But I only wanted to help
C-boy was three years old when he enjoyed bombing into our arms from the pool deck before we assisted him to the edge.
To prepare him as dinnertime approached, I conceded three more jumps.
“No numbers!” he cried. “No numbers!”
It was some time before I realized he wasn’t declaring his aversion to math, which would continue for many years. He just didn’t want to get out of the pool.
(Did he develop an aversion because I applied numbers to the end of fun: three more jumps, three more slides, three more swings, three more at bats?)
Health is measured by numbers. Numbers told my doctor that my cholesterol was getting out of control.
No numbers!!! Weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, innumerable labs. As I age, I watch the numbers more closely.
Oops!
My cholesterol has always been high because the good stuff (HDL) is off the chart balancing the bad stuff (LDL). Unfortunately the bad stuff is catching up.
My pandemic diet of baked goods and cheese, more than I had consumed in the previously five years combined, probably contributes.
The lack of exercise? Where am I going to go? Who wants to move when you must avoid everyone and every place you love.
My social life is limited to visits on Zoom (sitting) or socially spaced outdoors on the patio (sitting).
I promise I will try
Now back at an exercise class, occasionally walking (it IS 100o outside), swimming, and in general, moving more, I promised the medical assistant that I would watch my diet and get retested in four months.
Sympathetic, she recited a list of healthy food options, repeating that I must adhere to the cholesterol diet consistently. She also suggested daily short walks, light weights… Helloooo? I’m 70 years old. I KNOW what to do. Doing it is something else.
(My friend Nancy wonders why the dental hygienist still reminds her to brush and floss daily. Nancy, sorry, is 73. She knows.)
Thankfully I am motivated by these numbers. I will exercise moderately, watch my diet, but enjoy life. If that doesn’t work, we can talk medication.