Thrive Without Janelle: The Accountability Group

[Gramto6]

3 minutes ago, OlderThanDirt said:

I'm wishing you good results from your MRI.

But I must admit I'm envious of your 7K+ steps. I had a Dr's appointment at the hospital today with a significant walk to and from the parking garage  and a normal day around the house and yet I only show 1400 step on my fitbit. I'm 5'10 and probably have a longer stride, but still...  I can't even find where to set my stride on the fitbit app.

Gram to 5

 

Thanks, the waiting for results is the worst part.

A friend gifted me with a FitBit Versa2.  I am having some problems syncing it with my step app on my phone. I have been using that app for years and it seems to be a true count while the FitBit comes in way under like 1,000+ less steps. I just don't trust the FitBit count. 

I do like the little buzz reminder if I haven't done at least 250 steps each hour, but I don't get that very often as I walk a lot in the house. I'm leaning towards staying with my phone app at this point.

[Yeah No]

1 hour ago, Gramto6 said:

Thanks, the waiting for results is the worst part.

Gram, I feel for you, did they tell you how long it would take to get the results?  I usually get mine the next day on the online account the medical groups use.  If I didn't find out that way I don't know how I'd find out because no one ever calls me to give me the results.  I'd probably have to call them myself.  

1 hour ago, Gramto6 said:

A friend gifted me with a FitBit Versa2.  I am having some problems syncing it with my step app on my phone. I have been using that app for years and it seems to be a true count while the FitBit comes in way under like 1,000+ less steps. I just don't trust the FitBit count. 

When I was considering getting a FitBit I read that they're supposed to be pretty accurate.  I ended up getting the Samsung Galaxy 3 Smartwatch which has a step counter in it.  When I'm walking if I have the app open on my phone I can see the steps counting in actual time.  I am surprised by how accurate it is.  If you can do something like that it might help you see if something is going wrong.  I've also seen articles online on how to get the Fitbit to be more accurate.

[Gramto6]

Thanks @Yeah No I'll do some research re the fitbit. I admit I am not the most technical person around but I really want to be able to trust the count.

I did get the results on my online Portal, but they are so technical and cover so many other things too that I feel like I need a medical degree to interpret them! Usually this dr is very good about call backs so hope to hear soon. The one thing I think I got was that there wasn't any cancer...

[Absolom]

Just yesterday my daughter was complaining her fit bit cheated her of over 1000 steps.  She usually walks six miles a day.  

[Gramto6]

2 hours ago, Absolom said:

Just yesterday my daughter was complaining her fit bit cheated her of over 1000 steps.  She usually walks six miles a day.  

I believe it. I am really not trusting this gifted fitbit. The person that gave it to me had upgraded to a newer version. Wonder if there was something wrong with it that he chose not to share with me? I am not technical at all and troubleshooting would probably get me in more trouble than I already have.I like my phone app Maipo and totally trust the count it gives me. 

On another topic, I got the call from my Gastro's office and all OK on the MRI. No changes, nothing to worry about. He put me on a one year repeat schedule... I can deal with that! 

[Yeah No]

15 hours ago, Gramto6 said:

I believe it. I am really not trusting this gifted fitbit. The person that gave it to me had upgraded to a newer version. Wonder if there was something wrong with it that he chose not to share with me? I am not technical at all and troubleshooting would probably get me in more trouble than I already have.I like my phone app Maipo and totally trust the count it gives me. 

On another topic, I got the call from my Gastro's office and all OK on the MRI. No changes, nothing to worry about. He put me on a one year repeat schedule... I can deal with that! 

I'm really happy to hear about that MRI news, Gram!

If I were you I'd wear the FitBit and your older device together and see what the difference is in the step count.  That should be interesting to see.  I might do that one day.  I still have my clip on pedometer.

Everything I'm reading online says that clip on pedometers are generally more accurate than watch/wrist models, but the reason is that wrist models tend to add more steps due to extraneous arm movements being counted as steps.  I can attest to that because when I was at PT doing rowing my Samsung watch counted my arm movements as steps.  Still, overall the studies point to wrist models not being as accurate in general.  Phone app pedometers aren't as reliable either because they rely on being in your pocket, which can also add extraneous movements to your step count.

Here's a study that came to that conclusion.

