I kept refreshing the page on my computer after receiving notice that the bloodwork results for my annual physical had been delivered to my portal. I was anxious to see if the changes I’d made to my daily health routine had been worth it. I wanted evidence that my hard work had paid off, so I was excited to look at the numbers.

I haven’t always been excited about test results when it comes to my health. Most years, I dreaded getting bloodwork done because part of me knew I wasn’t doing what I needed to keep things like cholesterol and cardiac markers in line. I’d put it off for as long as I could because I didn’t want to deal with the inevitable anxiety that comes with expecting bad news (and the self-flagellation that follows).

But this year was different. Because I’m committed to being as healthy, strong, and mobile as I can be in my wisdom years, I made my health a top priority. The truth is, I needed to. After two long years of caregiving, multiple losses, and the emotional turbulence that followed, I was exhausted. Cookies had become more appealing than a long walk in nature, and I wanted to turn things around.

I researched health strategies for someone my age, shared plans with like-minded friends, and got to work. I gave up alcohol. I did some form of fun cardio every day. I lifted weights three times a week, increasing the load as soon as I could. I ate less sugar and carbs and more protein and fiber. I also worked with a coach who helped me focus on getting good sleep, staying hydrated, and keeping cortisol levels healthy throughout the day.

My hard work paid off. This year’s test results showed improvement across all the areas I’ve worked on, including a cardiac cholesterol marker called Apo B, which had been in the dangerously high range and was now normal.

After sitting with the results for a few days, here’s what I want to remember: We are not victims of longstanding bad habits, genetics, or family history. We’re victims of fear and denial. Yes, we may have disabilities and limitations, but when we take responsibility for our health, get educated, rally the support we need, and make small changes slowly over time, improvements will happen. And when we see evidence that our hard work works, we reclaim agency over our bodies, our enthusiasm for living, and our ability to minimize exposure to a healthcare system designed to treat disease rather than prevent it.

Positive change can happen in surprisingly easy ways when you decide to make your health more of a priority. It starts with an attitude of extreme self-care, open-mindedness, and a belief that you can find the best supportive people and tools for your body.

I have some ideas and I’d love to share them with you during a Zoom gathering this week. Let’s meet on Wednesday, May 27^th, at 3pm ET/12 noon PT and talk about getting and staying healthy in our wisdom years. Bring your best tips!

If you’ve joined us before, you’ll automatically get an invite, and if not, you can sign up here.

Love,

Cheryl