…I’d have taken better care of myself. “- Eubie Blake
This week I got some news that I’d been waiting for – my health traits analysis, from My Heritage. They were able to pull this information from the sample I had submitted last year, for my genetic makeup.
I was absolutely sure that I would be told I was at increased risk for cardiac disease, given my history with TIAs, and my family history (father dying at 63 from a massive heart attack, younger sister experiencing a heart attack, other relatives with coronary artery disease). However, I am only at average risk for this and other biggies that people don’t want to know about – like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. My Heritage warns you before they give you the data that this information is in there, and asks you to assent that you actually do want to see your genetic propensity for these devastating diseases. Of course, I clicked a resounding YES. Information is power, people. If I am at an elevated risk for Alzheimers, damn straight I want to know about it so I can plan accordingly!
Long story short – I am at average risk for heart disease, various cancers, Crohn’s disease, some stuff I never heard of, and the aforementioned Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Whew!
I am slightly increased risk for Celiac disease. Hmmm…perhaps this explains my heartburn when I eat wheat, currently under control thanks to modern medicine?
And last but certainly not least, my health report states I am at significantly decreased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration – this is a relief, especially for someone with plans to play a lot with paint in retirement!
So now that it looks like I might live a lot longer than I had anticipated, maybe it’s time to take better care of myself. I’ve noticed I’ve been in a gradual decline of energy this summer.
I’ve been severely anemic before, and this is starting to feel a lot like that. Brain fog, overall fatigue and lack of stamina, lack of focus, falling asleep whenever I am “quiet”. I couldn’t even whip up the energy to make it to Riverfest Elora last weekend so there went the $99 I spent last August on a weekend pass for this year’s festival…ah well, that water is so far under the bridge, it’s already made it to the ocean. 🙂
This is so not me.
I did save my energy so I could go see P!nk on Sunday night though – the ticket was a birthday gift from a good friend of mine!
OK, where was I? Ah yes. Feeling anemic. I mentioned in a comment to Donna, of Retirement Reflections, that I was needing an iron supplement to keep up with the schedule of things I have lined up. She thought I was joking. I was not, Donna! Behold:
I purchased a bottle this week and will be taking it faithfully. My iron levels are on the low side of normal at the best of times, but I feel they may have slipped even further as I haven’t been eating a lot of red meat for many months now (and I’ve started really craving beef – another sign from my body that iron is needed). If this doesn’t pep me up, I’ll be making a visit to the doc for a thorough checkup.
Also on the self-care theme: I splashed out today on a Philips Sonicare toothbrush. My faithful Oral B toothbrush is showing signs of imminent battery failure, as it needs to be charged every other day now…and I am on my last brush head before needing to buy more. So it was definitely time to fish or cut bait as I’ve been dithering about what to do next for the past few months of watching my Oral B steadily go downhill.
This was a pretty expensive purchase. What to do? Get another Oral B, go back to a regular toothbrush, check out the Sonicare…Ultimately I decided on the latter. These were the thoughts that were going through my head:
- I’ll be retired in a matter of months and won’t be able to afford it as easily then. (Already I am having these fearful thoughts about no more paycheques…shit!)
- What’s the most environmentally friendly option? (Probably rubbing at your teeth with a twig…sigh. Moving on…)
- I spent 6 grand on my smile these past 2 years (hello, Invisalign!); an electric toothbrush is protecting my investment.
- I’ll have to pay for dental benefits once I retire and my coverage might not be as good as when I was employed; I’d better take the best care possible of my teeth. (More fearful thoughts! Double shit!!)
So, this is what’s going on with me at the moment – trying to get back some energy, and trying to keep my mouth healthy. And realizing that I am worrying already, about finances post-work life. Even though I have done the math over and over again. And my head knows I WILL BE FINE.
What about you, recent retirees or old hands at it? Did you have fearful thoughts about finances when contemplating your retirement? Do tell…
Rock on,
The WB
I’m not yet retired and I too have fearful thoughts about finances post-retirement. It sounds like you’re ready and taking care of things (body parts) that matter. Also learning about your health risks is a sensible way to lay those fears to rest. Rock on!
Thank you Susanne! I’m sure we’ll both be fine yet can’t help worrying. Grrrr…
I am in the market for a new electric tooth brush but I’m waiting until Christmas hoping the water flosser/toothbrush combs goes on sale.
