This post is sponsored by LIVALO® (pitavastatin) and Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., a  biopharmaceutical company, and should not be construed to constitute medical advice.  Personal opinions and thoughts are my own. I am not a medical professional and am not qualified to give medical advice. Please talk with your doctor about your individual medical situation.

 

BE PROACTIVE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

My doctor says it is never too late to improve your heart health. I am the perfect example of the woman who lost her heart health discipline during the past year,  grappling with living with a different lifestyle due to COVID-19.

Of course, I noticed a change in my energy level and emotional vitality, my appearance, and my emotional state of mind. Recognizing these signs is important—they are indicators that self-care is needed. To be honest, I felt like a slug. I can unequivocally state, “I was in a funk and no longer smelled the roses.”

What motivated me to stop, put on the brakes, and recharge my engine? It was not my looks. It was my concern over my health. I was frightened. I did not want to have a heart attack or a stroke. On a positive note, I felt my body, at any age, could repair itself.

Bottom line, I must be proactive regarding my health, and as my doctor always says, it is never too late to begin, (or in my case return to), better health habits!

CHECK YOUR HEART MORE OFTEN BECAUSE…

As emphasized by my doctor, an important part of my health is heart health and knowing my cholesterol levels. My doctor routinely reminds me that the number one killer of women is heart disease (according to the American Heart Association) and says that plaque can build up in the arteries due to high cholesterol levels slowly blocking the flow of blood to the heart and/or brain, which can trigger a heart attack or stroke. That’s why I get my cholesterol checked regularly, as directed by my doctor who says per the  AHA, for adults, is every 4-6 years over the age of 20.

My doctor reassures me that high cholesterol can be managed with an individual treatment plan that includes a heart-healthy diet, routine exercise for 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity 3-4 times per week, and adjusting any other lifestyle habits that may be unhealthy. We’ve also discussed how if making healthy lifestyle changes isn’t effectively getting cholesterol under control, a doctor can also prescribe a  statin.

There are multiple statins available, which aren’t all the same. Having regular conversations with your doctor can help guide you to a statin that may be more tolerable for you and help you reach your cholesterol goals.

LIVALO® (pitavastatin) is a statin for adults with high cholesterol that, along with a heart-healthy diet, helps lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”)  cholesterol, triglycerides, and Apo B and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”)  cholesterol, which may be part of an individualized approach to treatment. It has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death. Common

side effects include back pain, constipation, diarrhea, muscle pain, and pain in the legs or arms.

Talk to your doctor about managing cholesterol and understanding if a statin, like  LIVALO, is right for you. I encourage you to check out the information available to you here.

EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR THE BODY, MIND, AND WELLBEING

I believe the benefit of a positive and healthy lifestyle gives you many options. First and foremost, the positive power to act effectively and happily in all that you do. I believe age is just a number. Yes, I am an optimist by nature, but I am also a realist. But I also know how important it is to keep my body, specifically my heart, in the best shape it can be in.

Fortunately, from the time I was a young girl in college I exercised daily in my room— though I admit exercising had nothing to do with staying healthy; I was in college and wanted to stay in dating shape! The routine of exercising did stick with me and to this day I feel guilty if I don’t exercise. Negative self-judgment makes it harder to maintain positive habits, so practicing self-compassion is important.

My mother put me on the path, at a young age, of learning good eating habits. There were no sweets in our home, we drank skim milk, ate leafy veggies and fruits, and lots of fish. I owe myself the many benefits that daily exercise and proper eating habits provide. From my experience, my physical, as well as my emotional health, will thrive, as long as I take the time to be good to myself. Paying attention to my body and mind during exercise and self-care helps me stay mindful and aware of my needs.

Taking my daily walk is emotionally uplifting and as the health experts say, “The best  exercise.” When I am surrounded by nature and the early morning silence of the day I  am physically at peace. Walking for me is emotionally therapeutic. I feel calm, joyful,  and fit. Walking is also a brain booster for me and helps me feel strong both physically and emotionally. In poor weather, we have a treadmill or we go to the gym, and if you have a bad back like my husband, he is grateful for his stationary bike. I started boxing lessons in 2019 because I learned it was great for balance, coordination, and the mind, and of course, my heart. I even bought pink boxing gloves! Over the past year, I began taking yoga classes online, and I have met a new  Pilates instructor, so I am looking forward to this activity.

