Plunging for Health

 

    My wife and I spent the St. Patrick's Day weekend in Cape May, NJ.  We were doing a Polar Plunge and I was doing a 5k run the same morning.  We like doing Polar Plunges in the ocean when we get the chance.  It is a great way to have fun, get away for a few days and help to raise money for some really terrific charities.  It is also a good way to socialize with like-minded people and meet new people from different places and different walks of life.

   The first thing you notice when staying in Cape May is how health conscious the people seem.  There are people walking, running and biking everywhere you look.  They walk on the beach, they are walking their dogs, they bike to get back and forth for groceries, etc.   The Cape May Running Company organizes runs on a regular basis for all levels of running ability, from beginner to marathoner. 

     Don't get me wrong, the local people know how to have a good time. The morning started with "kegs and eggs" and registration for the day's events.  Beer and breakfast are always good, a great way to "carb-up" for the run. I always say, it's about balance.  If you move throughout your day--taking the stairs when you can, walking around the block or walking your dog, parking in the back of the parking lot and walking to the door--you are making little changes that can make a difference in the way you feel.


Taking the plunge for fitness is always good.

Healthy, Happy New Year

     Today is the first day of the year. As such, the run I went on today, was the longest of the year. If you want to get in shape this year, or diet or whatever, it is a good time to start. 

     You don't have to run far or fast, or do 50 push-ups today (so that you are too sore tomorrow to do ANYTHING), to get some benefit to carry through the year. Even if your resolution is NOT to exercise, you should consider stretching a little.If you become a little more agile this year, a little more agile, you will benefit throughout the year. If your resolution is to travel, being a little more flexible could only enhance your enjoyment of your travels. And if your resolution IS to exercise, you do not have to overdo it in one day. If you do 1 push-up today and each day all this week, maybe next week you could do 2. Maybe 3 the following week and so on. Then, by this time next year, you'll be doing 52 push-ups at a clip: not too shabby. Exercise or not, remember to stretch. You can YOUTUBE it to find a fairly easy routine. Have fun, enjoy the year, and maybe a year from now, you'll be a little happier and a little healthier than you are now.

Best day of the year.... so far

Snow Is a Four Letter Word

     According to The Cleveland Clinic, each year about 11,000 people end up in the E R from shoveling snow. Most are orthopedic injuries (sprains, strains and broken bones), but some are from cardiac events. You can minimize the chances of ending up in the E R, buy taking a few precautions. Even if you are in shape, keep in mind the cold air would make breathing difficult and effect blood flow.  Using a smaller shovel would make each shovelful lighter (and less likely to strain muscles). Taking more breaks would also reduce cold weather injuries (frostbite and the like). Lastly, try to be sure of your footing and wear proper footwear to reduce slip and fall 

injuries.

     The most important aspect of being fit enough to shovel, however, is to be fit enough to enjoy life. You don’t have to be the fittest that you can be, but you should be “fit enough.” Fit enough to walk, to dance, to enjoy life and yes, to shovel. Get some type of exercise a few times a week, stretch afterward (while your muscles are warmed up) to stay flexible. And while you’re out there. Have a snowball fight with your kids or grand kids, build a snowman, or a  snow fort, and find a way to laugh and socialize.   

Don't spend winter in the E.R...

   

Changing Seasons, Changing Activity

     The seasons are changing, the winds are blustery and you can tell that Fall is slowly moving into Winter.  In the Fall, you can get out there, pick some apples, grab a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, take a walk and enjoy the beauty of all the changing colors of the leaves. Go to a local football game, join a bowling league, take a bus trip to NYC...just get out there and do something.  While movement is very important, so is socialization and relaxation.  I always tell you, a healthy life is about balance. Balancing your work, exercise, family time and social life.
      If it gets too windy or rainy outside, there are a lot of ways to exercise indoors.  Buy a used exercise bike or treadmill, stretch out on a yoga mat, lift soup cans for weights, go to the mall and walk up and down the hall, walk up and down the steps to the second floor in your home, or put a fun dance exercise show or music videos on TV and just move along the best way that you can.  It doesn't matter how you move, it is that you are moving.


You don't have to "leave" your home...

Garlic Fun In The Sun

     Today we went to the Garlic Festival in Easton.  It was a nice day to get out and enjoy the sunshine, the garlic beer and the food.  Garlic has many benefits including: boosts your immune system; reduces your blood pressure; lowers your cholesterol and it helps prevents dementia among other things.
      Walking around in the sunshine gives your body chance to absorb some Vitamin D.  Not to mention, walking is very good exercise.  It is also very good to socialize and have conversations with people that you just met.
       Getting out and enjoying fall festivities in the sunshine is a great way to improve your quality of life. Since my wife and I both love garlic, it will be safe to kiss her goodnight.






You have to be fit to fest

It's A Dog's Life

     Molly, our dog, loves to go for a walk.    Usually after I finish my run, I come in and take her out for a walk.  It is good for Molly,  because she needs the exercise and also for me, because it helps me to cool down after I run.
      Research has shown that owning a pet is good for overall health and well-being.  They provide companionship, comfort and a reason to get up and get moving everyday. We've owned cats and dogs and currently we have one of each.  Shadow, the cat, likes to play with her mice and her feather mat and is content to stay inside.  Molly loves to go out and run in the backyard, bark at everyone in the front yard and make her way down the street on her leash.  Moving around with your pet is a simple way to get some exercise in every day.  If you do not have one, the animal shelters are full of pets in need of a home.

Take care of  your pet, take care of yourself.

Free To Be Fit

      Happy Fourth of July! 
      I took a picture of our home(the one on the right side of the photo) and the other homes on our block to show all of the flags flying proudly.  It is a matter of respect to fly the American flag, especially on the patriotic holidays.
       We all celebrate the Fourth of July in different ways.  I can remember, a few years ago, running the 10k at Peachtree, Georgia. The cutoff for this run is 60,000 people, all having a good time running, talking, celebrating life and freedom.  I  like to run in different states, with new people, for different causes. Running, walking or other forms of exercise helps you to socialize and keep fit.  I recommend getting out there, meeting people and moving.


Exercise and socialize...