There is a lot I could teach my voluptuous black cat – Pash – about health.
How important it is to exercise, and why an occasion sabbatical from our comfortable couch to stretch her short legs and go for an even brief walk could make the world of difference to her wellbeing.
How being outside in the fresh air and sunshine is great for boosting Vitamin D levels and rejuvenating for the body, mind and soul (although I’m not quite sure how a black cat makes vitamin D given all her hair!
Why constant moodiness can be hormonal, and weight loss can really make a difference.
However, as I mentioned, Pash is a cat, and a moody one at that!
So what have I learned from this plump, at times antisocial, gorgeous lump of a cat?
Lots really. Let me explain the most recent lesson.
Winter has hit Adelaide in the past few days. It’s been too cold for tiny paws to venture out into the damp, wet, dark outside world. We have opened the back door for her, and she has looked out, disapproved and marched back to settle contentedly on our (really, her) couch. It even has a dent worn from where her well-padded bottom regularly resides.
As the coldness ventured in through our home’s double brick walls and seeped unkindly into our bones, we shut the doors to our front room, turned on the musty oil heater for the first time this year, and wrapped comforting blankets over our laps. This is where class began.
I was sitting and writing an article for my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome blog, the computer resting on a pillow on my lap, which was covered by my blanket. Pash jumped up and joined me. Not one to hold back when she wants something; she must have been in need of some snuggly warmth and comfort. She walked up to the edge of the blanket, pulling at it and vocalising until I raised the edge so she could easily crawl under. Then, not yet content, she tried to push her way under previously well-positioned laptop, not happy until I moved it so she could position herself exactly as she wished.
Then in my less comfortable position, I patted her head through the blankets. She made it clear by meowing and making a futile attempt at biting me to say ‘Just leave me alone!’
As you can tell, I am rather under the thumb (paw) and Pash may need to attend a feline finishing school! So what did I learn?
1) Sometimes we need to ask for what we need. Holding back for fear of disapproval or retribution builds resentment and unhappiness.
2) If we don’t ask, we never get. As they say, not asking results in a definite no.
3) You have a right to have at least your basic needs met. For Pash, this was warmth on a cold day. What is it for you?
4) You are allowed to put your best interests first. I’m not suggesting selfishness, but self-love. There is a massive difference.
5) Sometimes, when you get what you want you make others happy to. Yes, she is moody and grumpy and pushy, but there’s something rather lovely about having a cat cuddle on a wintery day.
To your health and wellbeing.
International author, speaker, PCOS expert and experienced clinician Dr Rebecca Harwin has been helping women improve their health for many years.
Dr Rebecca has completed eight years of intensive University study, and holds three undergraduate degrees; a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Clinical Science), and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Biology). She has also completed thousands of hours of further health studies.
She is passionate about combining her comprehensive education and research with her personal and clinical experiences to bring you a comprehensive way forward from PCOS to freedom.
http://www.conqueryourpcosnaturally.com
Medical Doctor, author, speaker, media presenter and health industry consultant, Dr Joe Kosterich wants you to be healthy and get the most out of life.
Joe writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications, is clinical editor at Medical Forum Magazine, and is also a regular on radio and television.
Joe is Medical Advisor to Medicinal Cannabis Company Little Green Pharma, Chairman of Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association and sits on the board of Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases.
He has self-published two books: Dr Joe’s DIY Health and 60 Minutes To Better Health.
In 2024 due to public demand he commenced a podcast, Dr Joe Unplugged, which can be accessed via Spotify, Apple or YouTube.
Through all this he continues to see patients as a GP each week.
