What Are You Weighting For? February 26, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Books & Movies, Exercise & Fitness, Health & Wellness.Tags: Ageless Body Timeless Mind, Deepak Chopra, Exercise, Health
18 comments
Even if we can’t literally turn back the hands of time, might we erase the ravages of age by the thoughts we think?
In Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Deepak Chopra summarizes a growing body of evidence which supports the conclusion that we can reverse aging through mindful awareness.
One experiment involved a sort of “inner time travel” with elderly participants. This landmark study established that so-called irreversible signs of aging could be reversed using psychological intervention.
To read more . . . Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, pp. 92-94.
In another “anti-aging” experiment, geriatric nursing home patients started a weight-lifting program with remarkable results.
Gerontologists from Tufts University visited a nursing home, where they put a group of the frailest residents on a weight-training regimen. Rather than exhausting or killing them, the increased exercise caused them to thrive.
Within eight weeks, wasted muscles came back by 300 percent, coordination and balance improved, and overall a sense of active life returned.
“Subjects who had not been able to walk unaided could now get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of the night by themselves, an act of reclaimed dignity that is by no means trivial.”
The youngest subject in the group was 87 and the oldest 96!
These results were always within reach of the residents; nothing new was added to the inherent capacity of the human body to reverse the effects of aging.
No . . . Lance Armstrong did NOT stop by to distribute steroids.
What changed? Their beliefs. When beliefs change, aging changes. Once the residents believed that weight-training, even at age 96, would do the body good, they changed their daily habits and choices to accommodate those new beliefs and manifest the desired change.
Source: Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, p. 58
For more on the mind-body connection . . . tune in tomorrow.
In the meantime . . . stop waiting and start weighting!
Conceive it.
Believe It.
Achieve It.
Aah . . . that’s better!
* * * * *
Suzicate has pressed PUBLISH on her book ~ Stepping Into The Wilderness. It’s available from Amazon in Paperback or Kindle.
Or you can take your chances and enter to WIN a FREE copy!
Leave a comment on her most recent post, Here’s A Piece For Inquiring Minds, and you’ll be entered into Wednesday’s drawing.
* * * * *
Col is running a Caption Competition! Think of a winning caption for his FUN and FUNNY photo and post it in the comment thread on his Blog.
Turning Back The Hands Of Time February 25, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Books & Movies, Exercise & Fitness, Health & Wellness.Tags: Ageless Body Timeless Mind, Deepak Chopra, Exercise, Fitness, Health
53 comments
Even if we can’t literally turn back the hands of time, might we erase the ravages of age by the thoughts we think?
In Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Deepak Chopra summarizes a growing body of evidence which supports the conclusion that we can reverse certain signs of aging through application of mindful awareness.
One experiment involved “inner time travel” with elderly participants invited to a retreat where nothing published after 1959 would be admitted . . .
In 1979, Ellen Langer and colleagues at Harvard effectively reversed the biological age of a group of old men by a simple but ingenious shift in awareness.
The subjects, all 75 or older and in good health, were invited to a country resort for a week-long retreat. They were not allowed to bring any newspapers, magazines, books, or family photos dated later than 1959.
The resort, set up to duplicate life twenty years earlier, included issues of Life and the Saturday Evening Post from 1959. In keeping with the flashback, the only music played was 20 years old.
Subjects used 1959 as their “present tense” ~ “I wonder if President Eisenhower will go with Nixon next election?”
The research team made extensive measurements of the subjects’ biological age before and after the study, including markers such as physical strength, posture, perception, cognition, and short-term memory.
The premise of the experiment was that seeing oneself as old or young directly influences the aging process.
The results of this play-acting were remarkable. Compared to a control group that went on the retreat but continued to live in the world of 1979:
* The subjects improved in memory and manual dexterity. They became more active and self-sufficient.
* Impartial judges asked to study before-and-after pictures detected that the men’s faces looked visibly younger . . . by an average of three years.
* Measurements of finger length, which tends to shorten with age, indicated that their fingers had lengthened.
* Stiffened joints were more flexible. Posture started to straighten as it had in younger years. Muscle strength, measured by hand grip, improved, as did hearing and vision.
Professor Langer’s landmark study established that so-called irreversible signs of aging could be reversed using psychological intervention.
Source: Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, pp. 92-94
In another “anti-aging” experiment, geriatric nursing home patients started a weight-lifting program with remarkable results . . . to learn more, tune in tomorrow!
In the meantime, enjoy some inner time travel and turn back the hands of time.
Aah . . . that’s better!
* * * * *
Suzicate has pressed PUBLISH on her book ~ Stepping Into The Wilderness. It’s available from Amazon in Paperback or Kindle.
