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February 03, 2007
Genetics Suck
I knew going for that blood test was a Bad Idea.
I got a letter today: turns out my cholesterol’s high.
In my family, high cholesterol is something of a badge of honor. Everyone has it, and members of my family who haven’t yet suffered a cholesterol-related ailment like to brag about how high their cholesterol is with no visible effect. They report doctors saying things like, “I’ve never seen cholesterol that high” and “You should be having a heart attack right now.” The last time I had my cholesterol tested (several years ago now), my cholesterol was perfect. Now it’s high. Not bragging-rights high, but, still, a little elevated.
Foolishly, I thought my efforts to control my diet and get some regular exercise would save me from going down this path, but my doctor actually suggested that I’m going to need to work on my diet and exercise to get this straightened out. It’s true that I eat a lot of eggs, but that’s about as bad as it gets. I love dairy products of all types, but I don’t eat cheese and ice cream nearly as much as I used to. Most of my dairy comes in the form of skim milk, even in my lattes. I don’t eat that much processed food; I don’t even eat that much meat. I don’t think I’m overweight (although now I’m reconsidering that position), and I tend to think of myself as someone who exercises. I mean, I was at the Y doing *something* between the hours of 8:00 and 9:00 this morning. I was led to believe it was aerobics. I’m pretty sure I do that a couple times a week, plus yoga and swimming in between. I’m not Miss Fitness, but I don’t exactly live a sedentary life. There’s the writing, of course, and the reading and movie-watching, but there’s also things like running around with Lucas and cleaning my house and walking around that big library where I work.
Gah. I’m going to go call my dad and tell him it’s all his fault.
Posted by adrienne at February 3, 2007 04:59 PM
Comments
Damn genetics,it'll get you everytime...you certainly ARE NOT overweight, and as far as I know you've always been a good veggie eater,a much healthier eater than Don and I,and you pretty much ate better than Bri too.He got all his bad eating habits from his Mom sad to say.But I'd better start eating healthier before it's too late,lucky for me that my family genetics in that Dept. are ok.I know you'd rather not go on pills so I hope the diet-exercise works out for you.
Posted by: Bri's Mom at February 3, 2007 07:20 PM
I got a lazy eye from my father, courtesy of his genetics.
Posted by: Kelly Scroger at February 5, 2007 12:06 PM
You eat a hell of a lot better than I do. And you know that for sure. And high cholesterol does NOT equal overweight... Blame the genetics. I think you're doing a pretty good job taking care of yourself.
Posted by: jp at February 5, 2007 08:12 PM
You are not fat, Ella has the corner on overweight in your house so don't let her get to you.
It is completely genetics so totally blame him.
Posted by: tonderdo at February 6, 2007 08:45 PM