The March 2, 2010 NY Times Science Digest had a couple good articles in it for walkers. Here's a synopsis of the second one. If you want to read the whole thing, google that issue of the paper. The article "Even More Reasons to Get a Move On" is on Page D7, written by regular columnist Jane E. Brody.
This article speaks to the important and measurable positive effects that movement have on people as they age. Beginning exercise at ANY AGE gains improvements in health and well being for all participants. Most of the people discussed in this article are in their 80's. We'll all get there if we keep moving - but who wants to get there without quality of life? Not me.
Jane Brody writes, 'At the risk of sounding like a broken record, a new series of studies prompts me to again review the myriad benefits to body, mind and longevity of regular physical activity for people of all ages." There! It's in print, so it must be true!
Specifics are discussed (as we ALL know that just because it's in print doesn't mean it's true). Higher levels of physical activity have a beneficial effect on numerous conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteopenia and osteoporosis and bone fractures, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. More important, 'exercise produces "a significantly reduced risk of cognitive impairment..." for those who were 55 or older when the study began. This effect crosses gender and race boundaries, too. No losers here!
More specifics soon. Stay tuned. Gotta go dance!
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Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
WHERE HAVE I BEEN SINCE JANUARY?
Where have I been since January when I last posted here? I've been working AND walking, dodging the bad weather we've had in St. Louis. We lost the part time person in my office, so I had to fill in. Just hired a new part time person, so, with the coming of Spring, I'll be hitting the trails as in days of old.
In the meantime, I've been walking, dancing, and riding my stationary bike - AND losing about a pound a week. This blog is NOT about dieting or weight loss - it's about getting and staying healthy. For me, that means losing the 20 or so pounds I gained with my knee replacements. To that end, I needed to do more than my exercise regime. So, I decided to cut out sugar. Not all the white foods that Atkins has you eliminate - but sweets. I've been fairly successful with that but I have NOT been obsessive about it. I have a history of disordered eating and have suffered from anorexia long ago, so I work hard at not obsessing. Being fat (moderately so) is lots healthier than being anorexic!
But, I have to tell you about my shoe issues. Tune in to the next blog article for a good laugh at my expense. And, don't give up on your walks even in the bad weather. Use the malls, big box stores, grocery stores - any place that has aisles where you can walk reasonably unobstructed. That usually means you must go there (except for the mall) in off peak hours. Most stores don't mind. Remember (or did you know) that Loew's will allow you dog inside, so you can even walk the dog - but be sure to keep things clean!
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
In the meantime, I've been walking, dancing, and riding my stationary bike - AND losing about a pound a week. This blog is NOT about dieting or weight loss - it's about getting and staying healthy. For me, that means losing the 20 or so pounds I gained with my knee replacements. To that end, I needed to do more than my exercise regime. So, I decided to cut out sugar. Not all the white foods that Atkins has you eliminate - but sweets. I've been fairly successful with that but I have NOT been obsessive about it. I have a history of disordered eating and have suffered from anorexia long ago, so I work hard at not obsessing. Being fat (moderately so) is lots healthier than being anorexic!
But, I have to tell you about my shoe issues. Tune in to the next blog article for a good laugh at my expense. And, don't give up on your walks even in the bad weather. Use the malls, big box stores, grocery stores - any place that has aisles where you can walk reasonably unobstructed. That usually means you must go there (except for the mall) in off peak hours. Most stores don't mind. Remember (or did you know) that Loew's will allow you dog inside, so you can even walk the dog - but be sure to keep things clean!
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
MORE 'CURES'....
My son has a sore shoulder. An MRI showed that the muscle has been invaded by fat. He's in his twenties and not overweight. He's also not very fit.
His job requires sitting at a computer all day. He's too tall to comfortably sit at most computer stations, so he tends to slump a bit, aggravating the shoulder pain.
One of his coworkers is also a massage therapist. One day, she brought in some 'medicine' and rubbed it into his shoulder. Well, I'm sure rubbed is not the right word. I'll bet she has some massage techniques that might be more effective than a 'rub'! But, she used only a tiny bit of this stuff and it gave him some relief. Over the next few days, I applied tiny amounts and massaged it into his shoulder with similar results.
