Doctor…Feel Good
Yesterday I had my annual physical. I get pretty anxious about doctors, dentists and medical settings, however, this appointment was pretty cool.
When the nurse told me my blood pressure was great I said, “Well, that’s because I stopped smoking.”
The doctor came in and asked what was new with me and I answered, “I stopped smoking. After 35 years, I finally quit.”
I bet my doctor congratulated me five or six times! I’m a sucker for praise.
Damaged Goods
At 52 (aargh?…ouch!…I take it back…that can’t be right…it must be my bad math again), and after smoking, lo those many years, I have a few things that need attention.
- I need to have a bone density test. It’s been known that smoking increases a woman’s risk for osteoporosis, but recent research shows it reduces bone density in men–and people exposed to second-hand smoke. The longer you smoke and the more you smoke the more likely it is that you’ll break bones when you get older. There is good news! Although it may take a few years, the National Institutes of Health say you can reduce these risks by knocking off the the cigarettes.
- I had to have blood drawn at the lab this morning because when I was last tested, in January, before I quit smoking mind you, my triglycerides–blobs of fat in my blood that can cause cardiovascular disease–were pretty darned high. Yes, high cholesterol is just one of a long list of health problems caused or aggravated by smoking. I hope being a new non-smoker will make the difference.
- I have chronic conjunctivitis and will need to see an ophthalmologist. I thought my rosacea was entirely to blame for this one. Then I looked it up. Surely enough, cigarette smoke can cause the disorder.
- I’m due for another endoscopy to check the esophagus for signs of abnormal growth. This is always really stressful for me, given the family history of esophageal cancer and my smoking history.
Just think of how healthy I’ll be when the impact of not smoking is fully realized. Ok, I should drop a few pounds, exercise more, eat more fresh stuff and quit the cookies…
