One Pedal at a Time; For my health!

For years I have struggled with issues of weight and depression, and under the guidance of my doctor, had made some huge changes, until this past September, when I had a major setback health-wise.


In September. I wound up in the hospital, my blood pressure rampantly out of control. Before this, I had worked hard to keep my blood pressure in check, under control, and had no indication that anything had changed.  It was a shock, and a scare when I went to the emergency room, and then was admitted for treatment.  Through the prescribed treatment, my metabolism changed, and my struggles to keep my weight down became in vain, with the medication hampering my ability to not gain weight, way faster than I could cope with.



Despite my best efforts, the pounds crept up, and my back and knees suffered for it.  


It's currently the off season for my work, and I have only what I saved to get me through till the work season, when the weather warms. My intention is to be able to start before the warm weather, and continuing into it and for life to have these issues under control by the time work for me starts back up, and keep them that way for life.


My insurance doesn't cover the required physical therapy to make the difference I need, and I do not want to resort to invasive surgery, which would take nine months to qualify for anyway.


The impact of the sudden weight gain, the frustration with insurance, the fright of the hospital stay, combined with my depression, have me reeling to get my emotional state back under control as well.


So I come to good, kind souls like yourself for help. My intent is to raise enough money to purchase a quality bicycle, which will allow me to exercise with a reduced impact to my already beleaguered knees and back. Studies show as well that bicycling is therapeutic for knees as well. Also, being an activity I have enjoyed and found solace in since childhood, riding would help combat the depression, and would be something I would stay motivated to do.


One other benefit to a bicycle, transportation that is affordable, and healthy. Far less expensive than a car, and without fuel and insurance costs, with far less maintenance costs as well. It's a smart choice for me, and very eco-friendly.


What I plan to do with the funds, purchase the bicycle itself, a helmet to be safe, a small repair kit to carry in case of emergencies, a bike lock, so it doesn't get taken, and a couple of extra tire tubes, because sooner or later, they need replacing.


Together, I am confident that I will reach these important health goals, and become the healthy, productive person I am capable of being.