Well the unthinkable has happened, this is really sucking at the moment, but life is like that on occasion. Last Friday, was called up to the office with my HR representative and the Project manager, you got to know when you get that call you know that it’s not for a big fat raise. In fact it was to be told that things on the engagement suck and that they are going to let everyone go on April 13, 2007 if they cannot place us within the company.
My first thoughts on this were anger as you can expect, I moved to Halifax for this job, I gave up a good job for what I thought was a great opportunity to learn and advance. Shame on me to think that any good could come from risking it all, like most folks who moved to Halifax, we are not trapped. If I don’t find an opportunity here, I either have to contract out and work away from my home or take a job that involves “Would you like to Super size that sir”.
It’s funny but when I look back at the last few years, good stuff gets balanced out by bad stuff. Its like accounting, you can’t have a good credit with out a bad credit. For example, my meeting Aingeal, that is the best thing that has happened to me, 1 year later, I get diagnosed with Diabetes. I graduate 3 rd in class from college find a good job with NEBS, My 20 year marriage comes to an end and I go into a 4 year depression.
Thanks to Aingeal who turned my life around YEAH I am glad she puts up with my stuff. For an almost 50 year old, I can be pretty child like at time. Hey better then acting my age anytime. Now for the third strike I come to Halifax for a job that I thought would rule them all, but it turns out I am going to get the shaft. Lesson learned, they can love you and pat you on the back, but watch when they pat you on the back you may not feel the kick me sign.
However, let’s turn this negativity around as I am going to say that I will not let myself get down, I choose to stay happy no matter what. If life turns out to hand you a bunch of lemons make lemon aid. This is going to be an opportunity for me to advance myself personally. One makes there own opportunity I did that to get to Halifax I will do it again to stay in Halifax.
My motivation is from within, and I refuse to give into the dark side. I can’t see myself as Darth Harry.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
This week
Interesting week in my life, Running is going great did 50K last week and started this week off with a fantastic 19K run. It was sunny in Halifax today a bit windy over the bridge but a very enjoyable 19K.
Had an interesting day on Saturday was invited to a discussion put on by the Canada Health Council to discuss Diabetes, Today and Tomorrow. It was a great day. They brought together about 30 people to discuss a range of topics on Diabetes. This included the statistics which are staggering. I did not realize that almost 14 Billion Dollars is spent on Diabetes alone.
Scary were our health care money is going. The focus was on Type II diabetes since it can be prevented in some cases. We discussed what we thought was good in our healthcare system and what was bad. It is amazing that the good things in Diabetes care is also part of the things we don’t do so well.
In my opinion the question education came out a lot. Not just as something that we do well but something that is weak. There is lots of information out there but how do people access the information. Are the Doctor and our health care professionals helping to get the info out? Not just to diabetes but to non-diabetics.
Its important to get the message out there, Diabetes is a big problem, as a Canadian Man or women you have a good chance to become diabetic at least 1in 3 if you are white. But if you are African Canadian you odds go up to 1 in 2 and if you are of aboriginal decent it’s almost 100% that you will get diabetes.
Canada has to get better about how we get the message about diabetes out to all people. Especially those at risk, it was no surprise that low income people are more subject to the disease then higher income people. We discussed the high cost of being healthy, it cost more to eat healthy and live healthy. If you don’t have the money it’s harder to choose foods that are better for you.
All in all I think the eight hours with the Canadian Health Counsel was time well spent. Let’s hope that in some small way I was able to help the future role of Canadian Health care for diabetes.
Had an interesting day on Saturday was invited to a discussion put on by the Canada Health Council to discuss Diabetes, Today and Tomorrow. It was a great day. They brought together about 30 people to discuss a range of topics on Diabetes. This included the statistics which are staggering. I did not realize that almost 14 Billion Dollars is spent on Diabetes alone.
Scary were our health care money is going. The focus was on Type II diabetes since it can be prevented in some cases. We discussed what we thought was good in our healthcare system and what was bad. It is amazing that the good things in Diabetes care is also part of the things we don’t do so well.
