Activate Yourself! Be a Fit (and Safe) Baby Boomer

What a glorious day! Besides being Friday and having a four day weekend ahead of me at the beach, today's weather is magnificent! Low humidity, light breeze and full bright sunshine! It's the kind of day that's begging you to spend outdoors doing something good for yourself; i.e. soaking up all the Vitamin D and getting some exercise. In my mind I'm on the golf course instead of at my computer blogging, but while I'm here hopefully I can encourage some folks to "activate yourself". Take a walk, a jog (not with bad joints please), swim, play golf, tennis, or a circuit fitness walk through the park (stop every 5 min. or so to do lunges, squats, tricep dips on a park bench, etc. inbetween fitness walk). Whatever...just get moving. Even sitting on a park bench and meditating for 10-15 min. is great for your health. Just pick something, focus on it and do it. I just learn through PubMed that a Harvard Study of late revealed after testing over 9,ooo people that creativity and productivity are increased when we focus on just one thing, instead of the over-hyped "multitasking". It's too bad in our hyper society today, that we are considered "slow" or "depressed" if we're not doing 4 things at once.
Anyway, back to getting activated. If you're of boomer age and its been awhile since you've moved that body for fitness' sake it may be a good idea to start low and go slow. Moreover, to get medical clearance from your physician as well. There are two great community talks pertaining exactly to this subject called "How to Be a Fit (and Safe) Baby Boomer" featuring Drs. Pichard & Zikira, orthopedic sports specialists from Good Samaritan Hospital. These talks are FREE and will be presented on Tuesday, June 21st at Lynne Bricks at Belvedere Square; and on Tuesday, June 28th at Merritt Athletic Club on Mylander Rd. in Towson. The time for both events is 6:30pm. Call 443-444-4100 to register and for more information.

Spring into Good Health with Community Programs

Most people know that I am very passionate about good health and helping people feel better. BUT, those who know me also know that I'm not about taking a pill, but about TAKING CHARGE of your life and being empowered: Here are some of my community programs to take charge, get well and change the way you feel:

1- Good Sam @ Work -lectures that I give at local business's in a lunch 'n lean format, to improve their employees wellness, morale, productivity and decrease absentiesm on topics such as: stress, fitness, nutrition, ergonomics, back pain, sleep health, arthritis/osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, etc. Grab a meeting room, bring your lunch and come learn --these program are FREE! Contact me for info. 443-444-4698

2- VintAGE educational spring lecture series - last one is next Saturday, May 14 at 10am at Good Sam Hospital and will feature Dr. Rosemarie Maraj speaking on Diabetes Prevention: How Sweet It Is. Free but must register at 443-444-4100

3- Bring Balance Back to Your Life - this 90-minute comprehensive exercise program includes aerobics, strength training, balance exercise and meditation for all fitness levels. Held at Good Sam Hospital these Saturdays, at 10am--May 7, Jun 4, Jul 9, Sept 24 and Oct st. Co-sponsored by Balto, County Dept. of Aging (BCDA)and must register at 410-887-2594 and its FREE!

4-Living Well Take Charge of Your Diabetes - a free 6-week session co-sponsored by BCDA, held at Good Sam Hospital on the following Wednesdays, from 12:30-3pm; Jul 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug 3rd and Aug 10. Become empowered to positively self-manage your chronic condition. Free but must register at 443-444-4100.

So, here's a great line-up to spring into Wellness--go ahead you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain with these community outreach programs.!

Tai chi & Arthritis & Wellness

Every once and awhile I have to express how wonderful practicing tai chi has been to my body, my spirit and my mind. I cannot believe how it relieves my total body pain, just by breathing deeply and the slow rhythmic movements. I'm teaching two tai chi sessions ( one regular and one for arthritis), in addition to about 2-3 hours of practice/training time and reaping what you sow is so true here. I am hardly taking any pain medication and my balance is better than ever. I can't believe how freely I move about my day and how sure-footed I step. My balance stabilizers kick-in yesterday when I tripped over the curb and I did not fall! And the deep abdominal continuous breathing really clears my head, relaxes my mind and nourished my body! Oxygen really fuels everything--muscles, bones, joints & head. My lung capacity has really expanded--too bad I can't sing because I can really hold a note! This is excellant is combating the normal age-related changes of decreased lung capacity, loss of muscle mass and decreased balance. I feel so good after class/practice --chi is flowing all over my body and brain. I would recommend this to anyone at any fitness level. Its so easy, slow and wonderful!!!

My New Hip is 2 - Happy Birthday!

