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| Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash |
My lovelies,
Earlier this month I told you about cafestol, a compound that can negatively affect your cholesterol, and how I’ve been filtering my coffee for the past few months to counteract it.
Well… guess what. My lab results are in!
Total cholesterol is down from 4.9 (15 months ago) to 4.5, and LDL from 2.96 to 2.59.
It worked, and I’m thrilled that this small daily effort actually paid off.
My doctor had never heard of cafestol or what you can do about it. Not only was she genuinely delighted to learn something new (how many doctors would simply dismiss it because it wasn’t covered in med school?), but she was also excited to see that a tiny lifestyle tweak can have a measurable impact.
How cool is that?
Enough about me, though.
After more than three weeks, a burn victim from the Crans-Montana New Year’s Eve party woke up from her coma in a Zurich hospital and recognized her parents. Similar stories are emerging from other intensive care units, involving young patients treated in hospitals across Europe.
Many of them are still intubated and likely under the influence of strong painkillers and other medications. They can’t speak, and their hands are bandaged, yet they’re finding ways to express basic needs and emotions. Using eye movements, a caregiver’s help, or eye-tracking communication devices, they can point to simple symbols or emojis to say things like “pain” or “sad.”
What’s also incredibly heartwarming: families of injured teenagers who traveled from home to whichever European hospital their child was taken to have been offered guest rooms by complete strangers. Local families opening their homes, offering support.
An amazing display of community and solidarity.
In very different ways, it’s reassuring to see that conscious actions, whether for our own health or for complete strangers, can still matter more than we think.
Have you experienced something recently where a small change, gesture, or bit of kindness made a bigger difference than you expected?
WOW I missed your post about cafestol but what great news to have lowered your cholesterol. I need to go find that blog and check it out. Also how wonderful for the burn victim to wake and recognize her parents! As for me, a small gesture from a couple from church I didn't even know introduced themselves to me at a church fundraiser back in October 2024. They have been such a blessing to me and we are now more like family with all the kindness and care they share. They are my church angels and I call them my kids and they call me mom. Have a blessed Sunday Tamara.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to find an easy tweak to help you improve your health, Tamara. I also appreciate you sharing stories to remind us the beautiful things humans are capable of, I know someone like me needs to see that every chance I can get right now.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the lab results. Small changes truely can make a difference. Especially when it comes to our health.
ReplyDeleteGood job, Tamara! I believe in small changes and that everyone can change. Not everyone wants to change and that's the difference.
ReplyDeleteYay on your labs improving after your small bit diligent shift!
ReplyDeleteAnd what kindness for the burn victims' parents. I am hoping the girl (and others) continues to improve.
In the mid 90s, my former husband was badly burned in a house fire - and in addition to the incredible pain, later said it took a number of years to mentally feel like himself again.
Thanks for your stories
Nadya