Wow! I think spring has sprung! It was over 50
degrees here
yesterday, and I wore flip-flops. Maybe I don't
need a "happy light"
now.
=====
On a more somber note, I noticed an article in our
local paper this
morning that startled me. I found it online as
well:
A recent study showed a link between Alzheimer's onset
and
dementia in people with Type 2 diabetes.
"Doctors long suspected diabetes damaged blood vessels that
supply the brain. It now seems even more insidious,
that the
damage may start before someone is diagnosed with
full-blown
diabetes, back when the body is gradually losing its
ability to
regulate blood
sugar."
And what really gave me chills was this:
"The link has staggering societal implications: More
than 5 million
Americans have Alzheimer's, and cases already are
projected to
skyrocket in the next two decades as the population
ages. The
question is how much the simultaneous
obesity-fueled epidemic
of Type 2 diabetes may worsen that toll."
Whenever you see di^et commercials on TV, they always
pitch how
you'll look slimmer and feel better. But I think
an even greater motivation
to get to your natural wei^ght and stay there is the
fact that your
chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease,
and now
Alzheimer's is greatly increased.
As always, the key is a healthy diet and
exercise. So you need to
seriously think about how you will achieve those two
things. In my
opinion, fancy-schmancy plans don't work. Check
out my book
As for exercise, find something you like to do that
keeps you active,
and then do it often.
You don't have to do complicated routines or work out
at a gym. Just
walk to music, bike, do aerobics, dance, garden, and
more. As long as
it's vigorous enough to make you sweat and get your
heart rate up,
and you do it 3-4 times a week for at least a
half-hour, you'll really
help yourself.
We have a recumbent bike that I like for days when I
don't feel like doing
watch TV and bike for a half-hour. I know I'm
not toning myupper body at
all, but a few modified pushups does the trick.
At least I'm working my heart.
The long and short of it is that the American
population's obesity
is starting to have measurable effects on health
trends...and it's serious
business.
I hope the medical profession will begin to look for
ways to really help
patients lose weight, instead of just saying "you need
to eat right and
exercise". People need strategies that will help
them overcome the
mental and emotional barriers they're facing.
Sometimes knowing what
you need to do just isn't enough.
=====
Need a good laugh? (Did you know belly laughing
releases hormones that
keep you healthy?)
dance. I know St. Patrick's Day was yesterday,
but that's ok--it's all for
fun.
those from the 70's (Barney Miller) and 80's (Family
Ties, Newhart). Sadly,
even old TV "dramas" (like "The A-Team") are good for
some laughs. You can
catch new episodes of current TV shows, too. And
it's all complimentary!
(Hint: Hulu.com is a perfect companion for your
recumbent bike or treadmill.)
--Visit America's Funniest Home Videos online and
watch their most popular
videos:
Belly laugh at least once a day, no matter what's
going on. You WILL feel
better!
=====
Have a great week!