It’s about starting over . com

Sometimes I just wish it would get easy, that someone would provide simple answers. But life continuously challenges us with complications and it’s what we do when this happens that defines who and what we are.

I’ve known for a long time that exercise is an important factor in not only health, but functionality. If you’re dealing with pain or restricted movement, you’re simply not going to be as functional as you are if you’re pain free, can move and breathe easily, and have lots of energy. But I haven’t done much about it. The exercise I have done, and I’ve done it so regularly that it’s an integral part of my daily routine (just about every morning) isn’t weight bearing. It includes stretching, breathing and strengthening exercises that are directly related to singing. They’re also directly related to strength because that’s important to me–I love being able to move furniture, boxes, equipment, lift heavy things. It’s just me.

The Chocolate Ice Cream Solution

While I caring for Ray, I not only didn’t exercise at all, but I took daily solace in ice cream. Seriously, is there any problem that chocolate ice cream can’t solve? It took it’s toll on me and at one point (which turned out to be a major turning point), I weighed in at 82 kilos (that’s slightly over 180 lbs…and I’m only 5′ 2″ tall). I didn’t feel overweight or unhealthy, but I most certainly was. I guess I was just so focused on Ray that I didn’t notice. I began to take myself in hand and started a whole new routine. Diet, mild exercise, acupuncture and most importantly, education. Over time, I lost around 25 kilos (55 lbs) and basically have kept it off over the years. BTW, just so everyone knows, my two sons were highly instrumental in all this. Believe it or not, without their help, support and yes, guidance, it never would have happened. I was 49 when at this turning point.

Well, as life will have it, I’ve reached another milestone and life has thrown me a curve ball. I’m now almost 54 years old and a great believer in annual physicals. Mine are probably a bit more complex than they would be if I didn’t have the medical history I do, and include a bone scan every few years. Having been a full-blown ballet dancer, my bone density has always been above average, and so regarding bone density, I’ve always held my pretty little nose up in the air. Wakup call time….this year shows a substantial decline. Plus, it seems that my metabolism has once again slowed down and what was a great diet and exercize plan is now making me gain weight. OMG! I’m human! Is there no end to life’s cruelty? Must I face the fact? I’m getting…oh, the humiliation….older (sob)

Alright, as Cheryl Wheeler says in one of my favorite songs, “Then I shake my head, clearing my vision…” (I’m doing it, I’m doing it…)

Acting my age….well, mostly…

Okay, I accept it. I’m getting older, but I don’t have to act like it, do I?

Well, yes, in some ways, I do. So I’m revamping my diet and exercize program to include more but smaller meals each day, less protein and fat and carbs per day while substantially upping the variety and quantity of vegetables I eat. I’ve purchased a Polar heart-rate monitor (it’s really cool and a good investment) and am challenging myself to walk five or six days each week, preferably outside and in gentle sunlight (weight-bearing exercize increases/maintains bone density, and sunlight creates vitamin D in the body which also affects bone density). The heart-rate monitor will help me keep my heart rate at 75% of what’s called the “maximum heart rate” for at least 1/2 hour each time I walk. This, according to experts, will boost my metabolism and increase cardiopulmonary function and stamina. For those of you who are interested, your maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age.

Must I continually start over? Well, thank G-d, no! Just readjust from time to time. I’m lucky, I got this wake-up call now, before it became serious. What about you? Are you watching for those wake-up calls and readjusting when you get them? If you’re not, you may end up paying dearly down the road. Better yet, why wait for your wake-up call? Why not let mine be yours?

Ha! Maybe it is easy! Maybe someone is providing simple answers! It’s just the breaking of long-time habits that’s difficult.  But after all, who doesn’t want health and happiness?

Moving forward….

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