Outsmarting Aging

Creating a Happy Life: Moving Forward

2012-11-14T09:42:00.003-07:00

As we age we fall into that comfort zone where we become lazy and tend to numb our minds. We convince ourselves that it is really relaxing from the stress of our lives. In reality, we are sliding into complacency. The lazy moments on the couch, mindless in front of the TV or computer increase as the years go by. Bad habits form by eating what is fast to fix and escaping chaos. How do we change the habits of inaction and mind-numbing activities to healthy habits and forge ahead into our golden years with energy and excitement?

Sometimes it begins when we have children or our career advances, or both. We have less time for ourselves so we stop going to the gym or on our leisurely walks. We are busy with family things and keeping house so we do less with friends and rush around more. At the end of the day, we collapse on the couch and want to avoid thinking about anything other than eating and sleeping.

The first thing to do is to take a look at the kind of schedule you keep. Do you try to shove too many things into a short amount of time? Do you over commit yourself? Do you fill your time because its the popular thing to do? Write down your schedule for a week including house chores, typical errands, social events, volunteer activities, career commitments, and family time. Now label the three major activities as A, B, and C. What isn't a priority? What can you take out easily? What is wasted time?

Writing things down allows you to look at how you manage your time. This is key in being able to change a habit. In this way it is possible to create a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity as well as meaningful conversations, quality time with family or simple passions. Time management is the first step in getting the things done that are key to making happiness.

We become unhappy when we get stuck. Being in a rut makes us uneasy and finds us feeling old. It can become a major problem if we allow depression to seep into our rut. There is a difference between the comfort and efficiency of routine and getting stuck in old habits. To move forward, if we manage our time well we will be able to do the things we want to do or at least work towards a goal.

The Power of Simple Food: Oatmeal

2012-07-30T05:52:00.002-07:00

The power of simple food such as oatmeal is a secret that few seek. We have become a people that are stuck on gourmet everything. Every food show we come across shows us how to dress up our food.

Consider stocking your pantry with a few simple basics and don't forget the oatmeal.

Old Fashioned Oats are not short on nutrition at all and are quite versatile so that if you just can't stand a basic bowl of oatmeal you can use oats to make granola bars, yogurt toppings, and desserts. Here's the basic nutrition information on 1/2 cup dry oatmeal which when cooked with water provides a healthy serving of everything you need to start your day. Add fruit, sweeteners, or even ice cream if you must.

Creating a Code of Conduct Board

2012-01-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Compassion Changes Community member Darcy crafted this Code of Conduct Board to find a creative way to post "the Rules" of the house. Every family has the challenge of how to connect with their children.
We thought this was a great way to help families cope with the teen years as well as a great reminder for the adults about their code of conduct. It keeps us all honest to have somewhere to reflect on our actions at the end of the day. We salute Darcy and her family for finding a positive and creative way to teach respect and kindness in the family home. What would you put on your Code of Conduct Board?

The Joy of Walking

2011-12-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

As we move from our youth to middle life and beyond we find it easier to just sit. We sit at our desk. We sit when we get home as we are weary from the work day. We sit in our cars on the way to everything. We park as close as possible to every store we go into because we are in a hurry. The joys of walking are a distant memory.
I remember walking as a child down the country roads in the summer time. I would walk out in the field with my father when he would go to change the water in the crops he had planted. The walk to visit Mrs Baker , the elderly neighbor lady was always exciting as she told great stories and showed her collection of assorted interesting old objects. My friends and I walked in the park from one end to another and back again talking about our plans for the future. We walked to the barn and sang songs in concert for no one in particular. Walking was a joy.
As I became an adult walking became more practical in purpose and infrequent. I walked for health at times on a treadmill and it wasn’t anything but a task to serve a purpose. It was torture. Walking at work has become less with the dawn of computer programs.Everything is available at my fingertips. Getting together with friends to walk is virtually impossible. The coordination of busy schedules has become infuriating at times and has made me give up the idea completely.
I accidentally rediscovered walking the other morning. After a long, cold and snowy winter the weather had turned warmer. The sun peaked out earlier than usual and as I was walking from my car to the house my feet suddenly had a mind of their own. I walked around the block without planning it. Hearing a group of birds chatter made my heart skip a beat. The air was new. With the exception of the birds all was quiet. Memories came flooding back and I remembered what walking truly is.
Walking is a spiritual experience. It is not a means to get from here to there. It is not exercise for health. Walking is prayer in action. Walking is meditation at it’s best. True walking fills your spirit and takes you away from the film roll in your head. It gives you time away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Walking is gentle to the soul as well as the body. It is calling to you. Take a walk in your neighborhood or park and feed your spirit. See all of things you have been missing with new eyes. The joy of walking isn’t about the body. It’s about the soul.