In my opinion the question education came out a lot. Not just as something that we do well but something that is weak. There is lots of information out there but how do people access the information. Are the Doctor and our health care professionals helping to get the info out? Not just to diabetes but to non-diabetics.
Its important to get the message out there, Diabetes is a big problem, as a Canadian Man or women you have a good chance to become diabetic at least 1in 3 if you are white. But if you are African Canadian you odds go up to 1 in 2 and if you are of aboriginal decent it’s almost 100% that you will get diabetes.
Canada has to get better about how we get the message about diabetes out to all people. Especially those at risk, it was no surprise that low income people are more subject to the disease then higher income people. We discussed the high cost of being healthy, it cost more to eat healthy and live healthy. If you don’t have the money it’s harder to choose foods that are better for you.
All in all I think the eight hours with the Canadian Health Counsel was time well spent. Let’s hope that in some small way I was able to help the future role of Canadian Health care for diabetes.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
New week horray
Another week has passed, with another 52K under my belt. The next LSD run is 19K, this will be the turning point in the Marathon Training as the mileage now gets heavier and works its way to 32K for a Sunday run. Yesterday I took a rest day and did a step class at Nubody’s the gym I joined. Man talk about sweat, I can run 16K without a major problems. Step up and down for 40 minutes and see the sweat fly.
I still have not really played with Carbs on the road, But will have to look at some fuel this week as we approach the longer runs. Gel’s are what I am going to try, Can’t wait! Yeah Right.
This weekend, I will be taking part of a Canadian Government road show on how I think the Government can improve the health care system for diabetics. Sounds great, so I started doing some research on various programs, many provinces have there own “plans”. This surprised me as I did not realize that Provinces such as SK had a plan of there own. ON is working on their’s, not sure on other provinces, these plans seem to try to mention Diabetes and how bad it is to be uncontrolled. That’s the good part.
I think the bad part is the provinces and feds suck at getting the message where it belongs, to the schools and homes. Mind you a lot of schools have started realizing that they need to offer healthier choices in there Cafeteria’s. Many schools have dropped the traditional coke and Pepsi machines for water and juice. The French Fries are gone except maybe on Friday. This is a good start.
But more is needed; we need to make prevention and control affordable. Go to the supermarket, If you are on a budget 2L of No name type pop 79 cents vs. 2.89$ for 2 liters of milk. So families by pop instead of milk, even breads you can by a generic white bread loaf for 1.30$ but a good multigrain flax bread 2.20$ almost 2x the cost.
Fresh veggies, while I don’t begrudge a farmer making a living, but let’s face it in Canada in January there is no local produce. All is imported from the US or South America. It’s a wonder we eat veggies at all here in Canada.
Eating healthy is a commitment not only to eating right, but also means you will spend more on groceries, is it worth it? In my opinion it would be healthier eating means far less risks later on in life with diabetes, heart diseases and cancers.
The government needs to get radical in there approach to healthcare. You can’t say Smoking is bad for you and the effect on the healthcare system is draining, when you turn around and tax the heck out of cigarettes for millions of dollars in tax revenue. On the one had the government does not want you to smoke because its unhealthy, but on the other side is that it generates millions of dollars in tax revenue so we can’t out right ban it.
Maybe the government the government needs to intervene at the school level. Screening kids for diabetes and other diseases. If a kid is overweight, maybe the public health folks need to go into the home, not so much as a punishment but to help educate the parents that a huge plate of spaghetti is not a healthy meal on its on. I was appalled the other day when I was shopping and this 12 year old (+/-) was huge, he weighted 350lbs if not more. His mother in the cart had nothing but JUNK. Does she not realize that her picky eating kid is slowly being killed by her? She needs to be educated about how to feed her son. At 12 years old it’s her responsibility to ensure his health. That is the crux isn’t it the government can’t be held responsible for an unhealthy public. Should they even try?
Good question in my opinion.
Harry
I still have not really played with Carbs on the road, But will have to look at some fuel this week as we approach the longer runs. Gel’s are what I am going to try, Can’t wait! Yeah Right.
