Wellness

We are 60% water and approximately 40% cellular matter.  As we age, we may lose our awareness of thirst which can diminish our energy thus cheating our tissues and internal organs.  Imagine, as we drink clean, pure water of  pH 7 that we are hydrating all our cells, tissues as well as cartiledge and muscles.

Most of us become shallow breathers. The lungs start in the shoulders and reach down to the bottom ribs. Babies know how to breathe; watch one; they wait for the breath and fully expand the rib cage. We have forgotten how to do that but if we get it back, we oxygenate the tissues, clear out mind and detoxify. Good breathing calms the sympathetic nervous system, the flight or fight instinct, a condition which contemporary life encourages to our detriment.

Sleep studies indicate that approximately 28 minutes of sleep per decade is lost.  As we age, the structure of sleep changes and becomes more fragmented.  Adequate sleep is essential for all body functions, cellular repair, cognition and our overall well-being and longevity. Johns Hopkins puts it this way: “Sleep impacts every physiologic function we have, both your brain and your body and how they function. Here’s what happens, “During sleep, the space between the cells in your brain actually expands in order to allow fluid to flow through and wipe away the detritus of the day  that is….all the toxins the brain puts out.”  

The old saying, “See your dentist or see your cardiologist” has often been proven true. Attention to peridontal health may help save teeth going forward by saving the attachment fibers and bone supporting the teeth. Cavities and gum disease are the number one reasons for tooth loss.  Healthy teeth support chewing and, therefore, absorption of nutrients as digestion starts in the mouth. A good regime and annual check-ups are essential to a healthy lifestyle. If the gums are infected, bacteria may enter the blood stream and cause problems including heart disease, according to the Colgate company and other sources.

How we think about ourselves and our connection to the world including relationships of all descriptions has a major effect on well-being. Unresolved emotional issues, failing or troubled relationships and loneliness, to name a few, greatly impact our overall well-being.   Self care going forward through all of life’s challenges is key to happiness and well-being. Fortunately, there are many ways to address and fulfill emotional and spiritual needs.  Women are different than men and are often likely to take on too many challenges which can exhaust and diminish resources to the detriment of our health.  It is important to recognize and to address conditions of extreme stress, either physical or emotional.

According to Hans Seyle, “Our ability to adapt to stress determines our level of health.” Not all stress in negative; we live with stressors every day.  The trick is figuring out how to best deal with stress and find ways to compensate for matters that we find chronically upsetting and unnerving.  A good starting point is to understand your biography, where the likely weak points reside and work, work work on improvements. We can do it but it takes time and discipline. Be your own enforcer before someone else has to do it.

We were made to move if only to feed ourselves and to escape danger. The older we get, the more we must focus on core strength, improving balance and maintaining our vitality. “Use it or lose it” is a classic statement because it’s true. We need a good, consistent program of strength and cardio training. How much?: The Department of Health and Human Services says every adult should have, at least, either 150 minutes moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes higher intensity activity. The benefits are greater if that is doubled. Research indicates that starting exercise at any age will provide benefits and may improve risk factors such as coronary artery disease, mental stress and depression. Prolonged sitting may adversely affect both metaboli and cardiovascular health.

These activities require more strength and ability.  They are mostly asymmetric meaning the body movement is in only 1 main direction. Balancing and stretching would be essential in these practices to avoid pain and dislocation.

Hiking
Golf
Tennis
Paddle Tennis
Pickleball
Sailing
Kayaking
Water Polo
Shooting
Archery