That's interesting, but I when I walk with my husband, his Apple watch and my Samsung are usually within 100 steps of each other after 3 miles, which makes them seem pretty accurate.  My husband's stride is longer than mine so his count being the lower one seems right.

 

[Gramto6]

8,003 steps yesterday.

Thanks @Yeah No, I have been wearing/carrying both the fitbit and my phone the last couple of days. I can see a minor discrepancy in the fitbit as I don't wear it to bed or after 10PM.  Then I put it back on around 6AM. I pick up or carry my phone during those hours so there are a handful of steps not counted on the fitbit.  It is going to take me a few more days I think to figure out which is the most reliable. Thanks for the link, it does make sense but my results seem opposite with the fitbit counting less... ???

[Yeah No]

22 minutes ago, Gramto6 said:

8,003 steps yesterday.

Thanks @Yeah No, I have been wearing/carrying both the fitbit and my phone the last couple of days. I can see a minor discrepancy in the fitbit as I don't wear it to bed or after 10PM.  Then I put it back on around 6AM. I pick up or carry my phone during those hours so there are a handful of steps not counted on the fitbit.  It is going to take me a few more days I think to figure out which is the most reliable. Thanks for the link, it does make sense but my results seem opposite with the fitbit counting less... ???

Unless I'm reading it wrong, the chart in the article (which I had to blow up to see) shows the phone apps showing a higher number of steps than the FitBits with a higher rate of deviation.  The phone apps are on the top of the chart.  The wrist FitBit tested showed a lower step count than any of them except the Nike, which they said was the most inaccurate.  The other FitBits shown are the clip-ons.  So that seems to be consistent with your experience.  I'm not sure which they think are most accurate, though.

[TurtlePower]

On 5/16/2023 at 12:17 AM, Yeah No said:

Well, guess what?  My husband is now having symptoms so we are pretty sure this is a garden variety cold.  Not having had one in forever I forgot what it could be like.  Usually I don't get head colds where I can remain partially active.  I'm usually in bed suffering with a lot of aches and pains with a cold.  It's just not as bad as the flu.  So that's why I thought this might be allergies.  I'm actually feeling better knowing what it is and that it will go away soon.  I'm feeling better every day so that's encouraging!  I just feel bad for my husband because he had to work today although he wore his mask and kept his window open to keep the air circulating.  He didn't want to infect the 82 year old mother-in-law of his boss who just beat breast cancer!

I wonder if all my Covid shots and boosters helped me get a milder case of this than I might have without them.  I've read that they might actually help with immunity to other types of coronaviruses like the common cold and even flu.  I also got a flu shot last Fall too. 

That said, I "fell off the diet wagon" today for the very first time since last September other than on special occasions and holidays.  I had to stop off at Whole Foods for a couple of things and couldn't resist a little tiramisu square dessert.  I figure I didn't eat much for a few days so I'll probably get away with it without any weight gain.  I've just been through so much in the past few weeks that I needed a little treat to pick me up.  Now back to the diet!

Whole Foods tiramisu is pretty good. It’s ok one serving won’t get you. I’m strict most of the time, but find treats to be normal and not something that will cause a derailment. Because they’re just that — treats. 

[Gramto6]

Wow! 8,506 steps yesterday.

Surprised myself. Not intentional, just puttering around house and doing chores. But my back pays by the end of the day and I started today aching and stiff. I really am going to try to slow down a bit today. It just seems there is so much that needs to be done around here. When I sit, I see something I "should" be doing and get up to do it. I know my back needs more rest and I don't want to push it.

[Gramto6]

7,666 steps yesterday.

I think the sunshine is making me want to do more. I really need to be mindful of what I am doing and not do too much. My back aches every morning and I need to take it easier...seems almost too hard, but I don't want to end up back in the brace!!

[Pickleinthemiddle]

On 5/16/2023 at 9:49 PM, Gramto6 said:

 

Thanks, the waiting for results is the worst part.

A friend gifted me with a FitBit Versa2.  I am having some problems syncing it with my step app on my phone. I have been using that app for years and it seems to be a true count while the FitBit comes in way under like 1,000+ less steps. I just don't trust the FitBit count. 

I do like the little buzz reminder if I haven't done at least 250 steps each hour, but I don't get that very often as I walk a lot in the house. I'm leaning towards staying with my phone app at this point.

