Wellness Wednesday - Mammograms

Today we are going to talk about mammograms.  My yearly check up calls for a mammogram.  I have been getting them for a couple of years now.  I have had a few scares and it can be quite traumatizing.  So what is a mammogram, what does it really do, and why talk about it?

What is a mammogram?  A mammogram is an x-ray picture that can show Radiologists what is going on inside of the breasts.  There are signs that they look for.  If you have never had one, usually at age 40, you will be recommended to have a screening.  Sometimes younger if there are signs or history of breast cancer in your family history.  I had first mammogram before I hit 40.  I remember being scared of the machine that I had only heard about.  You basically get your boobies squeezed to pancakes in every direction in order to get good pictures by a technician.  By the way, they are not allowed to tell you anything about what they see or your results.  Only your doctor or the radiologists can talk to you about what they see, find, or don't find.  One tip from me is don't go when your boobies are sensitive like right before your period.  Also, don't wear a dress because you will have to undress and de-robe.  And they make you leave all your personal belongings in a locker.  No phones or purses are allowed in exam room.

What is next?  In my case, results are mailed.  If any further testing is needed, I will receive a call from my doctor as well to schedule a diagnosis follow up.  In my case this has happened to me more than once.  It is so scary.  Even though they tell you not to worry, you worry.  You start thinking the worse.  The first time it happened my friend came and met me to be with me.  There was something seen in my left breast that look like a spec.  It could have been left over deodorant, this is why they ask for you not to wear deodorant or lotions the day of your testing.  My diagnostic came back as nothing.  It was a lymph node that needed extra looking at and after reviewing it again, there was no signs of anything.  A lymph node carries fluid like a tunnel from one place to another when there is no blockage.  This year I had another diagnostic follow up that needed to be done.  Like before, I started freaking out and was very concerned.  I am getting older.  I am not sure about you but when they tell you they need to see you again in the doctor's office, everything starts to hurt or feel broken all of a sudden.  My diagnostic showed nothing to worry about.  So I started asking several questions.  Are you looking at the same spot as the spot before?  What are you looking at?  What is the difference in my results?  The radiologists was happy to answer all my questions and put my mind at easy because of all my new found concerns.  The spot that was of concern this time was not the same one as before.  Lymph node is stable, no changes.  This was not what they were looking at.  The spot this time was a mass.  A solid mass that needed to be looked at.  But there was no concern from the radiologists after my 3D mammogram and ultrasound.

2D vs 3D?  I have previously had 2D and have been called back for testing.  I figured 3D would be better pictures.  I also thought that I was not going to be abused by that machine, but nope not happening.  The 2D and 3D are done similar.  But the 3D takes more pictures to compare versus the one shot with 2D.

Ultrasound?  This is like any ultrasound you have seen.  A sonogram of the breast.  It is not as painful as the mammogram but it can cause discomfort after you have had the mammogram pancake tests.  Also, when the technicians and the radiologists have to go over the same area several times.

Results?  These are immediate.  The radiologists came in, ran a few more scans on the ultrasound machine, and then she discussed my results.  It was a huge relief that I got the all clear, see you next year.

Costs?  My mammogram is part of my routine check up.  My diagnostic had to be part of my deductible.  I was mad that they could not fit me in the schedule in December.  Deductibles are calendar year.  They start over in January.  I was able to make a payment and pay the rest by mail.  I know that the hospitals have to get paid but I do not think this just prevent us from getting the health care we need.  What if I did not have the money to pay for my tests?

There are places that offer free mammograms, search online.  Also, do your research.  Ask a lot of questions.  There are no dumb questions.

Have you had any scares?  Any more tips?

Wellness Wednesday-2019 Health Review

Let's talk about health reviews.  Have you ever stopped to reflect on your current health and what you could be doing better?  Improvements could be small doable changes.  Look at the picture of me below, what do you see?  

No, I was not pregnant last year.  I was in very bad shape.  I had been for awhile now.  Everything I tried, failed.  I failed.  I hid behind other people in pictures or I was not even in them most of the time.  I was really struggling but I did not realize how bad until later on in the year.

Last year, my health set off all the alarms.  It really scared me.  Though my doctor had been warning me that this would happen, I did not listen.  I was too busy to be concerned with this.  My body decided otherwise.  And now I am determined to prioritize my body and get me to healthy.  How am I doing that?  

