ALL ABOUT MOMS: end of summer

[MCmom]

Healthy moms = Happy moms = Happy families

This thread is dedicated to young, old, and all the in-between moms, striving to be as healthy as they can be!



No. 1 Cause of Death in Women — Heart disease

Surprised? Many women are. It's common to think breast cancer is the No. 1 threat to women's health when, in fact, heart disease is responsible for more deaths in women than all forms of cancer combined. Heart disease is the most significant health concern for women in the United States today, responsible for nearly 489,000 deaths each year.

The common belief that heart disease affects mostly men is a dangerous myth. In reality, more women than men die of heart disease in the United States each year. But according to the American Heart Association, only 13 percent of women know that heart disease is a major threat to their health.

The good news is that heart disease is one of the most preventable health conditions. You have the power to reduce some of your risks:

Avoid smoking and limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products (or other high fiber foods)
Exercise regularly.
Control other health conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
If you're at increased risk of heart disease, your doctor also may suggest a daily low dose of aspirin.

[curlyque]

Mary: I go for my appointment on Tuesday. I hope that the measurements are up and that last time was just a weird occurance. My hemoglobin will be checked again too but I think it's still not at the normal level. I'm still very tired.

As for Leah's speech therapist, I'm surprised that she hasn't tested her using you to answer the questions. That is what was done with Roarke when he was first evaluated because he wasn't talking much at all, much less for strangers. At that time at 18 months, he was tested to be at the 10 month old level for expressive speech. Also, he also didn't work much with the ST while she was here. She started off coming twice a week and I had her drop it down to once a week because I felt it was a waste of time. I think when they are ready, they talk unless the speech therapist can determine a physical reason for Leah not talking (mouth or tongue problem).

Hi to Lee, Dawn and Niccole!!!

[MCmom]

Thanks to my mom, I found a used clothing store, that I'll be visiting regularly. They practically give the clothes away. I got 3 blouses recently, that were supposed to be $1.50 each (one is pure silk in perfect condition). They gave me all 3 for $1.50. I bought some really nice kids clothes (3 church dresses, 1 jean dress, 1 skirt, and 2 shirts), for about $6.50. It's great saving money!

Other than that, not much else exciting has happened. The weather here is hot & muggy as usual. A cool front is supposedly coming our way, which I'll believe once I feel it. Moriah is excited about starting kindergarten this year. She's ready to get started ASAP, but I'm holding her off until the official starting date (9/1). I don't have to register her with the state, until she's 6 yrs. old, and starts 1st grade. Elijah starts 2nd grade this year. He's reading so well, he won't need as much assistance, so I'll have time to spend with Moriah.

Stephanie - Let us know what happens on Tuesday! I'll be interested in finding out. Hopefully your tiredness is the normal kind, and not anything serious.

I honestly don't believe the speech therapist knows (or cares much about) what she's doing. I'm not involved at all with the therapy sessions, I never get asked any questions. I don't receive any feedback from her either.

[DarkSiren]

Okay Mary I don't know where you heard that the military makes good money.......

We have what's called weight limits. And you're required to stay under those limits when they move you. So, what happens sometimes is you move and when you get to your new place you get as much as you can from other families that are leaving and fill in the rest yourself. Now, a lot of our stuff that we're getting rid of this time around we've had since we've been together and therefore will NOT make it through another move without completely falling apart.

Case in point: The washer and dryer that we have right now were a set that a previous military family couldn't take with them because of the weight limit and their new place had a set already. So, all my DH was required to do was transport them here and replace a belt.

We also got a new bunkbed set recently that a family was just going to toss and they were practically brand new. My favorite chair in my living room is one gotten from a neighbor that was moving 2yrs ago. I wanted the complete set but at the time we were living in such a tiny house that we only had room for one.

So, it's a lot of bartering and what not to get through this life. But I don't mind and I know that when we retire and get a permanant home I will get some really nice heirloom furniture instead of just making due.

