I recently changed health insurance and was strongly urged to get a physical — like a real, grown-up/you’re middle-aged now physical. Sure, I go to the gyno every year-ish but aside from two pregnancies and an annual date with a speculum, I hadn’t seen the doctor for more than a sore throat in nearly a decade.

There’s that moment when you make a physical appointment and then panic that karma will teach you a thing or two about the dangers of not staying on top of your health. I’m not the healthiest mom on the block. I’m a foodie who has made it her life’s mission to avoid movement of any kind. I like to drink wine. And eat cheese. Lots and lots of cheese.

I met with the doctor and was sent to the lab for blood and pee work.

Urine luck because this is where the post gets graphic (consider yourself warned).

My appointment was first thing in the morning and since I had been advised I’d be taking a fasting blood test, I hadn’t had anything to eat or drink for 12 hours. I sat down on the toilet to pee in a cup and managed to squeeze out about three droplets of urine. You can’t get blood from a turnip or pee outta me.

A week later I got the call:

“Mrs. Garcia, you are dehydrated.” What do you mean? I drink a cup of coffee for breakfast and a glass of wine at dinner! I was given strict orders to begin pounding water stat. Wow, I’ve never been a drinker. I can go all day and pee twice; apparently that’s a really bad thing. Huh.

So here I am, typing this blog post and drinking the first of many 8 oz. installments of water for the day. The thing about staying hydrated is remembering to drink; this is where I always fell short. I’ve stashed bottled water all over the house in locations I visit often. I know it sounds wacky but it works. I have water in the office, near my phone charger, on top of the dryer, in my vanity, and on my nightstand. Just seeing bottles of water with my name on them remind me to drink. It works for me and aside from the hourly bathroom trips, I’m feeling a whole lot better.

This experience inspired me to embark on a healthier and smarter lifestyle in 2012. I’m learning that simple changes can make a big-huge difference.

I intend to be around for a long time; I have a lot more mothering to do.

Stay tuned as I continue my journey on becoming a healthier me.

Thanks very much to Brita for sponsoring this post. Check out more posts in this campaign.

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