This weekend, I will be taking part of a Canadian Government road show on how I think the Government can improve the health care system for diabetics. Sounds great, so I started doing some research on various programs, many provinces have there own “plans”. This surprised me as I did not realize that Provinces such as SK had a plan of there own. ON is working on their’s, not sure on other provinces, these plans seem to try to mention Diabetes and how bad it is to be uncontrolled. That’s the good part.
I think the bad part is the provinces and feds suck at getting the message where it belongs, to the schools and homes. Mind you a lot of schools have started realizing that they need to offer healthier choices in there Cafeteria’s. Many schools have dropped the traditional coke and Pepsi machines for water and juice. The French Fries are gone except maybe on Friday. This is a good start.
But more is needed; we need to make prevention and control affordable. Go to the supermarket, If you are on a budget 2L of No name type pop 79 cents vs. 2.89$ for 2 liters of milk. So families by pop instead of milk, even breads you can by a generic white bread loaf for 1.30$ but a good multigrain flax bread 2.20$ almost 2x the cost.
Fresh veggies, while I don’t begrudge a farmer making a living, but let’s face it in Canada in January there is no local produce. All is imported from the US or South America. It’s a wonder we eat veggies at all here in Canada.
Eating healthy is a commitment not only to eating right, but also means you will spend more on groceries, is it worth it? In my opinion it would be healthier eating means far less risks later on in life with diabetes, heart diseases and cancers.
The government needs to get radical in there approach to healthcare. You can’t say Smoking is bad for you and the effect on the healthcare system is draining, when you turn around and tax the heck out of cigarettes for millions of dollars in tax revenue. On the one had the government does not want you to smoke because its unhealthy, but on the other side is that it generates millions of dollars in tax revenue so we can’t out right ban it.
Maybe the government the government needs to intervene at the school level. Screening kids for diabetes and other diseases. If a kid is overweight, maybe the public health folks need to go into the home, not so much as a punishment but to help educate the parents that a huge plate of spaghetti is not a healthy meal on its on. I was appalled the other day when I was shopping and this 12 year old (+/-) was huge, he weighted 350lbs if not more. His mother in the cart had nothing but JUNK. Does she not realize that her picky eating kid is slowly being killed by her? She needs to be educated about how to feed her son. At 12 years old it’s her responsibility to ensure his health. That is the crux isn’t it the government can’t be held responsible for an unhealthy public. Should they even try?
Good question in my opinion.
Harry
Friday, February 16, 2007
Rant
Rant on:
I was wandering through the food court after coming out of the gym this morning. It’s no wonder why are life expectancies are going down. Here I am a Type II diabetic who struggles to maintain a balance diet so that my BS (Blood Sugar) does not rise into a dangerous count.
So on occasion I find myself mad that I am diabetic and others who are bigger and more obese are not. Foods that other folks take for granted I either have to deny myself or eat so little of it’s hardly worth putting on the plate. Take for instance the gentleman who I saw this morning eating his breakfast.
His breakfast consisted of 500ML 1% chocolate milk, 2 Slices of bacon, 2 eggs, 2 slices of toast with butter, a ½ plate of hash browns. His breakfast weighs in at 993 calories. For a diabetic we are looking at 3 proteins 6 fats, 9 carbs. It’s a wonder why we are going diabetic.
I looked at that and said that is how I used to eat, Ok I am skinny and eat like a bird, Breakfast was 6oz Light Hot chocolate 9g carbs, 3 melba toast with 2 tbsp of peanut butter and a Orange. which amounts to about 2+ carbs 1fat and and a bit of protein
Lunch was 2 small sugarless cookies and about 12 oz of homade veggie soup cream. 3 carbs, 1 fat and a little protien. I have now eating two meals, ran 5.5KM at lunch did 20 minutes on the eliptical machine and I still have not eaten as much as that guy for his breakfast.
Heres to long life.
Rant off
I was wandering through the food court after coming out of the gym this morning. It’s no wonder why are life expectancies are going down. Here I am a Type II diabetic who struggles to maintain a balance diet so that my BS (Blood Sugar) does not rise into a dangerous count.
So on occasion I find myself mad that I am diabetic and others who are bigger and more obese are not. Foods that other folks take for granted I either have to deny myself or eat so little of it’s hardly worth putting on the plate. Take for instance the gentleman who I saw this morning eating his breakfast.
