Meet my Irish great-grandfather, Henry Holland. He’s holding my father and is surrounded by his wife, daughter and granddaughter. My father loved his Grandpa Holland. I wish I could have known him. I can see from the picture that I inherited his eyes. I learned later in life that I inherited more than that from him.

5 or 6 years ago, after years of searching, I was diagnosed, as were 2 of my sisters, with Celiac disease (CD). CD is an inherited genetic disease that originated in Northern Europe, i.e. Ireland. CD inhibits the small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients and can lead to all kinds of unsavory secondary diseases, such lupus, arthritis, diabetes and a whole host of other diseases. The only known cure for CD is life-long adherence to a gluten-free diet. That translates to a diet excluding wheat, barley, and rye.

I’ve adapted well to the diet. I’m healthier and better fed. My husband agrees. We eat more whole food and enjoy cooking so much more than in the past. I feel worlds better. So, great-grandpa, it’s all good. I’m glad to be Irish!

But then, a few months ago, more of my Irish inheritance revealed itself. I noticed a hard knot in the palm of my hand. I didn’t give it much thought, until it started growing and itching. On a lark one day, I googled, “lump in the palm of hand.” In my wildest dreams, I didn’t expect a disease to pop up! Not only that, but another one courtesy of great-grandfather!

This disease is called Dupuytren Disease. It originated in Northern Europe–Ireland–and Vikings! How exciting, until I kept reading. The knot is an abnormal thickening of tissue beneath the palm. It is located directly below the ring finger and is centered between the creases of the hand. Bingo! In some people, cords develop leading to the fingers and these cords can cause the fingers to curl! The ring finger and pinky are the prime curlers…

Sounds fun, huh?

I emailed my brother, asked him if he had a knot, and described exactly where to look for it. He wrote back: “affirmative.” I wrote back, “It’s a sign you’re Irish, and maybe a descendant of Vikings! There’s a drawback, though. It can make your fingers curl.” He wrote back something to the tune of “it could be worse!”

I don’t know if my great-grandfather suffered with these diseases. Maybe he was just a carrier. It doesn’t matter; I’m glad to have my Irish roots, even though they take my bread and curl my fingers.

Next google search: The pot of gold!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

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I know both diseases can be very serious. This is not meant to minimize peoples’ experiences with either of them.

In yesterday’s post, I said I wouldn’t be interested in taking a pill that would end aging and aging related diseases. I didn’t say that I wouldn’t do all that I can to stay as vibrant and beautiful as possible in my golden years! I am currently working at dropping some weight and adding more strength training and cardio exercises to my daily round.

I use an incredible site called Sparkpeople.com to keep track of calories, nutrient intake, and fitness. I highly recommend this site! There’s helpful information, such as exercise demo’s, recipes, educational and motivational articles, and a ton (no pun intended!) of people ready and willing to be a friend.

Counting calories isn’t too hard for me. I am allotted plenty of calories to satisfy my hunger. Due to an autoimmune disease called Celiac disease, I can’t eat anything containing the gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. That eliminates most processed food. I’m also lactose intolerant, so dairy is out,too! That leaves lots of calories for delicious whole foods.

Consistently exercising is difficult for me. I’m better at putting it off than doing it! Sparkpeople helps keep me motivated. They suggest a group of 6 strength training exercises that take only 11 minutes to do! I like to do them first thing in the morning after getting out of bed. That way, I don’t have to think about them all day long.

I actually enjoy walking. I reserve my iPod music for when I walk and play all my favorite songs. One time I walked an extra lap around the neighborhood just because of the music.

(Off the subject, but anyone else love American Idol? What a talented group is competing this year! Who are you rooting for?)

It’s not easy dropping weight at this age. Actually, my daughters find it difficult, as well. I’ve been wondering what other factors lead to weight gain. I’m reading a very interesting book, by Kat James, called The Truth About Beauty. I’m just a chapter

or 2 into the book, but have already learned so much. James explains that the many toxins, that daily assault our bodies, keep us from being healthy and fit. She teaches a systematic way of replacing toxic substances with healthful ones. Today I am cleaning out the toiletries I use that are toxic. I plan to replace them with a few excellent natural products. I’ll write more about this as I go through the book.

How have you solved health or weight problems?

That’s all for now! Have a great day!

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Note: I have not been compensated or asked to endorse any of the products or services mentioned in this post.

©2010 BLN
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