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in negative emotions, self-criticism, and the constant pressure of expectations. That’s why I’ve found mindfulness and meditation to be such essential practices on my journey to being good to myself. By taking time each day to pause, breathe, and become aware of my thoughts and feelings, I can tend to my mental wellbeing and treat myself with the same kindness I would offer a dear friend.

Mindfulness is all about being present—truly noticing what’s happening in your mind, body, and heart without judgment. When we practice mindfulness, we give ourselves the opportunity to recognize areas where we might be holding onto stress or anxiety, and gently release that tension. This simple act of awareness can help us improve our self-esteem, reduce self-criticism, and cultivate a stronger sense of self-compassion.

Meditation, even just a few minutes a day, can work wonders for calming the mind and releasing the grip of anxiety. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of expectations, we create space for a more positive and supportive inner voice. Many artists and singers, including those from the band Journey, have spoken about how mindfulness and meditation have influenced their music and overall wellbeing. Their album “Raised on Radio” features the uplifting song “Be Good to Yourself,” a beautiful reminder to treat ourselves with love and compassion.

Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. You might start with a few deep breaths in the morning, a short guided meditation, or simply taking a mindful walk and noticing the beauty around you. These small practices can help you become more grateful for the opportunities in your life, more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and more connected to your body.

As you continue to practice mindfulness, you may find that it leads to positive changes in other areas of your life. You’ll be better equipped to set and achieve goals that align with your values, communicate more effectively with friends and loved ones, and build stronger, more meaningful connections. Mindfulness and meditation can help you lead by example, offering kindness and support not only to yourself but to those around you.

Remember, it’s never too late to start. By prioritizing mindfulness and meditation, you’re taking an important step toward improving your mental health, reducing stress, and living a happier, more fulfilling life. As you cultivate a greater sense of self-compassion and gratitude, you’ll discover new opportunities for growth, creativity, and joy—just like the artists and singers who use their voice and talent to inspire others. So, take a moment today to be good to yourself. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

LIFESTYLE

My journey has taught me that a good mental outlook can do wonders, and for me, truly understanding my overall health, discovering my passions, staying curious, and engaging in a sense of commitment to myself, has made me feel more successful and happy in life. There is a strong connection between self-kindness and mental health—how we treat ourselves directly impacts our well-being. Remember, your mindset can influence your actions and overall happiness, shaping your outlook on life. Treating yourself with compassion and acceptance is essential for building emotional resilience and making self-care a part of your lifestyle. It’s also important to recognize your own human needs and limitations as you continue your journey. I suggest you give it a try as well!

Important Safety Information for LIVALO® (pitavastatin) tablets

What is LIVALO?

• LIVALO is a cholesterol-lowering medication called a “statin” for adults with high cholesterol that,  along with a heart-healthy diet, helps to lower total cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C),  triglycerides, and Apo B and to raise “good” cholesterol (HDL-C).
• LIVALO has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death.

Who should NOT take LIVALO?

LIVALO is not right for everyone. Do not take LIVALO if:

• You have a known allergy to LIVALO or any of its ingredients.
• You have active liver problems, including some abnormal liver test results.
• You are nursing, pregnant, or may become pregnant, as it may harm the baby.
• You are currently taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil.

What is the most important information I should know and talk to my doctor about?

• Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or hives.
• Muscle problems may be an early sign of rare, serious conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after discontinuing LIVALO.
• Serious liver problems have been reported rarely in patients taking statins, including LIVALO.  Your doctor should do liver tests before you start, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you are taking LIVALO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you take including nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
• Increases in blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIVALO. ● Tell your doctor about your alcohol use.
• Tell your healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy.

What are the most common side effects of LIVALO?

The most common side effects of LIVALO in clinical studies were:

• Back pain • Muscle pain
• Constipation • Pain in the legs or arms
• Diarrhea

This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.  Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store and take LIVALO?

• Store LIVALO tablets at room temperature, in a dry place, protected from light, and keep out of the reach of children.
• Take LIVALO orally once daily with or without food at the same time each day.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew.
• The maximum recommended dosage is LIVALO 4 mg once daily.
• If you take too much LIVALO or you or someone else takes an overdose, call your doctor and/or local Poison Control Center.

Other important information I should know about LIVALO.

• LIVALO is available by prescription only.

For additional information please see the full Prescribing Information or visit www.LivaloRx.com.  © Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2021) – LIV-RA-0142 PI of 09/2020

Have you ever had to restart a health regimen? Let me know in the comments below or share your ideas on Facebook.

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