Uncategorized – Page 2

Cervical Health (not your cervical spine)

January cervical cancer month.

January is cervical health month. Yes, it is relevant after 50 also. What is the cervix? Why is this important? What is the purpose of our cervix? I will share several important facts in the blog about your cervix.

The female anatomy is made up of several organs. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. When a female reaches monarchy (begins to have her menstrual), her cervix work begins. Each month when the menstrual cycle starts the shedding process of the uterus. The cervix opens up to allow the lining to leave the uterus. This process takes between 3-7 days for most females. Once this process is complete the cervix will close. This process continues throughout child bearing years (or until the uterus and cervix are removed).

So why is the cervix so important? The shedding of the uterus monthly provides a healthy place for an embryo to implant. The longer the baby is in the uterus the healthier (usually) the baby. A healthy cervix will usually preform these jobs well.

Cervical health begins when a female is in her early teens. The vaccine Gardasil, can help with decreasing the chance of cervical cancer. Gardasil protects from a sexually transmitted virus called HPV. This virus does not cause any symptoms normally, but can cause cervical and other cancers. If you are interested in Gardasil you can go here to find more information. PDF from Merck on Gardasil.

ribbon, awareness, support — Teal for cervical cancers. Purple is for cancer of any type.

It is recommended that pap smears are preformed to get cells from the cervix on a regular schedule. If abnormal cells are found then treatment can be started. Not all abnormal cells are cancer, so going to see a specialist is recommended so that further testing can be performed if needed.

Pap recommendations: According to the American Cancer society guidelines pap testing should start at age 25, having a pap every 3-5 years until age 65.

U.S. Preventive services task force recommendations are here https://uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/cervical-cancer-screening

CDC guidelines https://cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm

The cervix is vital part of our uterus. Is opens during the menstrual cycle to allow lining to shed from the uterus. It stays closed to keep the fetus in the uterus when there is a pregnancy. It opens up to allow for a baby to be born.

When an embryo is implanted in the uterus, the cervix will stay closed, to allow the contents of the pregnancy to remain in the uterus throughout pregnancy (around 40 weeks). As the pregnancy progresses, the cervix will begin to open slightly. Around 40 week it will open to 10cm, allowing for the fetus and contents of the pregnancy to be able to leave the uterus. Normally around 40 weeks a healthy baby is born.

Cervical health is important and I would suggest that you follow the guidelines for screenings. While most of the cervix’s work is finished after menopause, screenings are still important. Please make sure to follow your primary care providers or GYN providers recommendations. This is not medical advice. This is information for you to help you with asking your medical provider for recommendations.

Independence Day!!

What is Independence Day? “On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.”(https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th). However did not become a federal holiday until 1941.

Celebrations are a hallmark of Independence day. Most every town has a parade. Campgrounds are booked full. Lakes are full with swimmers, floaters, boats, ski’s, tubers. Down every street you can smell the grilling happening. Families and friends all having a day to be together to celebrate our freedom.

This July 4th will be like no other. We will most like celebrate in small groups. We will either talk from 6ft apart or we will wear mask. When we go shopping for party supplies, we will be wearing mask. However, I feel the most important thing is to celebrate. We live in a great country! We are able to conform and have our free will. We can have small groups, we can still cook out, go to the lake, go to the park. Get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Many of us will have fireworks both during the day and at night. Our night will be bright with beautiful fireworks.

Don’t let having to use personal distance, wearing a mask, or having to be more cautious this year, damper your celebrations. Keep in mind all the precautions. These are not there to damper your fun, but to help you stay healthy and keep your loved ones healthy. So far, covid 19 has affected the elderly the most. However, with crazy beach parties we are finding it is spiking in the young adult population. Please take precautions while celebrating our great country.

Happy 4th of July!

Daddy, Dad, Father

Daddy, Dad, Father, Grandfather only a few of the name’s men acquire when they become dads. Today is Father’s Day. The day we buy the men in our lives a little something extra. Normally it is a cute gift the kids have made. Then as they age comes the coupon book of chores, the kids are willing to do for dad, over the next few weeks. As adults we tend to be a little more creative and get our father’s something, we feel they need. This is not always what they feel they need.

Father and Son working on a project — Father and son working on a project!

Father’s Day began in 1910 and to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Sonora Smart Dodd founded Father’s Day in America. According to Wikipedia in catholic Europe it dates back to 1508. A bill was introduced in congress in 1913 to recognize this day in the US. In 1916 President Wilson tried to get it recognized as a federal holiday, but congress resisted. There was fear it would be commercialized. There were several attempts, but a bill was not signed into law, until 1972, by president Nixon.

Proverbs 23:24 “the father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him”

Every year on the 3^rd Sunday of June we celebrate our Father’s. We celebrate in our own ways. We know that we are blessed to have father’s in our lives. These men help support our families. They teach us how to fish, hunt or build a camp fire. They mow the yard, fix the fence and some work inside the house too. Whatever you father does, whatever he teaches you, cherish those moments. Our father’s are here to teach, love and comfort us, often they are not here long. Even the ones who are here a hundred years or more we miss when they are gone.