Here's the stuff:
http://www.heelusa.com/Traumeel/default.aspx
Just so you'll know, you don't need to be a medical professional or paraprofessional to purchase this stuff. It's homeopathic which means it's not a 'medicine'. I figure it might help some with sore muscles, especially if you're just starting an exercise regime or just becoming active. Don't let sore muscles keep you sitting down. If this cream helps, it's worth the investment in your health.
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
His job requires sitting at a computer all day. He's too tall to comfortably sit at most computer stations, so he tends to slump a bit, aggravating the shoulder pain.
One of his coworkers is also a massage therapist. One day, she brought in some 'medicine' and rubbed it into his shoulder. Well, I'm sure rubbed is not the right word. I'll bet she has some massage techniques that might be more effective than a 'rub'! But, she used only a tiny bit of this stuff and it gave him some relief. Over the next few days, I applied tiny amounts and massaged it into his shoulder with similar results.
Here's the stuff:
http://www.heelusa.com/Traumeel/default.aspx
Just so you'll know, you don't need to be a medical professional or paraprofessional to purchase this stuff. It's homeopathic which means it's not a 'medicine'. I figure it might help some with sore muscles, especially if you're just starting an exercise regime or just becoming active. Don't let sore muscles keep you sitting down. If this cream helps, it's worth the investment in your health.
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
....ALONG THOSE LINES....
I didn't have to go to work this morning (no car), so I turned on Martha Stewart's show. Today's (January 19, 2010) is about exercise. Most of it is stuff that is somewhat extreme or almost unavailable to me. I'm not going to find a place to pole dance and I don't have any interest in swinging a sword, for instance. Those exercises are better left to others.
But, one product intrigued me. Probably can't use it myself because of my bionic (replaced) knees, but kids and younger folks would definitely love these Kangoo Shoes.
You can learn more about them at:
http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/brands/skechers_shape-ups_shoes/list/q/100_and_up
I'd love my niece to get a pair for herself and her son as they both need to exercise. I think you'd get more calorie burn for you walking buck than with regular walking shoes, based on the way these things would make your leg muscles and core muscles work harder to keep you stable. According to the manufacturers, no safety equipment (helmets, arm braces) is needed! Wow! What about the crutch I'd need after I fell and broke my ankle?
Let me know what you think.
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
WHAT ABOUT THESE SHOES??
I know several people who have purchased these shoes and 'swear' by them!
http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/brands/skechers_shape-ups_shoes/list/q/100_and_up
They look interesting to me, but I'm unsure of their benefits and the price for an unknown is a bit daunting. I don't mind paying $100 for my New Balance shoes because I know they fit and are comfortable as well as perfectly suited to my daily walking and work. In fact, I rarely wear anything other than my Birkenstock and New Balance shoes - to work, to play, almost anywhere.
So, if you have tried these shoes, I'd love to know your opinion. One person told me that these shoes improve her posture by forcing her to keep her shoulders back. I could definitely use that kind of help!
Disclaimer: The link above is to a site and brand I've never personally used, so this is NOT an endorsement of the product or the site.
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/brands/skechers_shape-ups_shoes/list/q/100_and_upThey look interesting to me, but I'm unsure of their benefits and the price for an unknown is a bit daunting. I don't mind paying $100 for my New Balance shoes because I know they fit and are comfortable as well as perfectly suited to my daily walking and work. In fact, I rarely wear anything other than my Birkenstock and New Balance shoes - to work, to play, almost anywhere.
So, if you have tried these shoes, I'd love to know your opinion. One person told me that these shoes improve her posture by forcing her to keep her shoulders back. I could definitely use that kind of help!
Disclaimer: The link above is to a site and brand I've never personally used, so this is NOT an endorsement of the product or the site.
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
Monday, January 4, 2010
CURES AND SUCH
One day last week, I was treated to lunch by a firm that specializes in treating opiate addiction. The team that called on my office consisted of a psychologist, John Crum, and two support staff, Lisa and Teresa Taca. John's business partner is Arturo Taca, Jr. MD who is a phychiatrist. Turns out Art's dad was an intern at the hospital I worked at in the 1970's. He was a happy, talented man who had been in practice only a few years when he passed away suddenly, leaving behind his wife and five kids.
Fast forward all these years, and Arturo's son and two of his sisters are working in a field close to my heart. What does this have to do with walking, you're thinking. This team uses medications and cognitive behavior therapy as the base of their treatment program - but they also emphasize lifestyle changes including exercise.
