#high borderline cholesterol

[latestnews69]

The 3,000m-high border that's melting away

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[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing a suicidal protagonist, but not depressed.

I'm going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment so I'm trying to put it into my writing. Do you have any advice for writing this? I mean, I suppose I already have the experience, but writing tips are always welcomed.

(I really hope this doe)sn't come across as trauma dumpy, I'm not seeking any irl advice. I suppose I just see it as an objective reality of many that doesn't necessarily need to invoke things such as comfort or anything, y'know?)

I'm glad you're trying to put such personal experiences into your writing.

Since I don't know much about your specific protagonist, in addition to incorporating your own experiences, I'll provide you with some writing notes on suicidal behaviour that you can refer to in order to make your writing more realistic or true to life (and you're right, literature on such real and sensitive topics doesn't always need to invoke comfort, or provide a lesson of sorts to the reader. Because simply depicting the realities of many people is enough - or more than enough - and is very important, even if it makes people uncomfortable... because it IS not a comfortable topic). Needless to say, each person has varying experiences.

Attitudes toward suicide have varied throughout history and vary considerably among different cultures.

The ancient Greeks considered suicide an offense against the state, whereas the Romans believed that suicide could be a noble way to die.

The view of suicide as a sin prevailed in Western societies for hundreds of years.

Only since the later decades of the 20th century did suicide cease to be considered a criminal act.

Suicidal Behavior - term used for individuals who have engaged in potentially self-injurious behavior with at least some intent to die as a result of the act. Evidence of intent to end one’s life can be explicit or inferred from the behavior or circumstances. A suicide attempt may or may not result in actual self-injury.

Levels of Suicidal Behavior

completed suicide

suicide attempts that are potentially fatal

suicide gestures—behaviors that are not necessarily lethal but are a cry for help or attention, such as superficially cutting one’s wrists

suicide gambles—attempts in which people gamble that their lives will be saved through intervention, such as a fatal but slow-acting drug overdose

suicide equivalents—behaviors that invoke responses similar to those seen with suicide, such as a teenager running away from home as an indirect call for help

suicidal ideation or thinking about suicide, which can range from nonspecific thoughts that life is not worth living to specific suicide planning

Mental illness is a major risk factor for suicide.

More than 90% of Americans who commit suicide have been diagnosed with a psychiatric illness and/or have problems with substance abuse, especially alcohol, opiates, and cocaine.

Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline and certain other personality disorders are risk factors.

People are at particularly high risk for suicide during the first week following discharge from a psychiatric facility.

Other suicide risk factors include individuals who:

are victimized by bullying

are isolated from other people and community

have a family history of suicide

have a history of attempted suicide

have a history of childhood abuse or family violence

have had traumatic experiences

have experienced stressful events, such as separation or divorce, job loss, or death of a spouse

have a chronic or progressively debilitating disease or condition; chronic, severe, or intractable pain; or loss of mobility or independence

have access to a firearm

are victims of alcohol or substance abuse, which weakens impulse control

have low total serum cholesterol

reside at a higher altitude, possibly due to altitude-related metabolic stress in individuals with mood disorders

are involved with the criminal justice system, or are incarcerated (especially during the first hours or week of imprisonment)

have sleep problems and disorders

are impulsive

have been exposed to suicidal behavior in others, including family members, peers, or friends (especially among adolescents) or celebrities, which is referred to as contagion

take certain medications

live in low-income households or in poverty

are unmarried

are lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT)

CAUSES. Suicide results from combinations of factors specific to each individual.

Studies have found a connection between genetic factors and suicide.

Some suicides appear to be impulsive acts, whereas others follow a major life event or crisis. However, the most common trigger is the pain and desperation of a mental illness, often unrecognized and untreated depression or bipolar disorder.

A complex of illnesses involving changes in the brain, depression is very common in the general population. People in recovery programs are often at particular risk.

Many people with depression develop anxiety disorders, which can further contribute to suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Depression is particularly dangerous when the individual is emerging from the darkest depths of the disease and has the energy to act upon suicidal impulses.

Suicidal depression is not always obvious. For example, some depressed men appear irritable or angry rather than depressed. ‘‘IS PATH WARM?’’ is a mnemonic for signs of suicidal behavior:

I—ideation

S—substance abuse

P—purposelessness

A—anxiety

T—trapped

H—hopelessness

W—withdrawal

A—anger

R—restlessness

M—mood changes

Other signs of suicidal intentions are:

isolation or withdrawal

emotional distancing

lack of family or friends

distraction, seeming to be in one’s own world

lacking any sense of humor

dwelling on the past, especially losses and failures

feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

preoccupation with death

You can refer to a mental status review used by clinicians to guide you in describing your character. This includes:

appearance—the patient’s clothing, personal hygiene, and any physical evidence of self-harm

affect—expression, emotion, and intonation when describing plans for self-destructive behavior

thoughts—suicide command hallucinations (usually auditory); delusions about the benefits of suicide, such as thoughts that relatives will be better off after the person dies; and obsession with suicide

homicidal potential

judgment, insight, and intellect

orientation and memory, including signs of delirium or dementia

The need for suicide intervention is assessed by the following:

ideation—whether the patient has thoughts of self-harm

plans—the more specific the suicide plan, the greater the risk

purpose—what the patient believes will be achieved by suicide

potential for homicide

NOTE: The clinician will also evaluate risk factors as described above.

