Tag Archives: health

May6

All Better!

Posted on by
Standard
All Better!

Hello!!! Johnny and I got our second shot of the Moderna vaccine on April 29th and it completely knocked us both off of our feet. I am pleased to report that after two days of full on misery, I am back to normal and can better explain what we went through because I have the energy to sit at my computer! The following may sound awful but it is so worth it to have the vaccine and be better protected for ourselves, loved ones, and strangers. Let’s get to it:

About four to five hours after our shot, we both experienced pain in our arm and a very restless night of sleep. I also think we both had a fever that night too. Upon awakening the following morning, absolutely everything hurt. My arm, my legs, head, stomach – you name it. All day, Johnny and I experienced a fever and chills and went from bundling up in blankets to blasting the air conditioning almost every half hour.

The day after our shot, moving felt physically impossible and I slept off and on for a majority of the day. Johnny did not experience any nausea from the shot but I was very queasy and could only drink water or juice while he could snack on bland foods like crackers. I cannot recall a time when I felt sicker than the day after our second shot and I was excited for the day to end so I could wake up and, hopefully, feel much better. Unfortunately, that was not the case for yours truly although Johnny felt almost back to normal two days after aside from being tired.

We both had a fever that night and I woke up so nauseous that I still couldn’t eat anything. Even if I wanted to, I had no appetite whatsoever. From about ten in the morning to two or so, I vomited five times and laid on the couch or in bed while Johnny played video games. By four thirty and several Tums later, my nausea subsided enough that I was able to eat two small bowls of my mom’s homemade mac n’ cheese and half of a piece of pizza from Pizza Hut. It was one of the best meals I have ever had!

After eating a little bit, the haziness of the past few days lifted considerably and I felt more worn out than anything. Once again, I woke up the following morning in a sweat through nightgown so I am sure I ran a fever throughout the night and was happy to no longer feel any nausea. I just felt weak and tired from all of the strain on my body and lack of food. However, what I felt wasn’t debilitating because I am sitting here writing and that definitely cannot be said for the day before!

Now that I am feeling back up to snuff, the pain and discomfort Johnny and I both experienced after our second shot feels like a vague memory. I feel proud of the both of us for being vaccinated knowing the possibility of the side effects and we would want to be the first in line to do it again if need be.

The COVID-19 vaccine is such an important tool in flattening the spread of the coronavirus once and for all and it is up to all of us to implement it. We have seen the utter devastation that it causes and masking up and getting your vaccine shows that you care about your fellow community members. Although I experienced almost every side effect the vaccine has to offer it was so worth it and Johnny and I can’t wait to see our friends and family while being better protected.

Which side effects did you experience after the vaccine? How long did they last for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May4

Vaccine Team Pt. 2

Posted on by
Standard
Vaccine Team Pt. 2

Hi! I am so pleased to announce that as of April 29th, Johnny and I are fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine. When we got our first shot, we drove to the location in white out snow conditions and this time around, it was like driving in a monsoon! Rain, snow, and hail were not going to stop us from getting vaccinated and I am very thankful that we made it to both appointments safe and sound.

Similar to when we got our first shot, Johnny and I were in and out in about a half hour and were feeling good for most of the evening. Then, five or so hours later, we both took a turn for the worst with really sore arms, headaches, and what felt like a fever for me and chills for Johnny. We were SO miserable that night and the following day and we both just couldn’t get any relief. There was, honestly, a part when I started crying because everything hurt so bad.

Johnny had to keep reminding us both that what we were experiencing was better than getting COVID and while that didn’t make me feel any better at the time, he is most certainly right. Being fully vaccinated despite all of the aches, pains, and restless nights makes it all one hundred million percent worth it.

Although the second vaccine shot was no joke whatsoever, I still highly encourage everyone to get themselves scheduled for their vaccination. I feel so happy and proud to do my part to keep my loved ones and complete strangers safe and am incredibly thankful to begin feeling safer around others and have people feel protected around me too. Please join me and Johnny on the Vaccine Team!

What was your COVID vaccine experience like? Which side effects did you have? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr24

Feeling Blah

Posted on by
Standard
Feeling Blah

Hello! Man, I don’t know about you guys but it has been a week for Lil Red. My lil niece was under the weather which resulted in me getting sick and to make matters worse, it was that time of the month on top of it! It has been a very stressful time in my life recently and I think that made whatever little bug I got from my niece even more debilitating because I was in a bad way. Due to all of the COVID safety precautions, I have not been sick in a really long time so this bout with the flu completely knocked me off my feet.

