Comments on: Health and Money: The Power of Independent Steps http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:03:24 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: SteveJ http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-689038 SteveJ Sun, 07 Jun 2009 16:48:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-689038 Little late, but wanted to add my kudos as well. As a society we try to medicate too many things away, I'm very proud of the steps you're taking. Little late, but wanted to add my kudos as well. As a society we try to medicate too many things away, I’m very proud of the steps you’re taking.

]]> By: beth http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-666115 beth Mon, 18 May 2009 20:21:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-666115 I'm a little late joining in the posts here, but I just wanted to mention that it's great you're keeping an eye on your thyroid too! From everything I've seen and heard, no one really knows why thyroid problems have become as prevalent as they are (heredity or another modern day illness), but they affect a good 5% of the population. Getting one's thyroid in check can help repair so many other issues that seem like problems themselves rather than symptoms. It can help with weight management, cholesterol (which secondarily also helps with some potential gall bladder and liver problems), mood issues, and all sorts of smaller problems like thin brittle hair & nails, dry skin, cold intolerance. It's really amazing how much it affects the whole system. I’m a little late joining in the posts here, but I just wanted to mention that it’s great you’re keeping an eye on your thyroid too! From everything I’ve seen and heard, no one really knows why thyroid problems have become as prevalent as they are (heredity or another modern day illness), but they affect a good 5% of the population. Getting one’s thyroid in check can help repair so many other issues that seem like problems themselves rather than symptoms. It can help with weight management, cholesterol (which secondarily also helps with some potential gall bladder and liver problems), mood issues, and all sorts of smaller problems like thin brittle hair & nails, dry skin, cold intolerance. It’s really amazing how much it affects the whole system.

]]> By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-665839 DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad Mon, 18 May 2009 12:29:13 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-665839 Trent-- Glad to hear that you are nipping it in the bud! Trent– Glad to hear that you are nipping it in the bud!

]]> By: Nebula http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-665191 Nebula Sun, 17 May 2009 13:36:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-665191 Trent, this is important--especially as you say you have a family history of liver problems, particularly in the males--have any of you been tested for hemochromatosis??? This is a common hereditary genetic defect, also called iron overload, where iron is absorbed at a higher rate than normal and stored in major organs, causing liver problems (elevated liver enzyme levels is often the first sign), diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc. Usually doctors don't notice it until it's caused damage--although a simple blood test can help diagnose it. The iron build-up begins to cause trouble by the time the person is in his 30s or 40s but usually it isn't diagnosed until the person is in his 50s or 60s. It also causes the fatigue you mentioned. It's a recessive genetic trait, so it can skip generations. PLEASE check on this--my husband has this and I had to diagnose it after his iron levels were high along with elevated liver enzyme levels, but sometimes a person can be anemic and the iron will still be stored in his organs and cause damage. People of Irish, Welsh, German descent are particularly susceptible. (My husband is of Irish/German descent.) If caught early, before organ damage occurs, all you have to do is give blood to reduce the iron levels until they are down to normal, and then continue to donate whole blood the rest of your life. But if you let it go, the damage it causes is not reversible. Trent, this is important–especially as you say you have a family history of liver problems, particularly in the males–have any of you been tested for hemochromatosis??? This is a common hereditary genetic defect, also called iron overload, where iron is absorbed at a higher rate than normal and stored in major organs, causing liver problems (elevated liver enzyme levels is often the first sign), diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc. Usually doctors don’t notice it until it’s caused damage–although a simple blood test can help diagnose it. The iron build-up begins to cause trouble by the time the person is in his 30s or 40s but usually it isn’t diagnosed until the person is in his 50s or 60s. It also causes the fatigue you mentioned. It’s a recessive genetic trait, so it can skip generations. PLEASE check on this–my husband has this and I had to diagnose it after his iron levels were high along with elevated liver enzyme levels, but sometimes a person can be anemic and the iron will still be stored in his organs and cause damage. People of Irish, Welsh, German descent are particularly susceptible. (My husband is of Irish/German descent.) If caught early, before organ damage occurs, all you have to do is give blood to reduce the iron levels until they are down to normal, and then continue to donate whole blood the rest of your life. But if you let it go, the damage it causes is not reversible.