Glucosamine to Relieve Joint Pain

2011-12-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

The removal of Vioxx and Bextra from the market has left us seeking alternatives and has spurred recent studies that concluded Glucosamine to be one of the best solutions to joint pain, particularly that nagging knee pain that most of us get as we grow older. According to Mayo Clinic, "Based on human research, there is good evidence to support the use of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis." There were also studies conducted on athletes with supplementation of Glucosamine after knee surgery. It was concluded that although the supplement did not help alleviate post surgical pain, it did improve flexibility. (Mayo Clinic)

Product reviews for Schiff Glucosamine with MSM :

"I have really bad joint pain do to my weight & let me tell you, this product has worked wonder's for me!"
"I have been using this product for about 4 years now. I think it helps me a lot with my joints. I had an injury a number of years ago with my shoulder that prompted me to take it. but now I see an overall effect everywhere, specifically in the knees. I noticed it the most when I stopped taking it for about a month, and noticed stiffness. I believe this product helps me, maybe it can you too, if you do try it, make sure you give it 60-90 days to get into your system before you judge."is

Glucosamine is a product that has to "build" in your system and does not alleviate pain instantly. Want to know how it works? Here is a brief description from The Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center:

"Firstly healthy cartilage needs three things: water for lubrication and nourishment, proteoglycans to attract and hold the water, and collagen to keep the proteoglycans in place.

Proteoglycans are like a rope that threads itself through the collage and are essential as they hold many times their own weight of water, which both lubricates and nourishes the collagen. If the cartilage is damaged the thread of rope becomes weak and ‘leaks’ out and thus the collagen loses its nourishment as the proteoglycans lose their grip and float away. Thus the cartilage cannot withstand shocks, cracks and may wear out completely.

Glucosamine is a major building block of the water – loving proteoglycans. Besides being a building block for the synthesis of proteoglycans, its mere presence acts as a stimulus to the cells that produce proteoglycans – in fact glucosamine is a key factor in determining how many proteoglycans are produced by the cells.

Glucosamine has been shown to speed up production of both proteoglycans and collagen and it normalises cartilage metabolism which helps keep cartilage from breaking down.

Thus because of the affect of Glucosamine on cartilage metabolism it can in fact help the body to repair damaged or eroded cartilage. In other words, Glucosamine strengthens your body’s natural repair mechanisms.
Besides stimulating cartilage production, Glucosamine also reduces joint pain and inflammation."

Glucosamine is available over the counter without a prescription and is reasonably priced. As with any medication, vitamin, or supplement don't forget to inform your health care provider that you are taking it.

Outsmarting Aging: The Fountain of Youth

2011-12-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

There are some simple ways to outsmart aging and take the guess work out of finding the Fountain of Youth. Consistency is the key to unlocking the best that you can be at any age. Consider that you are half way there just by looking for information on how to find your youth again. Although we can never go back in time we can stave off old age by using a few known opportunities.

Keep Moving
When you were a child do you remember playing outdoors until it was dark or until your parents insisted you come in the house? Do you remember playing tag, hopscotch, and ball? As children we were much more active than the average middle age adult today. We have a tendency to stop moving as we age. Many of us sit behind desks for a career. We take the elevator. We don't seem to have the energy that we used to because we are so busy having a life. As an adult if you keep moving you will be less prone to disease, circulatory, and heart problems, as well as such things as gallbladder disease. Use weight training at least twice a week and you decrease bone loss as you age. Exercise has proved beneficial at any age. Don't think that it's ever too late to start. Always check with your Doctor before you begin an exercise program and build it gradually.

Try New Things
Don't get caught in a rut of routine. It can be very comforting to do the same thing every day but oh so boring. Trying new things on a regular basis engages your body and your brain. Balance the security of your regular habits with the freshness of something new. It doesn't have to be skydiving.
Join a book club, take a trip, join a gym or exercise club, meet new people, find a new hobby, or take a computer class for free at the library. Trying something new doesn't have to cost a pretty penny to experience new things.

Don't Get Caught in a Time Warp
Be smart and don't try to look and act 21 again. You don't need to wear trendy clothes, just something that compliments you and isn't out of a time machine. Just because you wore it when you were young doesn't mean it will make you look young now. Don't get caught in a time warp where you and your home make people feel like they are stepping back in time. Stay current without being a victim to marketing. Classic clothes with bright colors on top near your face and darker colors on the bottom to elongate your legs work best.

Look Like You Care
Look like you care about yourself. Don't go anywhere without combing your hair and putting on clean, sensible clothes. Get regular haircuts and keep your body neat and tidy. You might be surprised at how many people stop caring at the age of 40 and beyond. Shower and dress every morning even if you aren't going anywhere. You don't have to put on full makeup if you are a woman. Mascara and lip color along with a moisturizer for face work simple wonders. Jeans and an everyday t-shirt are fine if they are clean without wrinkles. Fancy is not the point in looking like you care. Cleanliness and taking care of your body is what you want to strive for every day. Be ready for anything.