Being sick is always a bummer and, unfortunately, Johnny and I experienced another bummer to add to the overall blah feeling. We had viewed and applied for a home to rent and it was absolutely perfect. It was an ideal size, wonderful location, and a very cute little neighborhood. I felt so good about the impression that we made and was pretty confident that we would get approved to move in. I checked Trulia religiously after we applied and was crushed when I saw that it had been taken off of the market without us being contacted.

At the end of the day, not getting the house wasn’t a huge deal but it was definitely disappointing. It was just so nice and Johnny and I both loved it. Because of that and feeling confident about the possibility of moving in, I think I got a bit ahead of myself so seeing the house being taken off of the market felt like an even bigger blow. It also made me realize that finding a house to rent might be a lot harder than I had originally bargained for which sucks because I would really like to move out of the apartment!

Needless to say, it has been a blah time in Lil Red’s world but I think things will start turning around soon. A vent sesh on the ol’ blog always makes me feel better so thanks for listening to me complain, lol. Let the Trulia and Zillow searches commence…. again!

Do you have any tips for finding a house to rent? What makes you feel better when you’re feeling blah? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr22

My Top 3 “Feeling Sick” Beverages

Posted on by
Standard
My Top 3 “Feeling Sick” Beverages

Hello! The last two times I saw my sister this past week, my lil niece was feeling under the weather. While Kristen and her SO, Ramon, are immune to the “Toddler Flu” by now I, on the other hand, got hit with it hard. My niece was coughing and her little nose was running faster than she could and I just had a feeling I was going to get sick. And, man, was I right because I spent the entire past weekend in complete misery.

Kristen and Ramon have parent level immune systems and were A-okay while I felt like I was going to burst from all of the congestion. During my weekend, I tried to recoup with lots of Animal Crossing, My 600 Lb. Life, and forcing myself to drink disgusting tasting daytime flu medicine. Of course, I attempted to stay really hydrated too and had a glass of one of my go to “feeling sick” beverages handy at all times. We all have them and these are my top three:

Green Tea:

I don’t need to be sick to enjoy a hot or cold glass of green tea but it definitely hits different when you’re not feeling well! I worked through an entire carton of Arizona green tea in two days and tried to drink at least two cups of hot Salada green tea per day too. In my opinion, there is nothing more soothing than tea when you’re under the weather and the steam from the hot tea offered some relief for my clogged up sinuses. Needless to say, I am going to have to restock my supply next time I go grocery shopping.

Orange Juice:

You can’t go wrong with a cup of OJ when you have a cold for an extra dose of Vitamin C. I really don’t drink juice very often but I couldn’t get enough of it this past weekend. Call it wishful thinking or whatever you will but I did feel a bit better after a glass or two in the morning. It was also nice to drink something orange flavored that didn’t taste like battery acid like all daytime flu medicine does. Orange colored anything should never taste that disgusting!

Cream Soda:

When I was little, flat cream soda was my favorite drink during a stay home from school sick day. To this day, it still reminds me of my grandma because she always had a healthy supply at her funeral home and it was such a treat to have some! Johnny had a couple of bottles of IBC cream soda in the fridge and I couldn’t not partake in one of them to not only hit me right in the nostalgia but shake some of the blahs of the worst cold imaginable away. We all need a sweet treat every once in a while. 😀

Spending my weekend sick as a dog isn’t exactly what I had in mind but I did try to make the most of it! I was so thankful to my sweet bestie, Kate, of Live In The Nautical for video chatting with my miserable self and there is nothing that a nonstop My 600 Lb. Life marathon can’t fix, either. I raise my glass of OJ to both Kate and Dr. Now for helping get me through this dark time lol! ❤

What is your go to feeling sick beverage? What makes you feel better when you’re under the weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr15

COVID Precautions I’ll Be Keeping

Posted on by
Standard
COVID Precautions I’ll Be Keeping

Hello! We are all eager for the COVID-19 pandemic to be over and done with and while there is a huge light at the end of the tunnel, we still have a ways to go. It is exciting to think of what our lives will be like after the pandemic but it is important to not throw caution to the wind and act haphazardly with the health of yourself and those around you. I, for one, plan on keeping these precautions in place post pandemic:

Masking Up:

Thinking back to pre-pandemic times, it’s hard to understand why you wouldn’t wear a face mask if you aren’t feeling well and need to be out in public. I have always been good about staying home if I am feeling under the weather but I will continue to be keeping face masks handy in case I need to go to the doctor or the pharmacy. I also plan on wearing face masks even after the mandate is lifted in crowded areas like grocery stores and shopping centers. You can just never be too safe after living through a global pandemic!

