A reminder to take care of me

Life's been pretty lop-sided lately.  Since getting back from Chicago, I've been under the weather, and have managed to do a whopping ONE day of rowing! I decided I wouldn't accept the cheating thing, so I started over at day one on the 11th. So, 100% paleo for 30 days. I'm no longer on the Strong Lola Challenge as they're eleven days ahead of me. It's pretty interesting watching the challenge unfold for a large group of individuals at once. It has been giving me a real sense of what's possibly to come in the way of struggles, roadblocks, the unknown, etc.  Today is day five, and the worst thing for me thus far is the same thing I have always dealt with - I am obviously not eating enough. I am forever hungry, and the thing that concerns me is I'm relying on fruit to address that hunger. Will listen to Jason's advice on olive oil shots though. I know they will be a lifesaver when I get to the stage where I have no energy and will need to ingest more fats - make my body start burning fats for energy.

My poor baby...

Been dealing with a "sick" puddy tat since I got back home. He has severe gum disease and may need to lose a number of teeth (he's already lost his lower incisors). Right now he's on antibiotics and pain meds. In addition to his gingivitis, he has lesions on  his teeth, something I had never heard about before. Poor Winston's situation has definitely given me pause. Over the last few years since I went back to grad school I have completely let myself go, in the sense that I stopped paying attention to me. I stopped having manis and pedis (except just before seeing my mom so I wouldn't have to hear about it!!!!); rare visits to get my hair done; but the big one is, I've shirked going to the dentist. This last one makes NO SENSE if you think about the fact that I was raised by two dental professionals!!! Yet it's been a few years (gasp) since I've visited the dentist. Should it be a surprise then that I neglected the dental health of my pet? Don't get me wrong, I have paid very close attention to Winston's general care, and he's ridiculously healthy and handsome. I just didn't take him to the vet so he could have his teeth checked. Now how does this fit the theme of this blog, you ask? Simple, we all too often forget, oral health is not only important to your appearance and sense of well-being, but also to your overall health. Cavities and gum disease may contribute to many serious conditions, such as diabetes and respiratory diseases. Untreated cavities can also be painful and lead to serious infections. Fitness and health go hand in hand. So keep on keeping on, but don't forget the small stuff (gotta make a dental appt this week!)!

See? The smile's worth saving!!!