Most people give clear warnings of their suicidal thoughts; however, those around them may not recognize the significance or may not know how to respond. People who are concerned that a family member or friend is at risk for suicide should do the following:

educate themselves about warning signs and risk factors

identify healthcare professionals who know the person and can help

call 911 or the local emergency number if the person seems to be at immediate risk

Factors that lower the risk of adult suicide include:

 a significant friendship network outside of the workplace

a stable marriage

a close-knit extended family

religious faith and practice, especially religions that value life and discourage suicide

a strong interest in or commitment to a project or cause that encourages social interaction and cohesion

One of the "Conditions for Further Study" in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is Suicidal Behavior Disorder (SBD). This is NOT an official diagnosis yet, but research is ongoing. I'll include here a few proposed criteria and potential diagnostic features, just for reference purposes:

A suicide attempt is a self-initiated sequence of behaviors by an individual who, at the time of initiation, expected that the set of actions would lead to his or her own death. (The “time of initiation” is the time when a behavior took place that involved applying the method.)

Determining the degree of intent can be challenging. Individuals might not acknowledge intent, especially in situations where doing so could result in hospitalization or cause distress to loved ones.

Markers of risk include:

degree of planning, including selection of a time and place to minimize rescue or interruption;

the individual’s mental state at the time of the behavior, with acute agitation being especially concerning;

recent discharge from inpatient care; or

recent discontinuation of a mood stabilizer such as lithium or an antipsychotic such as clozapine in the case of schizophrenia.

Examples of environmental “triggers” include:

recently learning of a potentially fatal medical diagnosis such as cancer,

experiencing the sudden and unexpected loss of a close relative or partner,

loss of employment, or

displacement from housing.

Conversely, features such as talking to others about future events or preparedness to sign a contract for safety are less reliable indicators.

Again, the above excerpt is for a proposed criteria and potential diagnostic features for SBD (not yet an official diagnosis).

I'll include here a few interesting studies on SBD. Some researchers aren't for it. Most are discussing the current lack of data and research on it. 1 2 3 4

Also I think I misunderstood your request when I first read your message. I thought you wanted to write a suicidal protagonist but they're not depressed. But just in case, here are a couple of articles exploring suicidal ideation in non-depressed individuals. I would recommend looking into the qualitative findings as this could help writers if this is the topic you want to write about. 1 2

Lastly, since this is quite a sensitive topic, it is advisable for you to keep in mind conscious language, particularly when you're planning to share your writing with a wider audience and when publishing. Editors and publishers also frequently advise to get a sensitivity reader. Because while you might have the best of intentions, if you’re dealing with serious issues that real people deal with, it would be a good idea to do some research or get a sensitivity reader. Or both. Here's an excerpt from that previous post:

Words have power. Where and to what degree that power has an impact will inevitably depend on who the reader is. Words can drive a story forward and compel the reader to turn the page. Or they can disengage readers, even hurt them, and compel them to, at best, reject the novel; and at worst, review it negatively. Doing the awareness work prior to publication can help to prevent this while at the same time improving knowledge and craft.

Sources: 1 2

Hope this helps. And thank you for writing about such an important topic.

[nurgletwh]

Hey all! You’re about to see why this got so delayed when Tumblr ate my post. >.<

Remember how I’ve previously stated “I disappeared because I had issues, but no worries!”?

Yeah.

Not so much this time. Which has only sunk in with retrospect and time. (@grumpyoldsnake is gonna be “I told you so!!!)

It still doesn’t really feel that way, because the human mind is stupendous at deemphasizing how much danger you might really be in/were in.

Some of this might be covering ground I’ve already covered here or elsewhere. However, I think having it all in one place and all sequenced together will not only help me keep things straight but give it all perspective.

With that out of the way, let’s see if I can not only keep this all the fuck straight but remember what ground I need to cover. I’m putting the rest under a cut for a couple of reasons. It’s long, and it may be triggering for some people. Please let me know if I’ve missed a tag I should have added.

October 2023

I went back to the Dr. to get my medications adjusted, as my blood sugar had gone back up. (Side note: I hadn’t been properly and regularly testing my blood sugar. I was exhausted and sleeping what felt like all the time with no energy to do much of anything at all.) For whatever reason, my blood pressure comes back rather shockingly high (164/108!!), not in line with what it’s been at all. I comment that I’ve never seen it that high, and the nurse says to have the doctor check it after I’ve been there a while.

It doesn’t happen because I’m forgetful.

My cholesterol also comes back high, but that’s been creeping up for years, so no shocker there.

Diabetes medications are adjusted, one is added for the cholesterol. By the time I get home, there’s another one for my blood pressure. I shrug and add it to my pile, since my blood pressure had never come down as far as I thought it should in the first place.

November 2023

Back for a follow-up appointment. My sugar levels haven’t changed all that much, and my blood pressure still comes back as pretty damn high, and I make a mental note to test it at home more regularly, because it doesn’t seem right.

Warning: diet talk.

———

We talk about stuff and whatnot, and decide to try Ozempic (as its original purpose was for diabetes) as the next step to get my blood sugar down.

I was aggravated as he goes on about things like how I’ll feel better for losing some weight, and I half-assed express a few concerns because I have disorganized eating habits. I already don’t eat consistently, and I firmly believe my current weight “problems” are due to my disorganized eating patterns (as well as picky eating and just not really wanting to eat in general) in my youth leaving me borderline malnourished. Most of my teen years were spent trying to get me to gain weight. FYI: being significantly underweight for a long time is a great way to have issues with being overweight later.

I go home with a prescription for Ozempic. Fine and dandy, although I’ve been getting the impression he doesn’t really listen all the time.

———

December 2023

Christmas happens, travel happens, fun happens.

