Time spent in the US has sometimes been surreal. I want to click my ruby slippers three times and be home in my jungle house in Bacalar, Mexico. Dang, I left my ruby slippers home!
While visiting the States I have needed to address some health issues. There is more technology available and I have good health insurance so why not. The trouble is, the outcomes have been a bit disconcerting.
High cholesterol– This is nothing new. I have had the same results in the past. I hunker down with my diet but then don’t follow up to see if what I’m doing is working. In Mexico there isn’t an annual exam per say. I have had my head in the sand.
High triglycerides– Sugar is my Achilles heal. At home I eat almost none. In the US I get sucked in to the SAD (Standard American Diet). Too much nibbling, too much sugar, too much food.
Pre-Diabetic– This diagnosis really threw me. With a Masters in Health Education I have always prided myself in eating well and exercising. Truth be told, I haven’t been understanding how my aging body, well, ages. I have been lazy and am paying the price.
My answer came from a friend who recommended an online application to keep me accountable. In just a few days I have learned that I am not exercising as much as I think I am, I am not eating as well as I think I am and I need help.
My seventieth birthday is in February and I am using it as both a goal and a marker. The doctor in Austin gave me little assistance other than take this pill and eat less carbs and red meat. As much as I hate to document everything, research shows that it works. Simply keeping a food journal reduces weight and most of us can use to loose a few. If you’re interested in knowing more about the application, leave your email in the comments.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
Very interested in hearing more.
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Give me your email address.
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I’ve taken a supplement recommended by my doctor for high cholesterol, for years now, and it works great with none of the side effects of statin drugs. It’s called Red Yeast Rice. I take the Natures Plus Herbal Actives brand time release kind, and I get it from Vitacost.com. Good luck!
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I’ll have to get some. Maybe I could order from Amazon.
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Please send info on app.
11annekemper @gmail.com
I’m not sure when you started your blog, but I started reading it when you moved to Bacalar. Really enjoy your musings & art.
My spouse & I live in Mérida. We’ve been here about 10 yr. Love it! We’re 74 & 73. So far we both are really enjoying our 70’s. Anne
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Hey Anne, I’ll send you more information. I may be coming to Merida to paint in February. Maybe we could get together. Thanks for riding along.
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I have the same challenges so I feel your pain!
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I am interested in the application. I am turning 65 in January and need help too!
Kim Relph at sirgunkaur@austin.rr.com
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Sent you a link, being a numbers person you will appreciate accountability and measurements.
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Do your research on red yeast rice and how it works. I side-stepped statins and take Ezetimibe (generic for Zetia). It did lower the bad cholesterol while leaving the good stuff alone. It does bother my legs, just like a statin. I did some research and now cut my pill in half to 5 mg, which supposedly works as well with less side-effects. I’m going for blood work in January and we’ll see how the numbers look. Did I ask my doc? Nope. I figured it was take less or quit taking it.
If you’re pre-diabetic, I suggest buying a decent meter and test strips and test, test, test. Write down what you eat, test in one hour and again after two. You’ll quickly figure out how long it takes your pancreas to kick in and what foods you should avoid or limit. Once you know, you’ll only have to test once for a new food combination. It’s do-able.
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Age 75, chronic cholesterol and sugar problems, almost enough to warrant medication. But thankfully, not quite yet. As with you, I’ve let my diet get out of control. Ugh.
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