A Village in Rheinland-Pfalz (Germany)
Summer has finally arrived. It did not creep in, it kicked down the door and was suddenly here, from one day to the next. Scorching heat during the day, followed by humid nights. Yet I cannot enjoy this weather, not because of the temperatures, but because I must take an antibiotic whose side effect is skin rashes upon sun exposure.
There is something else that affects my health: my blood levels are poor. If nothing changes, I have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This diagnosis was a shock at first. Suddenly I became aware of how unhealthy my diet and behavior have been lately. Moreover, I have moved less, taking walks or hikes only rarely.
The shock lasted a few days, but it triggered an immediate reaction. I changed my diet right away. I ignored everything bad and reached for the good foods. Since then, salads and whole grain products are at the top of my list, while I avoid sweets and fatty foods. I also eat less.
This change was the immediate reaction to the diagnosis, and it was necessary. How many times have I tried to change something in this direction, only to lack the stamina or not start at all. It took this news to make me behave completely differently.
These are first steps that should lead me to a new life. There is more to do, but it is a good beginning. The diagnosis shows me how fragile life can be. I do not fear death, my own mortality is clear to me, but I love life. For the first time, it is a good life that I am living. I want to enjoy it for much longer.
Summer has finally arrived. It did not creep in, it kicked down the door and was suddenly here, from one day to the next. Scorching heat during the day, followed by humid nights. Yet I cannot enjoy this weather, not because of the temperatures, but because I must take an antibiotic whose side effect is skin rashes upon sun exposure.
There is something else that affects my health: my blood levels are poor. If nothing changes, I have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This diagnosis was a shock at first. Suddenly I became aware of how unhealthy my diet and behavior have been lately. Moreover, I have moved less, taking walks or hikes only rarely.
The shock lasted a few days, but it triggered an immediate reaction. I changed my diet right away. I ignored everything bad and reached for the good foods. Since then, salads and whole grain products are at the top of my list, while I avoid sweets and fatty foods. I also eat less.
This change was the immediate reaction to the diagnosis, and it was necessary. How many times have I tried to change something in this direction, only to lack the stamina or not start at all. It took this news to make me behave completely differently.
These are first steps that should lead me to a new life. There is more to do, but it is a good beginning. The diagnosis shows me how fragile life can be. I do not fear death, my own mortality is clear to me, but I love life. For the first time, it is a good life that I am living. I want to enjoy it for much longer.