January 2024

Cute cat pic, just because. :-)

Next appointment. My blood pressure still reads significantly higher than normal (156/92), and higher than it has been at home, but what with travel and all, I haven’t really been testing it to back up that assertion. The doctor tests it and gets approximately the same result.

I get another prescription for an additional blood pressure medication.

(Can you guess where this one is going?)

I woke up a few days later with a massive headache that wouldn’t go away. I didn’t connect this at the time, but based on what happened next, I think it was.

The day after that I felt a bit dizzy. When I wasn’t feeling much better by lunch, I took my blood pressure and got 94/68. I took it again and got about the same thing, so I had my coworker (who is also a volunteer EMT) test it. He got 100/54. I continued to check it throughout the day, but it wouldn’t stay consistent. I bugged out of work early, finally sending a… well, grouchy message to the doctor (after hours, unfortunately) firmly expressing my frustration that I wasn’t believed when I stated my at-home readings, pointing out I am also an EMT.

My reading was 96/74 when I went to bed.

I felt even shittier the next day. BP was 94/62 that morning; I stayed home from work. The doctor responded to my message when the office opened, discontinuing the most recently added BP med, sanctioning the choice I’d already made. :-P

Unfortunately, my BP continued to plummet throughout the afternoon and evening. I sent a message that evening and asked what to do, continuing my pattern of sending messages after the office closed. 🙄

I took my blood pressure using my automated cuff before going to bed. It errored out twice before I got this:

Lovely, eh?

(The systolic generally reads 8-10 low, but the diastolic is generally bang on.)

I took it manually; 80/54. I send a follow-up message with those readings.

I felt awful the next morning. The act of sitting up made me dizzy. I stumbled out to the living room and called in to work again; I was in no condition to drive. My heart rate was elevated to around 100-110 (it normally runs fast, about 80-90 in the morning).

By late morning, the automatic cuff wouldn’t do anything but error out. I sent another message asking at what point I should go to the ER. I didn’t get a response from the doctor, but did from one of the nurses, who told me that anything under 90 systolic with symptoms qualified.

What. The. FUCK.

I basically decided that if it got worse, I’d go in. I told a friend to check in with me regularly and stayed in my recliner, drinking water and Gatorade to at least get fluid in.

The lowest reading I got on my manual cuff was 78/52. FYI: I should have been in the hospital the day before. This is “almost died” moment number 1. I was a fucking idiot. Denial is deadly.

——

I think this needs split up; I’m gonna post this now and keep writing, because I’m going to hit some sort of character limit sooner or later. O.o

[150lbs-less]

An introduction~

Hi friends 👋🏻 I’m starting up this page to diary, journal and connect with fellow weight loss baddies.

A little about me…

I’m 27 years old, female, 5’6”, 303 lbs, BMI of 48

Longtime PCOS

Recently diagnosed with high cholesterol

Borderline prediabetic

I’m about to begin my journey with metformin, a calorie deficit & a dream. Hoping to be at my goal weight of 150 within 2 years, and have my life back.

Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here 🫂

[randomnameless]

Random ask but ! Id like your thoughts on this hypothetical scenario that just popped into my brain

From Lysithea's endings we know removing crests from humans is possible.

Let's say in the midst of Ladles war the Flame Emperors is suddenly crestless (both crests are removed). What do you think would happen? How would she and others react ?

I'm still a bit annoyed at this plot point tbh, because even if it's less "weird" than when we're talking about nabateans,

Crests are part of someone's identity, it's in their blood so, like, unless you treat is as cholesterol, you're not supposed to be able to... uh, remove it?

Mole people can "add it" through their weird magitech, but I'd have found it less borderline if somehow, only the added crest disappears, and not the original crest some people were born with.

I don't think Supreme Leader would be very happy - despite her spiel about Crusts BaD, she heavily relies on the power of hers to wage her war, a Supreme Leader without her crests cannot wear her armor (she didn't train to, idk, swim with armor on unlike a certain someone) and I doubt she can swing Aymr as strongly as she can with her crests (or even high jump like she does in Tru Piss to bash Rhea's head in).

I think she'd be pissed, and would try to hide it (Hubert would do the heavy work, and insist she stays on the rear lines) because her entire spiel would fall apart, if the strong can only rely on themselves, if she has no strength anymore, what prevents, say, a barbarian or one of her missing cousins from killing her and becoming the Emperor?

Ionius showed what happened to a MAGA Emperor who isn't "strong", what would happen to her? I honestly think she'd panic, and maybe ask Uncle for new shiny toys to compensate for her sudden weakness -

But if we're on Tru Piss, even if tierlists are trash she shouldn't have been able to defeat the barbarian king or the evil lizard lady with her crests, so without them?

She dies in Tailtean, or even earlier.

[hinumdom]

(top photos - right side cheek and bottom photos - left side cheek)

acne journal entry #2

here's a three-month progress of my acne.

just by looking at these pictures, i can totally see how much my skin has improved which i'm grateful for honestly.

before my derma prescribed me with isotretinoin, i was required to submit blood test results to determine the appropriate dosage. that's how i found out i have borderline high cholesterol which means i'm still in the normal range but on the higher spectrum and that i have a fatty liver. i was advised to manage my diet for my cholesterol and was prescribed with a supplement for my liver.

it's been a month since i started using isotretinoin. during the first two weeks, there were no significant changes yet. but, on the 3rd week, i felt the dryness on my skin due to the medication. i do still feel like my face gets oily but when i use a blotting paper, it's completely dry. interesting, isn't it? anyway, now i'm dealing with so much dryness all over my body. i would wake up with super dry lips that if i try to just move it a little, it would tear and bleed. i'm also experiencing micro peeling that's why i switched my moisturizer from gel to cream which did the trick (at least for now). my back pain worsened albeit just a little bit. my doctor told me before that it's possible to experience muscle and joint pains when taking isotretinoin. i would still get pimples but not as often and as big as before. now what essentially remain are the dark spots.

i had a follow up consultation just this monday with new blood test results since my derma needs to closely monitor my cholesterol and ensure my liver is still in a good condition. fortunately, results for my liver came back normal. however, my cholesterol slightly increased. i was prescribed isotretinoin for another month and in my follow up consultation, which is a month after, i'll have to provide blood test results again.