]]> By: JT http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663984 JT Sat, 16 May 2009 03:58:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663984 By the way, I should add, and give kudos, to my employer. They provide an excellent on-site gym and encourage all staff to utilize it whenever we find time during our days - even if its randomaly at 2 pm or something. So, some employers do get the link between exercise and health, and are trying to actively encourage it! By the way, I should add, and give kudos, to my employer. They provide an excellent on-site gym and encourage all staff to utilize it whenever we find time during our days – even if its randomaly at 2 pm or something. So, some employers do get the link between exercise and health, and are trying to actively encourage it!

]]> By: JT http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663980 JT Sat, 16 May 2009 03:55:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663980 Congrats on the weight loss - and the great attitude! Keep it up! In my opinion - check out a book by Dr. Walt Willet of the Harvard School of Nutrition called Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy. No fad diet stuff in there - just great advice on how to live and eat healthy. Great advice and recipes for using healthy whole grains in your diet, among other tips. My library had it, so I'm sure yours will too. Also, I've found that about 45 minutes of cardio a day 4 times a week is optimal to maintain weight and keep cholestoral in check (my family has a huge history of heart disease - but by running 4-5 miles 4 or 5 times a week my whole cariovascular system is healthier than the rest of my family - and far better than average, according to my doc! It takes time, but the investment pays off! Congrats on the weight loss – and the great attitude! Keep it up!

In my opinion – check out a book by Dr. Walt Willet of the Harvard School of Nutrition called Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy. No fad diet stuff in there – just great advice on how to live and eat healthy. Great advice and recipes for using healthy whole grains in your diet, among other tips. My library had it, so I’m sure yours will too.

Also, I’ve found that about 45 minutes of cardio a day 4 times a week is optimal to maintain weight and keep cholestoral in check (my family has a huge history of heart disease – but by running 4-5 miles 4 or 5 times a week my whole cariovascular system is healthier than the rest of my family – and far better than average, according to my doc! It takes time, but the investment pays off!

]]> By: JD http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663623 JD Fri, 15 May 2009 22:02:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663623 If you are truly willing to take responsibility for your health, you can avoid most of the ailments plaguing the general population. But you need to go farther than mainstream medicine suggests to reap these benefits. Most of our ailments can be directly traced to our processed, nutrient poor, toxin loaded diet. Avoiding processed & fast food food, all soda, nicotine and most alcohol, will improve your health dramatically. As will eliminating toxic cleaning and laundry products. Both of my parents were dead at 50. I am past that and have NO signs of any of the 5 killing illnesses I am considered to be at extremely high risk of succumbing to. The doctors cannot figure our why I don't need any medication, and have only scorn for the benefits of clean living. Remember doctors receive almost no nutritional education. Clean living is worth the effort. If you are truly willing to take responsibility for your health, you can avoid most of the ailments plaguing the general population.

But you need to go farther than mainstream medicine suggests to reap these benefits. Most of our ailments can be directly traced to our processed, nutrient poor, toxin loaded diet.

Avoiding processed & fast food food, all soda, nicotine and most alcohol, will improve your health dramatically. As will eliminating toxic cleaning and laundry products.

Both of my parents were dead at 50. I am past that and have NO signs of any of the 5 killing illnesses I am considered to be at extremely high risk of succumbing to. The doctors cannot figure our why I don’t need any medication, and have only scorn for the benefits of clean living.

Remember doctors receive almost no nutritional education.

Clean living is worth the effort.

