If I were having coffee with my younger self, I’d say: getting old is tough, so be mindful of your health and don’t mistreat your body when you’re young. Respect your knees, your back and your body, eat well, and make sure you exercise safely. You have nothing to prove, so don’t push yourself too hard, Piglet.
When you’re young and fit, aches and pains seem like something to be dealt with in the future. But that future comes around sooner than you think!
What health advice would you give your younger self?
Other Matters
No Alcohol
When the doctor looked at my blood test results and instructed me to give up alcohol for three months, I cursed. Of course, it was just my luck that her instruction coincided with our holiday to Dénia. There was no way I could make that commitment, so I promised the doctor — with no fingers or toes crossed — that I’d abstain from the 1st of October, and that’s exactly what I did.
I don’t drink much (fingers and toes crossed), and I’ve probably grown a Pinocchio nose as I typed this, but a glass of wine or two most days isn’t excessive… is it?
And the icing on the cake?
Nutritionist
The doctor said I must lose weight, a and to keep me on the straight and narrow, I’ve been booked in to see a nutritionist.
Holy moly! I know what I SHOULD be eating, but despite my best efforts, I can’t keep my face out of the trough. My appointment is on Thursday.
Please wish me luck.
Inclusive? Apparently Not
Last Sunday, there was a free sports event to encourage participation, followed by lunch at the local sports centre. As my friend was offering a free line dancing class, we were encouraged to go along and support her.
As I looked around at the facilities on offer, I immediately noticed there was no lift or disabled access to the upper floor and viewing gallery.
What? I thought venues were supposed to be inclusive?
I looked at all the older people milling around and wondered what classes were aimed at them. Of course, there were none.
I felt annoyed because keeping mobile and flexible as you get older is so important. Why not offer a stretch-and-movement class, with no floor work, such as chair Pilates? Or a simple dance class?
They were certainly all clapping and rocking in their seats when we went through some simple line dancing routines. Line dancing is perfect because you can even hold a cane for balance.
I’m still fuming and plucking up the courage to write to our local council to point out the lack of facilities and options for people with limited mobility.
Circling back to my opening paragraphs, this is something the young and fit don’t appreciate. I’d ask them to walk — and wobble — a week in my shoes, and then perhaps they’d understand.
Finally
I am excited to share that I started a photo meme. I do hope you will all join me. More info here
My thanks to our Weekend Coffee Share Host, Natalie.
Related Posts: This time last year
My dad had a doctor friend who would go to pubs away from his practice so he could smoke and drink in peace. Careful who you trust! Alcohol is biblical and enjoyed wisely is absolutely fine. It is relaxing and fun. Anything done to excess if obviously wrong and detrimental. Interesting they told you to abstain 3 months. Why is that the magic number I wonder?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Lana, yep! A little of what you fancy does you good :)
I think the doctor said it took three months to cleanse you liver?
LikeLiked by 1 person
To my younger self – cultivate a quiet mind! Sit still, practice mindfulness or daily reflection, and do not let other people’s opinions dictate choices.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sound advice to your younger self, AW, Especially
So many times over the years I’ve heard people say something:Oh, you don’t want to be friends with her she is [insert nasty comment there]
When a friend made a negative comment about a person she had just met because a group of ladies decided they didn’t like her, I suggested she make up their own mind and not be influenced by others.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My metabolism went berserk after the concussion I had in that accident almost 2 years ago, Carole. I gained 20 lbs, which is a lot on a small frame. I’ve worked hard and struggled to lose 10 of those 20 but managed it. The last 10 are sticking to me like glue. I think another notch on my age belt also contributed, as well as cutting back on my power walking. Ever since I retired, I’ve enjoyed happy hour almost every day. It’s a wind down and relaxation time for me, so I understand how tough that would be to give up. I didn’t drink at all for over 20 years and that wasn’t difficult. Once in a while now, I stop for a week or two. It’s different when we decide for ourselves vs being told to by someone else, isn’t it? Sending you wishes for success with all of it, Carole.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Terry, yes, I remember your accident. Goodness, those 2 years have passed quickly. Well done at losing 10lb. That’s an achievement. No doubt cutting back on your powerwalking hasn’t helped. I used to be a lot slimmer when I could exercise.
me too. :)
At least when my friends encourage me to have a drink and I explain why I can’t at least they listen now when I say doctors orders.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hm…my younger self. Don’t become a shift worker as the sleep disruptions impact your entire life for ever. Then add in menopause. I am over weight but very active and was quite fit till I blew out my knee skiing and broke my leg biking….working on getting strong again but not consistent. I maybe have a beer per week so I could easily give it up and often do. 2 glasses a wine per day is a huge amount of calories and alcohol really has so many side effects. I wish I could convince my husband to drink less.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Bernie, I know what you mean about shift work disrupting your sleep. When I left school, I worked as a computer operator, and we had a rotating 3-shift system. My body was all over the place.