Anyway, I know that was a long winded reply but I just cracked up when I saw your response about how much money we make. LOL

I'll try to get back by later but gotta run for now and get the kids to bed.

Take Care!!!

[MCmom]

No. 2 Cause of Death in Women— Cancer


It's easy to believe cancer is a major threat to women's health, but the kinds of cancer women are dying of might surprise you. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the most common cause of cancer death in U.S. women is lung cancer. It's estimated that more than 73,000 women in the United States will die of lung cancer in 2005, with 90 percent of these deaths linked to cigarette smoking.

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in U.S. women, and it's estimated that more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. The ACS estimates that about 40,000 women die each year of breast cancer.

The third-leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States is colorectal cancer. Like heart disease, colorectal cancer is often mistakenly thought of as a man's disease, but as many women die of colorectal cancer each year. Estimates suggest that it claims the lives of approximately 28,000 women in the United States annually.

At least one-third of all cancer deaths are related to nutrition and other controllable lifestyle factors. Do all you can to reduce your cancer risks:

Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
Exercise regularly.
Eat a healthy diet.
Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Have regular preventive health screenings.
Know your family medical history and review it with your doctor.

[MCmom]

Dawn - I figured why else would your DH commit 25 yrs. of his life to the military, if not for the money??

Oh, that's good about the furniture. Here I thought you were getting rid of heirloom quality furniture. It's nice that the military families help each other out.

MaryC

[MCmom]

No. 3 Cause of Death in Women — Stroke


Nearly 163,000 people in the United States die of stroke each year, and almost two-thirds of them are women. Stroke not only is women's No. 3 killer, but it also is one of the leading causes of disability in America.

Smoking and uncontrolled high blood pressure are important risk factors for stroke. Although stroke is highly preventable, certain risk factors such as family history, age, sex and race cannot be controlled. Even if you're at increased risk of stroke, you can still take steps to prevent it:

Don't smoke.
Control your blood pressure.
Lower your cholesterol.
Limit saturated fats.
Exercise regularly.

[MCmom]

No. 4 Cause of Death in Women — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)


COPD is an overall term for a group of chronic lung conditions, including bronchitis and emphysema. The main cause of COPD is smoking, and it's strongly associated with lung cancer, the No. 1 cause of cancer death in women.

About 64,000 women in the United States die of COPD each year. The quality of life for a person with COPD diminishes as the disease progresses. Shortness of breath and activity limitations develop, and you may eventually require an oxygen tank or even mechanical respiratory assistance to breathe.

How do you reduce your risk of dying of COPD? This one's easy: Don't smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke

[MCmom]

Lee - I can understand why you don't think 3 children is enough, when you have 4! I feel the same way about people who have 1 or 2 children. I wasn't satisfied until I had 3, and then I felt like my family was complete. I know we each have to decide how many is enough, and I respect anyone's family size (unless they have more than they can raise properly). Besides, if we had one more child, we'd have to sell our house for sure. We "just" fit in our little house (and I mean little) the way it is. Buying a bigger house means a bigger mortgage (especially with the way real estate prices are skyrocketing). A bigger mortgage means I'd have to get a job, and then I'd be unable to homeschool. Being a SAHM means alot to me, and I'm willing to live in a little house (and cut other corners) to make it work. Just thought I'd share! Hope you don't mind.

MaryC

[MCmom]

No. 5 Cause of Death in Women— Alzheimer's disease


Alzheimer's disease — which affects an estimated 4.5 million Americans — is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that goes beyond simple forgetfulness. What may start as slight memory loss and confusion can eventually lead to irreversible mental impairment.

More women than men have Alzheimer's. In fact, nearly 42,000 women die of Alzheimer's disease each year — more than twice the number of men. One reason women may be more affected is that women generally live longer, and the risk of Alzheimer's increases with age.

Current treatments focus on stabilizing the signs and symptoms, improving well-being and easing caregiver burden.

[curlyque]

A quick check in: All is well here. I went for my appointment today and my belly is now measuring 28, which is right on track. I grew 4 cms in 2 weeks. It was probably a positional thing last time. My iron went up but is still below normal. She said to not increase the dose because it will continue to rise and get back in the normal range. So I'm happy.

