Staying "Hip"

 So, 3 weeks ago yesterday, I had a hip replacement. I have always said that I would rather wear out than rust. This is just proof of that. My doctor did an anterior operation (a fairly new process which allows a faster recovery for more active patients), and I am getting by with a cane. The pain has tapered off and I am recovering well. I do have a nice 7" or so scar, which at my age will probably stay a scar. We all age, and we all lose some degree of flexibility, but how we react to the aging process will determine how active and how happy we are until our final days. My advice, stay active, get  a new part if you need one, and live until you die, doing what makes you happy.

Titanium: harder to wear out, but I'll try.

So Happy Together

As some may know, I am still in school, I guess I am either a slow learner or just need a lot of reinforcement. Either way, I'm ok with that. My area of study is Health Promotion, and my specific interest is Geriatric Wellness. Basically, how to be fairly healthy as long as possible. Healthy does not just mean being able to perform a pushup or walk a mile when you're 80. Healthy means being capable and content. There are three main aspects of staying healthy and happy. One is physical, which I often talk about, another is physiological, which I will talk about in the future. The third is socialization. It is important to interact with others on a regular basis. Go to BINGO, walk with a neighbor and gab about friends and relatives, or if all else fails, get a pet. People that have others in their life, recovery faster from illness and injury. And those with a pet (not necessarily the "crazy cat lady") have a happier, more fulfilled life. In this picture, my sister-in-law's dog is doing crunches with me. Find someone or something to share life with, then share it.

"No man is an island..."  John Donne

Fit on Father's Day

     I love my children and my stepson and wish nothing but the best for them and for their families in this life.

     As they know, I have always been big on exercise, flexibility, self-esteem and being fit. Fit enough to walk to the store, to walk around on vacation, to enjoy every part of your life.  From my time in the military until this very day, I have tried to run, stretch, and remain active so that into my "golden years" I could continue to tie my own shoes, walk up and down my steps, or just walk around Nay Aug to enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air.  

       Making better day to day choices when you are eating, eating more fruit and vegetables and skipping the sugar will help you to live a longer, healthier life. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy eating and I enjoy going out and having dinner and a beer.  It's what makes life worth living.  You have to be fit enough to do this though.  You have to be able to walk around on vacation, to walk the boardwalk, walk around a scenic overlook or park, go whitewater rafting, etc.  Whatever makes you happy.  I am happy seeing that my children are happy, living their lives and enjoying their families on this Father's Day and every day.

Keep active for your children and to enjoy their children...

Enjoying Your Long Weekend

 

         This is really my motto.  You have to be fit enough to have fun in your life.  To enjoy going for a walk, going on vacation, to enjoy living.   This does not require a lot of work, just a little day to day thinking and moving.  If you make healthier choices during the week while you are eating, you can cheat a little on the weekend when you are out.  If you walk a little bit outside or on the treadmill, you don't have to worry so much about that beer and hamburger you are going to have this weekend at the family cookout.  

        On Memorial Day, we think about those that have gone before us and we think about the time we have spent with them.  We think about family picnics, going to baseball games, walking around the park, going to fairs and festivals, etc.  We don't think about sitting on the couch and watching TV.  What are people going to remember about you?  Will your legacy be that you had trouble doing things, moving and going places?  Or will it be that person really did what they wanted to do and enjoyed their life?  I am aiming for the last one.  

If you are not fit enough to enjoy your life you need to make a change...

      

Live Life

     Life is meant to be lived.  To get out there and eat, drink, laugh and love.  Going to festivals and fairs, walking around new cities and going to carnivals and picnics are some of the things my wife and I like to do.  However, you have to be fit enough to walk around them and enjoy them.  Every day, you need to go out for a walk, to keep in some kind of shape and to keep moving.  It's okay to eat a potato pancake or some ice cream, if you balance out the rest of the week by eating sensibly and more balanced.  During the week, eat three meals and include fruits, vegetables and nuts.  On the weekend, you can have a beer, or do more fun things.  You earned it, right?


Be in good enough shape to have fun.

Time To Get Fresh

     

     This picture may seem odd. It is most certainly a different combination of ingredients. I use these ingredients weekly as a base for making my "bean crap" as my wife calls it. I combine the beans, the Ro-Tel tomatoes and peppers, the onions, the olives, etc. I end up with a bowl of tasty beans that I eat as part of my lunch or dinner every day.
     Beans are good for your metabolism and blood sugar. The reason for this is that the soluble fiber in beans provides a long lasting source of energy, thanks to the complex carbohydrates and proteins available for your body to use. Since these macronutrients take longer for your body to break down, blood sugar levels remain stabilized. 
      I was just reading an article about food that looks like a specific body part being good for that body part.  They went on to say that walnuts are good for the brain, the inside of a carrot looks like an eye, celery stalks look like bones on x-ray, sweet potatoes look like your  pancreas, etc.  While interesting, it just reiterates something we already know.  Fruits and vegetables are good for you.  The more of them you eat, the fuller and the better you will feel.  Since we seem to have gone right past Spring into Summer, you should be thinking about watermelon and other melons, sweet corn, fresh salads and other produce.  My wife can't wait for the Farmer's Market to open because she absolutely loves supporting the local growers and getting the freshest selections. 
     Also, a reminder, to get up and go outside.  Take a walk, pull some weeds, sweep the sidewalks...whatever makes you move.  Don't forget the sunscreen.




Eat your fruits and vegetables...

Keep On Trying...

     Sometimes, it is not easy to get out of bed and put one foot in front of the other.  My hip is stiff and my back may be aching.  This would come from years of being in the army, teaching karate, running, etc.
      One way that I have found to overcome some of this aching is to remain flexible.  Warming up by walking before running on the treadmill is a good idea.  Stretching your muscles by touching your toes, doing heal lifts, pulling your knees into your chest and other exercises that you are comfortable with will help also.  I have a yoga mat that I use after running to stretch.  I also have hand weights that I use to work out my arms and my shoulders.
      I remember all of the difficult times during my journey, but they have only taught me valuable lessons and made me stronger. I try to appreciate every day of the journey, and want to remain healthy and flexible enough to enjoy it. By walking, running, stretching, and eating more mindfully I hope to make my "golden years" a little better.  Do what you can to make your days better also.

Life is a short journey...so stay strong and enjoy it.