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Monday, February 11, 2013

Opus 2013-56: Healthy Insights: Baby Steps

What kind of indicators do you have for how your health is going?  One of mine is a simple little test of stairs.  I teach in an old fashioned, two story school building.  It has those twelve foot ceilings and stairways that match.  I figure if I can make it to the top of the stairs carrying my lunch and mini-suitcase and am not breathing hard, I am doing well.  If I go too long without my daily walk, I can tell the difference.  Which brings me to a health pointer that I am sure you have all heard and managed to ignore.

Move more.  Simple, right?  You have heard it before, right?  THEN WHY AREN’T YOU DOING IT?  Sorry, had to say that to someone else besides myself.  We live in a culture of escalators, automobiles and electric tooth brushes.  As wonderful as they are, they drag our health down.  We need to move more. 

I find myself looking for extra little movements that don’t wipe me out.  Join me.  Do the little things to start.  Park in the second space, not the first.  Eventually you may park well out into the lot and benefit from the walk.  I usually am glad to make an extra trip to the office because it means another trip up the stairs.  And keep looking for opportunities to expend little bits of energy.

When I started walking I was only going a quarter of a mile.  I could make it but I could feel the toxins building up in my legs.  My legs would hurt.  In time that was reduced and then went away. 

It really isn’t hard.  Take a few more steps.  Climb a few more stairs.  Start small and move forward.

Over time it can make a difference.

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I don't know if you are under the cloud of diabetes like I am. I really want to stay away from the needle, even if it means exercise.

      Just be grateful all the times your dog takes you for a walk.

      Grace and peace.

      Delete

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