I will continue to tell others about the program. I will continue to set short and long term goals for myself. I will continue to move it, move it, move it.I try very hard to limit my sweets. I will attempt to check on the other challengers once a month or whenever. I will call Chris, Sarah, Pam, Joyce, Stefanie, and Stacy to let them know how I am doing. I will take care of Janis and always remember now and in the future that I was apart of the I Can Challenge and Yes I Can Do All Of The Above.  

Well, I have been turned into a hometown celebrity. People have walked up to me asking questions about the posters, cards, and me on t.v. Some people have talked to me about their diabetes and heart disease.  I said to them, "Call in or watch Fox 43 and join us on the computer."  It has affected me in a positive way because I am helping others and I am able to talk to everyone. 

The advantages are that you are helping yourself and others and you are always in the public eye. As we are being watched on t.v. people realize we are just regular people dealing with real issues and they might go get help for their condition. 

The disadvantages of people losing their jobs and health care benefits they will not ask for help due to pride.  I learned in one of my classes that 50% of people are not receiving health insurance and that is a disadvantage to me. 

I really feel happy and proud of the five challengers that has been featured on Fox 43 with anchor Evan Forrester for 12 weeks. I feel motivated to continue my new way of living by having more movement in my life. Movement in the morning, movement in the evening, movement in at supper time, and t.v or anytime. This program has helped me feel better mental, physical, and emotionally. I am really happy that I was able to participate in a wonderful program. I would like to think Highmark BlueShield, Aligning Forces for Quality, Chris, Sarah, Pam, Joyce, Stefanie, and Stacy for their support, kindness, and such a caring attitude. I would also like to think the camera man who made us look so good on the cards and posters.  I would like to think the t.v. man and all the other organizations who have helped us. It has been a rewarding and challenging program for me and I feel that I can make a difference in my life and others through this program.

It was a Challenge for me. Its easy writing about others but it’s a little harder when you are writing about yourself. I feel good about it now because when you look back at each blog or your journal, you see where you  may have fallen off the wagon, where you made improvements, where you are growing, and how you are maintaining. I really feel good it.

Do I feel I gained anything from it ?

Yes. When I tried a few of these stress management techniques that I mentioned above I felt much better mentally, physically, and emotionally. I was able to relax, sleep and concentrate much  better. I feel like I can do anything if I continue to use these tools in my life.

I listened to music, danced, used breathing techniques and had several quiet times for myself. I also walked a little more. My son Bradford came over and showed me a few weight lifting techniques to do. I played scrabble with my son Matthew and I laughed while using a lot of muscles. :)

Since I’ve been exercising I can relax much better. I sleep much better and my stress level is pretty good. I’ve learned to relax more.. When I become very stressed out I talk to my professional counselor and he helps me sort out some issues that I might be facing. I tried to think of positive thing or do one of my hobbies that I like.

 This whole weekend was hard for me because food was everywhere I went.  I tried really hard to watch what I ate. I was off and on the wagon. I found it very difficult to say no.

Today was the easiest because I could start over again and look at my goals to see what I am trying to accomplish and why.  The easiest for me is still trying to improve my health and I'm trying to meet my goal.  

I have learned what quality health care is.  What does quality health care mean to me? How do I know if I'm receiving good quality health care?  What do I do with information on quality? Useful resources for health care quality information?  I will make a list of questions based on the standards of care for my condition. I will ask these questions at my next doctor's appointment. I've also learned that the Aligning Forces for quality hopes that this new information  will engage me to think how chronic illness impacts both me and the community and activate me to be a better manager of my care. 

The care that I recieve for my chronic condition is very important to me and I would like for my family doctor to help me to improve my diabetes. I would like to improve my blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy body mass index, hemoglobin Alc, blood pressure levels, and LOL cholesterol levels  is very important to me.  Receiving quality healthcare is  very important for me to maintain a healthy life style.  I am trying very hard to make a change in the I Can Challenge program.  I keep telling myself Yes I Can!!!

 Yes, I do receive quality health care from the family practice  center that i go to. After being treated for several years from my health care worker I began to trust my doctor and open up to him.  In the past I used to avoid going to the doctor even if I really needed to go.  I used to feel that no health care professional cared, but I no longer feel that way.  I'm very grateful that I learned you can have a partnership with your doctor and become educated about your condition.

I am learning that managing diabetes is a challenge, but with help from my family doctor, family, and friends I am motivated to face any obstacles that comes along with diabetes.  All of the information that I have obtained about diabetes really gives me hope and encouragement that I can live a long healthy life with diabetes. 
 

The information on Coronary Artery Disease stood out to me because my sister had CHF. When I read about the damage it could cause it made me think about how I need to change my lifestyle and to stay up to date with getting tested for CHF.  This information also informed me on how important it is to discuss this issue with my doctor.

1) I would like to learn more about my micro albumin ratio. I know that it should be under 30 mcg/ mg, but mine is a little higher than that. The Micro Albumin Ratio Test determines if your kidneys leaks out protein into your urine.  When I go to my next doctors appointment I will ask my doctor the following questions:
1-Do I have any signs of kidney disease?
2-Is there anything else I should be doing to have control of my illness?
3-What do the results really mean?

The best benefit for me since I increased my physical activity is I have more energy and I sleep much better.  I also seem more alert, and motivated to exercise.  I am eager to share my knowledge with friends and family. My attitude on exercising  has changed dramatically I now find enjoyment in exercising and making it fun and enjoyable.

 I will march around the house not only by myself but with my grandchildren, friends, children, and who ever would like to march with me. I like to march when I'm shopping and walking down the street. I like to interact with my grandchildren by jumping up and down. 

My thoughts are I will think of ways I could fit in more physical activities in my daily routine. Also, that I could look at the activity pyramid to see what I should be doing more of and how often. I would also look at the things that I should be doing less of. As I have study in the I can challenge book variety is important both physically and mentally.  I will try to find fun activities that will keep me moving. Really, my new thought is to keep moving to control my diabetes. The more knowledge I obtain encourages me to stay active.