First, I reflected on the damage.  I did not get this way over night.  I traced it back to 2014.  Alot happened throughout this year and it basically is the root of my situation.  Even though I had been at my healthiest right before this, things got out of control.  I went from healthiest to the unhealthiest I had been.  I hit over 200.  I had been doing crossfit and stopped doing that by recommendation from my doctor.  In 2015 after I ran my last half marathon, my doctor restricted me from running.  This was something I loved.  I was putting too much pressure on my knees with the weight.  I walked the treadmill, watched what I ate, and I still could not make the scale move.  I kept feeling defeated.  But reflecting on all the things I tried help me figure out what I did not want to do this time.  I did not want to do crash diets, unhealthy habits, or create more damage.  It also helped me learn what triggered me to get to this point.  Not one single thing but a serious of events all contributed.    

Second, goals need to be realistic.  My only goal was to get healthy.  I did not focus on a number on the scale, nor a specific size in my clothes, or gave myself a deadline.  I only was working on improving from where I was currently at and every time, improve from there.  

Third, I am under the care of my doctor.  No, I am not doing doing crazy pills or weight loss shakes.  I am eating real food.  I am learning more about the nutritional facts in everything I put in my mouth.

Lastly, but maybe the most important change, this year I finally found something that worked for me that has completely changed the way I think about food.   There is a 80/20 rule.  They say, who knows who they are?  It is 80 percent what you eat, and 20 perfect how much you move.  By changing what I ate, I was able to finally lose weight and keep it off.   

Where am I at now?  I officially started in August.  The weight just started coming off.  I was more motivated because we had two weddings, one in October and one in December.  Those weddings happened to coincide with my check in dates.  Because I have been monitoring my calories, weight, and my measurements.  The first wedding would be right at my 12 week check in and the second would be at 60 days from there.  Also, my physical was at the end of the year too.  I have dropped 40 pounds.  I was already getting into 2X and currently am able to get into medium.  The biggest change was my food intake (fat, protein, carbs).  I tried to commit to getting on the treadmill at least Monday through Friday and tried to hit my goal of 10,000 steps.  

My journey has not ended.  Follow my journey on Instagram - @independentmamialba.  I am sharing my struggles and triumphs in hope of motivating others to start today.  Do not let it be years later.  Do not shock or damage your body so bad that it can't be helped.  I am not a doctor or professional to be giving advise.  

I am her to support.  Let's get healthy together.  Let me know how I can help.  Do you have any suggestions, tips, or have you recently reviewed your health?     

Fitness Friday-How Strong is Your Trot #HOUTurkeyTrot

Can you believe that this year is almost over?  Where did it go?  Who is ready for some turkey? 

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with BakerRipley.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

When you hear the word turkey, what do you think about?  I think about Thanksgiving, traditions, and the trot.  These three go hand in hand with one another in our family.  The Houston TXU Energy BarkeyRipley Turkey Trot has become a family tradition.

Did you know that the trot was my very first race?  It was.  I did not prepare at all for it but I was up for the challenge.  Here are some tips for you:

1)  Trot-Start getting some mileage in everyday.  This will help you get across the finish line.  Whether you run, jog, or trot, it is the best feeling when you cross the finish line.

2)  Tennis shoes-Break your shoes in.  Do not buy new shoes to wear the day of the race.  Make sure you have comfortable shoes.  Good shoes will make a big difference.

3)  Tradition-Make this a part of your tradition.  The trot is a family friendly event.  Grab the entire family and help celebrate the 25 years of Trot. 

4)  Time-Make sure you register before the price increased on November 18th. 

5)  Turkey-BarkerRipley serves more than half a million people across the Houston area.  Serving the community with community centers, charter schools, Headstart programs, senior services and career centers.  This is a way for you to give back.  Then you can go home and have some turkey! 

Currently the prices are as follows:

10K Untimed - $30

10K Timed - $35

10K Wheelchair - $35

Phillips 66 5K Untimed - $30

Phillips 66 5K Timed - $35

Phillips 66 5K Wheelchair - $35

Kids Run - $15

Register now to take advantage of these prices!  Save $5 off your registration by using this code:  17INDEPENDENT

Springing into a Healthier Me #LALAChallenge

This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with LALA® Yogurt Smoothies and #WeAllGrow Latina Network.

Are you as happy as I am that Spring is finally here?  The air is different.  The flowers start to bloom.  But that is not the only thing blooming around here.

This year I decided on making myself my New Year's Resolution.  Over the years, I have put others before me.  Not this year.  I'm being a little selfish.  I am taking the attitude - me before you.  Thanks to some of my changes, I'm springing back like an old, used coil. 