His breakfast consisted of 500ML 1% chocolate milk, 2 Slices of bacon, 2 eggs, 2 slices of toast with butter, a ½ plate of hash browns. His breakfast weighs in at 993 calories. For a diabetic we are looking at 3 proteins 6 fats, 9 carbs. It’s a wonder why we are going diabetic.
I looked at that and said that is how I used to eat, Ok I am skinny and eat like a bird, Breakfast was 6oz Light Hot chocolate 9g carbs, 3 melba toast with 2 tbsp of peanut butter and a Orange. which amounts to about 2+ carbs 1fat and and a bit of protein
Lunch was 2 small sugarless cookies and about 12 oz of homade veggie soup cream. 3 carbs, 1 fat and a little protien. I have now eating two meals, ran 5.5KM at lunch did 20 minutes on the eliptical machine and I still have not eaten as much as that guy for his breakfast.
Heres to long life.
Rant off
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Principle #7, You get Two Hours and Two Days from a workout.
Principle #7, You get Two Hours and Two Days from a workout.
I have noticed especially in the longer runs that while running the BS do not change significantly over 16 – 20K distances. But as your muscles work they are using the glucose stored in the cells. Over the run you deplete this store of energy. Where I see the big effect of Blood Sugar drop is 1 – 2hours after the run.
For those first two hours after your run, your body is busy moving the Blood Glucose to the muscles cells. After the initial 2 hours your body will still have a higher then normal need for Carbs. Theory says that the effect of this can be felt up to two days after your work out.
Imagine exercising the minimum 30 minutes a day and your body using more Blood sugar then you would if you did not exercise. Think about what this means if you exercise you use more sugar from your blood. This will lower your blood sugar level. How do you replace blood sugar, why eating of course.
Sunday is treat day for me, after I run. I do a very long run on Sunday, my blood sugar nose dives afterwards. Imagine being able to sit in front of a plate of Nacho’s and eating them guilt free and knowing that it is not going to affect your blood sugar. In fact chance are at least for me that in 2 – 3 hours I will be eating again trying to maintain my Blood sugar level in the normal range.
So in conclusion, diet is not enough, some sort of physical exercise is needed. CDA, recommends 30 minutes five times per week. Check with your doctor about starting a plan. Also you will have to find the exercise that is right for you.
Harry
I have noticed especially in the longer runs that while running the BS do not change significantly over 16 – 20K distances. But as your muscles work they are using the glucose stored in the cells. Over the run you deplete this store of energy. Where I see the big effect of Blood Sugar drop is 1 – 2hours after the run.
For those first two hours after your run, your body is busy moving the Blood Glucose to the muscles cells. After the initial 2 hours your body will still have a higher then normal need for Carbs. Theory says that the effect of this can be felt up to two days after your work out.
Imagine exercising the minimum 30 minutes a day and your body using more Blood sugar then you would if you did not exercise. Think about what this means if you exercise you use more sugar from your blood. This will lower your blood sugar level. How do you replace blood sugar, why eating of course.
Sunday is treat day for me, after I run. I do a very long run on Sunday, my blood sugar nose dives afterwards. Imagine being able to sit in front of a plate of Nacho’s and eating them guilt free and knowing that it is not going to affect your blood sugar. In fact chance are at least for me that in 2 – 3 hours I will be eating again trying to maintain my Blood sugar level in the normal range.
So in conclusion, diet is not enough, some sort of physical exercise is needed. CDA, recommends 30 minutes five times per week. Check with your doctor about starting a plan. Also you will have to find the exercise that is right for you.
Harry
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
My Story,
While I did not break any speed records here in the Halifax NS area, I crossed the finish line “looking good,” thanks to John Stanton’s (founder and CEO of the Running Room) sage advice the Friday before the Bluenose International Marathon. My mantra during my races is to finish my events “looking good.” So far so good, I have completed three 10K events and one half marathon looking real good. Right now I am getting ready for my first marathon.
What makes these runs special is that in 2005 I weighed 300 lb, and my exercise was moving from the computer and going to the kitchen to grab junk food. Following my marriage separation, I found myself addicted to an online game and gained 70 lb. For four years I lived a lifestyle consisting of sleep, work and sitting in front of the computer for 16 hours a day.
