This is now officially my Eye Health Awareness week, after giving it some good contemplation based on my eye doctor's concerns. I've realized that I'm at risk of glaucoma, retina detachment, cataracts, and possibly even Macular Degeneration. Not to mention that my eyesight just isn't great to begin with.

The glaucoma risk is because of thyroid disease. It increases the risk as much as diabetes, though through unknown mechanisms. Of course, it seems all glaucoma is through unknown mechanisms. It's more complicated than increased pressure in the eyes, but encompasses a wide range of mechanisms that can damage the optic nerve. If caught early enough, the damage can be controlled. I thought he had done all the baseline tests we needed last year, but then apparently my field of vision test wasn't up to snuff, so more tests. In the meantime, I'm looking into stress management and nutritional approaches that could decrease my risks.

The Macular Degeneration risk is because of celiac disease. I didn't have time to participate in the study, but they're investigating the link right here in Utah. The results aren't in yet, of course. Now I wish I had signed up. They check bioflavinoid levels and many things that could indicate risks for Macular Degeneration and other eye trouble. Anyhoo, I'll look into my bioflavinoid consumption and possible supplements.

The retinal detachment and cataract risk are from family history. One parent has healthy eyes with few problems, another parent has had lots of trouble but many successful surgeries to treat it. Oh well, at least I got the good teeth from that side as well!

I figure if you don't plan to have a long lifespan, your chances of it are lower, so I plan to live long enough to play with my grandkids and great-grandkids. Is that too much for a non-secretor to ask? Well, it's my goal even if I need to buck the odds...odds are nothing more than a worthy opponent. And I'd like to keep my vision with me as I age.

With BTD, I've overcome some troublesome health problems and quality-of-life issues that could have troubled me in the decades to come (joint trouble, digestive trouble, immune problems, depression/anxiety, and insulin-resistance), I've just never given much thought to the two organs that may actually be my greatest weakness. It's all interrelated, and I'm sure what has benefitted my other systems has also benefitted my eyes, but I need to do more to reach my goals.

Hey, I needed another goal anyhow. It keeps the fire under me to increase my compliance and follow-through.

Weight-loss goals will rear their head again soon as well, I weigh about 20 pounds less than I did when my first son was born, but I'm no featherweight when it comes to pregnancy weight-gain. The babies seem to be the right size though. Tom's article today with the blurb about big babies becoming obese adults made me reflect...I mean, have you seen what most babies eat these days? After a year old, it seems that anything goes...and it's mostly wheat with a little trans-fat thrown in. Corporations and ad agencies seem to determine what our kids eat more than mothers do. If you're a mother, take control back! Where are the vegetables, the meat, the fresh fruit? If you give them healthy foods, they will eat them and enjoy them, especially if you keep the junk out of the house. My son learned how to eat an artichoke and a pomegranate when he was 2 years old, he just wanted what I was eating and didn't have cheese crackers to compete with it. He also loves beans and avocados.

We're 37 weeks along now, officially fully ripe. No labor since Sunday night, and I aim to hold off on that at least a few more days. My refrigerator broke this week too, lousy timing, but I love the new one that arrived today...just wish the old one had held out a bit longer.