Big day--2nd anniversay of my left total hip replacement! Hard to believe 2 years has gone by since my surgery. Hard to believe I have a replaced hip because I forget it's there. I 'm only reminded when the weather is real cold, or when I've overdone it....like on too much exercise or long work days. But I'm learning what's best not to trigger any discomfort. I think about all the people I come in contact with on a daily basis in my travels who are so trepid about getting joint replacement surgery, yet live with lots of compromise & pain...giving up the things they love like, travel, golf, gardening etc. Defaulting to becoming deconditioned and rapidly aging because its hurts too much to do anything but sit in a chair. But sitting in a chair is very, very bad for your health! I wish I could get through to those folks and let them know that life can be active and fun again! Yes--its major surgery but very successful surgery, esp done at Good Sam.
Anyway, I'll keep trying and in the meantime I'll enjoy this day that two years ago really changed my life!

Success in India--Hip, hip, Horray!

I've been back from India for over a week now and am beginning to feel myself again. Meaning not so sleeping as I was. That 10.5 hrs. time difference really gets you. What a great trip--did 58 joint replacement on 47 patients--many were young, in early 40's or late 30's mostly due to their hard life. Such a different life and environment in India---unimagineable living conditions, dirt, poverty all juxtaposed among palaces, colleges and universitites...Oh and the sacred cows! I know its hackneyed to say but I am so very blessed to live in America! The Indian food however, was delicious, lots of vegetables, sauces, curry, tumeric, etc.---hot, hot, hot!
I'm quite proud of my endurance during the trip. I napped alot less on the bus trips (endless, bus trips) than other missionaries half my age. Also endured the long work days with just one flare up with my hip, mostly from walking on the hard marble floors. A little ice and rest was all I needed. One evening the host physicians held a reception/dinner in Punjabi tradition for all of us and my hip did just find dancing to both Punjabi and American music. It was great fun and it felt wonderful getting some exercise (not much time for the gym on these missions). Since my return I'm back to my daily workouts. You know my mantra--if you want your body to be good to you...you must be good to your body!
Gearing up for a busy spring, health fairs, book club, VintAGE and my usual community outreach stops. Looking forward to networking with my alumnae from Mercy High School at Jerry D's this wednesday evening--can't wait to tell them about Good Sam @ Work and hope to get some leads.

Hello to my Biggest Adventure- India, Jan 2011!

Its been a month since my last post. Getting busy preparing for my 3rd medical mission with Operation Walk Maryland- this time to Ludhiana, India from 1/26-2/6. Past 2 years we visited Lima, Peru (2009), and Quito, Ecuador (2010). These trips are exhausting, so I've been doing regular workouts, added pushups and weight training to build my endurance and strength...and that's just for the trip out there...4 hour bus ride to JFK, 18-hr,. direct flight to Delhi, then hop on a bus for 8 more hrs. to the remote Ludhiana (heard its very, very bumpy w/crappy buses, too.). My dear friend Mary, nor colleague Margaret are making this trip, but Theresa, PT will again ,as will for the first time, my sister-in-law, Marla. This year we are chronicling our journey on Facebook and Twitter! Just go to Operation Walk Maryland on Facebook to keep in touch! Anyone out there been to Ludhiana, India?
My replaced hip is doing great with no recent episodes of the bursitis flaring up---mixing up my workouts is key--making sure I don't do repetitive movement for more than 6-8 minutes works great. My tibial stress fx. is completely healed as well. Working hard to lose those 5 lbs. from Christmas--you know the ones I blogged about and was determined not to gain!
Its getting hard to stay in shape during the cold winter months--totally relying on DVD's. Really am starting to miss the outdoors and swinging a golf club. I'm grateful that I have so many DVD's to choose from. And am really looking forward to shooting my own workout video this year as well.
Workwise, I'm getting things in order and am really excited about the BookClub, Good Sam @ Work, Vintage,Arthritis-on-the-Go and new Tai Chi sessions! Check our pub- Good Health for information on these programs.
Signing off now--can't wait to tell you all about India...Namaste!

Year End Inventory time! Be mindful in 2011.

Out with 2010 and in with 2011--another year gone and man did it fly! Someone said that time passes much quicker when your older because your life is so routine. How depressing. I always try to do new things, and travel to new places but it still flies by. And when you've got big things to look forward to, time flies until the big event, so you plan and wait for the next date/event that you have to look forward to. Maybe I should slow down and enjoy a little more of my everydays and not just my big events. Be more mindful of the present---instead of moving quickly through my days and evenings, and even conversations with people. I'm learning this mindfulness is very healthy. Regular practice of "mindful meditation" claims to makes a more balanced life, less stress, a more restorative brain, better pain tolerance and better awareness of the world around you. Tai chi, I know is wonderful as a moving meditation and really makes me feel better simply through the soft, yet strong movements, regular deep breathing and beautiful shifting of the weight and balance. I don't like resolutions per se...and that certainly is the expectation at year's end, but I am going to at least begin to be more mindful in my life, and in my work by simply asking these two questions: 1- Am I present right now?, and 2- am I giving this person/task my full attention? This is a good start and them I may progress to sitting quietyly for 10 or so minutes each day I can, just breathing and being present. Good thoughts!