Here are tips on how SPRING can help you get healthy too:

Self-You matter.  It all starts with the person you look at in the mirror everyday.  Take a moment and stand in front of the mirror.  Seriously.  It does not matter how people see you, it matters what you see.  What do you see?  Is this a happy person?  Don't look for flaws/scars but look at the glass full.  I see an able body that has so much potential.  It is like an art piece waiting to be sculpted.  You are the artist behind this vision.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

Prioritize-What is your goal?  Do you want to get healthier?  Do you want to lose weight?  Break it down.  Interview yourself.  Define your needs versus wants.  Pick a reachable goal, timeframe, and give yourself milestones.  I want to be healthier, so that is my ultimate long term goal.  It is a lifestyle.  One of my biggest issues was doing good during the week and messing it up over the weekend.  My first small goal was to be the same weight or less on Mondays.  Then it was to continue to maintain the weight loss throughout the month.  Baby steps are helping me get to the ultimate goal.

Rotate-Don't let the routine stop you.  Rotate, revolve, change your schedule.  One of my trainers told me it takes 21 days for us to build a habit.  But some people get bored real easily or things happen in your life.  If you don't like the gym, find a park.  If you can't make it to the park, have a dance party at home.  Start with doing 30 minutes of exercise whenever you can fit it in.  I started out being able to go to the gym at 5 am, then I had to go during my lunch hour to the park, sometimes I can make it after work. 

Ignite-Light a fire and get closer to your goal.  Find a piece in your closet that you have not worn in a while and would like to get back into.  Buy yourself an article of clothing one size smaller.  I have all different sizes of clothes that no longer fit in my back closet.  As I am losing weight, my smaller sizes are coming back into my closet.  The clothes I am no longer fitting is going out the door.

New-Try something you have never done.  Crossfit, yoga, cycling, dancing, but try something.  You never know if you are going to like something unless you try it.  I tried running years ago and found that I loved it.  I never thought I could to Crossfit but after I tried it, I found that I could.  Cycling is hard but guess what, once you get the hand off it you will want to do it too.  Indoors and outdoors.  Currently, I am trying to get one hour of physical activity into my day.  It doesn't matter what it is as long as I get it done. 

Go-We live our lives always on the go.  That should not be the reason why we cannot keep ourselves healthy.  I plan ahead for my non-stop lifestyle.  This is why our HEB grocery list always includes LALA® drinkable yogurt smoothies.  

They are great tasting, nutritious, and healthy.   The perfect on-the-go snack for my on-the-go life.  Made with real fruit and has 5g of Protein.  We keep our refrigerator stocked up.

I can grab a LALA® Yogurt Smoothie as I run out of the door.  This way I am not missing meals, my body is getting fueled, and I am staying on course with my goals.

Did you know LALA® Yogurt Smoothies is proud to be a sponsor of the H-E-B Slim Down Challenge?   Earlier this year, H-E-B invited Texans to apply online at heb.com.  Though only 28 were selected for the competition, you can follow their journey along from home.  Not only will you be following their journey but you can access workouts and recipes, and read contestants’ blogs for inspiration.  The Slim Down Showdown is part of H-E-B Health & Wellness, a comprehensive, long-term commitment to improve the health of Texans.  H-E-B aims to inspire Texans to adopt and stick to a healthy lifestyle through special offers on healthy food, nutrition labeling, events, competitions and educational opportunities.  Winners will be announced April 1 at the H-E-B Alamo Health and Fitness Expo in San Antonio. 

Are you ready to SPRING into a healthier you?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of LALA Yogurt Smoothies and WeAllGrow Latina Network. The opinions and text are all mine.

Fitness Friday-Viva La Color 5K

This year we are trying new things with my kids.  Previously my son and I participated in a color run with a big group of our friends.  We had not participated in another one since then.  My Lil Bit had yet to experience this fun and energetic run.  I feel that at five years old she could handle all the fun.

Did you know Viva means to live or to be alive?  This is how we should live life like we are alive.  This is what I am teaching my kids this year that life is meant to be lived. 

 The weather was being brutal this morning as it was in the low 60s and the wind was not dying down at all.  We were freezing.  Luckily my daughter's sweater was in our vehicle.  We had brought towels for after the race that we ended up wrapping her in.   She stayed warm before the race in her wagon.

 How did our race go?  Well a 5K is a little hard for little feet.  It is a long distance if they have never done this distance before.  A color run is a lot of fun but there are no water stations, no porta potties along the race route, and other than the few color stations; it is still a race. 