Proverbs 23:22 “listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”

Today, I hope you are celebrating your Daddy, Dad, Father. Today let them know that today is their day. Give them that tie, coupon book, or just a great big hug. If they are miles away, give them a call or text. They will cherish these moments.

Have You Been Scammed!!

Steps to take if a contractor has left your project without completing.

Let’s talk about those people, who intentionally decide to scam folks. OK, they may not go out and think I am going to get you. However, in the end they do, mislead you to get your money. We will look at one case that I know of, and work through it.

Contractor offers to do a job. A contract is completed, a check for supplies is written. The following day the job has began. The contractor is on the job for a bit, then leaving to run to get more supplies. He leaves his crew at the site, to continue to work. Four people, to complete a two story deck. They work most of the day, get a good start. Day 2, only two show to work, on this two story deck. The contractor does not show up at all. Things are not being done correctly, phone call to contractor leads to contractor being busy and not coming to site. End result, contractor pulls his crew and says “we will be back”. That was the last time the contractor was seen.

Doing what was thought. to be a good bit of research prior to hiring the contractor, the home owner was very upset. What recourse does a homeowner have. Several options but, they led to nowhere for this home owner. Numerous phone calls, emails, reaching out on social media, lead to no response from contractor. The homeowner was contacted by 3 other individuals, that had the same experience.

Home owner decided to file a small claims case, more money spent and again no response. Homeowner sent information to local TV station that does investigations, no response. That could be that not enough folks had been scammed by this contractor. Attorney general, no response to them, from the contractor. BBB, no response from the contractor. So, While every step was taken that is available, the homeowner was left with an unfinished deck. They lost money and time. A lawyer was contacted, the amount in question was to small, so the lawyer would not take the case.

Here are some steps that you can take if this happens to you.

1)Call the place that the contractor uses to get their supplies. If they had supplies delivered to your site and did not pay for them. The company can place a lean on your property. These leans must be paid before a property can be sold.

2)If anything was stolen, make a police report. This is the one thing that does not cost money.

3)File a small claims suit if less than $5000. That is most you can get back. So, if your loss is higher, you may at least get back $5000. It will cost you court cost and fees, for serving the contractor. This will only move forward if they can find the contractor to serve them paper that they are being sued. So, could be wasted money, or could be a return of some of your hard earned money. Court cost are between $28-50 to file the case. Cost to serve the papers could be from $25-30 paid to the county. Most law firms will not take the case if not a large loss (to them) it has to be high enough to support the cost for taking to court.

4)Contact the BBB, they will try to contact the contractor. If the contractor does not respond there is nothing else. You are able to file the compliant online, so others may not be taken by this contractor.

5)Contact your states attorney general(look up the one for your state). If there are enough complaints they will investigate. They do try to contact the contractor also but unfortunately, if they do not get in contact the case is closed.

Before signing a contract, before writing a check for any amount research the company. When you think you have researched them, look further. Remember, to read their social media pages, look at BBB, call their references (ask if they are being paid to say good things.). Do not pay anything in advance.

These are hard lessons learned by many. Hours spent researching will save your money and possibly save from having a lean on your property. Do you have any hints or tricks that you have learned, please share your stories below.

EASTER-He has RISEN!

He died so we may live!

This weeks topic EASTER! Most years we are out buying up eggs, coloring kits and the such. Deciding which church service we are going to attend. Making plans to help with serving or cooking Easter breakfast or eating at church. Kids are excited that they will get to hunt for Easter eggs. We buy them gift baskets and such.

This year is different. We are all practicing social distancing. We are, or most of us are, on stay at home, city or state mandates. We are to only be out for the essentials. Well, Jesus is essential. While we are not to hold gatherings over ten, we can meet virtually and praise him.

If you have small ones at home, decorate those eggs, or use plastic ones. Have an Easter egg hunt at home. Remember to teach the meaning of Easter to the little ones, or attend a service online. Sunday we will all be exclaiming “He is risen, indeed! Faith Lutheran Church has many sermons and music online.

Happy Easter, He has Risen, He died so we may live. I challenge you to reach out via phone, text, internet to ones and share your heart with them.

Do you have a favorite Easter story or tradition? Share it in the comments.

Keep in touch with us at Exploring life after 50!

[ctct form=”873″ show_title=”false”]

About ME

Hello, name is Kim, I am a wife of 32 years to David, The mom of 2 adult boys, and a grandma. I live in the heart at the USA. I was born and grew up in the middle of the United States. I have always worked in health care, except as a teenager when I worked in a small-town family owned restaurant. I have several wonderful friends some from childhood and some that I’ve met along my journeys. I am a hard worker; I believe that you should work for your needs and wants. I believe that any able body American should be willing to work and do whatever it is that they can to contribute to our great country. I believe in God, I believe in his blessings and have been the recipient of many, many, many blessings over the years. I believe in family; I believe that family should help family. I believe in America.