]]> By: Amanda http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663482 Amanda Fri, 15 May 2009 17:11:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663482 For SAD, which I have had for years, I use a "lightbox." These are medical devices that emit a certain type of light that helps you adjust to seasonal changes. Just a quick couple minutes is all most people need & after several years of using it I use it for shorter & shorter periods each season. It will set you back about $150-250, but you'll have it for about 50 years. It's worth EVERY penny. Ask your GP about this & check to see if your insurance will pay anything on it as a "medical device" --many will if you persist their ridiculous objections. For SAD, which I have had for years, I use a “lightbox.” These are medical devices that emit a certain type of light that helps you adjust to seasonal changes. Just a quick couple minutes is all most people need & after several years of using it I use it for shorter & shorter periods each season. It will set you back about $150-250, but you’ll have it for about 50 years. It’s worth EVERY penny. Ask your GP about this & check to see if your insurance will pay anything on it as a “medical device” –many will if you persist their ridiculous objections.

]]> By: Karen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663475 Karen Fri, 15 May 2009 17:00:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663475 Good for you!! I recently started a similar program of exercise and diet with a neighbor (we encourge each other) and have lost 12 pounds. I don't want to have to take medication. I notice I feel better and sleep better. My blood pressure is lower. Good for you!! I recently started a similar program of exercise and diet with a neighbor (we encourge each other) and have lost 12 pounds. I don’t want to have to take medication. I notice I feel better and sleep better. My blood pressure is lower.

]]> By: tammy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663454 tammy Fri, 15 May 2009 16:26:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663454 Trent it is outstanding that you have lost weight. I admire you for taking a stand for your own health. I just discussed the taking care of oneself issue at www.harmoniousbodies.com We live in a "take a pill" culture and there are SO many times that is simply not necessary. I agree with all the other comments that only a doctor can dispense advice, but it is certainly commendable that you have taken the reins where your own health is concerned! Trent it is outstanding that you have lost weight. I admire you for taking a stand for your own health. I just discussed the taking care of oneself issue at http://www.harmoniousbodies.com

We live in a “take a pill” culture and there are SO many times that is simply not necessary. I agree with all the other comments that only a doctor can dispense advice, but it is certainly commendable that you have taken the reins where your own health is concerned!

]]> By: Sarah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663449 Sarah Fri, 15 May 2009 16:17:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663449 THANK YOU for posting this! Our society is all too often focused on quick fixes and the easy way out instead of just simply taking care of themselves and being healthy. It makes me so happy to hear stories like yours! THANK YOU for posting this! Our society is all too often focused on quick fixes and the easy way out instead of just simply taking care of themselves and being healthy. It makes me so happy to hear stories like yours!

]]> By: Alternative Livings http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663431 Alternative Livings Fri, 15 May 2009 15:48:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663431 This is fantastic! I'm a big advocate of using diet and nutrition to help heal your body. After doing intensive research, I've gone low-carb. Cutting out the sugar and starches and relying on fat and protein for my diet has helped me lose weight, lower my cholesterol, clear up a number of my health problems, and even got rid of my acne. Great job, Trent; we really have to be advocates for ourselves if we don't want to end up on the medication band wagon. Congratulations! This is fantastic! I’m a big advocate of using diet and nutrition to help heal your body. After doing intensive research, I’ve gone low-carb. Cutting out the sugar and starches and relying on fat and protein for my diet has helped me lose weight, lower my cholesterol, clear up a number of my health problems, and even got rid of my acne. Great job, Trent; we really have to be advocates for ourselves if we don’t want to end up on the medication band wagon. Congratulations!

]]> By: Dee http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663410 Dee Fri, 15 May 2009 15:05:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663410 Congratulations. Another benefit is that you will be a model for your children. They are far less likely to develop bad eating habits if their parents eat healthy. Congratulations. Another benefit is that you will be a model for your children. They are far less likely to develop bad eating habits if their parents eat healthy.

]]> By: Dr. Charles Martin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663404 Dr. Charles Martin Fri, 15 May 2009 14:56:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663404 Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and for the good advice you provide. I'd like to add one more piece of advice. In addition to talking with your doctor and following his or her advice, I'd recommend talking with your dentist as well. People with diabetes often can achieve better metabolic control with good dental care and treatment for gum disease. For people with prediabetes, treatment of oral health issues may help them avoid developing diabetes. I blog extensively about the links between gum disease, diabetes and other health problems at my blog at www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/blog. Charles Martin, DDS Founder, Dentistry for Diabetics Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and for the good advice you provide. I’d like to add one more piece of advice. In addition to talking with your doctor and following his or her advice, I’d recommend talking with your dentist as well. People with diabetes often can achieve better metabolic control with good dental care and treatment for gum disease. For people with prediabetes, treatment of oral health issues may help them avoid developing diabetes. I blog extensively about the links between gum disease, diabetes and other health problems at my blog at http://www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/blog.

