readers’ comments on health and good living

I really had no idea what kind of response I would get when I shared the story about my health concerns and my personal health manifesto. When experiencing a life event like this, it’s easy to think you’re the only one who has gone or is going through it. But I was pleasantly surprised, encouraged and occasionally moved to tears by the comments that came from friends, neighbors, and readers of this blog. Not only did these folks send words of support for my journey, many were kind and bold enough to share stories of their own health challenges.

I was so moved by them, that I asked if it would be ok if I shared a few of them with you here.

from Kimberly:
“Your story kind of sounds like mine. About a year ago now, I was diagnosed with abnormally high cholesterol which threw me for a loop because there was nothing else going on with me in terms of my vitals. My doc and I went through my diet and came to the conclusion that much of it was attributable to stress (I *really* hated my job). She didn’t prescribe meds (first time high cholesterol and too young), but she did ask me to monitor very carefully my diet and get rid of the stress.  To make the story very short, fast forward to January of this year, I decided to change my diet to a plant-based, low-fat diet (essentially vegan).  I never felt unhealthy before, but in these three short months, I know the change has brought about renewed energy and my body now feels really great. Admittedly, I haven’t recently had my cholesterol checked, but I know leaving the classroom and changing my diet have worked for the best.”

“I know you’re highly knowledgable on issues of food, health and related things, but I’ve found docs such as Esselstyn, Joel Furhman, T. Colin Campbell and others helpful as they all attest to and celebrate a plant-based diet and its power to heal the body of many “food-borne” illnesses (e.g., high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease) naturally. They’ve been in several documentaries (maybe a little biased) promoting their findings, including the most recent Fork over Knives….”

(sidenote: I watched Forks Over Knives the day after I received Kimberly’s message. I agree with her comments, and definitely recommend the film.)

 

from Melanie:
“We are SO in the same space and place!!! I have been in a battle with HBP (high blood pressure) for years and I am determined to win. If you need info or perspective let me know – I am willing to share.”

 

from John:
“I recently listened to the old folks talk about the diet they had growing up. Meat but not a lot of it, plenty of veggies, rice, peas, and taters. I have been giving it a try along with some modest exercise, good things have been happening. The point is it works for me, lifestyle changes have to work for you, find activities you like and it won’t feel like exercise. Best of luck to you K Solo, and if you want to go on a bike ride sometimes, I have an extra bike.”

(sidenote: I am now the proud new owner of a bike – my first since childhood!)

from Rhonda:

This is a wonderful, honest account of your experience. I also have high blood pressure – and take care of it through a lifestyle approach. Best of luck to you in this journey, my friend! You are far too special to leave us anytime soon….

(sidenote: Rhonda and I have been FB friends for a while now. Though she lives in Canada, we’ve found we have a lot in common via the thoughts and messages we share on FB. I knew Rhonda was in the health/wellness business, but had assumed she was a trainer for serious athletic types only. Boy, was I wrong. Turns out, Rhonda does work with serious athletic types, but she also works with regular ol’ folks like me. I asked her to share a little bit about her amazing business, so I could share with you.)

Satori Concepts helps individuals realize a myriad of health and fitness goals using a holistic, lifestyle-based approach. Over recent years, the health industry has become more and more about “thin” than about good health. My organization focuses on a healthy body image, awareness of media messages, and most importantly, what good health “feels/looks” like. Clients follow a health-first path towards the realization of their individual goals – whether that is to become a competitive athlete, or to have more energy to play with their children. We always consider the question, “Will this approach contribute to your overall best physical/emotional/mental fitness?” before all else, which is not always easy in a world that sells us on quick fixes and unrealistic role models. Through the magic of technology, I am able to offer services that reach far beyond my little office/fitness studio here in Calgary, Canada. Clients receive ongoing contact and training with me via methods that accommodate their own identified learning and motivation needs, in addition to receiving daily contact with me in their venue of choice. Additionally, being a client with my organization means that you will experience networking and mentorship with other clients. So much to tell…and we are just getting started.

I highly recommend that you check out the Satori Concepts website and ‘Like’ Satori Concepts on Facebook – you will not be disappointed!

If you’re experiencing a health challenge or are feeling lost or alone in your journey to better health, feel free to share your story as well, or if you’re looking for more resources on healthy living and eating, reach out for suggestions. Leave a note in the comments or send an email to: health (at) bonvivantonline (dot) com.

cheers,

k

kisha solomon

Kisha Solomon is an Atlanta-based writer, self-proclaimed bon vivant and occasional expat. The Good Life Cookbook is where she shares her latest savory adventures and collected lessons on food and life.

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3 Responses

  1. Jenny says:

    Congrats on living a healthy lifestyle! You deserve it. Great job sharing your story so more people can get on board!

  2. John Lewis says:

    Amazing !! Yes you deserve that. Be that way 🙂
    God bless.

  3. Patrick B. says:

    I am very happy that you took your health seriously and made the necessary changes to better your health. Though, stress can cause condition such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease, the number one cause of these health problem is our diet and we need to learn to be wise with our portion size. If we go back in time before the industrial revolution, these conditions were mostly none existence. Another thing which is very vital to our health is to stay active. Now days, people are most like to drive a car instead of walking, used elevator instead of walking the stairs, sit in front of a television instead of going for a walk. If we shift back in time to change the way we eat, reduce our stress, be more active, we will find a solution to the health problem in our society, today.

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