Health Matters Matter

It is said that our health is our greatest asset. Without our health nothing else matters. During this time the focus on our health has been amplified. At times we hang the heavy weight of our health over our happiness. The pandemic brought about fear and our fear for our health could spiral out of  control. I thought I’ll share the following story that was kindly shared with me.

About 3 years ago I went for my annual mammogram and I was concerned about a lump under my arm. I voiced my concern to the doctor while she was looking at my results. After she read through the report and looked at the x-rays, her comment to me was “It is not a lump, you must just watch what you put in your mouth!” I was so angry with her, because how can she talk to me like that, but I now fully get it.

On the 23^rd of January 2020 I went for blood tests to check my glucose and sugar levels. On the 27^th of January 2020, my GP (different doctor to the one mentioned above) phoned me to ask if I can come see her urgently. I managed to see her the same day. She told me that I have type 2 diabetes and that she would not like to put me on medication, but rather try to rectify it by eating healthy and exercising. At that stage, I already walked about 2 kilometres every day, so exercising was not a problem. She asked me to make an appointment with the resident dietician to change my eating habits. I managed to get an appointment the same day with the dietician. My weight was 72kg! I am only 153cm tall. She designed an eating plan for me and gave me advise as to how I can stick to it and to also make it easier for myself. It was difficult, but I persevered. Then Covid-19, lockdown, etc happened.

Now, about 6 months after my diagnosis, I weigh 62kg. I feel good, I don’t starve myself and still enjoy my glass of wine. I also went for follow up blood tests and this was the opening line from my dietician regarding my test results: “I received your blood results and there is a significant improvement in your blood glucose levels.”

I have not yet reached my goal weight and to achieved the accepted blood glucose levels, but I am taking it one day at a time and I am so happy with my journey thus far.

Living healthier lifestyles has become a priority for most of us and what we do today, affects tomorrow. Mahatma Ghandi sums it up beautifully: 

“The future depends on what you do today.

Your beliefs become your thoughts, 

Your thoughts become your words, 

Your words become your actions, 

Your actions become your habits, 

Your habits become your values, 

Your values become your destiny.”

Let us spiral towards control, control of our thoughts, words and actions.