Be Musical
Studies show that music keeps your brain young. If you play an instrument keep playing. Choose new tunes to learn. If you don't play an instrument it's never too late to start. Many people shake their heads and think that learning something new like this is impossible. Why not do it? Take a class, meet new people, engage your brain. It might be just what you need. Continue to listen to music as you age. Your choices may become reminiscent of days gone by or you might listen to something new. There are so many genres of music out there that you don't have to listen to the "harsh stuff that kids are listening to". Such things as New Age, Jazz, and Classical are always coming up with new artists and music to catch your ear. Listening to music is a pleasant experience and should always be a part of your day.

Early to Bed, Early to Rise
You want to get the right amount of sleep as often as possible. Of course if you are out dancing this would be the exception. For most days go to bed before 10pm and rise early. I like to go to bed at 9pm and get up at 5am. Getting up early allows you those quiet peaceful hours before the world starts bustling. Its a great time for a morning exercise routine or a cup of coffee and a book or the morning news. Early morning meditation is also a fountain of youth all by itself. You can purchase audio meditations on CD or Mp3 to help you meditate if you have a tough time getting started. Getting just the right amount of sleep makes all the difference in your energy levels as well as your overall well-being.

Eat a Rainbow Diet
You don't need any modern diet or a calculator to tell you how many calories to consume to be healthy. What keeps you young is a diet that is filled with lots of vegetables, some fruit, and keeps animal products to a minimum. Use olive oil, sesame seeds, various nuts, and flax seed tossed with your salad to get your healthy Omega oils that are good for your heart and keep inflammation down. Eat a variety of colors and a nutrient dense diet will be yours without having to be a scientist in your own kitchen. Studies have proven that a diet rich in live foods such as vegetables and fruit lowers your risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. What's not to love about that?

Keep Your Friends Close
Those people that are social tend to live longer. Staying in touch and meeting regularly with good friends that support you rather than lean on you keeps you young. If you have friends that are constant downers, that always feel sorry for themselves and won't get help it may be time to let them go. A true crisis is one thing, constant whining that makes it gruesome to be in the same room with them is another. Make good choices in friends and invest time in them. Good friendships are your best asset.

Value Your Mate
Whether its the love of a lifetime or a practical relationship you need to make sure your mate knows you value them. This means putting them before all others. Never let the adult children take over the priority that your mate should have. This is common and the cause of many cases of divorce. Let the kids go and live. They may make mistakes but they will live without your advice or your help in every little matter. If you have an adult child that calls on a daily basis with a new crisis every time, it may be time to set some boundaries. No one is obligated to answer a phone. Take your mate to dinner or for a walk. Engage in meaningful conversation instead of silence. Do kind things around the house for them just because. A man that helps with the dishes and a wife that sweeps the garage (traditional roles) are valued by one another. Make sure you are giving and not just taking in your relationship. Often if one is ill they must rely on the other for a period of time. Say thank you often.

Doing all of these things consistently on a daily basis with help you find the Fountain of Youth and you may just have some fun along the way!

Exercise is the Key

2011-11-29T06:54:00.001-07:00

The funny thing about exercise is that it keeps you from rotting. That's right.
Rotting.
You can't stop aging but you can decide not to rot.
We will all become older and most of us will live right up into our eighties and even nineties.
However, you decide whether you will be shuffling around with a walker and a med list a mile long or if you will be independent and vibrant until the very last.
Which would you choose?

The fountain of youth is exercise.
Movement is the key to the old hunt and gather concept.
Society has evolved and become more sedentary.
This has sent a signal to our bodies to decay.
In the beginning that preserved food for the rest of the pack.
With modern science we are living longer is the catch.
So in order to live well and not decay we have to keep going.

This is not casual business here.
Exercise should be six to seven days a week .
It's very important to start now, not later.
No matter your age or fitness level, begin right now.
Make a time every day and commit to it.
Don't wait for your spouse or best friend.
It's nice if they join you but don't let them hold you back.

Start with something you like and go for it.
Then shake things up and try something new.
Join a gym and meet new people with the same interest.
This is your new job.
It should be taken very seriously if you want to outsmart aging.
That doesn't mean it has to be boring or painful.
Find your passion in exercise.
Soon you will be addicted and that's a good thing.

Most of all, have fun. It's good to be alive and well.

Outsmarting Aging With Less

2011-08-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

These are the days that I find myself wanting less. As I get older and wiser I am embracing my desire to have less stress and less stuff. Through the years of my young adult life the object of most of my goals was to acquire more things. I struggled through the first marriage with second-hand furniture and selfishly bought more clothes than I ever needed. I left with little of value and began a different life. In my second marriage I was wise enough to marry a man that manages money pretty well and gradually bought one piece of nice furniture at a time. Although we don't own a home we live well in a nice place. Last year after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, I started to embrace having less. Being ill helps you put your priorities in line very quickly. My obsession with clothes went out the window and I now have the Raw Minimum $1 Challenge for buying clothes, We stay up to date on the latest gadgets but in turn we take advantage of the technology. We went paperless by using smartphones and digital tablets to read with, listen to free music, and write notes, letters etc. so we have cut down on clutter. Our house embraces minimal decorating, meaning I only display a few family pictures on the wall and I re-gift the knickknacks I receive as gifts. My friends have caught on to this and take me to lunch or support my favorite charities instead of buying me things. My family hasn't been able to let go of having to give gifts but I smile and say thank you anyway. I cleaned out my closet using the philosophy of Romantic Minimalism and it feels good to just wear what I love. One of my biggest life decisions was to stop keeping things "just in case". I no longer buy two of anything and I never buy or keep any size of clothing except the one I use in the current moment. Mindful living with less is our goal.