It will count any arm movements even if you are not walking.  If you are pushing a shopping cart it wont count your steps because your arm is not swinging back and forth like it does when you are walking.  I noticed this too thinking I should have more steps than I do.

My previous job I moved product 12 hours a day with a pallet jack and between my phone and step counter I was walking between 8-12 miles per shift depending on how much I had to move around.  My current job I average 16,000-21,000 steps a day if we work 12 hours.  Right now we are on 8 hour days and I still get close to 14,000 a day.  My poor feet always hurt as we have to wear steel toe shoes.  

[Gramto6]

47 minutes ago, Pickleinthemiddle said:

It will count any arm movements even if you are not walking.  If you are pushing a shopping cart it wont count your steps because your arm is not swinging back and forth like it does when you are walking.  I noticed this too thinking I should have more steps than I do.

I noticed this the other morning. I was taking my blood glucose reading and before I poke I wipe my fingers down with an alcohol wipe. Then I wave my hands a bit to dry it and lo and behold, I had a bunch of steps from just doing that!

My trust will remain with my phone step app.

Edited May 20, 2023 by Gramto6

[Gramto6]

8,156 steps yesterday.

I am doing too much, last night my back even hurt when I went to bed, and usually that is when it feels much better. I need to force myself to back off some today. I tend to try to do the most I can, but right now that is not such a good thing...

[Pickleinthemiddle]

I don't get many steps on the weekend, but today my daughter and I went to a state park that was also a historic site.  So it was very interesting the things we learned about the area.  It is where the North Texas Prairies meet the Panhandle plains, it was a beautiful day in the 70's-80's and everywhere you looked it was awash with Texas wildflowers and blooming Texas Prickly Pear Cactus.  I got about 6,000 steps today. 

[Yeah No]

Would you all believe I'm still struggling with this cold after 2 weeks??  Although that's not unusual for me, it's just been a long time since I've had one.  The congestion is still breaking up and making me feel tired and my ears are clicking a lot when I blow my nose.  This is why I have been so Covid-phobic, because everything I get that affects my sinuses and chest is worse for me than for other people.  After I realized it was a cold I decided rest was the best thing but it feels like its never enough.  It got better every day for a while and then just decided to hang around at a certain place. 

I'm not the only one complaining about this cold so I know it's not just me.  My husband has had it for over a week now and one of our friends who got it independently of us says he can't get rid of it either.  So needless to say I haven't been getting in my steps but I am happy I haven't gained any weight either so that's good.  I think I'm particularly cranky about it because it happened right as I was getting over my vertigo experience, so it's been like a month since I felt completely well.  I'm pretty sure it's not a sinus infection, I've had them before and my husband agrees because he used to be the king of sinus infections and he knows the signs all too well.

We both emerged today to go eat outdoors at a restaurant near us.  It was just the thing I needed.  I had a big salad with chicken on it.   I fell asleep for several hours which is why I'm up at this hour, but I think I needed it.  Oh well, I just wanted to give an update, back to bed now!

[Gramto6]

8,284 steps yesterday.

Sheesh if that is taking it easy, I am a failure! Not too sore this morning so will see where that goes. Still going to try to slow down some...

Sorry @Yeah No that you are still not feeling well. Hopefully you are on the mend now.  ((Hugs))

[Yeah No]

7 hours ago, Gramto6 said:

8,284 steps yesterday.

Sheesh if that is taking it easy, I am a failure! Not too sore this morning so will see where that goes. Still going to try to slow down some...

Sorry @Yeah No that you are still not feeling well. Hopefully you are on the mend now.  ((Hugs))

Thanks, Gram.  I did feel a little better today but I'm not rejoicing just yet because this thing can be better one day, worse the next, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is a trend.  I got about 5,300 steps so far but now I'm wondering how accurate my Galaxy watch is.  I have to find that pedometer I have and see how they compare with each other.  Unfortunately it's a clip-on and I don't find those that convenient.  I might try a phone app and see how that compares, although that's another issue because I keep my phone in my purse and unfortunately that creates too much jiggling and makes the step count less accurate.  I don't always have clothing on that has pockets, which is another issue, and my phone is so big it would be uncomfortable to keep in a pocket anyway unless I wear a jacket and right now we're almost out of jacket weather for the next few months.  