I was pretty pathetic. I became a lonely guy whose life revolved around an unreal virtual world. I knew I had to change and meet some people. I made a connection at a concert with my current partner Aingeal (Angela). We each needed a good friend; today we are great friends as well as partners in everything we do.
Through her urging, I went for a physical. The doctor gave it to me straight: I was Type II diabetic and if I did not change my life, it would be significantly shortened. My blood pressure was 140/90, which is high, and my blood sugar was 9.5 A1HC (below 6.5 is considered normal). He gave me a month to turn myself around or he would put me on some medication.
Together Aingeal and I read every available book on Type II diabetes. I started on the American Diabetes Association’s food plan for 1600 calories a day. I followed their meal plan for healthy eating and added walking and peddling on a stationary bike into the mix. I started losing about 2 lb a week. My walks consisted of a walk around the block at lunch time.
A month passed and I went into the doctor’s office almost 10 lb lighter and my blood pressure was down a bit. The good news was my blood sugar went from 9+ to normal. Through healthy eating and exercise, I was able to control my blood sugar.
The lunch time walk soon became two to three times around the block over the course of the summer, and my 12 minutes of biking turned into 40 minute sessions. It was not long before I put on a pair of running shoes and started walking around the block. Starting out I barely made 10 minutes a day. Slowly increasing time and speed, the pounds came off. Exercise was a great way to take control of my sugars.
I finally hit my goal weight in February of 2006 and was running up to 5K every day. One of my co-workers told me about the Bluenose 10K he ran last year, which started me thinking whether I could run 10K. Off to the Running Room for a new pair of shoes and a nice pair of winter running pants, and my training began. I was a runner in my youth, so I knew how to get myself ready. In early April I finally convinced myself that 10K was attainable. After seeing the fun groups from the Running Room, I decided to start running with the Wednesday and Sunday practice runs.
Running with the 10K group was great motivation, and improved my self-confidence. Not only did I run the 10K in subsequent weeks, I ran the 14.5K long run. I knew I could run 10K in the Bluenose with the confidence of finishing. Not only did I finish, I finished with a time of 61:43 minutes.
Of course, after finishing the 10K event at the Bluenose I figured, if I could run 10K I could run a half marathon (21.1km). I registered for a half marathon clinic and away I went. In October 2007 on the beautiful island of PEI. I ran the half marathon in Charlottetown PEI. Life does not get any better then a fall weekend in PEI. Finished the half marathon in 2:06:37, to Aingeal I am a hero.
So here I am today, John Stanton was right—I am an athlete. I live and breath a healthy lifestyle, and I am not afraid of Type II diabetes; it something I learned to live with everyday. It can be controlled, I am proof of that. The only person ever holding me back is me, No know boundaries and its amazing what can be accomplished.
My plans for 2007 include the Bluenose Marathon in Halifax (May), the Ghost Run in Quebec City (October) and for Jan. 2008 I plan to be in Orlando doing the Goofy at Disney. This event is a half marathon on Saturday followed by a full marathon on Sunday.
What makes these runs special is that in 2005 I weighed 300 lb, and my exercise was moving from the computer and going to the kitchen to grab junk food. Following my marriage separation, I found myself addicted to an online game and gained 70 lb. For four years I lived a lifestyle consisting of sleep, work and sitting in front of the computer for 16 hours a day.
I was pretty pathetic. I became a lonely guy whose life revolved around an unreal virtual world. I knew I had to change and meet some people. I made a connection at a concert with my current partner Aingeal (Angela). We each needed a good friend; today we are great friends as well as partners in everything we do.
Through her urging, I went for a physical. The doctor gave it to me straight: I was Type II diabetic and if I did not change my life, it would be significantly shortened. My blood pressure was 140/90, which is high, and my blood sugar was 9.5 A1HC (below 6.5 is considered normal). He gave me a month to turn myself around or he would put me on some medication.
