Do you have a wellness routine that you do every day? Things you just can’t live without?

Me too! I get asked all the time, what are you doing to stay healthy and in shape.

My routine has changed a little bit over the last couple of years, and particularly in the last year. Immune health, physical activity and a healthy diet are what kept me safe, in a number of ways, including mentally. There is a staggering number of people suffering emotionally, physically and medically. Now is the time to up your game and maybe consider a few adjustments. Sometimes the seemingly smallest thing will make a huge difference.

Here’s why and how I have come to appreciate the importance of being a strong advocate, for yourself.

In February 2016, a very small bumpy rash on the back of my hand after spending the day cleaning the basement, turned into a year long fight for my health, and possibly my life. Vasculitis is dangerous, painful, and can be fatal. No idea why, or where it came from. I didn’t even know what it was while it was happening. A variety of trips to my personal Dr solved nothing. Until the day (after being turned away at my own Drs office by the receptionist), I went to emergency and was properly diagnosed.

So while I have a huge respect for medicine, I was denied medical attention on the day that I needed it the MOST, and told to ask the pharmacy to help me…..true story. It was a truly devastating, frightening and helpless feeling. I went home and cried. It was a bright sunny and crisp spring day. I gathered my things, and called Greg in from outside and asked him to drive me to emergency. I had had enough.

I understand and appreciate modern medicine. Daily trips to the ER for huge IV doses of steroids are the only thing that made it stop, wiping out my immune system. But it was necessary, and I am grateful that it stopped, and for the Dr that was on call that day.

I learned some extraordinarily valuable things. The practice of medicine has changed enormously in last 20 years. Gone is the personal relationship with your Dr. The person you trusted and told everything to, who had the freedom to advocate for you….mentally, physically, medically. Who treated you as a whole entire person. I guess I shouldn’t say gone, maybe, very rare. Really, isn’t that the essence of healthcare? It used to be. Virtual care is not an adequate replacement.

Healthcare used to be “Family centered care”, it was the standard. Successful outcomes used to DEPEND on family presence and involvement, and resulted in accelerated recovery times, including long term care. A MAJOR reason for my hastened interest in my own health and self-care in the last year, the thought of being sick and locked away alone without a family advocate. My best efforts are put into becoming and staying healthy.

There were other considerations for me in 2016. Like menopause, insomnia, a couple of other random autoimmune issues, (just lucky I guess). My skin and my hair were a disaster, always a very telling sign. However, once I started looking, reading, and researching, I realized something very positive. There is literally an answer for everything. I encourage you to look beyond what is easy and floating on top. Dig deeper, once you start, you won’t be able to stop!

My day and my supplements are evolving according to my needs and my research. I am always open and listening and willing to change or add something new that is beneficial. This is snapshot of me right now:

My Morning:

Breakfast within 30 minutes of waking. Like strawberry french toast! NO exercise before eating!

My Collagen Key drink (a vegan collagen supplement with all the ingredients you need for your body to create collagen without animal products, or boiled, you know….whatever). I absolutely crave this stuff! Collagen is the most plentiful protein in your body, and it is essential is soooo many ways, including brain health.

With a few drops of D3/K2 vitamins.

A Zinc capsule (an immune booster).

We have a SUPERB immune supplement available in the US. Unfortunately, that is still awaiting approval for the Canadian market. Once that has happened, I anticipate taking just one capsule to get everything I need.

Apple Cider Vinegar gummies.

Estrogel – A note about hormone replacement therapy. There is a lot of fear about this subject for women. I hosted a seminar in 2019 with my personal physician who was enormously helpful in dispelling myths and answered so many questions. However, everyone really has to do their own research and discover what is best for them. This is really really important…..EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT! Healthcare is not a one size fits all science. I really tried to go the bioidentical route with a Naturopath. After 8 months, and $7k later, nothing had changed. Menopause kicked my ass, and I needed results! So I returned to my medical Dr at the time and his intervention with HRT was so impactful and changed my life literally overnight. The experience soured my relationship with naturopathic medicine, which may change at some point in the future.

Lunch: A Protein shake. I think ours is the absolute best, I could be biased. However, in my defense, I have tried many. And this is simply delicious. Nothing granular left behind, tremendous taste, smooth, creamy and delicious. Check the photos below for the ingredient list.

WATER: Drink half your weight in ounces every day.

Dinner: There is a plan that I love to live by, check out Hayley Pomroy. I did the initial 28 day Metabolic plan last February and have tried to design my eating habits around this premise ever since. Still, one week out of every month I do the plan as she has directed. Why? Because I feel so amazing when I eat like this! This month I decided to do 2 weeks. I have just started my 2^nd week and then I might allow wine back into my life. Check it out, it might fit your life.

Evening:

No eating after dark. It’s a thing. Don’t sleep with your food! We eat dinner between 5pm and 6pm. Eating after 7 is just gross to me.

Night Supplements:

Prometrium – Progesterone, HRT therapy. If you have an intact uterus and are taking Estrogel, you need to take progesterone. Note: the Pharmacy gave me a generic brand once. I knew something was off right away. After researching, I found considerable negative commentary. I have only used Prometrium since.  

Magnesium and Melatonin. They are friends, research why. Take them together before bed for insomnia. After much, much research, I chose to take  Magnesium Glycinate. Great absorption and better GI tolerance.

I run everyday, 5 to 9k. If the weather isnt great, I have a bike and I spin instead. I also drink wine, eat cupcakes and enjoy my life!

Live your timeless life to its fullest. Hug your people, drink your life up. You only get one.

Some Links! Where do you find this stuff!

Haylie Pomroy: https://amzn.to/3CjFFN5

Everything Monat: https://lemontree.mymonat.com/

About those Humans in Hospital Care: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1481&context=honors

**This is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Seek professional medical advice for diagnosis and treatment.