This and That on a Saturday Morning

Yesterday I was asked about what causes too high of a red blood cell count.  We often hear about elevated white blood cell, which is the result of infection.  Elevated red blood cell counts can be a bit more serious.  It can be the sign of a cardio or pulmonary problem and since this can be very serious, it certainly should be further looked into.  Sometimes, however, there is just too much protein in the blood,  probably as a result of eating too much of it!  This individual also has elevated cholesterol levels, which can once again be from eating too much animal protein.  Knowing that certain athletic enhancement drugs can also cause these numbers to rise,  elevated red blood cell counts is less unusual in the “body-building” community than in the general public.  Every choice we make, regarding what we put into our bodies, impacts our OVERALL wellness.  Make wise choices!  While I am not a big fan of visiting doctors, I do think having blood work done is a great way to keep checks on what’s going on in our bodies.  I am probably overdue for that….and you?

Even as the temperature in the pool continues to drop,  I am pushing the swimming season.  Yesterday, I managed to do about 40 laps.  Once in, the water is delightful.  A little harder to GET in, I just remind myself that “whatever doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.”  It seems to be working, so far!

As I get ready for class this morning, I am watching Good Morning America as my good friend,  attorney Adam Harmelin, will be interviewed as he represents the parents who hosted the house party that attracted about 500 people the other night, in Boca.   This case seems to be drawing lots of media attention, and this morning is Adam’s 3rd TV appearance since Thursday night.  GO ADAM!  As I listen to the TV behind me, I just heard a blurb that said that 70% of medical costs in our country are related to obesity!  Did I really just hear that correctly?

Once again, HEALTHCARE REFORM IS IN YOUR OWN HANDS.  Just reaching or maintaining a healthy weight and doing regular exercise,  seems to be the best way for us to manage our blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, mental health and so much more.  This is exactly the topic I will be dealing with at the workshop I am facilitating this afternoon.  Feel free to read the ABC’s of  Good Health, just posted in the articles link on the left side of my homepage.  Feel free to pass it on to someone who may benefit from the very simple information contained within those ABCs.   Thanks, Kyle for getting it up on the site so quickly.  And congrats on your first pay day at Blueglass.com.  They are so lucky to have you on their team, but I am even luckier to have you on mine.

It makes me happy to give my time to this conference this afternoon.  Volunteering is a great way to not only give back, but to bring more joy into one’s own life.  It makes me happy (and proud) that Derek spent some time volunteering with elementary school children this past week, at Broward College.  I could hear the joy in his voice, telling us about the day.  There are SO many ways to give back.  Just as practicing gratitude makes us more grateful, giving of ourselves brings more into our lives than it can ever take away.

Have a wonderful Saturday.  Take care of yourself.  Take care of others.   We are all connected.