Right from the start my daughter wanted to go potty.  I think it was the cold weather because I got the urge as well.  I have to give it to Lil Bit, she hung in the entire time.  I ended up carrying her (all 36 lbs) on my shoulders and piggy back from color station to color station.  I asked her if she wanted to quick at one point where it looked like we could just cut through but she said no.  She loved getting the colors squirted at her.  I loved watching her go through the color stations.  I loved how so many people were so encouraging and were cheering me on as they past me up.  I heard things like:
"Way to go Mom", "You got this", "Yall almost done, keep it up", etc...

 At the end, I put her down and she bolted to the finish line.  She is really fast like her brother.  I can see some Cross Country or Track in her future.  Daddy caught the finish line picture.

 My son started and ended the race like a champ.  This was not a timed race but my husband said my son finished within the first 10 people.   

I pulled the rear like always.  Check out my tutu, yeah that's the wind still blowing like crazy.

Everyone who finished got a medal at the finish line.  We had a blast on the run.  The after party was a big dance, color party that my daughter did not want to leave.  Viva la Color!

Who Run the World? #ONAMISSION

Ever since I can remember my son has been super fast.  He may be little but he is fast.  I started him off playing soccer, moved to football and eventually he even played baseball.  But it wasn't until he got to middle school, where he would find his passion for Cross Country and Running.

A couple of years I did Crossfit and I really enjoyed it.  My son was able to do Crossfit in school.  He fell in love with this sport.  I was never encouraged to do sports as a kid, but it is one thing I have encouraged my kids to do. 

Thanks to MISSION Athletecare for sending sample products for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Even though Fall is here, in Houston it is still Hot.  Everyday the temperatures still are in the 80s.  I worry about my son getting overheated during his midday workouts at school or his afternoon jogs afterschool.    

MISSION Athletecare’s EnduraCool towel may be just what we have been looking for.  When the towel is soaked in water, wrung out and snapped, the instant cooling technology is activated to chill the fabric’s surface temperature by up to 30 degrees.  The user can then place the towel around their neck and the fabric will keep them cool, comfortable and dry.  The towel comes in a variety of colors and patterns.  It is compact enough to put in your child’s backpack or sports bag. 

In addition to the towel, MISSION Athletecare has an entire line of EnduraCool Instant Cooling Gear and Accessories.  The line includes a full range of instant cooling Hats, Skull Caps, Headbands, Sleeves and more – all designed to enhance performance and recovery.

And like my teen says, it is cool too!  He loves the cooling sleeve.  You can wear it multiple ways.  It is good for boys and girls.  It has UPF 50 protection and is odor resistant.  It is chemical-free cooling.  Best of all it is all machine washable.  The technology never washes out.

For more information, visit mission.com.

Fitness Friday-Texas Children's Hospital Fun Run

This year our first run of the year as a family was the Texas Children's Hospital Fun Run.  It is a 3K.

This race is affordable.  It is not a big race.  The after party is only open to the participants and volunteers.  This is our second year participating and we enjoyed ourselves. 

Check out of pictures and reasons why this is a fun run:

1)  Meet and Greets-

2)  Moonwalks, Slides, Games-

3)  Family Time-

4)  Medals-

 Last year, my daughter was in her stroller.  This year she actually ran most of the race.  She was so happy that she even started doing a victory dance before hitting the finish line.  Her moment was captured by the photographer at the race:

This is what she started chanting to herself, "You can do it" "Oh yeah, I am gonna win" "I got this"!  It was the cutest and funniest thing ever.  What a feeling it is to cross that finish line!
Start them young teaching them healthy habits.  I think we have another runner in the family.

February 2016 Health Check In

The shortest month of the year came and went.  60 days have already passed us by.  Where do you stand with your health goals? 

Here is where I stand with my 2016 goals:

1)  Run 365 miles-I ran 2.55 miles this month.  For 2016, I have ran a total of 4.06 miles.  Leaving me with 360.94 miles to go.  This mileage is not huge but it is huge for me.  Check this out:  

January 1  -  1.51 miles - 23.51 minutes
February 9 - 1.52 miles - 14.26 minutes

When I ran 1.5 miles in January I was dying.  My chest and knees were killing me.  When I ran 1.5 miles this month, I ran faster and felt great.  My pace in January was 15' 47" and in February it was 9' 26".  I took 9.25 minutes off my time.

2)  Walk 10,000 steps per day.

January -   average steps 11,953
February - average steps 10,099

No excuses but I did forget to put my watch on 2 days.  Both days were weekend days. 

3)  Weight-Drum Roll please...... I have lost a 2.5 lbs.  In total for 2016, I have lost 10.5 lbs.  Woohoo! 