Every so often I crave red meat. I should get my iron checked.
I first noticed the beef cravings when pregnant – my first brush with anemia. I just couldn’t get enough red meat, mashed potatoes and gravy – a meal I would normally consider kinda boring. Now I’m there again 🤷♀️
I changed my diet about three months ago. I don’t really follow a diet, I guess it is closest to Paleo, which is also called the Cave Man Diet. Meat, fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds and occasionally oatmeal. I eat dark chocolate too. People are starting to notice there is a huge difference in the way I look as 35 pounds dropped off me just by not eating wheat, gluten and dairy. (All three of which are very bad for the body anyway). I always joke that I won’t be retiring, that I will be working right up until the afternoon that I drop dead. Well, I’m actually not joking. As long as I can still walk I’m still going to work. (Yeah sure, I say that now, wait ten years I might change my mind…I doubt it though. I’m a Capricorn. lol). I have to work, I get way too bored at home. Gotta be where the action is…customer service. hahaha. I don’t like the electric toothbrushes, I’ll always be a manual brusher. I go to the dentist every four months and so far the teeth are going well. 😀 I’m jealous that you got to see Pink, I love her. I also love your hair by the way, your natural highlights are really nice. Have a nice evening, Deb. I enjoyed your blog. xoxo ~GW
Thanks GW! I was Paleo (Whole 30 actually) a long time ago – pretty strict too, didn’t even eat fruit – felt great but it was tough eating out especially at other people’s’ homes. I should try cleaning up my eating habits – maybe not quite so hardcore this time so easier to maintain in the long term…
I could never give up fruit. Never. lol. There are places you can go now, there’s a place here in Oakville on Kerr St, called Lettuce Love Café. All Vegan and gluten free. I went with my son the food was amazing.
I’m fearful contemplating my finances now, let alone retirement. And I use the same iron as the one you pictured. I think it works well (and yummy too).
Agreed, AJ! I told my doc about this stuff. Way more effective than the iron pills they recommend. And doesn’t plug you up either ☺️
Hi Deb! Thom and I have actually invested quite a bit in our health. We see a doctor in MX and have tried a few alternative things. Some makes us feels better, others are just hopeful preventive measures. But we’ve always believed that having our health is far more important than just about anything else we can do at our age. It’s not all perfect but we’re doing pretty good. Fingers crossed. And good for you for also being proactive. Oh, and we use the sonic care religiously (along with a water pick!) . ~Kathy
Thanks Kathy! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure they say. And your health is your wealth. And I say these things too! I’ve tried the Water Pik and didn’t like it for some reason which now escapes me. Probably my sensitive teeth…
Hi, Deb – My sincere apologies – I truly thought that you were joking – or coming up with a really brilliant line for me to steal (errr, I mean ‘borrow’)!
Like others, I am glad that you are being proactive about your health, and that test results have given you the thumbs up for good longevity. I admire your courage in so openly exploring your genetic history in terms of severe health risks. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough for that! :0
No worries, Donna – and no need to apologize! It does sound like the kind of wise-ass off-the-cuff remark I would make, doesn’t it? 😜
Congratulations on getting a hall pass on the genetics stuff! I can imagine that this was a sigh of relief. Personally I think I would prefer not to know. You say knowledge is power, but I’m currently nestled comfortably in an ignorance-is-bliss fuzzy wrap 😉
If you missed Riverfest THAT’S big. Smart of you to know enough to stop and recharge.
I’m coming out of a 3 week stretch when I didn’t have much energy or motivation either. I’m just starting to get some of my zippidity-do-dah back. I assumed it had been the heat and humidity that took its toll.
We’re all in this for the long haul so listening to our bodies is the smart course of action.
Thanks Joanne! I’m one of those people who has to have whatever information is available for decision making, being a long range planner as you know! I appreciate that many would prefer to not know. I have a hard time understanding it, but I appreciate it! 😜
I believe in balance in the Universe so let’s just say I’m your counter-balance 😁
Works for me 😄
Oh dear, you brought up the “R” word. This year and for a few more until Z-D retires we’re going through what I call Retirement Bootcamp. Every purchase and decision is being filtered through the “R” word. I’m sick of thinking/focusing/worrying about it already– and one of us is still working. I swear it’s the paying attention to the “R” word that is zapping my energy, not the candles on my birthday cake.
