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Rebel Health Check - completed!

 When I looked at the Rebel Health Check badge I realised that it seemed pretty easy for me to do. After all, there are quite a few things that I am on top of, and do regularly.

Smear test - I have a folder that I keep health documents in, so it was easy to check the results of my last smear test, and I saw that the results letter was dated October 2021. 

Eye test - this is an easy one for me as I have contact lenses, so I go for an aftercare check-up every year. As I love sewing I am also aware of when my eyesight changes - such as not being able to see as clearly as before, or having to hold things further away (and them then being too small to see). This has happened a couple of times in recent years, so I have made extra appointments to see my optician, and discuss what the best option for me is. Currently we are going with over the counter reading glasses for when I am sewing (I don’t need them for reading yet!).

Addictions - no real addictions, - I like a glass of wine, gin, beer - but have already cut down on this with the Good Habits badge.

Exercise - as I’m writing this in August, during the second heatwave when there are temperature alerts in place, I know I could be doing a bit more exercise. However - in general I am out walking and running 5 days a week - I could introduce more by swimming on the days when I don’t run, or building in more yoga or strength work on those days.

Alcohol - I had already cut down the amount of alcohol I drank for my Good Habits badge. It has crept up a little since then, especially whilst on holiday (in August - so maybe doesn’t count??!😉) - I noticed that I felt much better for limiting alcohol intake to once a week, and only one bottle of wine between us; more than that my sleep is affected and I feel rubbish the next day, so this is something to go back to.

Dentist - I hadn’t had a reminder after my previous appointment last year, and I knew it was time to book an appointment - it is now booked for Sep 22.

Sleep - yes, generally I’m getting enough sleep, although not when I’ve had alcohol the night before. Up to the end of July, my Garmin watch was saying that my sleep score was good - or better. Since the start of August (holiday away camping) my sleep has not been as good - due to the heat, the light, and the outside noise - and the alcohol consumed. Not finding it so easy to catch up on sleep, but once the weather is a bit cooler, I’m sure things will be easier.

Five a day - I cook from scratch about 4 or 5 times a week, and I try to ensure we have a good range of vegetables in our diet. As snacks I encourage fruit, and almost always have grapes in the house as they are so easy to snack on! We could try to have a few more non meat meals, - I do bulk meals and sauces with vegetables.

Diet - when feeling down I will turn to comfort food, but as I’m also training for half marathons I know what my body needs, and I do love a good salad. I usually make my own salad dressing (balsamic vinegar and olive oil or rapeseed oil). I add pepper to meals, and I do add a little salt when I’m cooking - but very rarely to my own meals. Our biggest thing is butter - I will microwave some vegetables with a bit of butter, and I would lower the amount I add.

Water intake - I usually / used to drink loads of water, but don’t seems to be drinking quite as much as I used to. I only take water out on longer training runs - unless I’m running when it is really warm. A run of about 3 - 5 miles I don’t have water, but more than 7 miles I will have my hydration vest on. This is an area I could look at doing more about; I have seen some large bottles that encourage you to drink a certain amount by a certain time, so this is something to consider.

Little niggles - I am good about striking a balance between leaving niggles to see how they go and knowing when to seek further help. In June I saw a physio about tendinitis in my elbow and hypersensitivity in the area too, so I’ve got to make sure I do the exercises to help. He did tell me that keeping on doing the activities can help to strengthen the tendons - so going back to doing things in the garden will be good for it!


I know I had to complete at least 5 of the clauses, and that I’ve covered 11 of them here. I’ll work on Coppa feel from now on

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