Health Update on the last month of 2016

I know my last health update was in May. So much has happened. I can't express the level of stress I had to deal with.

I am better now. The Mirtazapine medication has helped me managed my depression as well as my sleep. My body is naturally active as soon as the sun is up. Regardless of when I fall asleep, I am well rested with just having 6 hours of sleep. The only drawback is I am now stuttering when I speak. I am going to try to ease my way off gradually with the medication to see if that helps.

I have enrolled in Step Up Ministry's Life Skills program. I hope to learn how to better manage my anxiety since the VA's program is so popular, I'm on the waiting list to enroll into the next class. I am truly hoping that they are true to their word.

The best thing that my husband got me for being able to eat eggs again, was an egg timer by Taylor's. Today, had me beyond belief that I can eat hard boiled eggs again without getting sick on the spot. So, to summarize the incident, I followed the instructions like normal (submerge both the egg and the egg timer together in lukewarm water). Instead of watching the timer, I stepped off for a while to look for my daughter's school picture order. It didn't dawn on me to go back to the kitchen until I sat down to my computer desk. I panicked when the timer showed that I had cooked it to hard boiled.

Target $4.99

After I prayed for my meal, I cut the egg in half. I was amazed! I had saved the egg on time. It was cooked to perfection. The best part was, I did not get sick on the spot. For all you egg enthusiasts, I recommend this invention hands down.

So, ever since I have been off my feet since February, I gained back the weight I lost. I'm hoping to get back in shape again as soon as I have myself in a better mood than I am now. It has been a trying year. I'm not losing hope just yet.

Things are actually looking up. The VA has better health programs than I can ever remember. I know it's not a big deal for me, but it is to some of my friends: the VA covers tattoos (aka cosmetic surgery) and gender alteration surgery. Oh, no! Drats! Just saw the headlines from last month. *sigh* "Republican Law-makers"? (Seriously unnerving)

Anyway, that's my update for this year. To good health and long life; cheers!

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Serves 10

copyright 2016 BuzzFeed Alix Traeger

INGREDIENTS

• 5 Granny Smith apples
• 2 cans cinnamon rolls
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Vegetable oil/Crisco shortening

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and coat 9.5” pie dish with oil.

2. Peel and cut the apples into thin slices and place in a bowl. Add sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch to apples and stir.

3. Cut each cinnamon roll in half and roll out with flour until thin.

4. Layer the flattened cinnamon rolls into pie dish.

5. Add the apples and layer the rest of the cinnamon rolls on top to create a closed crust, pinching any holes together with your fingers.

6. Cover with foil and bake in oven for 35 minutes.

7. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes uncovered.

8. Allow the pie to cool and drizzle with icing. 

Homemade Potato Chips

It's nice to know that there are online recipes with the same basic principles of making homemade potato chips, but nothing comes close to recipes passed down from generation to generation. This recipe was passed down to me by our house-sitter from Visaya, Philippines.

 

Copyright of Matt Blitz 2014

Ingredients: 

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced paper-thin
• 1 quart oil for deep frying
• a pinch of salt
• dash of pepper

Directions:

1. If you have a Martha Stewart Collection Vegetable Peeler or a Mandoline Slicer, slice the potatoes in 1mm (paper thin) thickness.

2. Place potato slices into a large bowl of cold water. Add the salt and pepper. Let the potatoes soak in for at least 30 minutes. Drain, then rinse and drain again.

3. Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 365° F (185° C). Fry potato slices in small batches. Once they start turning golden, remove and drain on paper towels. Continue until all of the slices are fried. 

4. If you do want to bake them instead, preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. 

5. Season with additional salt if desired or with Williams-Sonoma Rosemary Garlic Seasoning

Pacing yourself to better health

My husband took us to see Grandfather mountain today. We had breakfast at Bojangle's. We stopped at a resting spot at Blowing Mountain. I picked up some brochures which had peaked my interest. Even though the road trip to Grandfather mountain made me sleepy and nauseous, we had a wonderful time.

We stopped by Mellow Mushroom for lunch. I couldn't decide on a pizza. The toppings were expensive. I got myself a Cheese and Steak instead. When we got to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain, the line was a 20 minute wait. The guy who charged our ticket accepted my VA card for a military discount. As much as I care to admit, it was a very arduous walk trekking through the man-made trail.

My husband kept an eye on me. He knew it's been a while since I've gone mountain hiking. He found me a nice and sturdy walking stick at the shop, which was on top of the mountain by the swinging bridge. My vertigo kicked in as soon as I saw the view. However, I braved through the bridge without hyperventilating. I tried my hardest not to look down. Regardless of how opposed I was to the idea, I looked down anyway. It was only for a brief moment; only to see that someone had lost their hat.

 I got myself a few snacks just before we headed back down the parking lot. The yogurt pretzels were really good. Here are the moments I was able to capture of our adventure.

Charting the overlook scenery from Grandfather Mountain

When we got home, I was greeted by a water bug in our refrigerator. After cleaning out the contaminated food, I set out to eat at Asian Garden.

Even though my muscles were numb from the exercise, I felt energized. Since I didn't eat a balance diet, I may have to walk off all those calories tomorrow.

When the heart starts ticking your life counter

I was just 32 when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. My doctor advised me that I should really cut down on salt despite eating healthy. I am aware that despite my efforts of not adding salt to the dishes I cook, all packaged goods do have a good amount of salt in them. Unfortunately, more salt than any man can take in one sitting. If you compare the charts of salt intake between the US and Europe, you will find that the US adds 3% to 5% more of the standard intake than those in Europe.

It has been 7 years since I went to take my yearly exams with the doctor. After my recent appointment, I never imagine that I would be advised to take medication for controlling my blood pressure. I actually thought I was doing really well watching what I ate and drank. I hate taking medicine. I never liked it.

For now, the doctor recommend that I watch and record my blood pressure. So, I came home with a portable blood pressure monitor. Much to my husband's curiosity as to why I was given one, he was grateful towards the doctor who recommended it.

The first time I tried to use the machine, the results came out really high. Talk about being easily rattled. I had to relax once more before measuring again. The result came with a normal reading.

It occurred to me today whether or not I should do this on a daily or weekly basis. I found this useful article on the Internet. It was good timing too since it stated to measure the same time each day.

I'm glad the results came up with normal reading thus far. I'm hoping it stays that way. My next doctor's appointment will be with a therapist. I hope these turn of events would help me get better physically, mentally and spiritually.