Huh, maybe that’s what’s happening to me and not low iron? Sorry for bringing up the R word, Ally. But I’ll be doing that a lot from now on as I am irrevocably signed up for Retirement Bootcamp. 😜 Happy birthday, by the way🎂! Sounds like it was recent or is imminent. 💕
I’ve been retired 8 years and I still describe us as one catastrophic illness away from living in a tent. Wish I wouldn’t worry because it doesn’t really change anything. Our medical coverage here is different than what you have. So much is not covered. I’ve used a Sonicare product for over 25 years. Haven’t had anything go wrong in my mouth, no cavities, abscesses, etc. I too have a lot invested there and don’t want to lose it or gasp! replace anything expensive. I’ve lost energy too. I was tested and my iron is fine so I’m wondering what it is (good lord it can’t be aging!).
Absolutely can’t be aging, right?! RIGHT!?! My expensive coffee machine bit the dust this morning after 5 years of loyal daily service and I just ordered in $140 worth of Nespresso capsules. First world problem, for sure! I can see I’m gonna have to start an “Uh-Oh!” savings account for my paycheque-less future as I don’t want to give up my morning lattes especially when I’ll finally have more time to linger over them. ☕️ I hope you stay outta that tent, Kate! 💕
I keep thinking about an espresso machine for those days that I can’t get to Starbucks! Damn things are expensive! Gotta have some pleasures in life though.
True enough! For convenience and cost-savings, an in-house machine is the only choice for me as the closest Starbucks is a 10 minute drive away. My $0.75 Nespresso capsule and a splash of soy milk froth is peanuts compared to a daily run to the Bux.
We’ve been retired for a long time. Just add up what it cost you to live…hydro, gas, water, rent, and if your dwelling is paid for, property taxes, food, clothing etc. This is no time to take on a mortgage. You’ll find you don’t need as many clothes and other things that you may need for the work world. Avoid debt at all costs. If you don’t have the money for something, don’t buy it until you have saved up for it. There are some real benefits to retirement and you want to be able to enjoy it. Much to be said for it Deb.
Leslie
Thank you Leslie! Great advice, and not just for retirement but for all stages of life. 💕
You have lots to look forward to Deb.
Leslie
I agree! After the past couple of weeks at work, I am rueing the decision to keep working until the end of the year. 😫
Whatever you decide it will be for the best….
I contemplate the “R” word pretty much every day these days! Man, if only I had a pension, there would be no decision! Having said that, I am hopeful I am only a year, maybe 1 1/2 away from freedom!
Hopefully the times passes quickly for you, Lynn! Thanks for chiming in 💕
I use my iron frying pan for a lot of my cooking (not just frying but sauces as well), its a great way to actually get iron into your diet for free!
You’re right! I should be using my cast iron pan more. I also have this cast iron “fish” that I’ve never used, but can make iron-enriched drinking water with. Thanks for jogging my memory, Jonathan!
Hate to be the one to leave a turd in the punchbowl, but these DNA tests are not very good at predicting disease… https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-accurate-are-online-dna-tests/ Key paragraph:
“Genetics is a probabilistic science, and there are no genes “for” anything in particular. I have severe reservations about the utility of genetic tests that indicate one individual’s propensity for certain conditions outside of a clinical setting; if you don’t have a PhD in genetics, these results can be misleading or even troubling. Even if, as I do, you carry a version of a gene which increases the probability of developing Alzheimer’s disease, most people with this variant do not develop the disorder, which is also profoundly influenced by many lifestyle choices and some blind luck. There is little a geneticist can tell you with this information that will outweigh standard lifestyle advice: Don’t smoke, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and wear sunscreen.”
Bottom line the answer is the same. You likely have a long time ahead of you and worrying about this shit won’t help.
Thanks Kieran. You can come here and drop a 💩 on my blog any time. Yes I do know that genetic markers do not guarantee disease any more than lack of them protect you from the same. Let me have my fun in pretending I dodged a bullet, OK? 😁
Good news on the health and teeth front! I can tell you retirement is AMAZING, especially if you’re healthy. Can’t wait to read about what you’ll do with all that time! Personally I’m finding I’m busier then ever.
