Monday, November 30, 2009

Good Luck to L.E. tomorrow--Here's to your new hip!

Well I survived T-Day, but still have the 3 lbs. I had last week, but no more. It was a great holiday and I enjoyed every bit of it. I'm keeping on the game plan being active and careful with my portions and drinking lots of water. Most importantly I'm reaching out to L.E. and sending you good hip surgery vibes, for your hip replacement tomorrow, Dec 1st. You will be so happy you did this! I'll be up to see you in a couple days when you will be feeling more human!

Speaking of hip arthritis, I'm about to walk in the 5K Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Walk/Run this Sunday at DuBurns in Canton. I've been the GSH Team Captain for several years now, but really look forward to walking PAIN FREE this year. Last year I was only able to cheer the rest of the team on from the sidelines because of my hip pain. This is the Arthritis foundation biggest annual fundraiser who's cause is to help find a cure for arthritis! Wow-wouldn't that be great! Thanks to everyone on the team this year and for all who donated!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Preparing for Battle!

Well its that time of year to really give yourself a good talking to and plan a manageable strategy not to gain weight this holiday season. I'm a little bummed at myself...having lost about 12 lbs. these past few months with Weight Watchers, I've managed to gain back about 3 lbs. by succumbing to my social calendar and eating too much at dinner parties, weekends away and Ravens games! Worst part is that T-Day is 3 days away. The 3lbs. has got to go! Here's my game plan: Exercise for 45 minutes everyday this week, even if in done 2/20 minute session, or a little here and a little there--AM, PM or whatever! Get drunk with water--its filling and great for your skin, and your bowels and bladder--keeps everything working-drink as much H2O as you can! So whenever you're hungry drink a big glass of water, first, wait 15 minutes if still hungry eat, but choose wisely--like an apple/orange, yogurt or string cheese! Brush your teeth and/or chew gum while cooking, especially on T-Day! I sample everything, but this year I'm not going to do it. After the big meal--take a walk, just a nice stroll, not anything brisk. Remember extra weight is horrible for your arthritis--causing the pain in your lowerback, hips or knees to worsen. We usually can't control that we have arthritis but can certainly can do our part to manage it; the extra weight and inactivity really do make it worse. Take charge and be responsible for your own wellness! Happy Thanksgiving and wish me luck with the weight war!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Fun with the Book Club

Long time no blog, still very busy....the Book Club started off with a twist! Only 4 people out of 32 read the book! So I kiddingly gave them a class score of D-! Since we couldn't discuss the book as a whole, we all engaged in a wonderful discussion about positive aging and there was some great sharing. People talked about what they want to do in this final third of their life and we had some real exciting responses; i.e- kayaking, learning Italian, volunteering. Some very tender feelings were exchanged about the joys of grandparenting and how surprisingly their grand kids are keeping them young and providing a new purpose in their lives. Overall, everyone there was very excited about aging, and in a very positive fashion....this group, I can tell already is not a bunch of "rotters", but a group of folks who really want to be alive and present during this milestone and continue to learn and enjoy life. So we will meet again on January 12 and hopefully everyone will read"Younger Next Year" by Crowley/Lodge; at least the first 4-5 chapters. The book has really inspired me and those who've read it to really get up and get moving...which I am ever so delighted to do with my new hip!