Some Ramblings.......

Here it is December 20th, there is about 3 feet of snow on the ground and it is a cool and crisp -15 Celsius outside. We've had cold temperatures and snow for over a week now....it's been a long time since we have had weather like this. I have been watching the news and I see that most of Canada has been blanketed with the white stuff as well as the mid to eastern states. I think this is going to be one of those winters that we won't forget. Mind you it isn't even officially winter yet...not until tomorrow....never understood why they don't consider it winter until the 21st of December, I know it has something to do with the winter solstice...personally I think that once the 1st of December rolls around we should call it winter....generally by that time most eastern provinces and states have had some form of winter weather.

Yesterday when my daughter and I were out for our walk we met up with one of the neighbours out walking her dog. I was surprised to see this 70 year old lady out in the frigid weather and snow covered roads walking her dog. My daughter and I met up with her while we were half way into our walk....we chatted for a bit and then I told her I needed to get on with my walk...she asked how far I was going and I told her...she asked if she could come along that it would not only be good for her but company for her dog as I had our dog Bert out as well.

Off we went down the next road turned the corner and continued on for another block. The destination was not bad....it's the coming home....most of it is a gradual incline. It's good for me to help build up my stamina but I worried about her....she held her own. Got a little winded at times but she held her own. My daughter marched ahead with the dogs....the neighbour and I talked, she asked about my health which lead us to discussing about health in general and lifestyles. She is definitely a person that I would categorize as someone who is very "earthy". At 70 she doesn't take any medications what so ever. She said she used to take thyroid medication but gave that up and substituted seaweed and aloe vera liquid instead and she says she hasn't felt better. She doesn't have a doctor....and states she feels better than she ever has.

As a nurse I am always amazed when I hear of elderly people who are not on any medications, or who haven't seen a doctor in years or who have never been in a hospital. I say good on you! Whatever they are doing they are doing it right.

I know after my surgery my heart rate was a little high as was my blood pressure. The doctor thought about putting me on medications. I refused. I told her that my heart rate and blood pressure would settle down once I got out of the hospital and my pain was under control. Today my heart rate is 54 my blood pressure is 110/73 perfect! I am very familiar with the medications they wanted to put me on and I also know of the side effects...and personally I would rather do something to help control both than to take a pill. Sometimes I find that the medical field is to quick to push a pill rather than suggest alternate ways to control heart rate and blood pressure.

I don't know about you but when I watch those commercials on TV about medications they want us to take and then they go into all the side effects.....I can't help but think who would want to take those medications when you run the risk of kidney failure, glaucoma, cancer, COPD and they list goes on. Not me thank you very much. I would far rather walk the extra block, take the stairs instead of the elelvator, eat less fatty foods and at this time of year that means trying to watch not to eat to many sweets.....hard I know....but I try.

Anyhow, my walk yesterday with this dear lady inspired me to keep on trucking....although I feel weak at times I know this to shall pass and I will be back to my usual self in no time....without any medications!

Stay healthy and have a fantastic day!