[MCmom]

Great news Stephanie! Only 2 more months left to go!

MaryC

[MCmom]

No. 6 — Diabetes


Diabetes, a group of diseases that affect the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose), is a serious health condition that affects about 18 million Americans. In 2002, it claimed the lives of more than 73,000 people in the United States, and over half of them were women.

It's estimated that 5 million Americans don't know they have diabetes. Many people become aware of it only when they develop one of its life-threatening complications. Advanced diabetes can cause blindness, kidney failure and severe nerve damage. People with diabetes are also two to four times more likely to die of heart disease and suffer from stroke.

The most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes, generally developing after age 40, can often be prevented. Follow these steps to reduce your risk:

Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a healthy diet.
Exercise regularly.
Get your fasting blood sugar level checked periodically.

[MCmom]

No. 7 — Accidents


Each year, more than 37,000 women die from accidents (unintentional injuries). Although the statistics on accidental death are unclear, these top health threats for women may surprise you:

Motor vehicle accidents. Traffic-related accidents were responsible for more than a third of all accidental deaths for women in 2002. You can reduce your chances of a fatal crash by routinely using your seat belt, keeping your speed within limits and not driving while sleepy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Falls. One out of every three people over age 75 falls each year, and about 7,800 women in the United States die from such falls. Three-fourths of all falls occur in the home, so making some common-sense changes can help prevent falls and their potentially debilitating consequences. Getting regular eye exams, exercising regularly and improving your balance also can help reduce your risk.

[MCmom]

Weekly Update on me:

- Leah's 3 next month, still not talking much
- I'm still exercising, no weight-loss or noticeable difference in my body. It probably would help if I could cut back some on my snacking, which I plan on doing soon. I'm also upping the resistance on the weight-training, to get things rolling there.
- 1 week until my DH has the "V."
- Took the kids to JCPenney's for their annual photo yesterday. I will receive them via e-mail too. If anyone's interested in seeing my beautiful babes, please PM me with your e-mail address.
- still hot outside
- I'm mega cleaning the house today, getting ready for our church friends coming over for dinner tonight.
- I found the Carb Options SF ketchup on clearance at the grocery store today. Not happy! I bought the 8 bottles they had left. I can only hope that Wal-mart will not stop selling their SF ketchup, but that's probably going to happen there too.

Will someone please post!!!!!

MaryC

[MCmom]

No. 8 — Pneumonia and influenza


Pneumonia and influenza combined are the eighth-leading cause of death for women in the United States today. Together they took the lives of more than 36,000 women in 2002.

When associated with other chronic health conditions, pneumonia and influenza can be life-threatening. People with COPD, asthma, heart disease, diabetes and conditions that suppress the immune system are at high risk. Because both pneumonia and influenza affect the lungs, smoking increases the danger of these two diseases.

The risk of both pneumonia and influenza can be reduced by immunizations. A yearly flu shot can be up to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults. The pneumococcal vaccine can reduce the risk of getting pneumonia by more than half. Stay healthy — get those shots.

[MCmom]

Putting health risks into perspective


Putting these health risks into perspective is just as important as understanding what the top health threats are. This ranking of health risks applies to the entire population of women in the United States — no matter what your age. But for specific age groups, the leading cause of death can shift. For instance, it's true that during the course of your entire lifetime, heart disease is your No. 1 health threat. However, in your 20s, your risk of dying from an accident is your top health threat. Likewise, from ages 35 to 64, your greatest risk is cancer.

It's also important whenever you read about health risks to think about the numbers you read in real terms. For example, that nearly half a million women died of heart disease in 2002 seems staggering. That's a lot of women. But if you think of it in terms of the total number of women in the United States that year — more than 146 million — the number represents just a small fraction of the female population as a whole.