In my blog as its title states “exploring life after 50”, I plan to talk about 3 subjects over the years. Those subjects are exercise, travel and health.

-Exercise, because it’s important to stay healthy and to do what you can to be as healthy as possible. I will discuss setting goals and working toward those goals to make you the best that you can be.

-Travel, learning about different States, Cities, Countries, traditions is something that I would love to explore and love to share with you.

-Health, in order to retire and to be able to travel and do the things that I want to do, and for you to be able to do the things you want to do we must understand our health, and the impacts. While I will be discussing certain health Conditions, possible treatments, how exercise and diet may contribute to or improve those conditions. This is NOT medical advice; this is simply education to help you understand what you may be going through. You must discuss your health conditions with your primary care provider. Again, this is not medical advice or treatment it is only for education. You must see your doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner for medical advice and treatment for your conditions. I will not be held liable for your choices in taking care of yourself or others. I will help to educate you on these topics.

-I want this blog to be a place that you can go to read and understand a little more about the topics that we discuss. In my post I will have a challenge, something that you can do for yourself to help you explore life after 50.

With this plan I hope to help you live your best live. Please come on this exploration with me.

Be a Warrior in your life!

It was once said by Bruce Lee ” it’s better to be a Warrior in the garden, then to be a gardener in the war ” As soon as I heard this, I thought about the warrior that we all should be for our health. We have the opportunity on a daily basis to make a decision on what we put in our mouth and what we do for our bodies each day.

Today am I going to wake up and have donut for breakfast or maybe oatmeal or maybe a good whole grain cereal. Should I park as close to the door as I can, or am I going to park out a way in the parking lot, so that I can get more steps in today? We have to consciously make these decisions every day all day long.

It’s not a secret my family are mostly all overweight, we have heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis throughout my family. As my blog implies exploring life after 50. Many of us heard when we were younger, 50 years old is over the Hill; the golden years aren’t near as golden as they appear; when I wake up, I’m going to hurt because I am old. Another daily thought process must become am I going to live my life by these quotations that I’ve heard? Is 50 really over the hill for me? Are my golden years really not going to be golden? Do I have to hurt every morning when I get out of bed? I’m going to take each of these and discuss them, as if I were having this discussion with myself every morning.

Is 50 really over the Hill? Is being over the hill really a bad thing? Honestly, I don’t feel any older at 50 then I did at 49, 48, 47. I feel young, I feel I can do most things, I feel hungry for more education, experiences and life. So, to answer my question is 50 over the hill? Have I walked through that meadow and I’m now seeing that hill and climbing up or am I at the top, or sliding down the hill. I think I am still climbing, exploring new life experiences, life learning, love.

Are the golden years really not that golden? I hear this over and over again and unfortunately yes; our bodies are getting older even if our minds don’t particularly believe. Yes, as we look as our population as a whole our health tends to decline over a time period this is where I go back to the initial saying of “it’s better to be a Warrior in the garden, then a gardener in the war”. If we take time every day and we ask ourselves the questions above am I going to walk a little farther today? Am I going to lift some light weights today? Am I going to do something for me today? I hope your answer is “yes” It’s in those times that I feel we are able to become that Warrior in our garden. When our garden turns to a war of illness the healthier, the better fit we are prior to that illness the better we are able to take the reins and fight that illness. If we spend our lives being the gardener, we have a beautiful life. When that war comes, when our flowers are no longer blooming are, we prepared to fight that war? Be the warrior, be ready.

For the last question for the day do I have to hurt when I wake up? I’m sure we can all remember when we were young and as our parents or grandparents would get up from the bed in the morning or get up from a chair, they would moan or groan say ouch. Remember thinking is that really going to be me some day. There are certain things in life that we are most likely not going to avoid especially if they’re in our family histories, osteoarthritis; Uncle author always outstays his welcome. While we’re probably going to have arthritis in some part of our body at some point in our lives, how are we going to deal with that period? I plan to deal with that by doing a few things, eating a better diet that lower in Inflammatory type foods. Using exercise to stay as strong as I can. While there is not a cure for arthritis there are things that can make it feel better therefore by doing these 2 items, I can hopefully delay the discomforts and ouch that hurts a little while longer. Of course, there are other ways to deal with the pain chiropractor treatments, acupuncture, physical therapy, medications. However, the aches and pains will be there and we will have to tolerate what we can and control what is our wheelhouse to control.

I realize today’s posting is a little long especially for only answering 3 questions am I over the Hill, I’d say NO. Are the golden years really not that golden? I say mine are going to be golden as long as I have the mind and ability to believe there golden. And finally, do I really have to hurt when I get out of bed in the morning? Probably at some point but it’s my choice on how I handle that pain and what I do to try to alleviate that pain, and/or prolong the onset of that. My challenge for you is move forth in life today think about what it is that you can do to improve your life just one small way today.