The day I walked on the Ranch, Dr. Huizenga took away my medicine. I was taking medicine for my high blood pressure and Xanax for anxiety. Honestly, one of the things I am most proud of is that I have not taken any prescribed medicine since that day.
I remember I cried the day I started taking high blood pressure medicine. I asked a nurse when I could get off of it and she said, in a sincere and apologetic way, “once you start taking this medicine, you always take this medicine”. I was crushed to hear that.
Knowing what I know now, I want to share this with you. IF YOU ARE TAKING PRESCRIBED MEDICINE FOR ANXIETY OR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, THERE IS A CHANCE YOU CAN GET OFF OF IT THROUGH LIFESTYLE CHANGE.
But, in case you are on it…don’t be ashamed. If anything, get the most out of them.
Here are a few guidelines to help you get the most of your medicines:
- Take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor…don’t sway because you think you “feel good”
- Fill out a medicine chart for everything you take. This will help you keep track and in case something happens that you can’t communicate, someone else can communicate to the doctor for you. Note things such as Name & Strength, last taken, what you take it for, what the pill looks like, Refill dates and/or any special instructions. These categories will help keep things organized.
- Use reminder notes to take your medicines or stay strict to a routine.
- Go to the doctor routinely to make sure your medicine is working and strength is appropriate. As you start your lifestyle changes, things will change.
- Write down your questions about your medicine before you go to the doctor so you don’t miss anything.
Make it your ultimate goal to get off of prescribed medicines when possible. Of course, there will be some diagnosis that will not allow this and are out of your control but do you best to control the lifestyle habits you can.
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Marci Crozier was a popular contestant on NBC's The Biggest Loser - Season 11. She was the first woman in BL history to reach her goal weight while still at the BL ranch. Marci's expertise in the fitness and weight loss industry was developed during her 28 years as the General Manager of a large, regional fitness facility in Indiana. She is a highly respected, engaging motivational speaker who has inspired sales teams, business professionals, and student athletes, as well as those individuals struggling with personal fitness and weight issues. View her blog here!