Charles Martin, DDS
Founder, Dentistry for Diabetics

]]> By: Samira http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663398 Samira Fri, 15 May 2009 14:43:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663398 It makes sense. My doctor and I had "the talk" 6 months ago about some lifestyle changes NOW rather than in 20 years when I could have a host of health issues to be addressed. Similar advice: eat healthy, cut out alcohol, and exercise mildly and regularly. The results were also typical: lose 40 pounds - experience physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It makes sense.

My doctor and I had “the talk” 6 months ago about some lifestyle changes NOW rather than in 20 years when I could have a host of health issues to be addressed. Similar advice: eat healthy, cut out alcohol, and exercise mildly and regularly. The results were also typical: lose 40 pounds – experience physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

]]> By: prodgod http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663370 prodgod Fri, 15 May 2009 14:00:08 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663370 You might want to explore the benefits of milk thistle, Trent. You might want to explore the benefits of milk thistle, Trent.

]]> By: Skeet http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663365 Skeet Fri, 15 May 2009 13:50:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663365 Good for you! Keep up the great work; Blogging and healthy living as well! Good for you! Keep up the great work;
Blogging and healthy living as well!

]]> By: Terri http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663358 Terri Fri, 15 May 2009 13:42:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663358 An informative & timely blog, this one. I am currently investigating a liver malady - likely a cyst or hemangioma. I've been symptomatic, but it is far from clear whether related to the cyst or not. In any case, cutting back the booze as you did was a decision I made on my own. Since smoking goes so well with a cocktail, that was easy to drop, too. I now have to work on the fatty dilemma from a sugar/carb standpoint. Being the miserly type that I am, I should have gotten the economic benefits in my mind first and foremost. I would probably have begun the healthier lifestyle much sooner, as a result of seeing it from that angle! As it is, my condition has not reached the stage where liver enzymes have been affected, so I count my blessings there. I also have your familial diabetes history, so this will be a beneficial change to me in many ways. Best wishes on getting control over your health. Keep us posted on developements and your progress. An informative & timely blog, this one. I am currently investigating a liver malady – likely a cyst or hemangioma. I’ve been symptomatic, but it is far from clear whether related to the cyst or not. In any case, cutting back the booze as you did was a decision I made on my own. Since smoking goes so well with a cocktail, that was easy to drop, too. I now have to work on the fatty dilemma from a sugar/carb standpoint.

Being the miserly type that I am, I should have gotten the economic benefits in my mind first and foremost. I would probably have begun the healthier lifestyle much sooner, as a result of seeing it from that angle!

As it is, my condition has not reached the stage where liver enzymes have been affected, so I count my blessings there. I also have your familial diabetes history, so this will be a beneficial change to me in many ways.

Best wishes on getting control over your health. Keep us posted on developements and your progress.

