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Original poster

Anyone in their 40s/50s plus had a health wake up call?

360 replies

CuriousMama · 22/03/2023 20:32

I recently went to the GP because of a couple of health worries. She took my BP whilst there and it was really high.
I'm on HRT. I'm overweight but not massively.
So I decided to make a massive effort to change my ways. I've exercised a lot more. Done yoga. Eating smaller portions and healthier food. I eat pretty healthy anyway but have upped it. Drinking beetroot smoothies. It's good for lowering BP. Taking potassium as well as usual vitamins.
She'd prescribed bp meds but I wanted to try and lower it myself first.
Bp has gone down a lot. I feel a lot better in myself and have more energy.

Anyone else had this or decided to get healthier now they're in their 50s?

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 22/03/2023 21:28

… am lifting weights 2 or 3 times a week, building steps up and more protein, fibre and plants as a PP said. Now if only I could go to bed on time..

Original poster
CuriousMama · 22/03/2023 21:30

Southstand · 22/03/2023 21:22

Cross post.

Thanks OP. I use Lift with Cee on YouTube. She does a beginner's programme for women over 40. She's very calm and uses a doable number of exercises. I'm hooked! So I keep going back - consistency wins!

Do you subscribe?

OP posts:
Southstand · 22/03/2023 21:30

The problem with going to bed is that tomorrow and work comes all too quickly. I'd rather stay up and avoid it!

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
NORTHERNIRISHGIRL2023 · 22/03/2023 21:30

CuriousMama · 22/03/2023 20:32

I recently went to the GP because of a couple of health worries. She took my BP whilst there and it was really high.
I'm on HRT. I'm overweight but not massively.
So I decided to make a massive effort to change my ways. I've exercised a lot more. Done yoga. Eating smaller portions and healthier food. I eat pretty healthy anyway but have upped it. Drinking beetroot smoothies. It's good for lowering BP. Taking potassium as well as usual vitamins.
She'd prescribed bp meds but I wanted to try and lower it myself first.
Bp has gone down a lot. I feel a lot better in myself and have more energy.

Anyone else had this or decided to get healthier now they're in their 50s?

I'm coming nearly 50 & at times I feel older & other times I feel younger. Guess my kids and grandchild keeps me active which is a bonus. I've a few health issues which require a hospital stay coming up. I've went on a health kick & exercising regularly so definitely helping me to some degree. As for aging I'm not sure how I feel about that, it's a pickle of a conundrum that one! 😂 x

Southstand · 22/03/2023 21:31

It's free OP

Original poster
CuriousMama · 22/03/2023 21:37

Southstand · 22/03/2023 21:31

It's free OP

Excellent

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 22/03/2023 21:38

I am trying to get motivated. I am very overweight with back problems and currently struggling to walk on a very painful ankle which i am worried is arthiritis. I recently had my BP checked by the pharmacist and it was high. I have started HRT in the last year so concerned it could be related to that or to my weight obviously. Really need to get losing weight but it is so hard. I'm normally quite active with a couple of dog walks a day but don't think it's enough and my job is quite sedentary.

VeryQuaintIrene · 22/03/2023 21:44

Yes - got cellulitis which turned to sepsis at the end of 2021-2 and was really, really ill. Since then I've lost about 30 pounds (more still to go, but it's a good start) and massively cut down drinking which was affecting my BP, which has a tendency to be high and am back at the gym twice a week whose doors I had not darkened for several years!

Southstand · 22/03/2023 21:45

Gosh well done VeryQuaintIrene.

Original poster
CuriousMama · 22/03/2023 21:50

Babyroobs · 22/03/2023 21:38

I am trying to get motivated. I am very overweight with back problems and currently struggling to walk on a very painful ankle which i am worried is arthiritis. I recently had my BP checked by the pharmacist and it was high. I have started HRT in the last year so concerned it could be related to that or to my weight obviously. Really need to get losing weight but it is so hard. I'm normally quite active with a couple of dog walks a day but don't think it's enough and my job is quite sedentary.

Sorry to hear that. Dog walks aren't enough. You need to get breathless. Even if it's chair exercise to start with? Can you swim? Do you have any hand weights.

OP posts:
Original poster
CuriousMama · 22/03/2023 21:51

VeryQuaintIrene · 22/03/2023 21:44

Yes - got cellulitis which turned to sepsis at the end of 2021-2 and was really, really ill. Since then I've lost about 30 pounds (more still to go, but it's a good start) and massively cut down drinking which was affecting my BP, which has a tendency to be high and am back at the gym twice a week whose doors I had not darkened for several years!

That's brilliant.

OP posts:
jasminetrampoline · 22/03/2023 22:27

Hi I have all the warnings, but have yet to get my arse into gear.
54, high BP (now medicated), very overweight, high cholestrol, horribly unfit, sedentary job, 70+ hours work a week. Plus 2 teens and several family members that need support (either old or disabled).
I must look shit as everyone keeps telling me to look after myself 😂
I know I need to work less and move more, but it is easier said than done.
The gadgety watch I inherited from DH keeps telling me off, as an alarm goes off when my heart rate is over a certain level when I am stationary. It has gone off 3 or 4 times this week.
Seeing this in print is a bit embarrasing tbh. I am quite an intelligent person but when it comes to my health I am clearly a bit of a twat.

weegiemum · 22/03/2023 22:28

I went to A&E with a kidney stone and came out with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes!

