions. Cashews, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower and sesame seeds and almonds are all good choices.
• Whole-grain breads, brown rice and oatmeal
  Whole-grain breads, brown rice and oatmeal reduce the risk for cardiac disease by promoting a healthy heart and improving blood flow. The brain is undoubted to thrive with the excellent oxygen flow and nutrient delivery through the bloodstream. Complex carbohydrates also provide the brain with a persistent flow of glucose that enhances brain function. But avoid simple carbohydrates which are found in junk food. They give the brain a short-lived sugar high that often followed by a crash that causes you feel hungry and tired.
• Chocolate
  Chocolate is very rich in flavonoids and antioxidants which are full of recognized health benefits.
  Some of its benefits include: reduce the risk of heart disease, promote healthy blood flow and blood pressure and boost brainpower. A study found that consumption of milk and dark chocolate will improve impulse control and reaction time. So, a little chocolate in your diet will improve your memory retrieval and concentration.

If you just begin to feel the signs of memory loss, forgetfulness and loss of concentration in perimenopause, menopause and other stages of life, taking a natural supplement and right foods can be the ideal remedy. They often have fewer adverse effects in addition to essential benefits of their memory boosting attributes.

When the natural ways fail to improve your memory and concentration you may consider taking hormones that speed up bodily processes, like the over-the-counter drug DHEA. Recent studies demonstrate that DHEA improves memory, strengthens the immune system, prevents bone loss and may even protect us from diabetes and autoimmune disease. If you're a postmenopausal woman, you may consider DHEA hormone therapy but avoid it if you're not in your menopausal phase yet.

Finally, a better mind and memory for a better life is not an impossible thing. Since there're so many remedies for memory loss, loss of concentration and forgetfulness in menopause and perimenopause you can choose from. Just remember, moderation is the key.

FB Addicts

Do you know what FB is? Well, if you do, read on....

I am told that you know you are a Facebook (FB!) addict when you have four out of the five listed below. Let's see how you fare!

1. You lose sleep over FB.

This means that you stay up late at night, tired the next day because you are compelled to go on FB. You are neglecting yourself over FB! (I can hear some of you going "Tsk! Tsk!" and "No, not me!")

2. You spend more than an hour a day on FB

Actually, before you stone me, I am told that you only need about 30 minutes maximum a day, and this is NOT my research!

3. You become obsessed with old loves

Old friends. Re-connecting with long lost loved ones. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with clicking to be "friends" with an old flame. But research show that linking up with old flames aren't necessarily healthy. Certainly an inappropriate remark on an unhappy current relationship on such a public site would be potential explosive and divisive fodder if picked up by a third person who knew one's partner! You can imagine it, right?

4. You prefer FB-ing instead of working!

Now, this might seem obvious, but really, if you are sneaking to go on FB (and your company permit such freedom) then you know you are in trouble - just admit it!

5. The thought of logging off FB leaves you in a cold sweat.

The cold turkey test. Paula Pile, a marriage and family therapit in Greesnboro, North Carolina, has her own quick test: "Try going a day without Facebook. If you find it causes you a lot of stress and anxiety, you really need to get some help," she says. This is when you are ready for SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX!

Not Feeling Well

Aches.

Bone aches.

Ear aches.

Sore throat.

Not nice.

Feel like curling up in bed.

And staying there all day and night.

That's how Arrow #3 felt a few days ago.

And that's how I feel right now....

Need to have that bitter tea drink!

God Heals

They couldnt find anything wrong, he said. The pain has reseeded a lot. He is able to do much. Just that he is concerned if he opens his mouth too wide.

I told him not to worry - If God has done the healing, it is total.

And so, yesterday, he told his sister that he is eating pretty much the normal fare!

Praise God!

No Solid Food

It came totally unexpectedly. An sms in the middle of the day. Not even a warning beforehand. Just the result....
What would YOU do?

A Little Scare

So the results came out a bit weird.

Initial reaction is to ask WHY? How can someone seemingly so fit come out with such skewed results?

Then a mental scramble for answers takes place.

Followed by resolve to find the right answer.

Then only do I recall I have hotline to the One Who is always there.

So I shoot an SOS to the Ancient of Days.

In return, I get peace that passes all understanding.

And so I relax.

And today, that is justified. That is proven correct.

My Arrow IS fit and fine. It was a skewed result, probably because he ingested something prior to the test being done previously.

Lesson learned - shoot SOS out earlier!

Living From a Distance

What do you do when someone you care for falls ill and you are physically apart?

Does the sense of helplessness overwhelm?

Does the desire to step in and take action rise up?

Does the maternal instinct take over?

Does the paternal instinct rear up?

In my books, the hardest thing to bear is having to watch someone you love suffer and be totally unable to alleviate the suffering.

At that time, a decision has to be made. A stance has to be taken. A belief will be lived out.

But first, the question "Is God in control?" needs to be answered.

Then only can the rest take place.

Auf Weidersehen

Auf Wiedersehen (German pronunciation: [aʊfˈviːdəʁzeː(ə)n]) is German for "goodbye". The phrase more literally translates as "when we see again" or "until we see again".