Optimize Your Health Through Forgiveness

2011-07-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Many times in our lives we have all been at the place where we found it hard to forgive someone. It may have been an innocent comment made by someone without thinking or it may have been a scenario that played out for a long time and became an abusive situation. Holding onto hatred or a grudge affects who we are and to be the healthiest person we can be, we have to let go of the past and forgive those that we believe have done us wrong. How do we forgive?
To forgive another requires you to change. You will have to accept that you must change to release your burden of resentment and hurt. To optimize your health you will have to be willing to go with the flow of time. When you decide to take change in stride it keeps you young. This doesn’t mean you have to dress like you are 16 when you are 60. It means that the world evolves and going with the flow is easier than swimming upstream. The world will change with or without us.
When you recognize that forgiveness is in order for healing here are the things that you should consider.

1) You may never get an apology.
Some people believe that an apology is required before they can forgive someone. It is as if they are saying you were right. Don’t get caught up in who was right. Over time people change and the person that you have held your grudge against may not exist anymore. Forgive them anyway.

2) Forgiveness is not just for the other person.
Although it may be a gift to them to be able to let go of guilt, it is not just for that purpose. If you have put your life on hold or labeled yourself a victim and that is your identity, it is time to forgive and discover who you really are. Do you really want your gravestone to say “Victim”?

3) Forgiveness has many benefits.
The benefits of forgiveness according to Mayo Clinic are healthier relationships, greater spiritual and psychological well-being, less stress and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, as well as lower risk of alcoholism and substance abuse.

4) Forgiveness is a process and it doesn’t happen overnight.
It takes commitment and the ability to change your perception of yourself as well as others. Reflect on how the offense and your reaction has affected your life. It is a sign of strength to forgive. It is not a sign of weakness.

5) Look at things differently.
Consider that the other person did not knowingly hurt you. They may not have any idea of their offense. In some cases this may be hard to believe but is often the case. We become so accustomed to many things being “no big deal” that we are unaware when our actions are offensive or hurtful.

6) One of the hardest things to do is to forgive yourself.
Many of us take even the smallest mistakes to heart and carry guilt around with us for years. Guilt becomes a heavy burden especially as we age. Today is a new day and this is the present moment. Use this moment wisely with consideration for others. The past is gone. If you able to repair some damage that you have done then you should do so immediately. Then live life in the present being mindful. Keep life simple.

7) Forgive your parents.
Just about everyone is resentful of their parents for something. We think they should have known better or been more kind. Lists of offenses and bitter feelings make us old and harsh ourselves. Believe that your parents did the best that they could with what they knew and the experiences they had themselves. There is no good manual for parenting. Forgive them and move on.

Forgiveness is not easy. When someone has blatantly done something to you that hurt you deeply, whether it be physically or mentally, it takes great compassion to take a step back and see the situation for what it is. When others act or speak without being mindful they do so for a reason. They haven’t been able to connect to their Spirit. If they were conscious of the rest of the world as well as their spiritual senses they would recognize the potential hurt and the action would be avoided. Those that are able to connect with their Spirit know that hurting others is damaging to themselves as we are all one Universe.

Keep Your Friends Close: Socialization Keeps You Young

2011-07-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

In our busy lives sometimes our friendships suffer. We get busy with the kids and maybe even with the Grandchildren. Our friends are just as “busy” and so we keep saying we will get together. The next thing you know it’s been months and you haven’t seen each other. At some point it may even seem embarrassing to casually call to schedule coffee together.
Not only does socialization keep you young but your friendships are a great support as you grow older. These are bonds that should not go by the wayside. Spending time with friends is not only healthy mentally but spiritually as well. No matter what your age or lifestyle friendships bring you joy. So, how do you keep friendships fresh and vibrant?

1) Make the time to see your best friends often.
Express your feelings about the importance of the friendship and spending time together to the other person(s).

2) Keep conversation interesting.
Talk about current events, the kids, the weather, the latest fashions, memories, etc. Don’t always talk about what ails you or just one subject. If you always brag about your kids and speak of nothing else your friends will stop calling you.

3) Be considerate about the money you spend.
When you get together, be considerate of your friend's finances.
If you have money and always want to plan big trips or go to the finest restaurants and your friends don’t have the budget you do, it will make for uncomfortable situations.

4) Be genuine.
Just be yourself. You don’t have to make up outlandish stories or keep up with the Jones to make a good impression or to keep a friend. There are all sorts of good people out there that want a genuine friend without putting on airs. Besides, keeping up false pretenses is exhausting for you and your budget.

