PowerHouseCreatives Contest | It's that time of the year again!
Source1
PowerHouseCreatives Contest | It's that time of the year again!
January 1, 2020. New Year's Eve is now a pleasant memory after I ate my last chocolate chip cookie. Why? Because my New Year's Resolution is:
Why does my A1C Level need to be less than 100? Because I have Type 2 Diabetes. I was diagnosed in May, 2019. At that time, my A1C Level was dangerously high. Since then, I've struggled with trying to cut that number at least by half.
According to my doctor, I've made great strides. Look at where my number is now compared to where it started:
Dec, 2019 A1C Level: 145
But for the past three months, my level has been hovering around 145 - 150. It feels like I'm at a standstill, and I won't be able to reduce it any futher. Often I get discouraged. It needs to be lower than 100 to improve my health. I'll always have this disease. There is no cure. But if I manage to keep my level under 100, I'll have a better chance to live a more healthy, productive, and active life.
Why has it been so hard for me? First, I have a family history of Diabetes. Also, other illnesses have interferred with my progress. As I reiterated during my November Diabetes Awareness Month series, you have to be aware of any changes due to internal or external stressors.
So when I receive injections in my knees, my A1C levels rise almost back to the starting point. No conrol over that, other than have complete knee replacements. One thing I have learned is you have to find solutions that will work for you. My doctor is looking at alternatives to knee injections.
In order to achieve a breakthrough, I have to face my nemesis. First I need to eat:
And incorporate more vegetables, and less meat. I recently met with a Dietitian. I'm now on my way to a new beginning. For me, timing makes all the difference.
So, now I have a plan. I'd already started to formulate one, but the holidays caught me again this year. The reason I have a picture of a calendar is because I have to plan out everything, month to month. If I have to accomplish something, writing it down works for me. It's just geting organized with all my plans that I need to be more diligent.
Source3 - Made in Canva by @justclickindiva
I think lowering my A1C by 5 points or more each month is doable. At the beginning of each month, I plan to write down my A1C number. I'll monitor on a weekly basis to determine any improvement. Also, the Dietitian recommended I write down everything I eat daily. This is a new challenge for me. But I know it will force me to be more conscientious of what I put into my body. As my former employer used to say, "junk in, junk out." So true.
I'm making a chart now so I can share it with my family members. I don't know if they will be committed to using it, but I can only reach out to them and make suggestions. I'm determined or help myself and my family. In this regard, I'm going to check on their progress also on a monthly basis. I don't want to succumb, nor lose another family member to Diabetes.
Thanks,
@justclickindiva
Happy rest of the week everyone with whatever your endeavors.
SOURCES:
a) JustClickin logo created at CoolText.Com
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) Separator Lines Free ClipArt Belt from Public Domain Vectors & ShadedLine from ClipArt-Library
e) All Tribe logos used with permission of Tribe Discord Channel admins.
Source1 - Made in Canva by @justclickindiva
Source2 - Made in Canva by @justclickindiva with free images
Source3 - Made in Canva by @justclickindiva with free images
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wow, another amazing accomplishment and great badges. I love getting rewarded with badges. Steemin on to the next badge and accomplishment.
Thank you for sharing
Hi @howyf2. How have you been? So glad you stopped by and viewed my post. Appreciate the suport.
Have a great day and keep up the good work on Learn with Howy. Thought that was a fantastic idea.
I hope that you will accomplish your New Year's Resolution!
And it's a great thing that you take care of your family members also because some people take too easy some serious stuff as health issues...
Have a great Sunday!
Hi @ph1102. Thanks for your kind words. I will do my best. I've made resolutions in past years. But next year I have more to lose than just a normal weight as people normally do after the holidays. I have to tackle this disease head on with a plan of action and stick to it.
Hopefully breaking it down into monthly manageable items will help. Thanks for your support and encouragement for me and my family.
It's definitely a good thing break your goals to smaller chunks which are easier to achieve. I hope you will accomplish your plans.
I'm sorry you have to make this resolution like so many do. You seem to be doing well, so you've definitely got the will to see your quest through to the end. Stay strong and heed the dietitian's instructions and you'll make it for sure!
Hi @free-reign. Thanks for stopping by and viewing my post. Appreciate the encouragement. I have no other choice but to make and keep my resolution. My life depends on it. Small accomplishment per month is more doable for me I think. I can't look ahead long term. I have to stay in the present and focus on what I can do short-term. Otherwise, it'll seem daunting.
Whenever I get sick, then my HBP and every other level rise. Nothing I can do about that other than to try to keep away from sinus infections. But they haunt me always.
I'm preparing my charts now for the new year.
I never look long term either. I've always been a living in the moment type person, even before it became a thing. :) It just occurred to me, that might be why I never made a resolution before, but it is the best way to live I think, and it is your way. I hope your resolve continues to provide you some comfort and strength in your journey through life.