Wow, your step counts are getting up there again, that's fantastic!  I wanted to ask you if you're being affected by the Canadian wildfires.  Our sky has been milky white a lot of the time although they tell us the smoke is too high in the atmosphere to affect our air quality.  Unfortunately it has wrecked up our beautiful blue skies for weeks now.  Our friend that owns a ranch near Bozeman Montana told us that around there the air quality has been pretty bad.  It sucks for us seniors because we are the most vulnerable to bad air quality and for many people it becomes a health issue.  When we've had wildfire smoke lower in the atmosphere around here it has bothered me.  I hope your area has been spared.

[Gramto6]

@Yeah No yes, we have had the smoke here from the fires in Alberta. I am on the West side of MT near Missoula. Air Quality really went down for a while, today was windy and rainy so that helped. Thanks for the comment on my steps. I do seem to be doing more than I think I am, but some days that is not a good thing...

I always have my phone in my pocket (it is my "Help I've fallen and can't get up"device). It saved my bacon when I fell last Dec.! I have an iPhone 7 so it is pretty small and fits the pockets of most everything I own.  I make sure any pants/shorts I get have pockets and I wear a lot of light weight vests. Weather here has been cool enough to even wear them outside still.

I like my vests as they have the inside pockets too and I put my very small wallet in one and the phone in the other when I go out. Since Covid hit, I have stopped carrying a purse. 4 pockets in my vests hold everything I need.

Edited May 22, 2023 by Gramto6

[Gramto6]

7,366 steps yesterday.

Really tried to slow down but kept getting up to do things. Even the small decrease in steps seems to have helped my back feel better today.

One quick run to get copies of my new patient forms for my new pcp and maybe a quick grocery stop that is all for today.  Looks like one of a very few nice days for this week so want to go out when the sun is shining.

[Gramto6]

7,097 steps yesterday. I am happy with that number, hit my 7,000 step goal and feel pretty good this morning. But I think I am still going to try to take it easy another day.

[butterbody]

In 45 minutes I am gonna be taking my first pilates class. I don't know why I'm so nervous. Actually, I do. It's because I'm old and overweight with untreated anxiety and no workout buddy. Plus I think I got a little too baked while trying to calm my nerves and now I'm way lazy! But I'm gonna do it, you guys... wish me luck! 

[Gramto6]

(((Hugs))) and luck, you'll do fine!

[butterbody]

I did it!!! I loved it  I feel like a superhero ❤️💪

[Gramto6]

7,886 steps yesterday. 

I guess my body is letting me know I am getting stronger and can do more. I. have been trying to pace myself but somehow things come up that get me moving.

This may belong in Pet Peeves, but it explains all the extra steps...

Yesterday I was/almost was scammed through an AT&T scammer. Long story short, I called back to a call I shouldn't have and supposedly it was AT&T saying someone in NJ had ordered 2 iPads on my account. Supposedly I was eligible for 2 free iPads...then she said I would be billed $700 on my next billing. She. supposedly cancelled the order, gave me cancellation # and case # of their investigation. I thought it odd the 2 free iPads were going to cost me $700 but was so frazzled I didn't put it together until later.

Pacing, pacing all through this conversation... lots of steps!

Then I get an email from AT&T that my online password had been changed if not me to call a #. Called and was told AT&T doesn't do any of the things I was told, there was no record of any purchase on my account my recent auto payment. She locked my online account...I never use the app anyway or even go online for anything re AT&T.  Lots of pacing while she referred to her manager for final check all was OK again. 

Now I am so rattled I don't know if the 2nd call was also a scammer?? I think I am going to drive up to town today and go to the AT&T store and check things out. with a live person.

Arrrrgggghhhh!! I feel so stupid!!

[lookeyloo]

12 hours ago, butterbody said:

I did it!!! I loved it  I feel like a superhero ❤️💪

Yay you!  I always have ambivalence going into the gym and say to myself "well, just go in". Then I say "just do 5 minutes". And then when class is over I feel fab! 

[Gramto6]

6,169 steps yesterday.

A bit lower, but I am happy with the number and my ability to slow down some!  Finally!

Called local AT&T and they checked my account. All is fine, no activity. And I feel better as I initiated the call, not from some email.  Then later in the day, I. get one of those scam emails that my Amazon acct has been suspended. Sheesh....