Sorry to hear this. Keep plodding on with the exercises. I try to but in fits and starts.
Yes, the wine has a huge amount of calories, and sadly, things you really take pleasure from usually are.
LikeLike
Alcohol has a lot of empty calories and studies have shown it increases the risk of several cancers. It’s hard work to get rid of the excess calories. Good luck with your appointment with the nutritionist. And yes, do write that letter. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Natalie. I do wish they made calorie-free wine because a nice meal out is not the same when you are drinking water LoL And yes, it is hard work to get rid of the excess calories especially when you can’t exercise very much
LikeLike
It is interesting to think about what one would tell a younger version of oneself. My daughter and I was actually talking about that today. I think I might have become a laywer, if I’d believed in myself more when I was younger. I would definitely not have married.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is it possible now as you are still young? I seem to remember you were sitting exams for a degree?
LikeLike
Your words hit the mark with me. I struggle with the same issues that you do. And, yes, do write that letter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Laurie, I will write the letter and I’ll ask a friend to translate into Portuguese. IT just really gets my goat when no effort is made to be inclusive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Health? Hmmm. Although I quit smoking a decade ago I would have preferred if my younger self had a few words when I was a teen.
What we eat is important. One reason I try to grow as much veg as I am able and I’m always trying to hone my endeavors.
This has been a bumper year for growing cabbages at the Ark’s spot so the fam. has been having fun making Sauerkraut! Excellent for gut microbiome, apparently, and I love the taste.
While I’m not really overweight intermittent fasting helps clean and clear the system, and I cut out a fair proportion of sugary things… Not easy when you are part of a cake baking business😊
I also hand water the veggies and fruit trees as much and as often as I can. The exercise of carrying a watering can all over the property and up and down steps keeps the legs and hips mobile. Gardening is a life saver as much as a life giver!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ark I never smoked as a teen but I was skinny LoL… until I discovered my love of chocolate and developed a sweet tooth.
I have not really tasted sauerkraut yet alone tried to make it, although I recently read that it is excellent for gut microbiome. Does it bloat you and give you gas? If I eat white cabbage I blow up and out.
When we had serious water restrictions I recycled grey water and was humping it in buckets all round the garden. It nearly killed me!
I still do a lot of handatering pots and it is a lot of work humping bottles of water.
LikeLike
I have made two batches of Sauerkraut to date and had no tummy trouble or gas issues whatsoever. Thoroughly enjoy it.
Plenty of straightforward recipes online. Easy peasy to make.
I love all things, sweet as well, so I have to exercise caution…. and we bake cakes and other goodies as a business!
I take no sugar in coffees or tea any more ( stopped a couple of years ago) and avoid soft drinks – Coke, Sprite etc.
I may drink a small glass of red wine over Sunday lunch, and if I behave myself Santa Claus has been known to bring me a bottle of Jack Daniels. 😂
I don’t run /jog these days so for me, walking around the garden hand watering most days should keep the joints from seizing up and maintain some muscle tone. I use a watering can rather than bottles. When full it’s 5kg(?) so I suppose it’s like carrying a weight.
Perhaps this might be easier for you than bottles. A watering can has a proper handle, and of course, you don’t have to fill it to the brim as I do.
Also, going up and down the stone steps that separates the bottom half of the garden helped strengthen my right knee which I had hurt a few years back.(probably impact injury from jogging, I suspect). Took an age to sort out, but I’m convinced the gentle exercise was the key.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will check it out, Ark.
And yes I can imagine baking sweet goodies for a business can be compared to the temptress Eve tempting Adam.
As for the bottles… they have handles on the lid. 5kg but it is still a faff filling and carrying them. I can see all the steps in your gardn are a benefit … gentle exercise is key and when I try to push the boundaries my body complains for days or even months.
LikeLiked by 1 person