Or you can take your chances and enter to WIN a FREE copy!
Leave a comment on her most recent post, Here’s A Piece For Inquiring Minds, and you’ll be entered into Wednesday’s drawing.
* * * * *
Col is running a Caption Competition! Think of a winning caption for his FUN and FUNNY photo and post it in the comment thread on his Blog.
Sea Notes Jazz Band February 12, 2013
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Fun & Games, Music & Dance.Tags: Beach, Dixieland, Jazz band, Sand, Soccer, Sun, Sunset
26 comments
Wednesday afternoons, the Sea Notes Jazz Band brightens the beach scene with music from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and Dixieland.
As Sea Notes fill the air, beach goers kick back and soak up a few last rays.
Others kick up soccer balls with sandy heels while practicing plays.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Breathe. Relax. Repeat. December 28, 2012
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Health & Wellness, Life Balance.Tags: Anxiety, Health, Mental Health, Stress, Stress management
36 comments
Holidays are FUN . . . but they can add to our stress levels as we struggle to shop, wrap, decorate, cook, clean, entertain, and meet the expectations of others.
Now, it’s time for some serious STRESS relief:
* Exercise is a great stress buster. Go for a brisk walk around the block. Boost your heart rate while lowering your stress rate.
* Take the dog and/or kids to the park or playground. Play tag, dodge ball, or monkey in the middle.
* Volunteering two hours per week can reduce stress and provide other feel good benefits. Offer to take nursing home residents in wheelchairs for outings around the neighborhood. Walk dogs at the local shelter.
* Join a tai chi or yoga group in the park. Meditative movements help melt anxiety. Sunshine is a mood booster.
* Some foods are proven stress busters. Chocolate comes to mind. Other options ~ whole grain breads, citrus, spinach, salmon, and black tea. Try a Spinach, Fennel, and Orange Salad dressed lightly with a balsamic vinaigrette (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and orange juice).
* Play games with friends and family. Laugh. Be silly. If you prefer to be serious, join a bridge club.
* Don’t just do something, sit there. Meditation is a great way to gain clarity and melt away stress.
It’s as easy as 1-2-3: Breathe, Relax, Repeat.
Aah . . . that’s better!
They’re Gone! December 27, 2012
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Health & Wellness, Humor, People.Tags: Health, Humor, Muscle, Physical exercise, Range of motion
34 comments
Now that your houseguests have left the building, it’s time to put some order into the disorder.
On the bright side . . . cleaning up the chaos left behind by houseguests can help you lose any holiday weight you temporarily adopted . . . provided you don’t clean out the refrigerator by scarfing down all the leftovers in one sitting.
* Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping burn 150 calories an hour and allow you to exercise your whole body. Move briskly. Limit chocolate breaks.
* Reorganize the fridge with healthy snacks (hummus, fruit, raw veggies) kept front and center. Hide baked goods and chocolate in back behind the stuff that no one is interested in eating. Step away from the drumstick!
* Stripping beds and carting laundry helps tone arm muscles. Bending and stretching to pick up misplaced items and tidy up messes helps improve range of motion. Whistle while you work . . . “I like to move it, move it.”
* Sweeping up porches, patios, and driveways provides the bonus of fresh air and sunshine. Wait until Mother Nature offers up a sunny day.
What’s that? You didn’t have houseguests? Your house is immaculate? Not a dust bunny in sight? Holiday decorations packed away? In Martha Stewart approved ornament carriers? With Dyno labels for each carrier?
What’s your secret?
Aah . . . that’s better!
Heal Yourself November 11, 2012
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Health & Wellness, Mindfulness.Tags: Healing, Healing Foods, Health, Mindfulness, Wellness
23 comments
Yesterday, we headed to the island to listen to my favorite music duo ~ Julie Patchouli and Bruce Hecksel.
You can listen to Patchouli here.
While soaking up their sounds and the island sun, I met Linda, a breast cancer survivor who, after an initial biopsy, opted against further surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Instead, she focused on holistic healing, including a raw food diet and mindfulness.
Like the Miracle Man . . . she healed herself.
How? By BELIEVING she could.
Now, 8 years after her initial diagnosis, Linda has a book about her journey to wellness on the horizon. The editing is complete, and she’ll be shopping for a publisher soon.
Aah . . . that’s better!