That's the phrase my second Arrow learned while with us. He came back for his semester break having lost some weight. It is hard as a mother to see his already thin frame look even more thin and frail. Have been trying to put back some meat on him and I think we have succeeded to some extent.

Why German? He's going to take the language as part of his studies. Hopefully he will continue to do well and get selected to go to Germany for part of his course.

His course. Today he flew to go back and continue it. He probably wont be back end of this year for Christmas. We probably wont see him over Chinese New Year either.

And I didnt get to see him off at the airport. It was hard to worship in song this morning.....

Lactose Intolerance

OK I have found a new thing.

Apparently being allergic to milk is very different from being lactose intolerance.

She might be more lactose intolerance - not allergic.

I have to study this more.

People sometimes confuse lactose intolerance with cow milk allergy. Milk allergy is a reaction by the body’s immune system to one or more milk proteins and can be life threatening when just a small amount of milk or milk product is consumed. Milk allergy most commonly appears in the first year of life, while lactose intolerance occurs more often in adulthood.

Allergy Suspect

I suspect an allergy.

Sniffy nose. Congestion in the upper respiratory track. Coughing on and off.

Surprisingly, all ceased when I banned milk and dairy products from the diet.

What do you think?

More Punishment

I did it again!

I went for more punishment.

Self-inflicted punishment.....!

I went to the gym and walked and ran on the treadmill.

This time, I covered more than 3km at a faster rate!

Then I went for even more punishment.

Yes, folks, I went on the thigh buster machine and worked out for another ten minutes!!!

P.S. Son got his room and is happy with it. Praise God!

I am certain I will suffer for it tomorrow.

I am certain I will not be able to wear my heels tomorrow.

I am certain I will walk like a penguin tomorrow!

I will certainly keep you posted!

I Hurt

No, it's not emotional pain. Nor is it mental.

It's pure physical, and self-inflicted!

I went to the gym. (See The Hinge for more information)

Now I sit here and my butt hurts.

When I walk, my calves protest.

Later I am certain my arms will join in the chorus.

I can forget the heels tomorrow morning!

Smoking and Health

In a mood for video.
Saw this one and thought you might find it interesting...
Maybe even use it to deter your children from smoking....

Hahahaha!
That sort of humour....?

Seeing the Doctor

She had what we thought was a stye on her eyelid.

But unlike others, it was still there days later. In fact, it got worse!

So we were asked to go and see a specialist.

After some trying-to-decide moments, we settled on the one near our old place of stay. We had to get to the eighth floor!
Once there, we walked down a long corridor which reminded us of a hotel, not a specialist hospital!
Needless to say the view was spectaculer.
It was fun to see familiar landmarks.
When we finally saw the doctor, she gave some antibiotics and told us to return after 24 hours.

Which we did today and praise God, she doesn't need an operation!

The Pelvic Floor Muscles

In Metamor4sis, I posted about a condition called LAI - light adult incontinence. A condition that plagues many women, one way to improve is to do pelvic floor muscles exercises.

"What are the pelvic floor muscles?" I hear you ask. These are the sling-like muscles which support our pelvic organs (read bladder, uterus and bowel). If they are weakened, we can have bladder and bowel incontinence. They also play an important part pregnancy and childbirth (support during pregnancy and later guide the baby's head out during labour), and in sexual function (but more of that later.....)

So how do we strengthen our pelvic floor muscles? Well, not only have I taught about this during my life as a midwife, I have past personal experience having had three children myself.

First thing you need to do is to know where your pelvic floor is and recognise when you are "pulling" or "tightening" them. (I still remember telling pregnant ladies and their partners at the ante-natal classes in my usual cheeky way ... many years ago, I hasten to add!)

The second best way is to sit on the toilet... with your knees apart. Then pee! You have to do it with your knees apart otherwise you would use other, external muscles ie the thigh and buttocks. Don't hold your breath too much!

After a while, you will recognise them. And once you do, wherever you are, three times a day at least, you can imagine that you are trying to stop yourself passing urine and at the same time trying to stop yourself passing wind. Your muscles should feel as though they 'lift and squeeze' at the same time.

It is recommended that you squeeze ten long squeezes followed by ten short squeezes. A long squeeze means you need to hold it for several seconds and then relax it for the same length of time. You can actually feel your muscles getting a little tired. A short squeeze is a minute and then relax. Again, you do it until you feel your muscles are tired.

It can take three to five months before you notice an improvement.

Oh yes, I said "second best way" earlier. You are possibly wondering what the best way is.

(Did I mention I was cheeky?) The best is during intercourse. Squeeze them and see if you get a reaction. If he blinks or gawks or goes wow, well done!

Approach to Food

As a baby, one was particular about food. Another was more easygoing. The third ate everything.

Here they are when the youngest was only 4 months old and gnawing on a chicken bone! Amazingly her constitution was strong and I had no sleepless nights from her incredible diet.
I would get a little concerned about the fact that some seemed to be fussy with food - was I under-nourishing them? As a former nurse I would fret.

Now that they are older, I realise that I need not have worried so much. As long as they didn't have too sweet a tooth, their diet turned out reasonable. Now they have a much wider range of taste AND they are fit and healthy! Phew! It took me almost 20 years to discover this truth!