Woohoo! That’s what I love to hear 💕 Thanks Dawn!
Great news! Retirement is not something I feel I will ever be able to do. I just turned 61 last month, but most of my 401k was used trying to keep a roof over our heads while I was out of work from 7/30/09 till just after the new year 2014. Honestly, I refer to it as a 101k now. As for my health, I’m shocked that I’m still standing, my late g/f ate mostly right and became type2 diabetic which was the major reason why she’s not with us (the details are grusome and extensive) She ate mostly healthy while I’m the one who put pizza rolls in the microwave, called it dinner and survived having a colestorol lever of 500 twice with high BP. I truly believe that I was spared by a higher power because I was supposed to take care of her. Now I am facing surgery in the fall for an aortic anneyurism with little support from family.
Ya never know, eh Don? I had a mother-in-law who smoked like a chimney, drank like a fish, ate a pound of butter a week, and lived to 90. My late husband was an athlete who never smoked, didn’t drink, and died from lung cancer at 54. I’m sorry to hear about your lack of support. I hope your surgery is a success.
Thank you
I need to try this iron supplement. My energy levels have sucked this summer. Maybe this will help. Jealous you are retiring soon….can you get a part time job for fun and a little extra pocket money? I hope to retire in 3 years and then figure out something fun to do for a living!
I don’t plan to work anymore once I retire from my job, but ya never know. I’m trying to keep an open mind on this and all things, Pam. If you try the Floradix, let me know if it works for you. I feel better already, after 5 days.
I will definitely keep you posted!!
Hi Deb,
Great post…getting old sucks but it beats the alternative. We ran the “R” numbers over and over and over before we actually did it. We are spending a lot of our $$ on the front end of “R” to travel and check off the bucket list items while we are healthy enough to enjoy them. Watched my mother in decline be totally resentful that she did not get to do the things that she had always aspired to because of $$$. I refuse to follow her example.
Try not to worry…you are a smart one and the numbers don’t lie. And if you get in a pinch there is always $ to be made.
I refuse to worry about $…other stuff, yeah, but not $.
And we are hand-held brushers, no advise there I’m afraid!
You guys are so smart to be doing what you are doing, Nancy. I’ve seen too many people wait too long to do what they want to do, and then they have a health catastrophe and their world shrinks down and they couldn’t spend the $$$ even if they still had the will and energy to do so. Spend the money in your “baller” retirement years, because as you age you won’t want or be able to, is my thinking. I know this intuitively, but I also come from a long line of worrywarts…so I need constant reminding. Hah! Thanks Nancy!!
Hi Deb, I have always liked your title phrase. I still remember the first time I heard it from a gentleman approximately 90 years old. You are right, information is power. PINK, OMgosh! I hear she is amazing! I became all goosebumpy when you started talking oral health…..my career for over 25 years. Re: diet and energy and stomach issues, much more of a concern in the last 5 years. We are very individual and it sounds by now that you know what you need to do to keep your body as healthy as possible. Kathy used the word, “proactive” and I agree with her:)
Thank you Erica 💕
We are in pretty good shape financially… but now that we’ve retired – and have no desire to go back to work – it can get a little scary (especially with our idiot-in-chef making bad decisions). No matter how much my husband assures me that we are fine, I will always be looking to save here and there… which I think is a good thing. Good news on your DNA testing. Even though there are no guarantees, why bother worrying about something (like Alzheimers and Parkinsons) that you can’t change? Just do what you can to stay healthy and happy. You’ll love retirement!
Thank you Janis! I think I will too 💕
Ahh, the Bag Lady Syndrome. Yup, it has a name. Even though we are very financially secure (DINKs, me a workaholic, and delayed gratification will do that to you), I still have that fear of not having enough money. My Financial Advisor repeatedly tells me… you are fine, you will be fine. (Yes, repeatedly… I think he’s tired of it!) But every downturn of the stock market, every stupid political decision, I panic. I’m not sure why I have the fear? Maybe because I didn’t grow up “with money”? Ah well, I have added Grateful for Financial Security to my list to try and release the fear.