Testing Frequently:

There was a point when it was SO difficult to get an at home COVID test but that is no longer the case. Grocery stores and pharmacies are in constant supply and you can order them for free through the USPS. This is such a blessing, especially considering how often I test myself for my job and those I love who are imunocompromised. You can also always look up covid testing near me if your access to an at home kit is limited. So many resources are now available and we should all take advantage of them.

Social Distancing:

I don’t know about you guys but I actually love the social distancing in public. I value my personal space and it has been nice to not have people all up in my business while running errands. Protecting my personal bubble while I am out and about will continue to be a priority for me because it really has made me feel so much more comfortable while in public.

Contact Free Grocery Shopping:

A few months ago, Johnny and I began doing contact free grocery shopping to help limit our exposure and have both agreed that we could never go back to doing in store shopping again. At our local grocery store, Giant Eagle, the curbside grocery pickup is free and incredibly convenient. Our shopping gets delivered right to the car by an employee and it has completely changed our grocery game. The curbside pickup has been an option at Giant Eagle even before the pandemic began and we will definitely keep on making the most of it.

Mental Health Breaks:

Working in the care field during a pandemic has easily been one of the most difficult things that I have ever had to do and my mental health was really suffering. I have to take care of myself, first and foremost, before I can adequately provide care for others and began being more lenient with myself about taking a day off every once in a while. My mental health breaks allowed me to chill out in the safety of my home and regroup and I would return back to work feeling refreshed and capable.

Post-pandemic, I am going to be much better about listening to my body and what it needs and if that means a day off to get myself together, then that is okay. It is really hard for me to take time away from my clients because I miss them so much even if it is just one day but occasional mental health breaks will allow for me to be the best provider I can for them and it is well worth it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been insane, for lack of a better word. However, it taught me a lot of best practices that I plan on using long term to better protect myself, loved ones, and strangers. ❤

Which COVID precautions do you plan on keeping? What are you most looking forward to post pandemic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr7

Vaccine Team

Posted on by
Standard
Vaccine Team

Hello!!!! Johnny and I have been incredibly eager to get our COVID vaccine and about three weeks ago it was announced in Ohio that anyone over sixteen could get the shot after March 29th. Finally!! I am so pleased to say that by an insane stroke of luck, I was able to get Johnny and myself into one of the last appointment slots on April 1st to receive our first shot of the Moderna vaccine.

I’m not going to lie, it was very difficult to find an appointment time for the both of us because almost every single day at every single location vaccinating was fully booked. I went through the websites of pretty much everywhere in a forty-five minute range and kept coming up empty handed. So, like I said, it was a huge stroke of luck when the last location I checked still had some times available on April Fool’s Day. And the best part? It wasn’t a joke, either!

Johnny and I made a short drive to a Marc’s in Broadview Heights and it was actually pretty wild because we were driving on the highway in whiteout snow conditions. Thankfully, we arrived to our location safe and sound and were in and out in roughly a half hour. The vaccination process at Marc’s was so efficient and, frankly, I would have waited all day to get it because the feeling of relief I had after my first shot would make any waiting time well worth it. I am already counting down the days until our second shot.

While side effects after the vaccine vary from person to person, Johnny and I both experienced soreness in the arm we got the shot in for about a day and that was it. It was uncomfortable and we both agreed that the pain was similar to what we felt after we got injured in a car accident when we first started dating. But was it unbearable? Absolutely not and my arm felt much better after a nice, hot shower the following morning.

The peace of mind that Johnny and I feel after our vaccine is such a welcome sensation after being hunkered down for the past year and change. Of course, we will still be following all COVID safety precautions but it feels good to know that not only will we feel safer around other people but they can feel safe around us too.

I wanted to share my vaccine experience with all of you and am hoping that it will encourage those on the fence to reconsider. This vaccine really can save lives and it would, honestly, mean so much to me – especially as someone who has worked in the care field with high risk families throughout the pandemic’s duration. Johnny and I will be receiving our second shot at the end of April so make sure you check back for a Part Two update!

