Getting My Healthy On

As my friends know, I always have something to say.  Here are my rainy day Wednesday musings.  Enjoy! – paerki

We Must Make Better Choices

Children are children, and the only difference that sets them apart is how their parents influence them – so, so true! I wouldn't say/write "most children" because that's a little heavy handed, and you need to back that up by posting additional articles, statistics, etc. You need to prove that point! Most people know how to eat well, they just don't practice what we/I preach, and there is a price to pay. We all pay a price for the person that doesn’t take care of their body by eating well and exercising (the latter is so important). That's why healthcare is in such a sad state. It's a little better with Obamacare, but it's not where it needs to be. You are what you eat. As I always say, effort is everything. You only have the one body, treat it well or suffer the consequences. It’s never too late to make better choices. In some cases, you may not be able to turn back the hands of time, but you can certainly control disease through mindfulness (proper nutrition, simple exercise – a daily walk is so beneficial), meditation, etc. Large or small, thick or thin – we are all beautiful. Take care of your body. Control it before it controls you.  (Reference: 10 Eating Rules French Children Know (But Most Americans Don't)

Mindfulness

I appreciate this article.  Well done!  I relax myself by photographing the world around me – more importantly, my interactions with the world. Memories are key to a happier and healthier life. Relive them often to find more joy. It's the simple things that matter most.

A few favorites from the article: "Take your watch off, because the time is yours now – no rush. Turn off your phone and tablet for peace of mind. Walk leisurely, feel your steps, and enjoy the wind. Look at the trees and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Listen to the birds chirping and ignore your mental noise. Cook and eat together with your family. Play with your pet. Watch comedies to have a good laugh. Sleep early."  (Reference: 30 Simple Ways To Relax (Without Going On Vacation)

Healthy Food

I love and appreciate when people think of me. A friend sent me the following recipe (Mock Salmon Pate: Raw Vegetable Nut Pate) and I am anxious to try it, and soon. It looks and sounds yummy.  (Reference: Mock Salmon Pate – Raw Vegetable Nut Pate Recipe)

Some afternoon 'berry love'. Healthy makes it happen.  (Reference: Blackberry Facts: 10 Things You May Not Know About The Fruit)

Dehydration

The following deserves a repost.  I had written it four years ago.  Wow!  Time really does fly…

Like most, I hate hospitals. Just writing this statement makes me laugh because I work in healthcare. I sometimes think people who work in hospitals hate them more than those outside of the industry. For many, hospitals and illness add up to time off work with lost wages, popping pills to get better and thoughts of death and dying.

Just this past weekend I had to make a trip to the emergency room. What initially appeared to be an emergency was really an urgent care situation (and, yes, there is a difference). Emergency rooms have really changed. They are high tech, crowded and overpriced. Still, they are necessary for our survival. There are two things you can count on a sick person to say more than a few times in their lifetime: "Oh, God Help Me!" and "Take Me To The Emergency Room!"

I was lucky because I arrived with very little fanfare. It was calm and not very busy... Thank God! I was seen immediately because of my symptoms. I don’t mind sharing my experience because it is all too common. I was dehydrated and the signs were obvious, but the worst was shortness of breath. There are a number of reasons why people become dehydrated. My eight-mile walk the previous day in the hot sun and a few beers at a festival did not help. I had very little water. I should have known better because I’m a health nut. I am very good about eating well and exercising, but we all make mistakes.

So many of us take hydration for granted. Next to oxygen, water is the most important nutrient for our bodies, helping to keep it balanced and functioning. For those who don’t know, you can only survive three, maybe four days without water. Water makes up approximately 60% of the body in males and 50% in females. Blood is comprised of 80% water; muscle is 75% water, bone is 25% water and fat is 20% water. Notice that muscle tissue holds more water than fat; the leaner you are the more fluids you should consume.

Never underestimate the power of water. It plays a critical role in regulating your body temperature. In addition, it carries nutrients throughout your body, improving digestion and eliminating waste and toxins.

Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of dehydration. Even mild cases should be addressed. Dehydration leads to decreased energy levels, inability to concentrate and may prevent organs from functioning efficiently (particularly the kidneys). Other possible effects of dehydration are the body’s inability to cool itself, which can lead to heat exhaustion and possibly heat stroke, muscle fatigue and loss of coordination.

Put down the sodas and high fructose juice drinks, decrease you coffee intake and drink more water. If you really loathe water, add a slice of citrus. Water is awesome for the skin, helping to keep it plump and full, which helps reduce some of those fine lines and wrinkles. A quick fix for mild dehydration is Gatorade, but make sure it’s diluted with water, otherwise you’ll end up with diarrhea, which could exacerbate your dehydration. Need I say more?  (Reference: Why Staying Hydrated Could Change Your Life)