I’m not sure how much more I want to know about my genetic profile. Between siblings, parents, and my immediate aunts/uncles, it’s pretty grim. I’m just trying to take of myself better these days than I have in the past! I do all the regular check-ups too. That caught the breast cancer at Stage 1! And I also try and listen to my body. If your’s is craving iron… give it iron!
Yes Ma’am! 👌 I’m faithfully taking the liquid iron and eating a lot more 🥩! And already starting to feel better. Bag Lady Syndrome – good name. I have a touch of that, for sure Pat!
I saw that Pink concert here a couple months back and she IS a Badass. She flew right over our heads on that trapeze. I’ll think about diet and aging tomorrow…..
Hah! I started resistance band training after that concert. Thanks a lot, P!nk 💪🤨
I read a comment on a blog post this morning from a lady who had just completed her application to an independent living facility. The clerk reviewed her application and informed her that (if accepted), they anticipated she would live eight years in Independent Living, one month in Assisted Living, and One month with Hospice Services. True story. I think your report pales, but it’s good stuff to know.
Just a thought, are you drinking enough water??
Good thought, Suzanne! I need to up my water game for sure. Interesting what “they” tell a person, based on averages. The numbers work, based on a population but when you drill down to the individual level anything goes. When my mom was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s, she was told on average people live 8 years past diagnosis. She doubled that, and most of those years were with a good quality of life too.
I think finances can be what causes the most grey hair. Especially at times when you don’t get a paycheck. Hopefully, you will be just fine. It seems like you’re planning in advance, which should help.
I’m sorry you weren’t able to attend one event, but glad you managed to make up for it with P!nk.
I might have to give that iron tonic a go.
That iron tonic is the best, FG. If low iron is the culprit. I feel like my old self again, after 1 week.
What’s the taste like? On a scale of meh to terrible.
I say meh. It has a taste reminiscent of prunes to me. You only need 10mL twice per day.
I hate prunes. But I might give it a try for the sake of trying.
I have been kind-of-retired for a couple of years now. It’s great! I have two pensions, a work pension and the state (Government) pension, both of which I paid into for 40 years so I feel I deserve them! It’s cheaper being retired. I’m cooking more from scratch, not using the car to commute, not so fussy about smart work clothes etc and rarely use make-up now. Plus, I used to work on local publications and they call on me to write articles or fill in for people on holiday or off sick so I’ve usually got some kind of work on the go – but I’m not working 40+ hours a week like I used to. I realise I am very lucky and am thankful for it.
Thanks Pat! I have a feeling that retirement will be cheaper for me too. I love to putter in the kitchen so I see a lot more eating in, in my future. And the clothing – I have a friend who recently retired and now is wondering how best to pass on all her work clothes. I suggested donating to an organization that helps underprivileged women enter/re-enter the workforce or advance in their careers, like the YWCA. My work wardrobe is more casual than hers but I think I will doing the same.
There’s never enough money to retire. That’s because no one can predict the future, and know how well any investment is going to perform. I figured, the best strategy was to save enough to impress the hell out of myself, then retire. And so far, that’s worked.
I like your style, TG. 💕
Deb, I agonized for two years about whether and when to retire: finances, loss of identity, loss of my career, lack of purpose, moving. I’ve now been retired for two years and it has been wonderful. It’s hard to remember now why the decision seemed so hard.
Jude
Thanks Jude! This is good to know.
You had me with the title! 🙂
Congrats on these great results. I too would rather know, than not!
I totally get the lack of energy, as I feel as though I go through bouts of tremendous energy and then again much less where I just want to be still and not do much. Essentially it usually is about diet with me. If I am eating well, with lots of raw fresh fruit and veggies, less bread, croissants (sigh) dairy (sigh) and less fried foods, I have more energy. Meat I only eat occasionally when I am really craving it or when we travel and I want to try local dishes.
Ah PINK!!! that will get one energized 🙂
Peta
Thank you Peta. My energy levels can be related to diet and also to other aspects of my lifestyle. I can easily become drained by not enough quiet, alone time. That is more easily and quickly remedied than when my diet has been poor or lacking in iron. I was on a work trip to Texas this past week where I had to very social for many hours per day plus the food was richer than I would normally consume. Fun, good trip saying goodbye to many I got to know during my time at this last job, but now I’m paying the price 😜