[xwordfanatik]

My step counter said 6200 and the distance was a 3 mile walk.  Does that sound accurate to the other walkers here?

@Gramto6, I'm so sick of those phishing emails!  Fake texts on my phone, too.  I wish there was some way of "getting back" at those thieving scammers.

[MaddyMaeboxerbabe]

I do a 3 mile walk most mornings and my Apple Watch gives me about 6600 steps.  

[Absolom]

1 hour ago, xwordfanatik said:

My step counter said 6200 and the distance was a 3 mile walk.  Does that sound accurate to the other walkers here?

It totally depends on your height and your step length.  I'm short so 3 miles is around 7500 or more steps for me.  

Average (includes men) is 2000 steps per mile.  

[lookeyloo]

Interesting observation.  I was comparing notes with son about steps/miles.  He went about 6000 steps, 4.1 miles.  I went about 9500 steps, 3.6 miles.  So, maybe he takes longer steps than me?  One person's 5000 steps is not always another person's 5000 steps.  Steps or miles.  What to count.  My brother counts steps.  I count miles. Son counts both.

[Gramto6]

I count steps. My stride is on the short side so distance may not be what someone else's is. My purpose is to be up and moving not the distance. No matter what my distance, I am getting the exercise and that is my goal.

Edited May 26, 2023 by Gramto6

[Absolom]

I am so short, the doctor told me to only consider step count on a regular basis.  He said if I was comparing miles to only compare it to my own record not someone else.

[Gramto6]

16 minutes ago, Absolom said:

I am so short, the doctor told me to only consider step count on a regular basis.  He said if I was comparing miles to only compare it to my own record not someone else.

Frankly, I don't even look at the distance on my step app, only the number of steps.

[Yeah No]

On 5/25/2023 at 10:03 AM, Gramto6 said:

7,886 steps yesterday. 

I guess my body is letting me know I am getting stronger and can do more. I. have been trying to pace myself but somehow things come up that get me moving.

This may belong in Pet Peeves, but it explains all the extra steps...

Yesterday I was/almost was scammed through an AT&T scammer. Long story short, I called back to a call I shouldn't have and supposedly it was AT&T saying someone in NJ had ordered 2 iPads on my account. Supposedly I was eligible for 2 free iPads...then she said I would be billed $700 on my next billing. She. supposedly cancelled the order, gave me cancellation # and case # of their investigation. I thought it odd the 2 free iPads were going to cost me $700 but was so frazzled I didn't put it together until later.

Pacing, pacing all through this conversation... lots of steps!

Then I get an email from AT&T that my online password had been changed if not me to call a #. Called and was told AT&T doesn't do any of the things I was told, there was no record of any purchase on my account my recent auto payment. She locked my online account...I never use the app anyway or even go online for anything re AT&T.  Lots of pacing while she referred to her manager for final check all was OK again. 

Now I am so rattled I don't know if the 2nd call was also a scammer?? I think I am going to drive up to town today and go to the AT&T store and check things out. with a live person.

Arrrrgggghhhh!! I feel so stupid!!

Don't feel stupid, they fooled me a few years ago too.  They're getting so sophisticated they can fool the best of us.  In my case it involved an inside job at Verizon if you can believe that.  I was called and told that there was suspicious activity on my account and it had been charged for 4 iphones.  The person claimed to be from Verizon.  They told me they were from a special fraud division and I needed to speak to someone in customer service to have the  charges removed from my account.  The readout on my phone identified them as coming from a number I recognized as Verizon.  Then they patched my call through to an actual Verizon customer service person who "verified" their identity by giving me all this specific information about my account that would make anyone think they were legit.  They then put me on hold and directed me to press buttons to confirm the "cancellation" when I heard the recorded prompts.  Meanwhile what I was inadvertently confirming was the purchase of the iphones.   When I got a bill for several thousand dollars a few weeks later I knew I had been scammed and called Verizon right away.  It took them weeks to figure out what happened.  In the end the actual fraud unit admitted to me that it involved an inside job.  How could anyone know that?  If they could fool me, they could fool anyone.  I'm usually THE  most skeptical person about stuff like this.  Now I am so on guard I refuse to talk to anyone that contacts me first and say I'll call them back myself.   If I think something smells fishy I google on it first to see if it's a known scam.  It usually is.  Also, if you're told there's suspicious activity on your account, check it out first. There usually isn't.  Call the company at numbers you know are legit, or look at your online account to do a reality check.  Don't click on any links in emails or texts.  Lesson learned.

