We start our new homeschool year on Monday and this week has been all about getting supplies and books organized while managing some fun as well, like swimming with friends and evening movies. H had a special early birthday shopping date with Mema and K got braces, too. It was a great week!

But yes, now we are getting our minds wrapped around the idea of routine and a bit more structure. I’m applying that mindset to our homeschool days, certainly, but also the other areas of life, like meal planning and health maintenance.

I’ve been thinking about the health habits that make the biggest difference without requiring my entire life to revolve around wellness. Some are preventative, some are based on recent test results, and some simply help me feel stronger and more prepared for a busy season. So let’s chat about them!

1. My Latest Function Health Update

You know by now that I fan girl hard for Function Health (<- this link will get you $25 off). You can read my review on the service in this review blog post. David and I just completed our midyear blood work and I have some pretty exciting results/takeaways.

• Let me start with the most exciting development- omega levels. Both David and I had consistent low levels of omega-3s. Mine was 5.1 and you want it above 5.4. This most recent test, we both increased our omega-3s into the green zone! Mine is 6.2. The only thing we did differently? Mackerel twice a week for lunch! I detailed why mackerel and how I prepare it in this post. I’m so thrilled with our results!
• My CRP dropped back down into range. I’m pretty sure it was only high last time because I had a little cold; reminding me to only do blood work when you’re feeling well, but it was nice to see it drop regardless.
• My biological age is 30.2 year old, a drop since my last check in, and all my biological markers were in the green zone, except Leptin, which I can not get up into the green zone for the life of me.
• My take aways: I’m going to keep up with the mackerel twice a week and stick with the other boring habits that seem to be working for me: protein and fiber, a focus on sleep, moving my body.

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2. Considering HRT

I first met with my Obgyn about a year ago to discuss hormones and perimenopause. At the time I had experienced a couple scattered weeks where I just didn’t feel like myself. I felt flat, unmotivated, irritated. By the time my appointment came around I was feeling more normal so when she offered to explore some hormone support, I decided to just monitor it instead.

I’ve been tracking my cycle and moods carefully and have noticed a definite increased swing in my emotional stability slowly becoming more drastic. Late follicular phase I feel fantastic, but that’s for about 5 days out of a month. Luteal phase, while never the highlight of a lady’s cycle, has gotten noticeably harder. After ovulation I have a sincere drop in spirit, motivation, and emotional stability, unlike what I’ve experienced in the past.

So, I’m going to explore it. I found a provider that is well versed in the topic and am looking forward to another conversation. I’m still gathering information and a little hesitant, but the testimonials I’ve heard from friends are encouraging. While it might have taken a little trial and error in the beginning, most say that they wish they would have started HRT earlier.

I’ve listened to endless podcasts and read this book, so I have some knowledge on the pros and cons and how it differs greatly woman to woman. I’d love to hear your thoughts or experience on the topic!

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3. Staying on Top of Skin Checks

With both Grandma Betty and Dad having had melanomas, annual skin checks are part of my routine. I’ve had so many biopsies in my life and know the importance of finding a provider you trust and is thorough. I will continue to drive back to Mooresville for mine, like I did on Monday this week. The girls came with me and we got to catch up with some friends while we were in town and see our old house, too!

One tip if you’re looking to do annual skin checks and haven’t yet- find a dermatologist that photographs your moles. Sounds silly, right? But these “mole maps” can make mole comparison/evolution so much easier to track, helping to avoid unnecessary biopsies.

I have a lot of moles and tend to grow funny ones (some darker or bigger) and this has been so helpful in tracking the ABCDEs (asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, evolution) of skin/mole health.

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4. Stocking Our Wellness Shelf for Back-to-School Season

It’s that time of year! I’ve been checking expiration dates and ensuring we are stocked on my back to school season essentials.

• Wellness pills – the goat
• Immune Zoom Tea – kid favorite for when they need an immune boost
• Throat Coat Tea – so soothing for throat irritation
• Salt for soaking/gargling
• Vitamin D – a daily staple because vit d levels are crucial in being able to fight germs
• Cod liver oil – vit A helps keep mucosal lining healthy, which is your first germ defense
• Nasal spray – with xylitol for before you go into a crowded place
• Nasal rinse – clean out those sinuses every night!
• Boiron Oscillococcinum – best to have it on hand so you can start it immediately at the sign of flu symptoms, as that is when it’s super effective
• Activated charcoal – for prevention of the dreaded tummy bugs

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5. Why I’m Loving 30-Minute Workouts

Madeline Moves still proves to be incredibly valuable in my book. This referral link will get you $5 off. Watching her offerings expand over the years (7+?) that I’ve been using her programs is impressive and I love all the options available on her app now. Different programs, yes, but also 30 or 60 minute options for each daily workout, as well as an at home or in the gym option for each one, too.

I’ve been thriving on the 30 minute option. 30 minute strength workouts feel effective and realistic. They are still challenging and are helping me build muscle, but they don’t take up my whole day. I also appreciate her mobility work that is incorporated at the end of each workout. Hailey has joined me for workouts this week while David was traveling and she loves them, too! Highly recommend.

Ok, that was a lot of health talk! What’s going on in your world health wise? Challenges? Wins to report? What are you loving most right now that is contributing to your wellbeing?