[theunemployedrogue]

Good post-op report! The doctor said the healing is progressing well, and the minor pain/fatigue I'm still having is normal. Cleared to return to work on Tuesday (yay 🙄).

Out of curiosity I asked how my liver & visceral fat looked while they were in there. I have only really started to pursue healthier habits & practice alcohol moderation within the last year or so, so given my history I was a little scared. Fortunately, everything was in good shape, which was in line with my lab work from earlier this year. 😊 Ten years ago I'd depleted my b-12 levels and my triglycerides were sky high, & just a year ago my cholesterol was borderline high enough to be put on statins. I'm happy I've seemingly made progress with my health, even if I am still struggling to temper bad habits at times.

Recovery is possible even if it's not linear ❤️

[lumpofcohle]

i’m still awake for a few more minutes because I napped earlier and i’m just thinking about the time my cholesterol was borderline high but also my stomach nerve was partially paralyzed (it’s mostly okay now, 13 years later) so i couldn’t eat more than 1 g of fiber per meal or it would sit in my stomach and cause me physical pain and nausea

my doctor sent me to a registered dietitian and this woman and her orthorexia just could not wrap her head around the idea that even though my cholesterol was borderline high, whole grains were bad for me, salads were out, and if i switched to fat-free dairy i wouldn’t get enough calories to survive

real question: has anyone here ever met a dietitian who didn’t have an eating disorder? it simply isn't a field for people who aren't obsessed with eating only “the right things“

[queendopamine]

Opening up about mental health, the healthcare system, and my diagnoses

I'm no stranger to therapy. Though I've never lasted longer than 6 months, I've tried different therapists over the years. I know I need to dig in and do some deep, hands-on work. I've gotten by with some of the tools they've given me, as well as my own efforts at attempting self-help.

In May, I went back to therapy and also saw a psychiatrist for the first time ever. I did a psych eval with her last week.

I received a diagnosis of anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar. These are also things the therapist had evaluated me for and talked to me about. I scored high on her tests for them. I've always been good at tests...The damn test was how I got my bipolar diagnosis in 2010. Some NP at a walk-in clinic gave me a couple assessments and heard my story about how I reacted on Prozac. Said that depression was only telling half the story and gave me some meds. I had to go off them after a couple months because I got pregnant, but that was as far as I ever went in my Bipolar journey.

Since 2010, I had distanced myself from the Bipolar dx and label. Not only did I not like the stigma, but I just didn't relate to it as much as other things. Borderline seemed to address a lot of similar symptoms. At one point, I even thought I had DID. In 2020, like many chronically-online Millennials in the pandemic, thought I might have ADHD. For much longer, I've considered that I have OCD.

But for now, my doctor is choosing to treat the Bipolar and said she didn't "get ADHD vibes from me" and for now, she wouldn't agree that I have ADHD (I got through school, I finish my work on time, I paid attention to her questions --those were her reasons). She said I might have OCD tendencies based on what I described but she didn't fully label me as OCD or change my treatment at all.

She did say that over time, things could change--as in additional dxes might be given or they might be changed. And of course, we might try different treatments. It's all trial and error.

To start, I'm going on a mood stabilizer (Vraylar) and an anti-anxiety medicine (hydroxizine). I hope I can find the right combination of meds and that the side effects will be minimal and manageable. I havent been on a mood stabilizer in a long time. I don't really remember much about it. I've tried many different anti-depressants and Xanax. The anti-depressants always seemed to make me worse and Xanax just makes me sleepy as fuck.

My doctor gave me an overview of the Vraylar and Hydroxizine. She told me the symptoms and what to look out for. But then reading the pamphlets about them gave me a whole different perspective. Drowsiness was the big one that stuck out to me for both--not only did she not warn me about this, but she even told me hydroxizine wouldn't cause me to be sleepy and I could take up to 400mg a day and I'd be fine. It would help me sleep, but it wouldn't put me to sleep, like Xanax would, in her words.

Like many anti-depressants or mood stabilizers, Vraylar warns of potential weight gain. But it also can cause high blood sugar and high cholesterol. I already have elevated cholesterol so that's unfortunate. I didn't tell my psychiatrist this and now I am wondering if she'll switch meds when I do tell her. I'm not sure why I didn't mention it. All those potential side effects worry me though. I already struggle with my weight and because of my PCOS, I am pretty much already at risk for diabetes--though no tests have come back to indicate that I'm even pre-diabetic, so that's good. The cholesterol is something to worry about though and I will bring that up when I see her again.

Drowsiness is the worst symptom though and I'll tell you why. It's because I switched back to Zyrtec for my allergies and even though I take it at night, it's just a lot. it makes it hard to get up the in the morning. I can handle it okay during the day when I halve the pill, but I still end up dragging around, fatigued. I hope my body adjusts. I don't want to be tired all day. I have horrible allergies and have been receiving allergy shots for them, which contributes to fatigue on shot days. I can't live my life like a zombie all the time.

