It's New Years Eve and we make resolutions about everything in our life with which we are dissatisfied. To name the most common, we resolve to get our finances in order, our homes and jobs running more smoothly, and our relationships bettered.
But honestly if we don't improve our health, we can't devote the energy to fix any of the other issues. What to do? Well, we all know the right answer is to eat less and choose foods wisely, take vitamins and supplements, and exercise.
I am going to focus on exercise today because as we grow older it becomes not only a challenge but also a chore. When I was young, I had to run up and down three flights of stairs in my home to attend to my babies. It didn't phase me. I could dance for hours and not be tired, and I could lose 10 pounds without breaking a sweat. Oh for those days, but I'm almost 62 and none of that is true any more. Just trying to find the time and energy to go to the gym is a monumental problem.
Now I know intellectually that as soon as I commit to regular exercise, my energy level is ramped up, pain subsides, and I feel much, much better. The benefits of exercise, especially for the aging, (and who among us does that not apply to?) are extraordinary.
The ailments that accompany aging (including high blood pressure, arthritis, rheumatism and incontinence) can impact the intensity of physical activity but are the very reasons for staying fit, limber and active, so I have resolved to exercise five days a week for at least 45 minutes.
There are several forms of exercise that can be modified in intensity. Walking, jogging, swimming and yoga are all excellent for maintaining bone, joint and muscle strength and flexibility, reducing blood pressure and stress levels, and combating pain. I swim in the summer, work out at Curves through the winter, but this year, I am going to add yoga.
Recent research has shown that yoga reduces blood pressure, lowers pulse rate, improves artery elasticity, increases the heart's stroke volume and regulates heart rhythm. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the US, causing 1.5 million heart attacks each year. Yoga benefits the heart and overall health. It would certainly seem that yoga is a good idea for all of us especially for those just beginning an exercise regimen.
Originated in India and now considered a science, yoga has been practiced for over 5,000 years. What differentiates yoga from other exercise routines is its basic principal: that there’s a direct connection between the body, mind and spirit. The theory is that good health is dependent on the positive interrelationship of these three forces, and that balance between them must be achieved.
Yoga’s unique method for maintaining this balance is to combine physical movement with proper breathing and meditation techniques. The exercises are intended to increase flexibility, improve posture and put pressure on the glandular systems to increase efficiency. Deep breathing oxygenates the blood and induces a feeling of well-being. Meditation reduces stress and heart-harmful emotions like anxiety, hostility and hopelessness. Visit www.abc-of-yoga.com for information and products.
See your physician for a thorough examination. Discuss your level of physical fitness and appropriate exercise routines, including duration and frequency. Ask whether yoga will work for your exercise of choice or as an addition to another program. Modern medicine has certainly recognized its physiological, psychological and biochemical benefits.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas Angels
Each Christmas the school at which I teach involves itself in a Teen Angel program. Individuals and groups commit to raising 75.00 each for teens who would not otherwise have any gifts. I have my students contribute some of the money, but only after they hear the gift requests made by those teens.
This year, one of the two teens we were to shop for asked for underwear and a coat, as he had neither. This was shocking to my students, most of whom expect and often get a car when they turn 16. Needless to say most have not experienced deprivation.
The revelation that one of their peers had so little was momumental to them. One of my studemts was so moved, she took on the responsibility of shopping. She considered it a challenge to buy as much as possible with the teen's 75.00 allotment. She scoured the mall and the discount stores until she had stretched every single penny. She beamed with excitement as she showed the students all she had bought for our teen, and they beamed back.
What my students had done would have not changed the teen's world, only one of his days, but perhaps that was not the most important consideration. My students had been changed--at least a little. Just a little more grateful for all they had and just a little more concerned about others--a great first lesson for them and reminder lesson for the rest of us.
Merry Christmas to you all!
This year, one of the two teens we were to shop for asked for underwear and a coat, as he had neither. This was shocking to my students, most of whom expect and often get a car when they turn 16. Needless to say most have not experienced deprivation.
The revelation that one of their peers had so little was momumental to them. One of my studemts was so moved, she took on the responsibility of shopping. She considered it a challenge to buy as much as possible with the teen's 75.00 allotment. She scoured the mall and the discount stores until she had stretched every single penny. She beamed with excitement as she showed the students all she had bought for our teen, and they beamed back.
What my students had done would have not changed the teen's world, only one of his days, but perhaps that was not the most important consideration. My students had been changed--at least a little. Just a little more grateful for all they had and just a little more concerned about others--a great first lesson for them and reminder lesson for the rest of us.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Say No to Bullying
Illtreatment in high school is rampant and dramtically destructive to the person on the receiving end. Kids are REALLY awful to each other both verbally and now electronically, but bullying is not limited to youngsters. Many teachers are two-faced and speak ill of students and colleagues behind their backs, and parents and even administrators often treat teachers with disdain and disrespect.