To read more: 13 Tips to Stay Healthy & Happy * Journey Into Healing * Does Time Heal All Wounds? * Holiday Health Made Simple * Good Mood Food * Laughter . . . the BEST Medicine * Using Visualization to Ease Pain
On The Road Again August 7, 2012
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Health & Wellness, Travel & Leisure.Tags: Bicycle, Exercise, Fitness, Health, Quadracycle, Wellness
49 comments
My sister and her family visited on Sunday. They brought their Quadracycle for mom to try:
She seemed to enjoy her new found freedom as she pedaled up and down the road with my sister:
After her ride, I asked her if she wanted one ~ “No way! That’s hard work!”
Then, as she disentangled herself from the cross bars, I heard her exclaim, Aah . . . that’s better!
Got Dogs? May 30, 2012
Posted by nrhatch in Animal Welfare, Exercise & Fitness, Health & Wellness.Tags: Bike Tow Leash, Biking, Dogs, Exercise, Fitness, Pets
39 comments
My brother-in-law invented a bike tow leash for exercising the guide dogs that he and my sister raise and socialize.
Designed to prevent tipping and tangling and mangling of limbs (both yours and your pets), his bike tow leash allows you to exercise your pets at faster speeds than using your own foot power.
His invention is started to hit the airwaves, along with other cool pet products for your pampered pup:
And another segment:
If you want to combine biking with “walking the dog” . . . check out BikeTowLeash.com
Aah . . . that’s better!
Related posts: Pedaling with Pets
Walk For Fun & Fitness May 4, 2012
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Happiness, Health & Wellness.Tags: Aerobic exercise, Physical exercise, Walking, Weight Loss
29 comments
Like “an apple a day” . . . walking keeps the doctor away!
Walking is a safe, inexpensive, enjoyable way to stay fit ~ improving your health and outlook on life. No matter your age and fitness level, walking is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to be more active.
Some great reasons to start walking:
* Physical exercise, including brisk walking, helps prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
* Walking is an excellent form of aerobic exercise which improves your body’s ability to use oxygen and strengthens your heart, lungs, and circulatory system.
* Walking is an energy booster . . . that helps you sleep better at night.
* Walking enhances a sense of well-being, uplifts mood, improves self-esteem, lessens daily anxiety, relieves tension, and is a terrific stress buster. When you feel tense, depressed, or unable to think clearly . . . take a mood improving walk.
* Walking is a terrific fat buster. A brisk 45-minute walk 4 times a week for one year can result in an 12-18 pound weight loss ~ provided you don’t eat more.
Walk for health, weight loss, companionship, time alone, or to save gas!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Artwork ~ Apple on Shelf ~ by Oriana Kacicek
A Brain Training Symposium May 2, 2012
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Fun & Games, Gratitude, Happiness, Health & Wellness, Humor, Life Balance, Meditation.Tags: Brain, Exercise, Fun & Games, Health, Humor, Symposium
36 comments
Yesterday, we attended a presentation at Freedom Village on Cross Training Your Brain.
The talk, by Dr. Kevin O’Neil, a noted gerontologist, was billed as “an important symposium for keeping your brain healthy.”
It’s the one part of your body that controls all others; the command center that makes everything work. It holds your intellect, your memory, your senses – and your ability to reason. Your brain, as with any other part of your body, must be exercised and conditioned to keep working properly.
BFF and I had a good laugh about attending “symposiums” (more lofty sounding than lectures) while on “sabbatical” (more elevated sounding than being “unemployed”).
The symposium focused on holistic lifestyle tips that emphasized brain health for an Optimum Life® in six dimensions:
An Optimum Life has six dimensions: purposeful, emotional, physical, social, spiritual and intellectual. Through these six dimensions, the concept of Optimum Life brings together a number of activities and opportunities designed to balance your overall sense of well-being, regardless of your current level of health, mobility or wellness.
Need a pneumonic to remember the six dimensions? PEP. . . SIS! Now, on to some good things to do for your brain:
* Exercise ~ Ball Room Dancing is #1!
* Eat right ~ a Mediterranean Diet is best
* Sleep tight ~ without popping pills
* Don’t let the bed bugs bite ~ 
* Minimize/manage stress ~ meditation is great
* Focus on the positives ~ don’t worry, be happy
* Interact with friends ~ be a social animal
* Tickle your funny bone chakra ~ 
* Learn something new today ~ build synapses
* Share your talents/volunteer/help others
* Develop an attitude of gratitude
* Drink coffee ~ lowers risk of dementia!
* Eat tumeric ~ curried veggies, please!
* Play games, solve puzzles, have FUN!
* Live, Love, Laugh, Learn! 
If it’s good for your heart, it’s good for your brain . . . cross train!
And keep on dancing!
Aah . . . that’s better!
Artwork by Barbara Hines . . . available at Island Gallery West