Just feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and annoyed. I know it's going to take time to adjust to both new medications and even to the Zyrtec. And if Vraylar and Hydroxizine don't work, it will be onto something else. I'm just eager to get it right and feel fulfilled and content. I want to be able to workout if I want to. I want to relax if I want to. I just don't want to be ruled by fear or lack of energy or zero motivation. I want to be in control of my body. Drowsiness is opposite of this.

Onto the PTSD...that shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. I wasn't expecting that. I don't know if the meds will help with my PTSD symptoms. But I know that my stepmom and her sister both receive ketamine treatment periodically. Both of them have bad depression and it helps them tremendously. According to the website, it helps with PTSD and bipolar symptoms as well. So I've considered that as an option, but I want to try meds first.

That brings me to the other issue--cost. I'm lucky that I can pull together the funds when needed and tighten up spending enough to afford these expensive-ass therapy/psych appointments. I also have a boyfriend I live with who makes almost 2x what I do and can pick up the slack or give me money if I really need it. Most people are not in that situation. There are people in my own family who cannot afford certain things. Mental health is a luxury to them.

Something so important and life-changing is a luxury that they can't afford. It's tragically common. Health insurance in the US is a joke. I can't even bill them for these sessions. It's not that they don't cover any mental health/behavioral health (though that's part of it sometimes), it's that the places I have visited do not bill health insurance for some reason. Maybe it's harder to work with them. maybe there's something about the way they bill. I truly do not know. But it's expensive as hell and I know if it were easier, they would bill insurance.

So yeah it's hard enough that I have to scrape together the money and really budget out my spending and think of every dollar. But there are people who have to do this with groceries, with feeding their children! People who have to choose which bills to pay. They can't just scrape together some extra money and spend it on mental health. Those people are fucked. and then their kids, who grow up in poverty or who are surrounded by this constant survival mentality, will grow up traumatized and in need of therapy they can't afford either. The cycle continues.

Does the government care? No. This system isn't built well and it's failing the people who need it the most.

I could talk more about the PTSD and Bipolar. what they mean to me and the symptoms I'm having. But I'm tired (go figure) and this is all I can manage.

[crowleaf]

tw cw for medical stuff, weight loss, body image, calorie restriction, and things of that nature.

This is not an e*ting d*sorder post, but a health update related to an earlier post. (same warnings apply for that post as well)

As of today, I've lost 32 pounds since late September/early October '22 and I feel fucking fantastic.

I currently weigh 178, which is probably the lowest I've weighed in eight years or so. I'm only just now starting to see and feel a major difference. (I should note that I'm 5'1)

My slight limp is even slighter (it's never going away, as it's caused by scoliosis and uneven hips, but it's barely there now), I don't have horrific back pain after standing for longer than fifteen minutes, and I can go up and down the stairs of my house easily without getting winded. I have less headaches, less frequent vertigo, and overall I just feel better than I have in a long time, physically and mood-wise.

I can see the changes in the shape of my arms and legs, and I feel it in the fit of my clothes. A blazer I could hardly bend my arms in last year now buttons up comfortably. A bra I was going to get rid of fits perfectly now. I wish I could try on my binder, which hasn't fit for the last year or so, but I don't know where it is because I just haven't worn it. I've been wearing sports bras, which were also too small, but fit just fine now.

I'm being safe about it, I'm under the supervision of a weight management specialist, and I'm losing around 1-2 pounds a week but I expect that to slow down after I hit my first goal, and that's okay. My tracker projects that I should reach that first milestone (150 lbs) sometime in July. If it isn't exact, that's okay too. I'm in no rush.

I do, however, have a cholesterol issue. I've been getting most of my protein from eggs and cheese, and my recent bloodwork says I'm 'borderline high', and that scares the shit out of me, so now I'm paying more attention to that than calorie restriction. I see my weight specialist next week and have a copy of the blood results for him, so hopefully he can advise me in that area, but I've already started making changes.

Much less cheese, and I miss it but I also don't want to have a stroke so I'll deal. Egg whites only, no yolks (which sounds bland but isn't when you know how to actually use seasonings -- I like mine with salt, pepper, garlic, and dill, and sometime curry powder). Use less oil while cooking, which so far is easier than I expected. A couple teaspoons goes a long way. More beans, like bean or tofu based meals at least three times a week. More fiber. In general I just don't eat enough of it but I've already been increasing it.

My GP wants to see me again in six months for another blood test, hopefully it'll be better.

Oh and I'm still frighteningly deficient in vitamn d, but I'm going outside more now, and taking prescribed high dose supplements once a week, so I'll be fine.

[insightscare]

Understanding Borderline High Cholesterol, What Steps to be taken

Nearly 25 million adults in the United States are afflicted with high cholesterol, which increases their susceptibility to heart attacks or strokes within the next decade. However, a significantly larger segment falls into the category of borderline high cholesterol, a state that falls between elevated and normal levels.

High cholesterol is officially diagnosed when an individual’s total cholesterol level reaches 240 mg/dL or higher. Borderline cholesterol, on the other hand, falls within the range of 200 to 239 mg/dL.

Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, a past president of the American Heart Association and a professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explains that these thresholds serve as reference points to gauge an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease. However, these benchmarks aren’t universally applicable; some individuals may remain healthy with a total cholesterol level of 235, while others could be at risk with a level of 205, contingent upon their other risk factors.

People with total cholesterol levels below 200 generally exhibit a lower risk of heart disease, while those surpassing 240 face a heightened risk. Those falling between 200 and 239 occupy a middle ground, where their risk is neither negligible nor critically high.