How has the pandemic changed your life? What is the vaccination registration process like in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Apr6

Do Right By Your Dog This Summer

Posted on by
Standard
Do Right By Your Dog This Summer

The summer is approaching and it’s time for you and your dog to head out and find some new horizons to explore. It’s important, however, to look after your dog while you do this and don’t waste the chance to teach them new things. Below is some advice on how to do right by your dog this summer:

Keep your dog cool:

In some places the summer can get very warm. It can even cause tarmac to melt so imagine how it must feel on your dog’s paws! Add to this the warm furry coat your dog has and there is a recipe for an uncomfortable and potentially hazardous time. You need to look after your dog in the summer so they don’t overheat. Time their walks so they aren’t in the heat of the day and provide them with plenty of water and shade through the afternoon.

Look after their health:

During the hot weather your dog’s eyes might dry out and become irritated. This can happen when they lay in the sun for long periods, perhaps in the backyard or the park. Eye irritation will cause your dog some discomfort and they might whine. To remedy this, try some eye drops for dogs or cats, these are made with distilled water and colloidal silver to flush out your dog’s eyes and give them a clearness and ease that was missing before. Using these eye drops through the summer will keep their eyes moist and them comfortable.

Make your garden dog friendly:

During the summer, your dog will enjoy going to new places for walks. They will love running around at the beach and exploring the forest. Equally, they will want to explore your back garden and make it their home territory over the summer months. Make sure it’s dog friendly. The first thing to do is to check that all of your fences are secure. Also inspect your dog for fleas and mites regularly. Check your plants, as well, to make sure none of them are poisonous to dogs.

Teach them new things:

The summer is an ideal opportunity to teach your dog some new tricks or some new manners. You will be going to new and exciting places for your dog and they will want to explore, but you need to make sure they don’t interrupt other people and are friendly to other dogs. Teach your dog new things such as recall, walking nicely on the lead, and how to meet other dogs. If your dog is in a playful mood why not teach them a new trick or two?

Enrich their life:

Some dogs are smarter than others but all of them have some level of intelligence and a need for mental stimulation as well as physical. The summer is an excellent time to stimulate your dog’s mind with new activities and new training. Try to vary the walks you take your dogs on, otherwise they will start to get bored. Your dog needs new smells and stimulation to keep them active and happy.

Make the dog days of summer the best ever for you and your pup with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Freepik

Apr1

Is It Worth It? Let Me Work Out

Posted on by
Standard
Is It Worth It? Let Me Work Out

Hello!! Despite not ever really “working out”, I am a fairly athletic person. In my youth, I figure skated for about ten years and had just gotten back into it a year and a half before the pandemic began. I also enjoy running and going for hikes. Throughout my life, I was never worried about the muscular lower half of my body from years on the ice. However, my upper body strength is a totally different story because I don’t have any lol.

This past month, I have been working at home quite a bit and had extra free time in between jobs. I don’t really know what inspired me to start a little at home work out routine but, I gave it a shot on one of my more low key days and have been completing my exercises every day since. In my apartment, I have been doing arm circles, walking my stairs, and doing twenty-five push ups – which I actually didn’t know I could do! Next, I plan on adding sit ups and increasing the amount to thirty.

Don’t get me wrong, I am very proud of my body and that, in itself, is a huge step for me because I had an eating disorder in the past. But, I’d like to tone up the upper half of my body for the first time in my life and I know that I am not going to achieve the results I want just sitting on the couch. Even though my work outs are small and basic, I feel really good after I do them and it’s a nice feeling to have because I haven’t been able to skate for the past year.

I’m not trying to get a six pack or super jacked arms but a bit more toning and definition and I feel confident that I will get there even with a slow and steady approach. In the past, I never bothered working out because I got all of the exercise that I need on the skating rink but there is no better time than the present to try something new. I feel proud of myself and it was awesome to hear Johnny say that he was too and I am looking forward to lots of hikes together this spring and summer. 🙂

How do you work out from home? How would you go about toning your upper half? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar24

Keep Your Home Pest Free With These Tips

Posted on by
Standard
Keep Your Home Pest Free With These Tips

The thought of uninvited guests such as spiders, ants, rodents, or fleas roaming around your home may well give you the shivers! And it should. Pests in your home can be a huge health hazard for you and your family so it is important to follow these pest prevention tips to keep everyone safe:

Use natural remedies:

This one may sound a little weird but it’s actually one of the most effective ways of keeping pests from entering your home in the first place. In fact, all you need are the right herbs, either in fresh form or in an essential oil. Although, if you use them in fresh form you will need to combine with water and use a spray bottle to squirt them into all of the cracks and crevices that the pests could be living in. In particular, mint is good for banishing spiders from your home. While lavender and rosemary can help keep your home rodent free and smelling nice all at the same time.

