2012 is certainly an interesting time to be alive! Some say that the
end of the world is coming, although most Boomers have been hearing that
prediction, seemingly, forever! Others believe that we are all coming
closer to enlightenment this year - a free upgrade, if you will. I am
part of this latter group. I see more and more masters sharing their
teachings with more and more students and making ancient healing
traditions available to everyone. Miracles in health and wellness are
happening every day!
For
many of us Baby Boomers, these last several years have been fraught
with caring for or watching our aging family members deal with health
issues like Alzheimer's, Osteoporosis, Heart Disease and Cancer. Seeing
these diseases so up close and personal has made us all the more
determined not to go there, and we are steering ourselves onto a much
different course than the previous generation.
At the start of
each year, we typically resolve to get fit, take care of our health,
etc. so I have included several tips for making those resolutions stick
not only this year, but for the rest of our lives.
My
recommendations for this year are, firstly, become more aware of your
own body and any changes you feel. Early diagnosis of any disease
increases your chances of beating it.
For instance, cancer is so
much in the news these days. Several of my friends and family members
have recently had their first colonoscopy, this year I'll be going for
my second. In the last few years there've been some changes on the
recommendations for this test, just as there've been recent changes on
testing for Breast, Cervical, and Prostate cancers. Thermography is
becoming more and more popular and I can't help but think that health
insurance will cover this procedure soon - maybe this year! The studies
that have been done, show that Thermography may be able to find a tumor
much sooner than mammograms and larger, more scientific tests are being
done now.
Stay on top of the latest testing available. In my blogs
and articles I post information on any new studies that come out, as do
many other health coaches and doctors. Read these posts, and then have a
heart to heart with your doctor about new testing, any changes you feel
or see in your body or diet, and your own family history. I know that
my parents and many of their friends would never have discussed family
history with their doctor nor did they really understand their own body
in the same way that I do. This Baby Boomer generation is learning to
take charge of our own health care, and not rely on someone who sees us
only once a year and doesn't really know us. That's a good thing, as
fellow Baby Boomer Martha Stewart would say!
Exercise and diet
have been proven to help prevent Osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease,
as well as many of the heart disease issues like high blood pressure and
weight gain. A diet rich in Omega 3's is a must these days, as well as
plenty of fruit and vegetables. Wild salmon, walnuts, flaxseed and
sardines provide Omega 3's, and dark fruits like blueberries and
cherries have lots of antioxidants, while green leafy veggies like
spinach, kale, broccoli and swiss chard provide plenty of vitamins and
some calcium as well. Almonds are also a good source of calcium, and my
personal favorite.
Moderate exercise, on a regular basis, over the
long term, is the best way to keep your body going strong, and I
recommend choosing something that you love to do. How about Salsa
lessons? Or maybe you've always wanted to play tennis, or you swim like a
fish. When you enjoy exercise it's easier to get out there and do it,
so choose wisely, and keep it going! Start an early morning swim club or
join a dance class in January and your body will thank you.
Social
activity has also been shown to help keep our brain cells healthy so
combining exercise with a social gathering is another great way to keep
active, healthy and vital well into our golden years.
And don't
forget your supplements. I know they've gotten some bad press recently,
but I'm still a believer in their benefits. It's impossible to get all
the vitamins and minerals we need from our food, so make sure your
multi-vitamin has everything your body needs and then add some Fish
oils, Magnesium and Vitamin D. I also take extra Vitamin C, especially
at this time of year to keep my immune system functioning properly.
Bring the supplements you're taking to your next doctor's appointment
and discuss your blood levels with your doctor and get his/her
recommendations for the supplements that will be most beneficial for
you.
In addition, I would suggest that you make your resolutions as detailed as possible this year. Make them measurable as well.
For instance, instead of resolving to get in shape, or to lose some weight, here are some examples of measurable goals:
- I love swimming and I'm going to get to the pool early in the morning at least twice a month this year to swim for 30 minutes each time.
- Losing weight is important to me so I plan to keep a food log for the next 2 weeks and use it to cut out one high fat food from my diet this year. I'll plan to eat it as a treat 4 times during the year, but leave it out of my regular menu.
- Zumba is so much fun that I don't even realize I'm exercising! I resolve to make a minimum of 3 Zumba classes a month all year.
You can also work with a health coach. A good health
coach will help set up a plan for you that will fit easily into your
daily life, won't make you feel deprived, and set up new healthy habits
that will stick with you over the long haul! If you'd like a free 20
minute session with me to discuss the benefits of a personalized
wellness plan, please let me know!