5) Do healthy things together.
Take a walk, golf, attend a healthy cooking class together, or a literary lecture. When you do healthy things together as friends it says you care about them.

6) Support them when they are down.
If you are able to take care of friends when they are ill or full of grief it is the right thing to do. The kindness of a friend is the best comfort one can find.

Companionship as you grow older is what keeps you going. It gives you something to look forward to, something to wrap your brain around, and comforts you when no one else can. Call a friend. What are you waiting for?

Aging At It's BEST

2011-07-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

What is aging at it’s best? The vision that our bodies and minds won’t ever break down and fall apart is unrealistic. At some point everything will stop working and we will decline. How do we deal with aging? The best things to do include a look at mind, body, and soul. These three components and how you pay attention to them make all the difference between aging gracefully and hitting a brick wall.

Your Mind
No matter what should happen to your body, how your mind reacts is key to healthy aging. If you allow your mind to wander at each new turn you may find it difficult to remain calm when adversity strikes. Meditation is a good tool for anyone to learn. It has nothing to do with religion as some think. Meditation teaches you to control the mind. This isn’t some space-age game. Meditation has been in practice for hundreds of years and with good reason. Those that are able to control their mind and remain calm are healthier and more at peace with themselves. Keeping your mind focused helps to eliminate stress and provides resiliency.

Your Body
Taking care of your body becomes simple. Moving it everyday, eating whole foods to fuel it, and maintaining care of it are easy in principle but take effort to be consistent. Keeping company with others that have an interest in true health helps to encourage you to keep these practices. Simplify how you take care of your body so that you can focus on the priorities. If you are 70 you don’t need to look 20 to be healthy. Choose the important things like mobility, chronic disease control, and immune function to put the most effort into then take care of the hair color.

Your Soul
As we age we do see how important the soul is and that it should be our first priority. This means different things to different people. If you don’t have any sort of spiritual life now is the time to explore and determine what is right for you. This is something that many wait until the hour of death to do and it makes for a very uncomfortable transition. Becoming a part of organized religion is not required. Fill your soul with what moves it.

Aging at it’s best is facing every new challenge with an attitude of taking life head on and making good of every situation. It’s doing the best you can but not beating yourself up if you get tired or find it hard to go on. Aging at it’s best is talking about life’s adventures instead of your current aches and pains. Be bright. Be bold. Live.

Before You Go to the Doctor

2011-07-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

There are some ways to make your appointment with your health care provider go smoothly. Many times you may go and not have all of the information that you need to help your provider makes good decisions for your health management.

Here is a list of things to do before your appointment with your Doctor or before a visit to anyone that helps you manage your health.

* Make an appointment at a time that you won’t be rushed so that you can communicate well and not be too stressed.

*Be sure to write down your appointment time and date to post in an area where you live that you can readily see it.

*If you are unable to make your appointment call your provider’s office as soon as possible. Be a responsible patient.

*Be sure to arrange reliable transportation if you are unable to get there by yourself.

*If someone is kind enough to take you it is nice to reciprocate by doing something as simple as buying them a cup of coffee or paying for gas. Do what you are financially able to afford or just say thank you to your driver.

*Keep a current list of medications/supplements with correct doses and times each day you take them. You may use a 3×5 card to do this or even type a list.

*Always include at the top the day the list was edited as well as the date any medication was started.

*Keep notes on when you stop a medication/supplement and any notice of symptom changes etc.

* Keeping a health journal is a good idea for anyone. This helps you to remember the duration of symptoms, recognize a chronic issue, or to determine your rate of recovery from an illness or injury.

*Take someone with you especially if you don’t hear or see well. Have a friend or loved one give input to your provider if you are not sure of some aspects of your health but they don't need to always speak for you. It is important to talk to your Doctor if you are able. Make sure that you are the main speaker with the provider. The person you bring along should not take over the conversation at any point.

*Prepare yourself to participate in your own care. A Doctor expects that you will take their advice and the medications or therapy prescribed. Patients must recognize the need for them to be willing to comply with the advice of the provider. If you think that a Doctor can just flip a switch and “fix” you, think again.

Being prepared for your time with your provider helps you as you age. You will have to depend on others to help you take care of yourself. Be the best patient that providers take joy in caring for and feel like a million yourself.