The AAUW (American Association University Women) addresses this important topic in the article below.
"Bullying and sexual harassment have, unfortunately, made big headlines in recent months. After several tragic suicides, new initiatives aimed at preventing bullying and harassment, and AAUW's ground-breaking report on sexual harassment in school, the public and the media are finally paying attention to the critical issue of bullying. Now is the time to pass strong, meaningful anti-bullying and harassment legislation.
Take action: Ask your senators to cosponsor the Student Non-Discrimination Act (S. 555)!
All students deserve a safe and nurturing environment in which to pursue their educational goals. Yet currently, there is no federal law that explicitly protects students on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) would do just that. SNDA, which is modeled after other civil rights laws such as Title IX, would protect students from various forms of bullying and harassment, such as sex stereotyping and bullying based on their actual or perceived gender identity, and would give students the ability to enforce protection from discrimination and harassment. AAUW believes it is past time for such a law."
One eighth grader just recently shot and killed another eighth grader because he was thought to be gay. At what part of this scenario should we be most appalled? That 13 year olds are this violent; that 13 year olds are so ugly to each other at such a young age; that 13 year olds are sexually active; that 13 year olds are so removed from the innocence of youth.
The problem is insidious and pervasive. Parents, you are producing mean-spirited, caddy children who are hard, insulting and disrespectful, and the schools are at a loss as to what to do. The schools can't change character and they can't instill values. That's your job, but until parents take back the mantle of raising well their children, the legislature must pass laws that can at least insure some protection. PLEASE contact your representative about this critical legislation.
The AAUW (American Association University Women) addresses this important topic in the article below.
"Bullying and sexual harassment have, unfortunately, made big headlines in recent months. After several tragic suicides, new initiatives aimed at preventing bullying and harassment, and AAUW's ground-breaking report on sexual harassment in school, the public and the media are finally paying attention to the critical issue of bullying. Now is the time to pass strong, meaningful anti-bullying and harassment legislation.
Take action: Ask your senators to cosponsor the Student Non-Discrimination Act (S. 555)!
All students deserve a safe and nurturing environment in which to pursue their educational goals. Yet currently, there is no federal law that explicitly protects students on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) would do just that. SNDA, which is modeled after other civil rights laws such as Title IX, would protect students from various forms of bullying and harassment, such as sex stereotyping and bullying based on their actual or perceived gender identity, and would give students the ability to enforce protection from discrimination and harassment. AAUW believes it is past time for such a law."
One eighth grader just recently shot and killed another eighth grader because he was thought to be gay. At what part of this scenario should we be most appalled? That 13 year olds are this violent; that 13 year olds are so ugly to each other at such a young age; that 13 year olds are sexually active; that 13 year olds are so removed from the innocence of youth.
The problem is insidious and pervasive. Parents, you are producing mean-spirited, caddy children who are hard, insulting and disrespectful, and the schools are at a loss as to what to do. The schools can't change character and they can't instill values. That's your job, but until parents take back the mantle of raising well their children, the legislature must pass laws that can at least insure some protection. PLEASE contact your representative about this critical legislation.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Grandkids Are Coming
The grandchildren are coming for a visit. It's a time for excitement and planning for the most amazing and memorable time ever. Here are some ideas.
Children of all ages love exploration, and you needn’t go far. Rummage in your attic or garage for memorabilia, old clothes, hats and jewelry to dress in for tea parties or story time about the family. Serve up photo albums and scrapbooks with punch and cookies and you have an event to remember.
Explore nearby parks and begin collections. Identifying and displaying rocks, leaves, flowers and even bugs is educational and fascinating for even the youngest scientist. Don’t forget a picnic basket filled with snacks and drinks, a kite if it’s windy, fishing poles if there’s a creek and a wagon for those who get tired.
Investigate your neighborhood library. Apply for library cards (Having one makes children feel so grown up), and sign up for story or show time (sometimes conducted by costumed storytellers). Check out stacks of books and the library’s free videos and cassettes.
Search the countryside for working farms that let children milk cows or feed chickens, roadside markets that allow picking fruit or vegetables, and zoos that encourage petting the animals.
Hunt through and kitchen-test recipes. Then “write” a family cookbook. Pepper it with family anecdotes and decorate it with photos of the kids cooking and their drawings of the experience.
For more activity suggestions and information about entertaining grandchildren, visit www.cyberparent.com. Also read Vicki Lansky’s books 101 Ways to Make Your Child Feel Special, 101 Ways to Tell Your Child “I Love You”, 101 Ways to be a Special Dad and 101 Ways to be a Special Mom.
