Thursday, March 24, 2011

Love can make you crazy. I have to admit, the first time I fell in love, it wasn’t with a boy. No. It was with snow. There was something magical about it. The way it looked like the stars were falling out of the sky. The way it sparkled like diamonds when the moon hit it. The way that it muffled all the ugly sounds, and made the world look clean and innocent. When I was finally old enough to make a choice about where I would live – college – I chose Buffalo, NY. They were known to have a lot of snow.

How is it, then, that I ended up in Florida?

This was my sixth winter in the sunshine state. A year of record snowfalls – everywhere but here. One day it snowed in 48 states – Florida was among the two that missed out. I was homesick. Lovesick. So I did what any love crazed loon would do. I booked a trip to Colorado for spring break. Guess what, family? We’re going skiing!

What was I thinking? A forty-two year old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, who has never skied downhill (I’m a cross-country girl), with osteoporosis in one hip and osteopenia in the other… skiing on a mountain with an elevation of 8,000 feet? It’s official, I’ve lost it. My knees hurt when the April humidity rolls in; my wrists are already aching and we haven’t left yet.

I’m terrified. A victim of my own stupidity. A victim of love.

Yet, I can’t help but think that this might be the best time of my children’s lives. They may experience the joy of falling in love, with snow, like I did at their age. And maybe, just maybe, I will be able to rekindle that old romance, despite the years that have passed, the way my body has aged. Maybe RA hasn’t truly robbed me of my first, my one true love, after all…

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Getting Back on the Workout Wagon


Somewhere around the third mile of interval training on the treadmill, I began to wonder when my legs had turned to lead, when my lung capacity diminished to that of a chain-smoker, and why, oh why, did I let myself go?

It happens to the best of us. Despite our knowledge, despite our good intentions, life gets in the way, and our exercise routines fall to the back burner. Whether it’s the kids’ busy schedules, increased stress at work, or simply fatigue (my arch nemesis), finding time for ourselves tends to be the first thing we drop when there aren’t enough hours in the day. For those of us dealing with autoimmune disorders, this is a slippery slope.

Exercise is the single most empowering tool for fighting pain, inflammation, and fatigue associated with RA (and other forms of autoimmune arthritis). There have been many times over the course of my journey that I felt helpless. Learning that I had a weapon in my arsenal to gain control was important in my overall treatment. Yet embracing exercise – whether for the first time or after a hiatus – can seem overwhelming. Here are a few tips for overcoming the “I can’t do it” blues, and getting back on track.

1. Train with a friend. It seems we are all too willing to let ourselves down at a moment’s notice, but would never even consider bailing on a friend. Working out with a friend keeps us committed – if only out of politeness! Once the routine becomes a habit, it’s easier to stay motivated on your own.

2. Hire a personal trainer. Yes, it may seem a bit extravagant. But it works. Like training with a friend, the commitment you make to your trainer provides motivation to make it to the gym even when you feel like going back to bed. What’s more, a trainer will correct your form, so you are much less likely to get injured. Make sure your trainer knows about your condition and your meds (and, of course, that your doc knows about your trainer!).

3. Set realistic goals and track your progress. Nothing is more discouraging than failure – so don’t set yourself up for it by creating impossible goals. Talk to your doctor about what is realistic for you, and keep a journal so that you can look back and see your improvement. Treat yourself when you hit milestones.

4. Be kind to yourself. Don’t get down on yourself for needing to slow down during a flare, or for not sticking to your routine for a few weeks. This is YOUR thing, and you’re in charge. Allow for setbacks, and keep a positive attitude.

We’ve all fallen off the workout wagon. But the good news is, it’s a wagon each of us DRIVE. It will be there when we’re ready to jump back on.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Resolutions


It seems impossible that we are nearly two weeks into the new year already. What health and wellness resolutions have you made, and how are you doing so far? Here’s my list, with progress notes.

1. I will eat more sustainable fish. This resolution has been an easy one to stick with. Fish is an excellent source of lean protein, and it’s low in calories and fat (when prepared correctly). Many varieties have a mild, delicate flavor, and simple vegetable and fruit preparations add a flavorful punch, while keeping nutrition the top priority. Here are a few links to some of my favorite recipes:

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001591120

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000592330

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000549851

Or, try this simple idea: make a pocket of baking parchment. Fill it with Chilean sea bass, chopped plum tomatoes, two sliced scallions, diced bell pepper (any color), a generous handful of cilantro, and salt to taste. Bake at 450 for 30 minutes or until done. Careful opening the parchment – it will be hot! SO YUMMY!

2. I will be more disciplined about my workout routine. My original notion was that I would devote three days each per week to cardio and strength training, with one blessed day of rest. This resolution has been more challenging. Scheduling and pre-paying sessions with a personal trainer and a workout partner has forced me to make strength training a priority. But when left to my own devices, the cardio workout has taken the back burner to home projects, work assignments, and the schedules of my husband and children. But I’m not giving up yet! I plan to use the rest of the month to organize my schedule, and find places to carve out an extra hour here and there to make this work.

3. I will give up my midday caffeine bender. Okay, I’ve utterly failed this one. Any suggestions?

Being mindful of healthy behavior, and assessing progress along the way, are the most helpful steps I’ve taken to stick with health resolutions. Wishing you all the best of luck and the best of health in 2011!