The bottom line? Be concerned about health risks, but don't panic. Do whatever you can to lead a healthy lifestyle — including eating healthy foods, staying physically active, getting regular checkups and paying attention to your environment. Such measures can reduce your risk factors for these conditions and help you lead a long and healthy life.

[MCmom]

Menopause and weight gain: Reverse the middle age spread

By Mayo Clinic staff

Noticing a few extra pounds around your waist lately? Welcome to midlife expansion — the body changes that plague women between ages 35 and 55. During this time either you gain weight or you find that maintaining your weight becomes more difficult. You also discover that the weight you gain tends to accumulate around your stomach, rather than your hips and thighs.

But you don't have to accept weight gain as inevitable. Take steps to prevent weight gain before it starts. And if you've already begun adding to your waistline, it's never too late to reverse course through proper diet and exercise.

To Be Continued...

[MCmom]

Continued...

Causes of middle age weight gain

For most women, increases and shifts in weight begin during perimenopause — the years leading up to menopause. But these shifting levels of estrogen aren't the sole source of your weight gain. Aging also plays a part in your changing body composition.

Other possible causes of weight gain during middle age include:

- Reduced physical activity. Menopausal women tend to exercise less than other women, which can lead to weight gain.
- Increased food intake. Eating more means you'll take in more calories, which are converted to fat if you don't burn them for energy.
- Slowing metabolism. The number of calories you need for energy decreases as your metabolism slows and the amount of muscle you have decreases. Because muscle burns more calories than fat, the less muscle you have, the fewer calories you burn.
- Genetics. Genetic factors may play a role in your weight gain. You might be predisposed to gain weight around your stomach as you age. That means you may have to work harder to maintain your figure.

On average, women gain about a pound a year during the years leading up to menopause.

TBC'D...

[MCmom]

Continued...

Complications of middle age weight gain

Weight gain can have serious implications for your health. Excess weight can increase your risk of:

High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes
These factors can put you at risk of heart disease.

What you can do to prevent or reverse weight gain

If you've already noticed the extra pounds, take steps to eat a varied diet and increase your daily exercise. If you've yet to reach the weight-gain stage of middle age, you can prepare by taking the same steps to ensure that you won't gain weight in the future.

Exercise
Aerobic exercise boosts your metabolism and helps you burn fat. By incorporating strength training exercises, you'll increase your muscle mass, raise your metabolism and strengthen your bones.

Healthy diet
Deprive yourself of too many calories and you'll go into starvation mode. But carefully choosing a varied diet that's heavy on fruits and vegetables will help you safely cut back on calories and lose weight. Because your metabolism slows during this time, you need about 200 to 400 fewer calories a day. This shouldn't be a problem if you eat only when hungry and only enough to satisfy your hunger.

Dealing with life's changes

Body changes as you age might make it more difficult to keep that look you had in your 20s and 30s, but it doesn't mean you can't keep your body healthy. Forget about squeezing into your old jeans. Concentrate, instead, on being fit and healthy.

[previously Lee A]

oh mary i had a huge post and lost the whole thing
I was in on my last day off and the site was down
i work 10 hour days so there's not alot of spare time for me
I'm sorry
Hugs,Leah will talk,you will have results and good luck with the V
I'm off this weekend and will post again.Great articles!
xoxoxo
and I'll PM my real email
Hi to the rest of ya
TTFN

[DarkSiren]

