Evidence for a healthy lifestyle!

On January 1, 2012, I wrote an article listing some of the great things we have done and the resulting sense of accomplishment we as a family have felt over the last few years and how my husband (who was one of the reasons this blog started) has not had a medical emergency related to his MSG and other prescription medication allergies for more than two years.

Back to a Simpler Lifestyle

As an instigator and supporter (aka “prime mover and shaker”) of our change in Lifestyle and as a breast cancer survivor, I know I have benefited hugely by this “back to basics” change of diet and lifetime of habits as you will have read throughout the postings over the past few years.

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities
brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.
~ Charles R. Swindoll

A Welcome Note of Encouragement

Recently, in 2012, I published a personal article Life is Full of Surprises on how the diagnosis of another primary cancer became a reality in my life. It did cross my mind that perhaps someone reading these articles might think there is no reason to “look after yourself” as you end up ill anyway! I thought of deleting one or both articles and expressed this concern to others and am sharing a brilliant response I received, which has inspired me beyond belief - here it is:

I could see how you want to avoid the "oh people put so much work into a healthy lifestyle and they still get sick, so what's the point..." scenario. But I don't think coming to that conclusion is justified in this case. My understanding is that cancers - particularly that of the lung and breast - might be caused by a multitude of things: behaviour (smoking, wearing restrictive bras, not getting much cardiovascular exercise - i.e. restricting blood flow to the areas), environment (air pollution, hormones in food/water), or genetics (like we talked about at lunch on Monday: a factor, but not the be-all-end-all).

I'm not sure what the importance of healthy food is in the prevention of breast and lung diseases (and I'd hazard a guess that no one knows), so it's probably a moot point to discourage healthy eating because cancers might occur anyway. Similarly, you wouldn't tell someone to stop exercising because there's no increased risk of Alzheimer's if you don't exercise. Totally unrelated.

You're still reducing your carbon footprint, saving energy, improving other aspects of your health (reduced intake of sugar / fat / preservatives / chemicals that might otherwise be causing diabetes, food allergies, intestinal diseases / cancers, etc), and doing something you love, which gives personal fulfillment and has immeasurable benefits like reducing stress and improving emotional well-being. And all of the doctors keep saying you're an extremely healthy woman ..... maybe you wouldn't have been so resilient and have healed as quickly [after surgery] without the healthy lifestyle you follow. (end quote)

Be the best you can be at all times – Liz

Enjoy Every Moment

I have been so refreshed and encouraged during recent difficult days by these caring, thoughtful words and hope they also stimulate and spur you on to positive healthy changes in your own life. Hopefully our endeavours were, and continue to be, a “green light” to those who may read this.

• Both CAP articles remain published.
• Of course we are most definitely continuing our Live Simply Lifestyle .

Above all else enjoy each moment ~ every one is very special. And remember ~ no matter your state of health, there are still choices you can make. Hope this motivates you to a positive change in your life. Take care.

May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
~ An Irish Blessing

Links & References

• Healthy lifestyle tips for all ages Heart and Stroke Foundation
• Plan and keep busy: Google “retirement Vancouver" (or wherever you live) – many worthwhile volunteer opportunities to be found that will keep you active and involved.
• If you have lots of time (because you are unable to continue to work) and wish to keep busy, become interested and learn something new about an unknown subject such as the Bald Eagle.
• Get fit at any age!