Natural remedies can prove to be effective for minor pest problems. However, if you have a full on infestation then you will need to enlist the help of a professional team as natural remedies alone won’t be able to completely eradicate the pests that are thriving in your home. If you are struggling with an infestation, simply enter a search for “St. Louis pest management plans” (or your local area). Not only will a professional team be able to handle the issue at hand but they will also be able to recommend regular treatments for long term protection.

Keep your home clean and clutter-free:

One of the best ways to make sure your home stays pest-free is to keep on top of both the cleaning and the clutter. Indeed, a home with less clutter will not only be easier to clean, but it will also provide fewer spaces for uninvited guests such as pests to hide.

When it comes to keeping your home clean, deep cleanses are very important. This means you need to move furniture and appliances, making sure to pick up any debris underneath and sanitizing where possible. Also, do not forget to regularly wash items such as chair and cushion covers, as well as throws to prevent them from becoming appealing to pests.

Use your garden:

You may think that spending more time out in your garden will only encourage pests to come into your home. However, the exact opposite is true. In fact, by keeping your garden in good condition and by using it regularly you can help deter pests. This is because they are unlikely to occupy space in which humans are spending a good deal of time. Of course, by spending more time outside you may increase your chances of letting the occasional fly into your home. However, installing screens on the doors and windows should help minimize this.

Get some help from the pros:

Another smart way of ensuring your home stays pest-free is to get some help from a professional exterminator when needed. Indeed, professionals are best positioned to help you rid your home and garden of any visitors that could be posing a risk to you and your family’s health. Pest control companies like Brody Brothers (or a similar business in your local area) often offer home protection plans for treatments throughout the year. This is definitely something worth looking into because a one time treatment will not protect your home throughout the changing seasons. Even if you are not noticing immediate signs of pests, a professional treatment is the best solution for keeping it that way.

Of course, it’s always best to take the time to check that the specialist you are using has the experience and the equipment to handle the specific type of infestation you are dealing with. What this means is if you have an issue with tarantulas, black widows, or brown recluse spiders, getting a spider pest control expert is your best bet. After all, some pests, such as the spiders mentioned before can be venomous as well as just inconvenient, so making sure they are dealt with appropriately is crucial.

Start utilizing the tips above today to keep your home better protected from pests!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar22

3 Things To Remember When You Start Exercising Later In Life

Posted on by
Standard
3 Things To Remember When You Start Exercising Later In Life

Not everyone likes to exercise and that’s okay. But even if you don’t like running or you are now at the point where you think you may have to do a little exercise, it could be hard to get into it if you’re a bit older. But whatever your stage of life, physical fitness can make you feel better and have a positive impact on a number of health conditions. But where do we begin?

The Importance of Starting Small:

One of the biggest temptations is to make up for lost time. So we think that we have to run 10k, but learning to run before you can walk, almost literally, can make you run the risk of a whole host of injuries. We can get injuries, not just because we are overreaching, but it is also due to poor form. Common podiatrist clients are the people who run too much. Starting to exercise is about making sure you get the form right before you do anything else. Whether you are lifting weights or running, you must focus on doing the move correctly. People are so impatient and want to get into the heavier, more difficult things, but the reality is that you need to slow down and start small.

Finding the Right Exercises for Your Lifestyle:

Another common misconception is that if we are to get fit, we need to hit the gym five or six days a week. This is not the case. When we think back to our ancestors, the hunter-gatherers, they only expelled energy when they needed to and we can learn from that. There are people who believe that you don’t need to exercise much in order to be healthy. And this is a very popular approach, especially for those who need to exercise quickly. This is why there are products like the X3 Bar that prove very popular because they provide the stimulus to grow muscle and cardiovascular health while doing it in a short space of time. But if you like the idea of running long distances, it’s entirely your prerogative. Whatever fits around your lifestyle will be enough to keep you fit.

Keeping At It:

This is the biggest thing we all need to overcome. When we find the right routines for our lives and perform them correctly, we have to stick to a schedule in order to achieve results. This is why many people give up at the gym at the end of January having just set up a membership only four weeks before! The best thing for you to do is to go to the calendar and mark the days where you can exercise and for how long. But in addition, you must remember that you will only make significant impacts on your life if you stick to a healthy diet. Exercising is the best way to begin, but if you want to make big changes, you’ll also need to change your eating habits.

It’s never too late to start exercising! Start small, keep it gradual, and make sure that you are doing your exercises correctly to prevent injuries.

Featured Image By: Pixabay