Children of all ages love exploration, and you needn’t go far. Rummage in your attic or garage for memorabilia, old clothes, hats and jewelry to dress in for tea parties or story time about the family. Serve up photo albums and scrapbooks with punch and cookies and you have an event to remember.
Explore nearby parks and begin collections. Identifying and displaying rocks, leaves, flowers and even bugs is educational and fascinating for even the youngest scientist. Don’t forget a picnic basket filled with snacks and drinks, a kite if it’s windy, fishing poles if there’s a creek and a wagon for those who get tired.
Investigate your neighborhood library. Apply for library cards (Having one makes children feel so grown up), and sign up for story or show time (sometimes conducted by costumed storytellers). Check out stacks of books and the library’s free videos and cassettes.
Search the countryside for working farms that let children milk cows or feed chickens, roadside markets that allow picking fruit or vegetables, and zoos that encourage petting the animals.
Hunt through and kitchen-test recipes. Then “write” a family cookbook. Pepper it with family anecdotes and decorate it with photos of the kids cooking and their drawings of the experience.
For more activity suggestions and information about entertaining grandchildren, visit www.cyberparent.com. Also read Vicki Lansky’s books 101 Ways to Make Your Child Feel Special, 101 Ways to Tell Your Child “I Love You”, 101 Ways to be a Special Dad and 101 Ways to be a Special Mom.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Adopting a Grandparent
Dear Linda:
I’m a freshman in college who was looking for a volunteer opportunity. My adviser suggested adopting-a-grandparent. I met an elderly woman with no family in my own neighborhood, and though I know I have helped my adopted grandmother, I’ve learned more from her than I can say. This special experience has turned out to be such a gift in my life, and I want others to consider doing the same.
A Grateful Teen
Dear Grateful Teen:
It’s so heartening to hear a young person recognize the value of relationships with older people. Seniors are able to impart valuable wisdom gained from a lifetime of joy and heartache, can teach lessons learned in their work and family environments, and can share their friendship and love—capabilities that don’t diminish with age.
Harvard University research reveals that seniors who participate in social activities, spend time with friends and family, play cards and games, and exercise will live an average of 2.5 years longer than those who are more isolated. Being cared about by even one other person spares that senior from feeling alone and vulnerable.
Adopting-a-grandparent unites the generations. It offers young people an opportunity to receive precious gifts from seniors, and it offers seniors someone to visit and listen, help and serve, and love and comfort them—all critical for physical and emotional well-being.
A very successful Adopt-A-Grandparent (AAGP) program was founded by Linda Lanstraat in Atlanta, Georgia in 1978. In this organization, there are three types of volunteers who give at least two hours a week—a friend who visits the senior at home, an on-call driver who takes seniors to functions and appointments, and an AAGP Board Member who raises awareness and funds.
Wendy Y. Butts, Executive Director, can be contacted at wendy@adoptagrandparent.org to discuss how to form a program locally and to order the newsletter. Call 404.624.5299 or visit http://www.adoptagrandparent.org.
Whether you are honoring the older generation in your family or the older generation in your life, remember them with your time, respect and love.
I’m a freshman in college who was looking for a volunteer opportunity. My adviser suggested adopting-a-grandparent. I met an elderly woman with no family in my own neighborhood, and though I know I have helped my adopted grandmother, I’ve learned more from her than I can say. This special experience has turned out to be such a gift in my life, and I want others to consider doing the same.
A Grateful Teen
Dear Grateful Teen:
It’s so heartening to hear a young person recognize the value of relationships with older people. Seniors are able to impart valuable wisdom gained from a lifetime of joy and heartache, can teach lessons learned in their work and family environments, and can share their friendship and love—capabilities that don’t diminish with age.
Harvard University research reveals that seniors who participate in social activities, spend time with friends and family, play cards and games, and exercise will live an average of 2.5 years longer than those who are more isolated. Being cared about by even one other person spares that senior from feeling alone and vulnerable.
Adopting-a-grandparent unites the generations. It offers young people an opportunity to receive precious gifts from seniors, and it offers seniors someone to visit and listen, help and serve, and love and comfort them—all critical for physical and emotional well-being.
A very successful Adopt-A-Grandparent (AAGP) program was founded by Linda Lanstraat in Atlanta, Georgia in 1978. In this organization, there are three types of volunteers who give at least two hours a week—a friend who visits the senior at home, an on-call driver who takes seniors to functions and appointments, and an AAGP Board Member who raises awareness and funds.
Wendy Y. Butts, Executive Director, can be contacted at wendy@adoptagrandparent.org to discuss how to form a program locally and to order the newsletter. Call 404.624.5299 or visit http://www.adoptagrandparent.org.
Whether you are honoring the older generation in your family or the older generation in your life, remember them with your time, respect and love.
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