Blog #3 Preventive Practices

When I was younger I was not usually concerned with most of theses practices. I ate whatever I wanted, didn't exercise, didn't wear my seat belt every time, etc. Once I graduated high school I ate fast food at least 2 times a day and drank sodas all the time. Because I was hardly physically active and ate so horrible I gained 46 pounds fast. Once I transferred to Texas Woman's University and enrolled in the Health studies classes I started to change my lifestyle.

1. I eat a lot better than I use to however, I still probably to don't get the required amount of all the food groups. I try harder than in the past though. Since I was pregnant I started to take my prenatal vitamins. Even now I am nursing so I still take the prenatal vitamins.

2.My job is moderate exercise. I have to walk briskly, lift heavy items and products, and move at a fast pace. Other than that I deep clean my apartment at least once a week, sometimes more that that. I try to walk around my apartment complex when I have a chance. Taking care of my newborn is pretty moderate work as well.

3. Sleep is the one thing I lack. Between school, work, and Hayden I have little time to shut my eyes. When I do get sleep it's only a few hours at a time, then I'm awake again. I might get 8 hours of sleep in a day but it's divided into smaller naps. Because of this I never really get a good REM sleep.

4. I used to smoke cigarettes when I was younger, but soon decided that they made me feel worse than when I didn't smoke.

5. I like to drink wine with my dinner and do have drinks at an occasionally outing with friends or family. I admit that I have gotten drunk but this hardly ever happens anymore. No time for drinking and partying! :)

6. Since I am nursing my doctor put me on the "mini pill", which is birth control for breastfeeding mothers. Regular birth control dries up the milk.

7. I am horrible at managing stress. I would mostly characterize myself as a Type A personality. Which basically means that I always stress about everything. I can't seem to help thinking about all my problems at the same time and worrying that everything will go wrong or not work itself out. I think the only way things will get done are by me doing them and making sure they are done my way. This makes for some stressful days.

8. When I met my boyfriend, Steve, I started wearing my seat belt every time I'm in the car. Before it was only every once in a while. But he wouldn't move the car until I buckled up. After a while it started to be habit. I don't drive if I know that I have had too much to drink and encourage others to be the same way.

9. I try to handle problems in a nonviolent method. I have never hit someone in a fight or argument.

10. I have a regular OBGYN, physician, dentist, optometrist, and pediatric doctor for my son.