While cholesterol levels in this intermediate category aren’t inherently perilous, they do heighten the risk of developing high cholesterol over time. Prolonged exposure to borderline high cholesterol can amplify its deleterious effects, potentially doubling the risk of heart disease compared to those with consistently elevated cholesterol levels.

Dr. Daron Gersch, a family physician at CentraCare Hospital in Long Prairie, Minn., compares this prolonged exposure to marinating arteries in cholesterol particles throughout one’s lifespan. Regardless of the duration, such exposure increases the likelihood of plaque formation within the arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes.

However, total cholesterol levels don’t provide a complete assessment of cardiovascular risk. Dr. Ann Marie Navar, associate professor of cardiology at UT Southwestern Medical School, emphasizes the importance of monitoring levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often dubbed “bad” cholesterol, which accumulates in the arteries. An LDL level below 100 is considered healthy.

Conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol, aids in removing fats from the blood, offering protective benefits. An HDL level of 60 or higher is considered healthy.

Read More: https://insightscare.com/understanding-borderline-high-cholesterol-what-steps-to-be-taken/

[toughgirlchallenges]

Charlotte Bowens: From a Health Crisis to 50-Mile Ultramarathon Finisher—Creating VestaPak for the Plus-Size Community in Outdoor Sports

Charlotte Bowens: Founder of Conscious Gear and trailblazing innovator behind VestaPak, the world's first plus-size hydration vest. From university administrator to entrepreneur, she fearlessly reshapes the outdoor industry. 

Motivated by a personal health scare, she champions inclusivity and empowers the plus-size community to embrace an active lifestyle.

Founding Story: A Transformation and a Vision 

It all started with a health scare that jolted Charlotte's life. An unexpected visit to the emergency room revealed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, severe depression, borderline diabetes, and a stark classification of "morbidly obese." 

The avalanche of this diagnosis could have overwhelmed anyone, but not Charlotte.

Charlotte made a decision that changed her life's trajectory. Fueled by fear and a fierce determination to regain control, she took her first steps towards transformation at the gym. The journey was slow and arduous. On that initial day, she could walk for only 2 minutes at a modest 2 mph on the treadmill. But that wasn't the end; it was the beginning.

Every day, Charlotte persevered, placing one foot in front of the other, pushing through every personal limit, and defying her own expectations. Sixteen months later, she crossed the finish line of her first 50-mile ultramarathon—an extraordinary feat of physical and mental strength. However, this triumph was also bittersweet.

Charlotte felt proud of her incredible achievement and continued her ultramarathoning journey but as she looked for outdoor gear and apparel to accommodate her taller, curvier, and bigger body, she encountered a glaring problem. The market offered limited options that catered to her specific needs if any at all. Existing outdoor gear companies had overlooked a significant portion of the population, neglecting to provide functional and fashionable products for those with bigger bodies.

It was during the challenging times of the pandemic that Charlotte made a solemn vow: if no one else was going to do it, she would. Conscious Gear was born, emerging as a symbol of resilience and innovation. VestaPak was nominated in October 2023 by USA Today as one of the top ten products for outdoor adventurers and is currently sold at REI.

***

Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.

 By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. 

Thank you for your invaluable support!

***

Show notes:

Who is Charlotte

Her outdoor adventure journey which started with Girl Scouts

Selling Girl Scout cookies to fund camping trips

Discusses her academic background in maths and science and her career in research administration

Her experiences as a teenage single mother of three, which led to a sedentary lifestyle

Moving to Arizona and falling in love with trail running and ultra marathons

Reassessing her lifestyle due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and clinical depression

Prioritising health and fitness, despite feeling overwhelmed as a single mother

First experiences at the gym

Being scared and unsure but determined to make a change

Beginning to see improvements in her stamina and speed, which bolstered her confidence

Completing her first 50-mile ultra marathon

Improving her physical health and also restoring her desire to live

Her transformative journey from depression to feeling alive

Initially being sceptical about ultramarathons

Completing a self-supported hundred-miler

Looking forward to participating in longer races, including a 250-mile event in Phoenix and a 500-mile race in Tennessee

The addictive nature of long-distance running

Challenges in finding gear

Going to thrift stores and DIY solutions using a library sewing machine

Limited options for bigger bodies in the athletic clothing market

The birth of the business, Conscious Gear

Facing disruptions in ultrarunning due to the pandemic

Creating hydration vests motivated by a lack of representation and options

Being nominated as one of the top 10 outdoor products in 2023

Increasing engagement from women, particularly Black women

Addressing inclusivity in athletic wear

Running community and personal preferences

Running philosophy and training

The importance of starting with what you can manage

Helping the body adapt and grow stronger over time

Respect the body's limits and trust the process of improvement

A powerful moment while trail running in Michigan

Her deep spiritual connection to running in nature

The spiritual aspect of running and its connection to her identity

Societal expectations that often lead to feelings of needing to do everything alone

Her 50-mile race experience

Physical exhaustion but remains motivated by her progress

Experiencing an emotional breakthrough at the 48-mile mark

Expressing gratitude for being alive and capable of such an achievement

How her experience of running 50 miles instills a sense of resilience and determination

Focusing on one mile at a time instead of the overall distance

The challenges of balancing running with personal and professional commitments

Acknowledging the necessity of hiring help for her business to prioritise her running

Following a "me first" schedule, focusing on her well-being

The peace and joy running brings her

Letting go of less important commitments

The importance of self-prioritisation especially for women

Final words of wisdom

  Social Media

About Conscious Gear - “It's simple we believe that bigger bodies deserve to be the center of design and not an afterthought. We consciously design outdoor gear and apparel for bigger-bodied endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts so they can live a healthier lifestyle and achieve maximum athletic performance.”