Since they were receptive, I gave them my walking 'business' card. I hope they'll check out the blog and refer some patients here for some encouragement. My thoughts about incremental increases in physical activity - starting slow but staying steady - seem to mesh well with the work this addiction team is doing.
Besides, walking never HURT anyone! Nothing to lose and lots to gain - wellbeing, physical health, a good outlook. Can you name more?
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
Fast forward all these years, and Arturo's son and two of his sisters are working in a field close to my heart. What does this have to do with walking, you're thinking. This team uses medications and cognitive behavior therapy as the base of their treatment program - but they also emphasize lifestyle changes including exercise.
Since they were receptive, I gave them my walking 'business' card. I hope they'll check out the blog and refer some patients here for some encouragement. My thoughts about incremental increases in physical activity - starting slow but staying steady - seem to mesh well with the work this addiction team is doing.
Besides, walking never HURT anyone! Nothing to lose and lots to gain - wellbeing, physical health, a good outlook. Can you name more?
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
Friday, January 1, 2010
I RESOLVE TO MAKE NO RESOLUTIONS...
this year or ever. Talk about a set up for disaster! That would be it for me.
Today, January 2, 2010, is cooooold in St. Louis. Sunny but cold and it's windy. I just took the dog for a walk of about 2 miles. I don't walk her often since I usually have a human walking partner and not paying full attention to the dog results in things like a broken wrist for me. But, she's been stuck inside with the bad weather, too, so I walked her up to the park where it's even windier.
While walking, my Ipod died. A recharging issue, I hope. But, since I couldn't sing along, I got to thinking about reflection. How often do we give ourselves time for reflection? Way too often, my 'reflection' is done in my head while I'm trying to get to sleep. Not really sleep inducing to go over the bad things I've done, the errors and omissions of my days, what I shoulda, coulda, woulda done.
Several world religions have built in periods of reflection. Before Lent, a lot of my friends spend some time reflecting on their lives and what they'll give up for Lent. Yom Kippur is a 24 hour period, during which one is to ask persons and God for forgiveness for prior bad acts. The Twelve Steps has a couple of steps devoted to inventory and making things right. That sort of thing. Requires a lot of reflection.....
Walking is a good time for reflection. It's also a good time to do some 'head time' to escape from some of those realities we've reflected on and found ourselves lacking - or found others lacking. Escaping from these issues can be both refreshing and helpful. The past (and that includes just a couple of minutes ago) is something that seldom deserves close observation on a daily basis. It's fine to glance at the past - but impolite to stare.
So, while you walk today, give yourself permission to do a bit of reflecting. Then, move on - both physically and mentally - to a healthier way of thinking and living. Let walking be a tool for your wellbeing.
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
Today, January 2, 2010, is cooooold in St. Louis. Sunny but cold and it's windy. I just took the dog for a walk of about 2 miles. I don't walk her often since I usually have a human walking partner and not paying full attention to the dog results in things like a broken wrist for me. But, she's been stuck inside with the bad weather, too, so I walked her up to the park where it's even windier.
While walking, my Ipod died. A recharging issue, I hope. But, since I couldn't sing along, I got to thinking about reflection. How often do we give ourselves time for reflection? Way too often, my 'reflection' is done in my head while I'm trying to get to sleep. Not really sleep inducing to go over the bad things I've done, the errors and omissions of my days, what I shoulda, coulda, woulda done.
Several world religions have built in periods of reflection. Before Lent, a lot of my friends spend some time reflecting on their lives and what they'll give up for Lent. Yom Kippur is a 24 hour period, during which one is to ask persons and God for forgiveness for prior bad acts. The Twelve Steps has a couple of steps devoted to inventory and making things right. That sort of thing. Requires a lot of reflection.....
Walking is a good time for reflection. It's also a good time to do some 'head time' to escape from some of those realities we've reflected on and found ourselves lacking - or found others lacking. Escaping from these issues can be both refreshing and helpful. The past (and that includes just a couple of minutes ago) is something that seldom deserves close observation on a daily basis. It's fine to glance at the past - but impolite to stare.
So, while you walk today, give yourself permission to do a bit of reflecting. Then, move on - both physically and mentally - to a healthier way of thinking and living. Let walking be a tool for your wellbeing.
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
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