How to measure blood pressure accurately

I KNOW BETTER.  Last visit to the doc's, the nurse didn't take my reading correctly.  As a patient, you've gotta be pro-active and help to get an accurate blood pressure reading.  Simple steps to success.

No caffeine an hour before doctor's appointment.

Empty bladder before reading is taken.

Sit quiet for at least 5 minutes before reading is taken.

Feet flat on the floor.

Back supported.
No talking or sudden movement while reading is being taken.
No clothing between arm and blood pressure cuff.
Use correct size of cuff.
Arm with cuff on it should be level with heart.  

God bless.  Have a healthy LIFE!

~d

SOUNDS OF SUMMER

THOUGH IT ISN'T SUMMER YET...it feels like it is and once you walk into the COTTAGE where the new floor fan is humming and two ceiling fans twirling, it sounds like days of old for me.  No central air running, just fans.  The plaster walls in the COTTAGE help keep the cool inside at the moment.    

Thursday, I went to LUNCH with my buds and ate a chicken wrap with chips.  Water with lemon. It's been half a year since we got together.  Time flies.

Wonderful conversation with friends.  It doesn't matter how long between our visits, we pick up where we left off.  Very special friendships.  Our voices made sounds of the seasons of our lives. Each one of us has gone through a thing or two.

I've had cataract surgeries with a Hubby that has a hurt foot and laser surgeries for PVDs.  One had knee replacement, has lost weight and talks of having dementia.  Another's Husband has had hip replacement and open heart surgery.  One more has been having physical therapy for injured feet from a dog accident.  Each of us has been through something substantial.  

Gal Pals!  Thankful I have a few.

AFTERWARDS, I went HOME and took a NAP.  That's 3 this week.  I found out my TSH numbers are too high meaning I'm very hypothyroid which means I have a very SLOW metabolism.  I should be a 2, but am a 7.8.  

I should know by now that being overly tired, gaining weight, having the sweats, too much hair loss, sleep disturbances and irritated are a tell-tale sign of Thyroid issues.  Now to change the dose of thyroid meds and get checked in 6 weeks.  

I wonder if being very hypothyroidism contributes to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, edema?  YES.  Mystery solved.  Does someone that does not have a thyroid need iodine as well? Yes, I think so.  

My thyroid journey has been frustrating.  My numbers have not stabilized in the 14 years I have been at this.  Fickle.  Knowing this I believe I should check the numbers quite often and forget about only checking them once a year as the thyroid doc does.  SO I will do so.

Keeping paper copies of the blood work for my personal records is a must.  Tis best to be ones own health advocate.  I will fill the shoes.

As I type this post, the sounds of summer are out my front door and through the window.  Some type of cricket or circadian is making noise that cannot be ignored.  Summer is on her way.  I will return to walking at the football field in the mornings and drinking Eternal Water, take my vitamin supplements and eat a reduced calorie diet.  Exercising is next.  Keeping a tidy HOME a must.  I am free to enjoy LIFE and do HOBBIES and relax in the LORD.  AMEN.  I am free.

~d 

  

HISTORIC COW TOWN REVISITED

ONCE AGAIN WE VISITED HISTORIC COW TOWN MUSEUM.  Last year during the Kansas High School State Track and Field Meet at WSU in Wichita we stopped by and again this year.  Funny thing HUBBY wore the same T-SHIRT in 2023 to Cow Town as he did in 2024.  This year we returned during the State Meet and visited most of the Museum.  

Not all of it, but most. 

This post is loaded with pictures.  
No apologies for the overload.  

For recall.  Hello. 

The weather was beautiful when we visited Cow Town and I wish we could have just stayed put.  Instead we returned to the world of 2024 and life goes on.

Planning on revisiting these pictures many times to remember our day at the museum.  
Thank you for stopping by.

~d 

 

 All in a Kansas day,

~d