Together Aingeal and I read every available book on Type II diabetes. I started on the American Diabetes Association’s food plan for 1600 calories a day. I followed their meal plan for healthy eating and added walking and peddling on a stationary bike into the mix. I started losing about 2 lb a week. My walks consisted of a walk around the block at lunch time.
A month passed and I went into the doctor’s office almost 10 lb lighter and my blood pressure was down a bit. The good news was my blood sugar went from 9+ to normal. Through healthy eating and exercise, I was able to control my blood sugar.
The lunch time walk soon became two to three times around the block over the course of the summer, and my 12 minutes of biking turned into 40 minute sessions. It was not long before I put on a pair of running shoes and started walking around the block. Starting out I barely made 10 minutes a day. Slowly increasing time and speed, the pounds came off. Exercise was a great way to take control of my sugars.
I finally hit my goal weight in February of 2006 and was running up to 5K every day. One of my co-workers told me about the Bluenose 10K he ran last year, which started me thinking whether I could run 10K. Off to the Running Room for a new pair of shoes and a nice pair of winter running pants, and my training began. I was a runner in my youth, so I knew how to get myself ready. In early April I finally convinced myself that 10K was attainable. After seeing the fun groups from the Running Room, I decided to start running with the Wednesday and Sunday practice runs.
Running with the 10K group was great motivation, and improved my self-confidence. Not only did I run the 10K in subsequent weeks, I ran the 14.5K long run. I knew I could run 10K in the Bluenose with the confidence of finishing. Not only did I finish, I finished with a time of 61:43 minutes.
Of course, after finishing the 10K event at the Bluenose I figured, if I could run 10K I could run a half marathon (21.1km). I registered for a half marathon clinic and away I went. In October 2007 on the beautiful island of PEI. I ran the half marathon in Charlottetown PEI. Life does not get any better then a fall weekend in PEI. Finished the half marathon in 2:06:37, to Aingeal I am a hero.
So here I am today, John Stanton was right—I am an athlete. I live and breath a healthy lifestyle, and I am not afraid of Type II diabetes; it something I learned to live with everyday. It can be controlled, I am proof of that. The only person ever holding me back is me, No know boundaries and its amazing what can be accomplished.
My plans for 2007 include the Bluenose Marathon in Halifax (May), the Ghost Run in Quebec City (October) and for Jan. 2008 I plan to be in Orlando doing the Goofy at Disney. This event is a half marathon on Saturday followed by a full marathon on Sunday.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Sunday
Phew, 16K down this week at a good steady 6:40/K, not bad really. Tired this weekend as we have some big testing at work. So I have been working all weekend as well. No rest for the wicked I suppose.
Think I will keep things short today as I am a bit carb deprived at the moment so i am going to have a little bit of pizza, I don't typical eat pizza but after 16K I think I will have 1/2 slice, I have apples, smoked gouda and pastacio's for a bit of a snack while at work.
I worked yesterday and they had pre-ordered pizza, my boss who is usually good about insuring I have a salad and diet pop order, seemed to forget. Good thing I had stopped by the grocery store and picked up a nice mixed green salad, Pears, and a handfull of cashews. As you can see being a diabetic you can't take food for granted, those huge slices of pizza are worth 3 carbs easy, and when you are sitting on your butt in front of a computer they have no where to go.
It's been a great week for the first week of fundraising, this week is looking really good as well. Here's to all you who have pictched in a loonie or two. Those who have not donated a loonie you know who you are.
Harry
Think I will keep things short today as I am a bit carb deprived at the moment so i am going to have a little bit of pizza, I don't typical eat pizza but after 16K I think I will have 1/2 slice, I have apples, smoked gouda and pastacio's for a bit of a snack while at work.
I worked yesterday and they had pre-ordered pizza, my boss who is usually good about insuring I have a salad and diet pop order, seemed to forget. Good thing I had stopped by the grocery store and picked up a nice mixed green salad, Pears, and a handfull of cashews. As you can see being a diabetic you can't take food for granted, those huge slices of pizza are worth 3 carbs easy, and when you are sitting on your butt in front of a computer they have no where to go.
It's been a great week for the first week of fundraising, this week is looking really good as well. Here's to all you who have pictched in a loonie or two. Those who have not donated a loonie you know who you are.
Harry
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
