By Sana Cole
The Scene staff
I remember lying in bed, afraid to move an inch. Every time I moved, waves of nausea swept over me, sending me into a vomiting frenzy. The constant pounding in my head was so excruciating that all I could do was close my eyes and allow tears to flow.
I already had been to the emergency room twice that week, and doctors discovered the cause of my illness was high blood pressure. My doctor informed me that I was pre-hypertensive, so he placed me on stabilizing medication.
As I lay in my bed, praying for the medication to work, I contemplated my life: I was 32 years old, married with three children, a part-time employee and full-time student. A lifestyle of hectic schedules and poor eating habits had taken a toll on my health.
At that moment, I decided I would do whatever it took to get off blood-pressure medication for good. It was time to not just find a quick diet but to change my lifestyle.
Because of obesity, millions of Americans suffer from high blood pressure, as well as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and even cancer.
“The epidemic of obesity in the United States, as well as globally, contributes to avoidable and premature deaths from cardiovascular disease, cancer and other causes,” stated Dr. Charles H. Hennekens in the American Journal of Medicine.
Hennekens, a professor at Florida Atlantic University, notes that obesity is the leading avoidable cause of a Type 2 diabetes epidemic in the United States, and it’s also increasing worldwide.
We live in such a fast-paced society, we find it easier to grab a value meal on the go than to cook a healthy meal at home. Year after year, we add pounds to our bodies because of poor habits, without realizing the damage we’re doing.
“I am deeply concerned that the United States is the fattest society in the world and likely to be the fattest in the history of the world,” Hennekens stated. “Unfortunately, most people prefer prescription of pills to proscription of harmful lifestyles.”
Adopting a healthier lifestyle seems impossible for many people. One common belief is that good food is too expensive, that those with lower incomes have to buy cheaper foods that aren’t as good for them.
There is some truth in this. The first time I tried to shop “healthy,” I spent $90 on an amazingly small number of items. This was quite discouraging, considering I had to feed a whole family.
However, the cost of food is not the only issue. The bigger problem is that many of us haven’t educated ourselves on how to live healthier lifestyles.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Nelson Mandela once said. If you are serious about making a lifestyle change, start with the Internet. Read articles on how to eat better.
Look up healthy recipes. You’ll be surprised to find that you can still enjoy some of the same foods you’ve always enjoyed, but there are better ways to prepare them.
Find places in your community that sell fresh fruits and vegetables for reasonable prices, such as Soulard Farmers Market at 730 Carroll St. in St. Louis. It’s open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays year round.
Another place that’s not too far from campus is Schlafly Farmers Market in the parking lot of Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave. in Maplewood, off Manchester. Hours are 4 to 7 p.m.
Wednesdays April through October and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on selected Saturdays November through March.
Local food cooperatives also can help you save money. They are owned and operated by members, who band together to buy food in bulk.
Another part of creating a healthy lifestyle is exercising. If joining a gym is too costly, you can either work out to DVDs or take 30-minute brisk walks around your neighborhood. Just get moving!
Once you start eating better and exercising, you’ll notice a change in the way you feel. You’ll be lighter and more energized, and eventually your body will adapt to this new lifestyle.
It’s been two years since I became ill from high blood pressure, and I’m no longer on medication. I’ve also lost weight. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it’s definitely worth it. My children will have their “Mommy” around a little while longer.