Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

Applying Weight Loss Knowledge From the Trail

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

I eliminated 11 pounds on vacation.  Most people gain weight after a trip.  That is an amazing number that I would have never accomplished… until now.  During the rest of June, I plan to apply the things I learned on the trail about myself and weight loss.  I did a lot of the right things to lose weight and didn’t do things that could have helped me lose more than 11 pounds.  There are many contrasts after reviewing the events of my trip and comparing it to my everyday life.

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National Trails Day Service Project and a Small Piece of Local History

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

AHS National Trails Day

Yesterday, I volunteered for a National Trails Day Service Project sponsored by my local REI and the Cook County Forest Preserves.  Walking through the woods nearby influenced molded me into the person I am today.  It provides me a place to run, to meditate, to reflect, and to ride.  The local trails in my area helps me develop a sound mind and a sound body.  It’s time that I give back to these trails and help other enjoy the trails that have given so much to me.

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Eliminating 11 Pounds in 7 Days

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

One of my goals on my trip was to eliminate excess weight while detoxing from life’s stress.  My weight dropped below my marathon weight.  The day we returned, I weighted 202 pounds.  Losing 11 pounds in 7 days was a relatively easy feat.  I didn’t need Weight Watchers, NutriSystem, Jenny Craig, or all those other weight loss systems.  I did follow the basics they all teach.

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Depression and Dysthymia

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

I knew something was wrong with me but I didn’t know what it was.  While everyone was going along enjoying life and getting things done, I sat at home not loving life.  I was endlessly tired.  I didn’t feel like I was worth anything to anyone.  I experienced self-deprecating thoughts.  I found myself to be very apathetic.  I could not focus or concentrate.  Any little thing irritated me.

I visited the doctor to rule out any physical problems, and he didn’t find anything.  My mom and I decided that I find seek counseling.  After a few sessions, it was diagnosed to be dysthymia (also called dysthymic disorder), a chronic and mild form of depression.

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Lab Results Are In

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

The college’s health services department gave me the results of my lab work.  Everything came out better than expect but there are a few things I need to work on.  Fortunately, the actions I initiated last month will help me resolve these problems.

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Priority Shift: Getting Healthy

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Over the past two months I’ve been working on my psychological and spiritual health.  It is an important aspect to living a good life and being resilient to maintain happiness despite troubling times.  However, it’s time to shift my primary focus to my physical health.   It will contribute to the gains I have made in my psychological and spiritual health.

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Which Charity for 2009?

Monday, April 27th, 2009

I plan to be a charity runner for the Chicago Marathon.  I’m not sure which organization I want to raise money for.  Last year I raised money for two great causes.  It was tough raising the money so I might focus my energy on one group.  The question is which organization?  Children’s Memorial Hospital, American Red Cross, or the American Cancer Society.

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