Random thoughts on dieting and weight loss

Within the last week or so, I have been confronted by two people about the value of body cleansing for improved health and weight loss. This is not something I have thought much about. When I listen to folks talk about it, I can understand the concepts but is what they say accurate? Is it really effective? Is this just another fad that will come and go? I do not know. I guess it is worth at least looking at.

It is no secret that a great number of folks in our country are overweight. And I am right up there with the best of them. There are a lot of factors that affect a person’s weight and ability to maintain it within a reasonable range. And these factors can change over time.

Diets come and go in popularity and for many people, their accomplishments dissolve soon after their dieting efforts do. Weight loss is about more than just eating. And if a person is going to be successful in their weight loss pursuits, they need to examine more than their eating habits. In my opinion, they need to look at exercise, family traits and history, medical conditions, life goals and ambitions, living conditions, etc. Eating healthy balanced meals can become expensive if you plan to include lots of fresh fruits, veggies and salads. Eating in restaurants and fast food joints will pack on the pounds. This can be attributed to food preparation and portion sizes. Exercise is key but how many people work multi-jobs and find little time for exercise? How many folks deliberately make time to exercise? How many people wish they could exercise but can’t due to physical limitations?

Heavy people are discriminated against. Qualified people can and do get overlooked for certain jobs due to their appearance/weight. Have you noticed the plus sizes are always more expensive? Have you ever noticed the location of the Women’s department? It is not right but it happens all the time. People can be cruel. Overweight folks don’t start out saying they can’t wait to gain weight. They don’t deliberately try to gain weight with the hopes of becoming obese. Yet they are often looked down on and berated because they are heavy. Why do you think that is?

See Your Doctor!

Quite often people will post on my WebMD Pain Management and Migraines message boards, or here on the blog, asking if they should see a doctor or not. My gut tells me if a person is to the point when they feel the need to ask, then they should be seen.

When a person tells me they have experienced a new pain or symptom or when they notice a change in an existing symptom, I suggest they be seen and evaluated to be sure nothing new has developed. Now does that mean I am saying a person should see a doctor every time they notice something? No, I am not. But,if you develop a symptom that persists, or if a symptom has caused an interference in your ability to perform normal activities of daily living, then I encourage you to have things checked out. If a person still isn't sure, I recommend they call their doctor's office and discuss whether they feel it is necessary to be seen.

If a person is post-procedure, I suggest they talk to the doctor/surgeon who performed the procedure. He/she is the best one to decide what action should be taken. Healthcare requires a team approach. Patients need to be active and involved in their treatment plan. Work with your doctors. Communication is key. And if you find your "gut" is telling you something your doctor may not be, then listen to it. Seek a second opinion if necessary. Quite often, our body tries to give us cues when something is out of balance. It is important to be tuned in to what your body may be trying to tell you.

Related Topics: Seeing Double: Getting a Second Opinion, Integrative Medicine Resource Center

Technorati Tags: medical symptoms, integrative medicine, second opinion

Oh My Aching Back!

The weather is damp outside and I can hardly move. My back grabs and does a lot of cracking and popping and occasionally I feel pain travelling down the cheek of my buttock into my thigh.

I had some plans for today but they are going to need to wait I guess. I have resorted to laying on the heating pad, taking some medications and resting. But you know, that is alright. I know this will get better in time. I have had an irritable back on and of these past couple weeks so it didn't surprise me to have it flare this way.

I periodically do the exercises I was instructed to do in PT and it seems to help. This helps me to keep stretched out and return to a more upright posture. If I don't do them I tend to lean forward when I stand and walk and this only adds to the other problems I already have. Hopefully the heat will help and I will be doing better later today.

Do you find you react to the weather? Many folks do.How do you handle it? Do you modify your plans? Struggle through the original plans for the day inspite of the pain? I would be interested in what you have to say.

- Indie

Related Topics: Chronic Back Pain: Acupuncture Brings Short-Term Relief, Back Pain Test

Symptom Diaries

Quite often I read posts about folks experiencing symptoms for a period of time. They often ask what they should do and if they should call their doctor or not. I usually encourage folks to do so whenever they have a new symptom or a change in an existing one.

Between the call and the actual appointment, for a back pain problem, you may benefit by taking note of things such as your posture while sitting and standing. Note the height of your desk, your monitor, your keyboard, and the back support of your chair--especially if you spend a lot of time on the computer.

If your chair is adjustable, you may try doing so to see if the symptoms improve. You may also take note of your sleeping patterns whenever possible. Do you toss and turn? Increased pain noted when awaking? Be sure to use good body mechanics if you must lift, push, pull anything--load close to body, bend and lift with knees and not back, etc.

Remember to keep note of those things that seem to help the symptoms or make them worse. This information will be helpful to the evaluating doctor, and you may find you are able to find relief on your own.

-Indie

Related Topics: Tension Headache Diary, WebMD Symptom Finder: Back Pain

Technorati Tags: pain, symptom diary