Hey All!!!
Things have been really stressful here.
We're waiting on pins and needles for the list to come out saying whether or not my DH made Chief. They keep saying "tomorrow" but it's been two weeks of tomorrow.
We need to know before we start looking at what they call the "shopping list" of places that will be opening up for those transferring next year. That way we know whether or not he should be looking at 1st class positions or Chief positions. Those won't officially be out until the end of September and that's if we're lucky. UGH!!! And then we'll put in where we'd "like" to go and then they'll send us where ever they want us. LOL
Case in point........We did NOT put this area we're in now on the list because we absolutely did NOT want to be here and we've been stuck here for 4.5yrs already. Grrrrr!!!!!!!
DH has been on vacation for the last two weeks so he hasn't wanted me on the computer. He's been wanting us to spend as much time as possible together. I am now completely READY for him to go back to work.
In other news. Kaylee officially graduated K-5 and is signed up to start 1st grade on Sept. 6th. I've recieved all but one of her school packages and have been going through them to see what I'll need for the year. Fun Fun?!
Mom will be coming back up for Labor Day weekend because my ex-sister in law will be coming up to see her Grandmother and said that she could tag along if she wanted. So, I get two visits with my mom in one summer.
My weight has been stalled out for quite a while and my exercising has been hit or miss since the hubby has been home. I always did the exercise when the kids were asleep while DH was gone but now that he's here that's our quiet time together. So, it's become interesting trying to fit it in somewhere. I'm starting to come to the realization that I can maintain when he's home but lose when he's gone.
I did hurt my neck really bad last week and was out of commision for most of the week. They have no clue how I did it since I don't remember doing anything specific to injure it. I had to lay on a heating pad for 3 days before the muscle let loose enough that I didn't cry when I moved. It still hurts now but the DH has been massaging it in the evenings and it seems to help. I'm starting to wonder if it's all the stress.
Oh and to add to the stress we had a leak in the hot water heater that managed to travel all the way inside the house from the attached storage area that it's in. Thank goodness it was the kitchen and easily cleaned up. And the dishwasher has been broken for a month but the property manager just now has the maintenance guy call today only to say that he only works on Mondays. How fun is that?? LOL
Anyway, that's the low down on us for now. I'm going to try to get back later for any personals I've missed since I've been off in la la land with the hubby.
Take Care!!!
Dawn

[previously Lee A]

...aahh my life is so busy these days and I'm feeling some stress...
School in a week and a half away and Selena turns 6 next weekend and I have to find time to shop for both events..sigh...

I spent my weekend off doing yardwork and housework and also time with the kids(my DH worked this weekend for a trucker friend who took the weekend off)..not much new,trying to rid the yard and house of ants and bees...
Chey got stung in her bed at 2am last week,so getting to bed isn't such an easy feat these days.

The older 2 go to bed around 11pm and are up at 9am.The younger 2 get to bed around midnight and are up at 8am.We have to get back to getting them up at 7am and to bed around 8-9pm for school.It just means they won't see me on the days I work but for first thing in the morning.

Cody is asleep in Dayton's bed and I have to move her back to her own.Chey and Selena bunk together as well.In that regard(companionship)I like my even # of children

Hi Mary-great to find a 2nd hand store!
I wish I could find time to shop these days
I took the kids in the thrift store with me but I couldn't look at clothes
Dayton has me running now(literally)

Did DH have the "V"?

I was raised in a small house and there were 6 of us kids
I know all about it

Hope I can pop in for a longer post soon

Hi Steph-glad all is well

LOL Dawn
I have the same routine with my DH
Yay for Kaylee
Selena starts grade 1 this year too
Hope your neck feels better

Hi Nicolle-probably busy with the house and netless at the moment
hope all is well

well I should hit the hay
I'm not getting enough rest these days
and my veins are acting up too
TTFN

[MCmom]

Women's screening tests: Prevent small problems from growing larger

By Mayo Clinic staff
The following recommendations are general guidelines on screening procedures for healthy women. The guidelines were developed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, unless otherwise noted. Your doctor may recommend a different screening schedule based on a variety of factors, particularly your personal health history, age and family medical history.

Blood pressure reading

What is it?
An inflatable cuff, wrapped around your upper arm, measures the amount of pressure your heart generates when pumping blood out through your arteries (systolic pressure) and measures the amount of pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats (diastolic pressure).

Why?
For early detection of high blood pressure (hypertension). Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the resistance to blood flow in your arteries. Narrowed arteries limit this blood flow. In general, the more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the harder your heart must work to pump the same amount of blood. The longer high blood pressure goes undetected and untreated, the higher your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney damage.

How often?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends an initial test at age 18, then at least every two years. If your blood pressure is borderline, your doctor may recommend more frequent screening.