Website: conscious-gear.com 

Instagram: @ConsciousGear1

Tiktok: @consciousgear 

Facebook: @ConsciousGearStore 

X/Twitter: @ConsciousGear 

  Check out this episode!

[guardianmedical]

Why Regular Health Check-Ups are Essential: Benefits of Visiting a Medical Centre in Essendon

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to overlook regular health check-ups, especially when we’re feeling well. However, maintaining a proactive approach to health through routine check-ups is vital for long-term wellness. Regular visits to a trusted medical centre, like those in Essendon, offer numerous benefits, from early detection of health issues to personalised preventive care. Here, we explore why regular health check-ups are essential and how a visit to a medical centre in Essendon can help keep you and your family in optimal health.

Early Detection of Health Issues

One of the primary benefits of regular health check-ups is the ability to detect potential health issues before they become severe. Many health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain types of cancers, may develop without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. By the time symptoms become apparent, the condition may already be advanced.

Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure monitoring, blood tests, and physical exams, help detect these “silent” conditions early on. For example, a simple blood test can reveal high cholesterol levels or blood sugar abnormalities, which can be managed with lifestyle changes or medications to prevent more serious complications. At a medical centre in Essendon, trained healthcare professionals can provide these screenings, giving you peace of mind and potentially saving you from future health issues.

Building a Relationship with Your Healthcare Provider

Having a regular healthcare provider allows you to build a trusted relationship, which is essential for receiving personalised care. When you see the same doctor or medical team for check-ups, they become familiar with your health history, lifestyle, and specific needs, making it easier to identify changes in your health.

A trusted doctor-patient relationship also makes it easier to discuss sensitive health concerns openly, leading to better diagnosis and treatment. This relationship fosters ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that you feel comfortable reaching out with any health questions or concerns that may arise over time. In Essendon, medical centres prioritise this continuity of care, aiming to develop long-term relationships that benefit patients’ overall health and well-being.

Preventative Health Measures

Prevention is better than cure, and regular health check-ups are an integral part of preventive health care. Many medical centres in Essendon offer comprehensive preventive services such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, and lifestyle counselling. Preventative care can help avoid or minimise the risk of developing chronic illnesses.

For instance, if a check-up reveals borderline high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary modifications to manage it before it becomes a serious issue. Likewise, vaccinations protect against preventable diseases, while cancer screenings can detect abnormalities early, leading to better treatment outcomes. By engaging in regular check-ups, you empower yourself to take control of your health and make choices that prevent disease and enhance longevity.

Monitoring and Managing Chronic Conditions

For individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, regular check-ups are critical for effective management. Conditions like these require ongoing monitoring to ensure that treatment plans are working effectively and to make adjustments if necessary. For example, a diabetic patient may need regular blood sugar monitoring and medication adjustments based on test results.

In Essendon, medical centres are equipped to provide comprehensive chronic disease management. Doctors can monitor your condition, offer lifestyle advice, and recommend new treatment options as medical advances are made. This level of care helps you maintain a higher quality of life, reduce complications, and prevent emergency situations that may arise from unmanaged chronic conditions.

Improved Mental Health and Well-Being

Physical and mental health are closely interconnected, and regular check-ups provide an opportunity to address both aspects of health. Many people overlook mental health symptoms, but routine visits to a medical centre can make it easier to discuss issues like stress, anxiety, and depression in a supportive environment. When you regularly check in with a healthcare provider, they can identify early signs of mental health concerns and suggest appropriate interventions.

Medical centres in Essendon often have access to mental health professionals, making it simple to get referrals or advice on mental well-being. Early intervention for mental health concerns can significantly impact one’s quality of life, offering strategies for managing stress and building resilience.

Developing Healthier Lifestyle Habits

When you visit a medical centre regularly, you gain access to expert advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Doctors can offer personalised recommendations on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits that promote long-term health. For example, if you’re at risk of obesity, your doctor might suggest a tailored exercise plan or connect you with a nutritionist for dietary guidance.

The medical centres in Essendon focus on holistic health care, taking into account factors like stress, sleep, and physical activity that play a role in overall well-being. These lifestyle discussions are essential for preventing disease and maintaining a balanced life.

Reducing Healthcare Costs Over Time

Many people assume that regular check-ups are an added expense, but they actually help reduce healthcare costs over the long term. Early detection and prevention are far less costly than treating advanced-stage diseases. By addressing health issues early on, you avoid costly interventions, hospitalisations, and treatments that can arise from neglected health.

Regular check-ups also allow doctors to optimise medications, manage symptoms, and suggest lifestyle changes that may reduce the need for more invasive treatments. Medical centres in Essendon aim to provide cost-effective care by focusing on preventive health, helping patients avoid high medical expenses in the future.

Convenience and Accessibility at Your Local Medical Centre

Living near a medical centre in Essendon offers the added convenience of accessible health care close to home. Instead of travelling long distances or dealing with lengthy wait times at larger facilities, a local medical centre provides a personal and prompt approach. Many medical centres in Essendon offer extended hours and a variety of services under one roof, including general practice, women’s health, paediatrics, and physiotherapy, making it easier to fit health check-ups into your busy schedule.

With quality healthcare close by, you have the advantage of convenience that promotes consistent visits and timely care. Taking advantage of a medical centre nearby encourages regular check-ups, ensuring you don’t delay essential healthcare due to distance or time constraints.