4)  Weight Training.  At the end of last month, I said I wanted to start weight training and I have. 

That's my coach back there.  We have been hitting the gym together.  I am seeing progress in my body. 

For February being the shortest month, it packed a punch.  It put me to the test.  There was Superbowl Sunday, my son's birthday, Valentine's Day, and traveling.  The scale was not being my friend.  And for a minute, I was a little crushed.  Oh, let's be real.  I wanted to cry.  All the hard work of counting calories, walking every day, making time to work out, etc....and for it not to show on the scale.  I had to give myself the talk.  The how does your clothes fit, you are doing so great, keep up the good work, etc...  Every day is a struggle.  There are good days and there are bad days.  I can only worry about today and I'm ok with that.

Here are my goals for March:

Monday through Friday, I am able to do great.  I have a schedule I keep.  When it comes to the weekends that is where I can improve.  I am planning on getting the family outdoors. 

I am going to take my measurements.  Since I have been lifting weights, I am building muscle.  Muscle weighs more than fat.  Even if the scale does not move, I will take inches lost any day.

I also want to add more mileage this month.  Eventually I want to be able to run more than 1.5 miles at a time. 

I want 10,000 steps for 31 days straight.

I think that is enough for my goals.  What are your goals? 

Bulu Box Review

***Disclosure-I am a USFG member.  I received a 3 month subscription for review on the blog.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Bulu box is a monthly box of healthy products.  The box is $10 a month and you get free shipping.

1. TRY SAMPLES- discovering new products, see which products don't work for you

Try 4-5 samples based on your profile before buying full-size so you don't waste your money

2. EARN POINTS-Each month you can earn up to 100 Rewards Points (that's $10!) just for subscribing and sharing your thoughts. 

Log in to your account to fill out your sample surveys about the products you just tried

3. CASH OUT-Once you've earned Rewards Points you can use them like actual cash towards a full-size purchase of your new favorite product. You can get your order completely free!

There are 2 different kind of boxes-

Bulu Box Original: This box provides a well-rounded sampling of all things health and nutrition. Each box contains 4 to 5 premium samples such as sports nutrition, sleep, and healthy snacks. Plus lifestyle extras like gym gift cards or DVDs to cover all aspects of health!

Bulu Box Weight Loss: Designed specifically to help with the varying factors of weight loss, this box contains 4 to 5 premium weight loss items such as energy aids, healthy snacks, sleep aids and fat-burners. Plus bonus weight loss items like fitness gear and kitchen tools.

I liked getting new products that I had never heard of.  I got to try them out.  I hate buying full size products that I do not like.  Wasting money.  This way I was able to try what I liked and didn't like. 

For more information, go to www.bulubox.com

Weekend Snapshots | 1

This year my plan is to continue what I started last year and stay more connected to my family.  In the end all the hard work we do is for them, right?    

I am joining Arianna from 3twentysix in her Weekend Snapshot Series.  This is my first installment of this past weekends adventures. 

My weekend started early on Friday at Merlot 2 Masterpiece where I got to paint and sip on wine.

The theme was Mardi Gras.  We painted two masks on a purple background.  My painting was more a reflection of the happy face and sad face.  Not that I was trying to paint it this way but it just came out this way.  As I kept painting, my painting took it's own life.  The top mask was a reflection on the happy me, when everything is fine, more put together.  The bottom mask was sad, imperfect, and was darker.  I was just painting but this is what came out.  Anyways, it was a fun ladies night.

My hubby and I were able to have the Valentine's date we didn't get to have last week.  I had told him I had wanted to go to the park.  He asked if this was going to be like our trip to Austin where we walked a mile for each year we had been together and reflected while the whole time, we were lost without water.  Yeah, that happened and no, it was not.  It was good for us to be able to hangout just the two of us.  We do not get to do that alot anymore and it was much needed.   

There are trails.  You can ride bikes.  Make sure to pay attention were you park, were you start, and how far you want to go.   

We even stopped at the Houston Police Officers' Memorial on our walk.

We even got to go to the gym together to get a couples workout in.  We had not been able to go to the gym together.  Many people have told me they are not able to workout with their partner.  My husband and I have a fun relationship.  We always have a good time.  He cracks me up.  If you have met my husband, you know he is a clown.  He had set the timer for 1 hour but we ended having so much fun we kept right on going for 30 more minutes.

We reconnected.  We were able to talk, be silly, and best of all, enjoy each other's company.  How was your weekend?  Did you do anything exciting?  This was a snapshot of our weekend.  I hope to share more of these moments with you on the Weekend Snapshot Series.  Until the next one.