Caring for Your Brain

2011-07-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

The causes of dementia and memory loss in relation to aging are many. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease is not for every person that shows dementia or memory loss. Some feel brain “fog” as they age and just feel that thoughts don’t come together as easily as they used to or that they can’t seem to find the right words to express themselves. At this time we don’t know all of the ways to combat brain dysfunctions but there are some things that you can do to keep your brain as healthy as possible.
*Eat a nutrient dense diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Think “color” for the best nutrition for your brain. Green leafy vegetables like spinach or kelp help provide the iron necessary to keep the healthy blood flowing to your brain. Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables provide nutrients such as vitamin C and beta carotene to help with immune function. Red beets keep your body alkaline and help to reduce inflammation as do almonds. What you feed your body and your brain matters.
*Ginko extract is a supplement for optimal brain health. According to www.herbwisdom.com “Ginkgo extract has proven benefits to elderly persons. This ancient herb acts to enhance oxygen utilization and thus improves memory, concentration, and other mental faculties. The herbal extract has also been shown to significantly improve long-distance vision and may reverse damage to the retina of the eye. Studies have also confirmed its value in the treatment of depression in elderly persons. The ginkgo extract may provide relief for persons with headache, sinusitis, and vertigo. It may also help relieve chronic ringing in the ears known as tinnitus.”
*Engage your brain. Play the brain games on the computer, audit a college class, read a book, engage in intelligent conversations, join a science club, write a book, or do whatever makes your brain work. Do the daily crossword. Keeping your brain fit works just like your body. You have to exercise it every day.
*Don’t get lazy with math. Use the old method of pad and paper instead of the convenient calculator. This works a different part of your brain than reading does.
* Art keeps you young. Music, museums, projects, or taking up a brush and painting all engage that part of your brain that creates. You may like woodworking or scrap booking as a way to make it social. These things can all be done with family or friends. Find what speaks to you in the art world. It may be as simple as an old car show. Do the research on your project or event and your brain will love you for it.
Find ways each day to exercise your brain in various ways to keep it young and strong.

Change Your Breakfast

2011-07-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Breakfast becomes a habit. To make things easy we often develop a routine for breakfast. It’s quick and you don’t have to think too much about it. A bowl of cereal or toast and coffee are often the mainstays of the morning meal. Some are still traditionalists and have breakfast meat like sausage or bacon and eggs or pancakes. Waffles were always a favorite when we were working hard physically and needed to fill our bellies with energy food. If you don’t feel the way you used to after breakfast, if you want to be healthier change your breakfast.

One of the best things you can have for breakfast is simply fruit. It’s quick. You don’t have to think about it. It has endless possibilities. One of the best combinations you can use is fruit and nuts for breakfast. Slice a pear or apple and throw a handful of chopped walnuts on top. Nuts are fiber rich as well as the fruit. That’s an added bonus if you need to add fiber to your diet. This also combines natural proteins with good omega oils added into fruit which has vital nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamin C, etc. If you feel like you need a little more protein at breakfast add plain yogurt or low fat cheese. If you can’t seem to give up your cereal or toast then switch to whole grain choices and add fruit on the side or on top. For you traditionalists only have breakfast meat once or twice a week and change to whole grain pancakes or egg substitutes to lower cholesterol and make your breakfast a healthier choice for you. When you start the day with nutritious fuel it jump starts your day and you always feel better.

Something Old Something New

2011-07-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy Google Images

Those glossy magazines and TV marketing make us almost feel guilty if we don’t buy something new on a regular basis. Current strategies are made to make us feel inadequate and downright bad if we keep using the old standby. DO we need to buy new to stay young?
There is something to be said about being progressive. For us to turn our heads and not be aware of what the possibilities are would be foolish. It is wise to make a point to read up on what is currently available. For instance we have smartphones at our house that enable us to download music, documents, Kindle and Ebooks, take pictures and videos, email, text the kids, and make a phone call. It also contains various applications that help me exercise, learn a language, and keep a family calendar. Our smartphones do so much for us that it was impractical for us not to buy them. We don’t always have to buy the newest version. We only buy one when it’s time for an upgrade. Computers and technology in general is a good thing to read about on a regular basis. If you don’t educate yourself you could get caught looking old and feeble before your time. You aren’t obligated however to buy anything that you won’t learn to use efficiently. Make educated decisions.
The two traps that are most common to fall into especially for women are the fashion and beauty kind. Finding a classic style that you like as a basic wardrobe and adding a few trendy pieces that are inexpensive is a very smart way to stay current without having to buy a new wardrobe every year. Buying classic clothing in good condition second hand is a good way to save money. As we age we seem to get wiser about such things and figure out what works. Beauty is a billion dollar industry designed to make us think that there is a fountain of youth in a jar. No one is ever going to tell you that a teaspoon of lemon juice in your refrigerator works just as well as the $35/jar fancy smelling exfoliation “system” that you see everywhere you turn or that plain olive oil or vitamin E capsules moisturize better than anything you can buy over the counter without causing breakouts or allergic reactions. Chances are that you buy these products anyway and they are cents on the dollar compared to what the big companies are trying to get you to buy.
You may have something that you have had for years that still works well. There is no reason to buy something new if you are satisfied with what you have. There is also a good chance that the older model has less plastic parts that break or wear easily. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind when you keep something old.
* If it is electrical make sure the wiring is sound, not worn or having potential to cause a fire.
* Make sure it is not a safety hazard of any kind such as fire, ragged edges, awkward size, or made of hazardous material.
* Does it save electricity?
* Are you still able physically to use it?
* Is it sentimental and you still use it?
* Does the amount of time and effort it takes to use it justify keeping it? Would something new be more efficient?
Make wise choices by not getting caught up in marketing schemes. Less is more as we mature to the age that we don’t have to own everything. We just want a few possessions that are functional, have some sentimental value, and give us simple joy. sometimes the joy is the satisfaction of not having to buy anything.