In Summary:

Regular health check-ups play a fundamental role in maintaining good health and preventing future health issues. By visiting a medical centre in Essendon, you benefit from early detection, personalised care, preventative services, and support for both physical and mental well-being. Routine check-ups empower you to take control of your health, develop healthier habits, and manage any chronic conditions effectively, reducing healthcare costs over time.

For those living in or around Essendon, having a trusted local medical centre offers the convenience of accessible, high-quality health care that supports you on your wellness journey. To learn more about our services or to book your next check-up, visit our website https://www.guardianmedical.com.au/maribyrnong/ and discover the benefits of making regular health check-ups a part of your lifestyle. Prioritise your health today for a healthier tomorrow!

[umflowers]

a christian: intelligent design- me, with a smile that tells you you're about to die: ready for a fun game? let's do this head to toe. borderline personality disorder, c-ptsd, insomnia, insomnophobia, depression, anxiety, adhd, ocd, autism, psycopathy, neuroses, fibromyalgia, cervical dystonia, torticollis, One Giant Fuckin Tonsil, GERD, LPRD, esophogael erosion, post-nasal drip, periodontitis, primary lymphedema, bilateral ac joint arthritis, costochondritis, bilateral carpal tunnel, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, IBD, pelvic floor dysfunction, SI joint dysfunction/misalignment, anterior pelvic tilt, lumbar hyperlordosis, osteoarthritis, PCOS, endometriosis, left fallopian tube's gone bc of life-saving emergency surgery to remove a canteloupe-sized growth that strangulated and the growth was probably cells that are supposed to naturally slough off and get shit out but Not My Body Haha, hemerrhoids, anal fissure, hip bursitis, varicose veins, plantar fasciitis, raynaud's disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, pre-diabetic, severe eating disorder, severe chronic fatigue syndrome, fuck your god and you in particular by the way-

[swagging-back-to]

my housemate sent me an anti vegan comedy standup trying to say its bad for my health

meanwhile hes pre diabetic and has hypertension, borderline dangerously high cholesterol, osteoporosis in both shoulders and hips. his woman is the same way.

but sure bud. keep tellin me how being vegan causes bone density issues, anemia, and 'feeling weak :(((((('

[y-avann-a]

I'm struggling

My mental health is not good atm

I know I have almost no followers here and even fewer will go behind the cut or read this post - and that's probably why I can even type this and post it here (even though I have deleted and retyped it a lot and then saved as draft and later revised again...

I have depression, borderline, ADHD, anxiety and insomnia and on top of that I have Hashimoto, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, Adipositas and fibromyalgia and my lower body's joints are almost all screwed up - it's a lot and it sucks. Still I find myself feeling like I am a hypochondriac, an imposter and an attention seeking narcissist (I was told those feelings are symptomatic, but still)

I have been classified as severely disabled and in need of aid for daily life by to completly different independent German institutions and receive a temporary disability pension from a third (and it's even greenlit until summer 2027) and it was a nightmare amount of paper work and struggle to get to this point. I just finished eight weeks of day clinic where I had my diagnosis confirmed and treated and that was the second day clinic plus three stay-in clinics in the past 4 years - so rationally I know that I am sick and in need of aid and that's ok and I am allowed to and worth being helped

And yet I can't let myself rest.

Some days I am nice and patient with myself and remember that I just have less spoons then others and it takes more effort for me to do things.. but at the moment... I just feel fucking guilty and ashamed of being a burden on everyone around me and society as a whole - even though I clearly know that I have wonderful people around me who love and appreciate me - nobody is pushing me into doing more or being different except myself. And I am so fucking cruel to myself! I would never ever expect or demand these standards from anyone else, but somehow my mind has decided that I do not get the same kind of kindness and respect give others - Everything I do is wrong or to little or to late - I just want to rest.

When I think about the future I don't see anything. I would like to go on living, even kind of like I do right now.. i have time, because I don't have to work (because I can't) and I could do art all day or watch TV or play games - if it wasn't for the shame of it all.

On the days when my body denies me the energy for anything that I like to do, I sometimes torture myself through chores because I feel I have to, even if it makes everything worse. Still I like those days better then when it is purely my mind. With the broken body at least I feel like it is somewhat out of my control (although I do sometimes question myself and am sceptical if I only use my illness as an excuse) but with the mental blockades and brain fog and fatigue and general executive dysfunction I feel so much guilt and shame. As if I am just lying about it all and just want to be lazy and extort my partner for all the work and care - all the effort that I can just never pay back. Funnily enough I would never ever expect anything in return for my love and care that I give my partner or my friends - and yet I feel like I have to pay doubly for everything I receive. Oftentimes I think my friends don't like me and only invite me out of courtesy or habit or to be polite - Friends I have had for decades, whose wedding I've been to, who know more about me that I remember myself.

I know all the therapy stuff. I need to raise my self esteem, find self worth in things outside of what I can do for others and give myself time to unlearn old patterns... But it is so hard! And I don't even know what I'm doing it all for.. I don't even have a good time.. sometimes I wish I could just go back to the way I was when I was younger and less burdened - I had a dream to live on a reclaimed farmland with friends just living for the day. Sometimes working on art, sometimes giving lectures or counseling people, doing all the handy work around the house and gardening a bit.. I don't think it will ever happen and even if it did I don't think I could even so so much anymore.. for now I just have to make do with my small apartment (that is still not finished after 8 months of living here, because the mundane tasks of everyday life consume so much of my energy that i can't start on things like my cool rotation bar table or the wall mounted cat climbing playground or the constellation fairy lights on the galaxy painted wall in the bedroom or even the half-finished flowers on my living room guestbook-flowergarden-wall) I am just so so tired