Been modifying my diet and taking my medication, and have started losing the large amount of weight I need to lose.

I'm 52 and also have a neurological condition similar to MS so am suddenly very committed to getting healthy!

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 22/03/2023 22:32

Exactly the same as you OP. I'm now 2.5 stone down since November and feel really well.

justasking111 · 22/03/2023 22:33

jasminetrampoline · 22/03/2023 22:27

Hi I have all the warnings, but have yet to get my arse into gear.
54, high BP (now medicated), very overweight, high cholestrol, horribly unfit, sedentary job, 70+ hours work a week. Plus 2 teens and several family members that need support (either old or disabled).
I must look shit as everyone keeps telling me to look after myself 😂
I know I need to work less and move more, but it is easier said than done.
The gadgety watch I inherited from DH keeps telling me off, as an alarm goes off when my heart rate is over a certain level when I am stationary. It has gone off 3 or 4 times this week.
Seeing this in print is a bit embarrasing tbh. I am quite an intelligent person but when it comes to my health I am clearly a bit of a twat.

Jasmine you must address this.

I hate Fitbit just putting it on would raise my BP though

MarchMadness23 · 22/03/2023 22:36

Yes. I'll be back tomorrow to read the thread & share mine (my eyes are too strained right now). Good night, good sleep!

jasminetrampoline · 22/03/2023 22:39

@justasking111 I know. It is ridiculous. This is a great thread, OP and all the PP who have taken steps are giving me great inspiration to get a grip and get on with it.

Original poster
CuriousMama · 22/03/2023 22:47

We can all do it. Be kind to yourself everyone. Small steps are better than non.

OP posts:
Original poster
CuriousMama · 22/03/2023 22:53

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 22/03/2023 22:32

Exactly the same as you OP. I'm now 2.5 stone down since November and feel really well.

That's brilliant

OP posts:
GettingThereCharleyBear · 22/03/2023 22:54

Are we having an over 50s support group? 😄

In which case can I join? 😊

Luredbyapomegranate · 22/03/2023 23:19

jasminetrampoline · 22/03/2023 22:27

Hi I have all the warnings, but have yet to get my arse into gear.
54, high BP (now medicated), very overweight, high cholestrol, horribly unfit, sedentary job, 70+ hours work a week. Plus 2 teens and several family members that need support (either old or disabled).
I must look shit as everyone keeps telling me to look after myself 😂
I know I need to work less and move more, but it is easier said than done.
The gadgety watch I inherited from DH keeps telling me off, as an alarm goes off when my heart rate is over a certain level when I am stationary. It has gone off 3 or 4 times this week.
Seeing this in print is a bit embarrasing tbh. I am quite an intelligent person but when it comes to my health I am clearly a bit of a twat.

Very much snap

Luredbyapomegranate · 22/03/2023 23:23

Also my doctor refuses to let me have HRT till I loose weight. A GP mate says it’s my choice and my Gp is a CF, but actually I think my GP is right. Or I did, when I thought it would be motivating- still waiting for that to kick in.

Chocolatehippychick · 22/03/2023 23:38

I'm mid fifties and had a cholesterol test recently included as part of a general set if blood tests as thought I should have one. Rang for the results and was told by the receptionist that the doctor said all the results were ok and he wouldn't be contacting me.When I asked for the result she said it was 6. Bit shocked as I thought over 5 is seen as being high!
Awaiting tomorrow's appt to discuss it but I don't have much faith seeing as he seemed to think it isn't a problem.
Either way I know I need to lose 2 stone and exercise but am lacking motivation due to stress at home and work. If it is high as I suppose receptionist could've got it wrong then it might give me the rocket I need.

Starlightisenthralling · 22/03/2023 23:39

It's hard work when you're in your 50's but I think essential to be as fit as we can be. My cholesterol was 6.1 and I've managed to get it down to 5.4 without statins, really pleased with that. I run a lot (ultra marathons) go to the gym 2/3 times a week. Joints ache and I'm always tired but I do love the exercise and good company that goes with it. My only advice re excercise is to do something you enjoy, completely pointless to pursue something active just because you feel you should x

Starlightisenthralling · 22/03/2023 23:40

Chocolatehippychick · 22/03/2023 23:38

I'm mid fifties and had a cholesterol test recently included as part of a general set if blood tests as thought I should have one. Rang for the results and was told by the receptionist that the doctor said all the results were ok and he wouldn't be contacting me.When I asked for the result she said it was 6. Bit shocked as I thought over 5 is seen as being high!
Awaiting tomorrow's appt to discuss it but I don't have much faith seeing as he seemed to think it isn't a problem.
Either way I know I need to lose 2 stone and exercise but am lacking motivation due to stress at home and work. If it is high as I suppose receptionist could've got it wrong then it might give me the rocket I need.

Cross post there! Yes I was shocked that mine was over 6 as know they don't want you over 5.