Just JUMP: Getting Unstuck

2011-07-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

At any age you can find yourself stuck in a rut. You find yourself doing the same old thing. You go to work, come home and be a parent or manage the house, go to bed and start all over again. There may be comfort in some routine but you can wake up one morning bored out of your mind and stuck in a rut. How do you get unstuck?
Getting unstuck will take some effort. You will have to get up off the couch and do something. That may be the hardest step for anyone. Once you begin something the momentum will encourage you but for now make your plan. JUMP!
I created a quick trick to help you remember how to get out of your rut. These are the simple steps that will help you each day.
1) JOT down the things you want to do today on a sticky note. These are not the “shoulds” of the day but the passions, dreams, and things you always wanted to do and never made time for things. JOT down three things.
2) USE your brain. You don’t have to create anything big. You don’t have to meet any expectations of others. Brainstorm how to put into action those dreams that make you happy. Once again you don’t have to do anything big. Maybe your thought is to get out of the house.
3) MAKE A PLAN. Keep it simple but make a plan that determines how you will accomplish your passions or dreams today. It may be as small as going to the library.
4) PUT it into action. Put your plan into action. Get your coat on and go. Don’t wait around for anyone else. Go and explore, create, and do what makes you feel alive.
Getting unstuck usually means trying something new. Engage your brain by joining a book club, attending social functions and community events as well as spending time with people that will challenge your brain. Even young children can challenge your brain and give you ideas on new things to explore and research. You can climb out of that rut you are in by simply exploring the internet and reading about something that interests you. It doesn’t have to be ambitious or profound. It can be as fun as finding out what it’s like to live with a circus or another part of the world. Here is a list of ideas that you may find helpful.

*Learn a different language or culture.
*Read a science magazine. Find the newest inventions and research findings.
* Go to a shopping center and people watch.
*Start your own blog about your favorite subject.
*Find an online forum or chat on a favorite subject.
*Make a plan to reinvent yourself.
*Volunteer at a school or hospital.
*Invite friends over for fun and conversation. Be social.
*Investigate a new hobby.
*Audit a class or take one online for free.
*Join a gym or exercise class.
*Take computer instruction at the local library/community center.
*Spend time with kids and teens. Let them teach you.
*Buy new clothes.
*Get rid of the junk in your home and donate it.
*Help someone older be independent.
*Build something.
*Take a walk in your neighborhood.
*Get to know your neighbors and visit them.
*Take time to get together with friends.
*Learn to cook something new.
*Eat something different for breakfast.
*Take a different route driving.
*Go on an adventure.

In short, do the things that make you feel alive. Don’t let time and life slip away. Be thankful by doing something for you!

Identify Your Challenges and Strengths

2011-03-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

In order to take care of others we must first take care of ourselves. The analogy used here to give a clear picture is the flight attendant giving safety instructions before a flight. They demonstrate how we must put on our oxygen mask before we help a child or elderly person put their mask on should an emergency occur. If you think this is callous, consider that you may fail to help another if you can't breathe. To avoid burnout or compassion fatigue you must first take care of yourself. That may be a hard concept to those that are used to being "other-directed" instead of being "self-directed". As a caregiver you may rarely think of yourself at all. Now is the time to do so. We are better able to overcome obstacles when we make a plan that includes taking into consideration our challenges as well as strengths.

What are your challenges?
Do you have a lack of:

                  knowledge?
                  time?
                  support?
                  patience?
                  willpower or spirit?
                  coping skills?

How will you meet them?

Once we identify our challenges we will be able to find the tools needed to meet them. The process of learning about Compassion Fatigue helps us find out what is causing our burnout and sapping our energies. We then are able to look at what our strengths are now as well as the strengths that lie ahead with further education.

What are your strengths?

                 Knowledge?
                 patience?
                 self-awareness?
                 self-respect?
                 coping skills?

Unfortunately the colleges of today rarely teach anything about the emotions they will experience or coping skills needed to students that will be professional caregivers. If we are lucky we may get the opportunity to "debrief" with a counselor from time to time if we have dealt with serious trauma but there is nothing out there as yet that helps caregivers deal with the day to day grind of their work. Identifying our challenges and strengths encourages us to start from where we are. This is the first step in creating a self-care plan for the caregiver to avoid Compassion Fatigue.

Join our Facebook page: "Get My Life Back" for daily updates and events on Compassion Fatigue here.

