Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

My health is none of your business, right? Really, I hate talking about my little problems but I know when my body doesn’t feel right and I need a medical opinion. That was my situation last night. After a full day of extreme discomfort, I made the decision to ask Kent to take me to the hospital.

Normally, that wouldn’t have been a big deal, but we are living aboard the boat, traveling the Broughton Islands and spending time with friends Rick & Paulette. The nearest hospital was a couple of hours away, in good weather and it was 6:30 pm. Kent was not a happy camper when I asked how long it would take for him to get me there. “NOW?????? Why not two hours ago when we had plenty of daylight left? The wind is blowing 40 knots out in the Sound”, he said, extremely annoyed. ‘Yes, I need to get there tonight if at all possible”, I said.

Off we raced, at 20 knots across Queen Charlotte Sound. Luckily the wind was only blowing about 20, but the swells were broadside to us, so it was an uncomfortable ride. I stayed in the stateroom, with Hugo, as it would have been dangerous and uncomfortable to try to get up the stairs to the pilot house, so we couldn’t communicate and Kent didn’t know my situation. But, I’ve never asked to go the hospital before so he knew I needed help.

Kent talked to Comox Coast Guard while we were enroute and they had an auxilliary boat come out of Telegraph Cove to meet us and the paramedics were on the fuel dock at Port McNeill waiting for us.

When the engines slowed and I heard Kent putting out the fenders and preparing the lines, I dragged myself up the stairs, got my coat on and went out to help tie up. I actually went on to the swimgrid, feeling slightly lightheaded, and handed the stern line to the waiting Coast Guard, saying to them all I wasn’t dying. The paramedic ordered me back in the salon and came in to talk to me. They took me to the Port Hardy Hospital where I was treated - and all was well within 2 hours. Unfortunately, for me, the doctor made me promise to have a Colonoscopy when I got home. Heh, heh - I won’t be home until September, but yeah, yeah, I will get it done, just not next week, or next month.

I still don’t like talking about my health, but now realize boaters need to be educated and well equipped with medical supplies, especially when they are boating in remote areas. Sometimes a simple medical kit with bandages is not enough if a hospital or doctor is not readily available. Before heading north to Alaska, you may be sure I’ll be asking a professional exactly what supplies to have onboard.

Thank goodness I can count on Kent to get the job done when there is an emergency!

If you read my story below about the right feet washing up on the BC shores, you’ll understand how important it is to wear good footwear.

I love seeing a man wearing cowboy boots - of course he needs to have both feet still attached to his body! Cavender’s Boot City has a huge selection of western fashion including Stetson hats, boots, jeans, shirts. From Tack Room to Board Room, Cavender’s outfits in style!

Have you heard of skipaday.com? It’s a new diet which sounds good to me - and usually diets don’t sound good to me at all! I don’t like the yo-yo dieting which many people go through. I want to lose a few pounds and maintain my weight while eating healthy meals.

Here is the basis for Skip-A-Day:

“The Skip-A-Day Diet can turn-off your appetite up to 48 hours. Your body will be using stored fat for nourishment while your appetite is shut off. While you’re sleeping, some of your stored fat will be used to replenish your reserve energy supply. If you eat nothing at all on diet day, your body will draw on your reserve fat and use it that day and night. This means you will be losing weight even while you are asleep.”

Get the details at skipaday.com.

This sounds very logical to me - after all doesn’t your body work at maximum capacity if you are eating just enough, not overeating and eating huge portions like so many of us do without enough exercise? Food tastes good and we stuff ourselves full then wonder why we’re overweight and feel lousy!

Do you know the difference between appetite and hunger? Hunger is a real physical sensation brought on by the need for nourishment. Appetite is a response to food which isn’t necessarily brought on by hunger, but possibly stimulated by the sight or smell or even thought of food.

I think I can give up sugar and sweets as long as I may eat normal meals, while cutting down on fats and starches. My oatmeal and blueberries will still taste great in the morning without brown sugar and with lowfat milk. I also think I could easily go a day without eating - every second day. I really like the idea of exerting self control by looking in the fridge, eyeing the snack foods in the cupboard or drinking a glass of water while others eat their lunch.

Life is all about self control and I need to practice it more often! If you feel the same, check out Skip-A-Day to see if it’s right for you.