[lookeyloo]

On the topic of steps vs. miles.  Personal choice based on many factors.  Not implying or thinking one is better than other.  Just making conversation on how they differ.  And I guess it applies here - YMMV  (Your mileage may vary) 😃

[Gramto6]

8,084 steps yesterday.

I thought I was still taking it easy. Not purposefully walking for steps, just doing stuff. Kind of makes me wonder what I would get if I went back to the old way of go, go, going? I think or like to think I am past that and am better at listening to my body and being more cautious...

[Gramto6]

7,626 steps yesterday.

My back is on the sore side this morning. I think all this damp weather has found a new place to settle in my body besides my knee, the vertebrae I fractured in the fall...  More days of showers and possible thunder-storms in the forecast. :(

[Absolom]

That's quite likely.  I have a spot I fractured well over ten years ago and it still has spells especially if I overdo or catch a virus.  It's much more easily tripped in rainy or especially stormy weather.  I usually take it a little easier and maybe take a Tylenol.  Heat helps, too.  

[Gramto6]

Thanks for the input @Absolom   the neurosurgeon did say that vertebrae would now be smaller than the others and "spongy" but otherwise just fine. But I do see issues if I overdo and now with the weather. Good to know I am not imagining it or making excuses.

[TurtlePower]

On 5/26/2023 at 1:35 PM, xwordfanatik said:

My step counter said 6200 and the distance was a 3 mile walk.  Does that sound accurate to the other walkers here?

@Gramto6, I'm so sick of those phishing emails!  Fake texts on my phone, too.  I wish there was some way of "getting back" at those thieving scammers.

If I had Darth Vader powers they’d be getting diarrhoea in their vehicles all the time. The kind they can’t hold and it gets all over their seats. Also, their tires would be slashed every day, even secured in their garages. Every. Day. 

[Gramto6]

7,905 steps yesterday.

Tried to take it easy, but life just got in the way. Today is sunny and back is feeling better. The days and days of possible showers and thundershowers have dwindled down to just a couple in 10 day forecast. Hope the sun lasts.

Garbage to the top of the road is the most I plan for today. I think I just want to sit and watch things dry out!!

@TurtlePower oh how I wish you had those Darth Vader powers!!

[Absolom]

1 hour ago, Gramto6 said:

Garbage to the top of the road is the most I plan for today. I think I just want to sit and watch things dry out!!

I had watering on my to do list for today, but checked with the moisture meter and it can wait a day.  😄 That's also true for a potted plant I want to transplant except I think it's three days for that to dry out more!  All the chores are now almost done for the day.

[Gramto6]

8,266 steps yesterday.

And I thought I was taking it easy!  I am actually thrilled to hit my goal of 7,000 steps or close to that each day, and am always really surprised when I surpass it. I just don't want to get in the mindset of having to push to get there or do better the next day.

[Gramto6]

6,919 steps yesterday.

It feels odd to be trying to not to do too much, but at this point I have to slow down for a while longer. It is harder to do than to push for a higher goal!

The weather was so nice yesterday and today is back to drizzly rain and possible thunderstorms. So hoping June will bring consistently nicer weather. The damp makes my back and knees ache...

[Gramto6]

6,550 steps yesterday. 

Happy with that # even if it isn't quite at my goal. Another dreary damp day today, how my knee and back respond to it will determine how much I can walk.

[Gramto6]

7,312 steps yesterday. Surprised myself.  Well, I'll just take what comes and be happy!

The day was nice but again many damp days in the forecast. The weather really messes with my activity...

[Gramto6]

7,499 steps yesterday.

Not sure what the day will bring... It is my birthday (74). I'd like to take it easy, but that doesn't seem to happen too often these days.

I'm hoping it is clear and sunny today and clear tonight so I can see the full moon. I love the light of the full moon!

[MaddyMaeboxerbabe]

Happy Birthday @Gramto6!  Best wishes for a wonderful day 🎉🥳🎈

[ginger90]

Happy birthday @Gramto6 !!