]]> By: Sandy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663351 Sandy Fri, 15 May 2009 13:24:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663351 Watching my mother die of diabetes and heart disease (and all of the complications that come with these diseases)at 61 was enough for me to make major lifestyle changes in the way I eat and live my life. She was diagnosed w/ Type 2 when she was 38, and looking back, she did not have a very healthy diet, and never excercised. Back then, there were no convenient exercise facilities, and we lived in the country on a busy road, so even getting out to walk every day would have been hard. For me, I kind of saw the culprits in the American diet being trans fats and High Fructose Corn Syrup...once I learned how bad these are for you about 12 years ago, I just stopped buying products with them in, and my kids rarely eat or drink stuff with those ingredients. I'm 47 now, and while I could stand to lose about 20 lbs, all of my blood work comes back as perfect. My doctor often has to look twice at my and my husband's chart to see that, no...we aren't on any regular medication, like so many in our age group are. Once the doctors get you on medications, it's not easy to turn it around...one comes to rely on them. Great job, Trent. Watching my mother die of diabetes and heart disease (and all of the complications that come with these diseases)at 61 was enough for me to make major lifestyle changes in the way I eat and live my life. She was diagnosed w/ Type 2 when she was 38, and looking back, she did not have a very healthy diet, and never excercised. Back then, there were no convenient exercise facilities, and we lived in the country on a busy road, so even getting out to walk every day would have been hard.
For me, I kind of saw the culprits in the American diet being trans fats and High Fructose Corn Syrup…once I learned how bad these are for you about 12 years ago, I just stopped buying products with them in, and my kids rarely eat or drink stuff with those ingredients.
I’m 47 now, and while I could stand to lose about 20 lbs, all of my blood work comes back as perfect. My doctor often has to look twice at my and my husband’s chart to see that, no…we aren’t on any regular medication, like so many in our age group are. Once the doctors get you on medications, it’s not easy to turn it around…one comes to rely on them. Great job, Trent.

]]> By: CJ http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/05/14/health-and-money-the-power-of-independent-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-663349 CJ Fri, 15 May 2009 13:22:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/?p=3603#comment-663349 Trent, There are still extra things you can do. I just went through an unusual situation. It began with a trip to the ER with a bout of Acute Pancreatitis. My final diagnosis was Biliary Dyskinesia(Gallbladder stopped working). I did have to have my gallbladder removed. However, I was able to control my symptoms through diet, vitamins, and mild exercise. All of this resulted in the loss of 25lbs, more energy, and less illnesses. I'll give you a quick run down of what I did... -I changed my diet to almost vegan. I still eat fish & chicken. The only dairy I eat is very skim mozzerella, parmesean, feta, and goat cheeses. -I have eliminated refined sugars, breads(occasional whole grain or homemade), and most fats. -I also take a large variety of vitamins. Especially those that increase immunity and metabolism. **The best vitamin I can recommend for you is Milk Thistle. My husband took this when our Dr. Told him he had the onset of Liver Disease. The Dr said it was irreversible. After taking Milk Thistle for a few months, his liver did a turn-a-round. The Dr was speachless...He had said that my hubby's liver "somehow" looked like a 20 year olds. He originally picked fun at my hubby for bringing up the idea of vitamin therapy. But now he is a little more open to the idea:-) I would not expect anyone to go the the extreme as I have with my diet. However, a little reseach on the internet, will enlighten anyone as to how dangerous the Western diet is to peoples health. Even some minor adjustments can help. Blessings, CJ Trent,
There are still extra things you can do.
I just went through an unusual situation. It began with a trip to the ER with a bout of Acute Pancreatitis. My final diagnosis was Biliary Dyskinesia(Gallbladder stopped working). I did have to have my gallbladder removed. However, I was able to control my symptoms through diet, vitamins, and mild exercise. All of this resulted in the loss of 25lbs, more energy, and less illnesses.
I’ll give you a quick run down of what I did…
-I changed my diet to almost vegan.
I still eat fish & chicken. The only dairy I eat is very skim mozzerella, parmesean, feta, and goat cheeses.
-I have eliminated refined sugars, breads(occasional whole grain or homemade), and most fats.
-I also take a large variety of vitamins. Especially those that increase immunity and metabolism. **The best vitamin I can recommend for you is Milk Thistle. My husband took this when our Dr. Told him he had the onset of Liver Disease. The Dr said it was irreversible. After taking Milk Thistle for a few months, his liver did a turn-a-round. The Dr was speachless…He had said that my hubby’s liver “somehow” looked like a 20 year olds. He originally picked fun at my hubby for bringing up the idea of vitamin therapy. But now he is a little more open to the idea:-)
I would not expect anyone to go the the extreme as I have with my diet. However, a little reseach on the internet, will enlighten anyone as to how dangerous the Western diet is to peoples health. Even some minor adjustments can help.
Blessings,
CJ

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