Well all that has changed since leaving CR and now I'm back to baking goodies for my classes, friends & family. I'd almost forgotten how much I enjoyed baking and giving the people I cared about some treats that will disappear and not take up too much room. :). Hopefully the treats are appreciated but after I give, I have no say in what they do with them.
I love the personal touch to Christmas gifts, if gifts are even really necessary. I'm not a big fan of the Christmas insanity of shopping and the huge sales and all. I hate seeing stories on the news about adults fighting over products in the stores. It feels like some/many of these people have lost what the holidays are about. It truly makes me sad.
It stresses me out to watch the mess on the news, I can't imagine the stress levels I'd incur if I did go out to shop that way. Now I only get something for my nieces' daughter.
Hey, speaking of stress, did you know that the blood pressure categories have changed? I just found that out myself. Here's the new graph for you to peruse.
In a nutshell, the old definition of HBP was 140/90 and the new is 130/80! Yikes!
This is designed to recognize and promote early intervention of HBP. These initial diagnosis will also come with an attempt to promote lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, diet, activity increases, weightloss instead of medications. I like that idea.
Remember, HBP is considered "the silent killer" 2nd only to smoking! Its preventable but it also doesn't present with any noticeable symptoms. Therefore, the earlier the diagnosis, the sooner you can help yourself to better health and a long, happy life.
As for me, I do have elevated blood pressure but it's dropped dramatically since leaving my former place of employment. In my mind, it was proof that my job was killing me! I had gone from 166/94 to 142/78 in 6 months. During that 6 months I did something kinda stupid. I decided to stop taking my medication just to test that thought and I was right. There were the stats. My Dr. wasn't too pleased when I told him that I'd stopped the meds but I promised him I'd begin again, and I did. Now, I am NOT suggesting anyone stop taking their meds here. So, please, keep on them and talk with your doc if you want to make a change.
Now that the cold weather has finally arrived here in Tucson I've begun making cold weather foods. Right now I've got home-made Cream of Mushroom Soup simmering on the stove. Haven't added the milk mixture yet, but thats all thats left to do. Boy, it's good. The recipe is on my nutrition page if you'd like to try it.
Sis, loves my soup so she'll get some and so will a client who is having some serious issues.
Peace out & keep dancing