Coping With Death and Dying

2011-02-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

When death stares us in the face it is always a shock. We build our lives to believe that we will live forever and that death will come later-when we are ready. We all like to believe that we will grow old and die in our sleep just shortly after the passing of our spouse and it will be peaceful. No one ever wants to think about losing a child or dying before that golden age. Sometimes we know its coming. Sometimes it comes when you least expect it. In any case, losing someone you love is never easy for anyone. In the case of terminal illness death may be a relief but there is still a grief that lasts. Many of us have regrets. We said something horrible that last time we saw them. We didn't pay attention to what was happening. We didn't protect them enough or give them the advice that we should have given them. We didn't say "I love you" enough or at all. These regrets along with the actual loss of a loved one may bring a depression in us that lasts for an extended period of time. How do you get over the loss of a loved one?

There are different stages of grief and how each person experiences them is different.

1) DENIAL AND ISOLATION: We cannot believe that this is happening. Death seems unreal especially if it is a young person. We isolate ourselves from the rest of the world because they couldn't possibly understand our loss and the way everyone else just goes on about their lives is irritating. Life is not the same.

2) ANGER: Dear God, How could you take him? He was so young, so full of life. He had a family that loved him and he was a good man. Why would you do that to him? to us? What have we ever done to deserve this? Those Doctors should have known. They should have seen it and prevented his dying!

3) BARGAINING: I'll do anything to bring her back. I just want to see her and hold her. Take me instead. If I do everything right in my life then you won't take anyone else I love right?

4)DEPRESSION: I just want to pull the covers up over my head. I don't want to go out with friends. It's all I can do just to go to work. I feel numb. I don't feel anything, not sadness, not joy, nothing.

5) ACCEPTANCE: OK. I have to go on. He would want that. He wouldn't want me sitting here feeling sad. I want to do something that will show him how much I loved him. I don't want people to forget.

Everyone goes through the stages of grief. It is a time period that has to be decided by the one grieving. There is no "normal" amount of time to experience it.

The death of someone you love stays with you. You don't "get over it". You do get to decide how it stays with you though. You can choose to focus on the pain of the loss or you can choose to embrace the fact that their Spirit NEVER leaves you. Instead of mourning their absence, accept their presence. Remember their joys and see them there. When you are at the ball game, in a garden in the summer, hiking a mountain, or just having a meal together, remember what gave them joy and celebrate that. Travel to the places that they loved. Do some of the things that you used to enjoy together. Make a plan to do good things in their name. When you accomplish these things it brings them back to you if only for a moment. You can just see them smile.

Caring For Your Spirit is an Everyday Job

2011-02-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

Caring for your spirit is an everyday job. Taking the time to care for your essence is not a waste of time nor is it unrealistic. If you don’t have enough time to pray, meditate, or fill your spiritual cup then you need to examine what is in your life that is not in balance. That is what it is all about, balance. Your mind, body, and Spirit all need to be of equal proportion to each other. If you neglect one for another your life becomes intolerable and painful. Think about it. If you don’t take the time to feed your Spirit, to stay in tune with the Divine, then how can you expect that Spirit to hold you up and be strong in times of trial? That’s like asking legs that you haven’t walked on in weeks to run a marathon. To love and care for your Spirit each day shows reverence for such a precious gift. If you feed it and take care of it your Spirit will not fail you.

Finding Purpose

2011-02-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Each year as my birthday rolls around I contemplate where I am on my path and where I think I need to be. Trying to focus on what is right and what I want to change and transition to is always on my mind but at this time of year it stares me in the face. What do I want my life to be?

Every year I am determined to make life more simple. I seem to need less as I grow older which is in direct confrontation with my husband's thinking. He would like to have more. He's not obsessive or unrealistic but he's the materialistic one in our family. He doesn't voice anything about spiritualism in any way. This could complicate life if I let it. I try not to let it. Somehow we always make it work.What do I want my life to be?

Every year I want to be less practical and take chances a little more. That's ironic since most people are the opposite. Most people become set in their ways as they grow older. I find that in some things but I don't mind trying something new even if it's a bit uncomfortable. I am not a daredevil by any means. When I try something new I do it quietly and most of the time no one even knows. I keep thinking I am missing something that will change my life, make my spirit soar and allow everything to fall into place. Maybe it's a dream but I go along with it anyway. When I find it you will be the first to know.

Every year I look less at the past and the future. I find both are a waste of time. My ego tries to get me to look at the pain of the past so that it knows it's still alive. The future has too many variables to even consider and I seem to care less about what will happen in the future. It's not that I don't plan. It's just that I don't seem to wring my hands and worry like I used to. Somewhere along the line I realized that worrying didn't make the future better and I now trust that my Spirit can handle anything that comes along.

Every year the same things seem to be on my wish list for my life. I want a simple life with just some basics:
I just need a roof over my head. Any roof will do.
Hot water, tea and a few basic vegan foods to eat.
A computer provides me with everything I need to read and write as well as friends.
My reliable Kettler elliptical to walk when the weather is poor.
Time to meditate and feed my Spirit.
Simple clothing that doesn't take up too much space.
Friends that inspire me and lift me up.
A family to love and nurture.
SPIRIT

If my life touches just one other in this coming year and makes their life better I will be at peace.--Namaste Miri

When It's Time To See The Doctor About Diabetes

2010-11-11T09:42:00.000-07:00