Our province has put restrictions in place sooner than some other areas did, as officials have learned from the sad experiences of those who have suffered to date.
A few weeks ago, when world news started becoming so alarming, I started thinking about what is within my control, and about my own health and what I could do to make my body more resilient if I do catch the coronavirus.
My walks fell by the wayside about a year ago when I developed pain in the joints of my feet. And, to be honest, I'm lazy, and if it's a choice between physical activity (especially involving pain) and reading, I tend to choose reading. Over the winter I noticed my boots (new last winter) might be adding to my feet pain, so I finally dragged my old boots out of the back of the closet and started wearing them again. Within a couple of weeks, my feet were much improved.
So one thing I decided to do was to start walking again in order to strengthen my heart and lungs. I very vividly remember how drained I was during the last two respiratory bugs I had. My asthma mostly only shows up when I've had a cold, but it definitely makes a normal cold much worse.
Only two weeks into the new walking regime I can feel an improvement in my lung capacity as I trot up and down the stairs with laundry and such, and as a bonus, my knees are stronger too. From past experience I knew this should happen, and it was good motivation to keep on.
I've also been working on losing some weight. Six months ago I had a CT scan for another issue, and found out as a side note that I have a fatty liver. My doctor suggested I try to lose ten to fifteen percent of my body weight. It was difficult when I wasn't exercising but for the first time ever I did manage to lose by food choices and restriction alone. Now that I am walking, the weight is coming off faster.
In this strange and difficult time, we all cope differently. Some folks lay in lots of toilet paper. Some stick their fingers in their ears and sing loudly (spring break beach partiers, I'm looking at you). Some rail against their political opponents and lash out at everyone except the person in the mirror (oh, guess who I'm looking at now!). Some prepare by stocking up sensibly on shelf-stable foods and washing hands as directed. But my best coping mechanism to date has been to take care of my health, and improve it as much as possible.
For those who can't get out and walk -- which might end up being a whole lot more of us if restrictions get tighter -- there are many YouTube videos for at-home exercise programs, and in-chair exercises for folks who aren't as mobile. If you're like me and not in marathon shape (hah), you don't need to become a super-athlete, just work away at improvements in a measured, regular way. Now is not the time to get injured by taking on too much, but any time is a good time to take responsibility for our own wellness as much as we can.
I just wish I'd been doing more of that all along. But it's not too late to begin.
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More of this |
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Less of this |
How are you coping with all the madness?
Take care, everyone.
When we lived in Richmond we had a big back yard that I could walk laps around while practicing not using my cane.
ReplyDeleteWhen we moved to Rohnert Park, I let months go by before I figured out that there was a really nice park two blocks away that was perfect for walking to and practicing not using my cane.
So this time I wasn't gonna wait so long, and I didn't.
We had a very dry January and February, and at Zsuzs' suggestion, I began walking up to the old mill pond and back daily. It's about 45 minutes and there are hills involved, and ducks and geese on the pond to converse with and take pictures of.
One day I crossed the bridge at the end of the dam and walked all the way around the pond. That took an hour and a half.
Then last week it started snowing again, and while we really need the snow, I'm anxious to get walking again.
I have a 17 pound hand barbell that I do curls and presses with, and my old go-to exercise is to sit down on the floor and stand back up again ten times, but walking is where I am improving my mobility and at 45 minutes daily, improving my overall exertion. Plus it's good for my mental state to walk up the road next to the river and meet the neighbors.
Walking up the road last week I met Winston, one of the neighbors from the next road over walking down. He greeted me warmly, went to shake my hand, stopped, said "Nope, coronavirus" and bumped elbows with me. I thought wow, maybe we will live through this after all.
-Doug in Sugar Pine
I love your positivity! Getting down on the floor and back up again is truly exercise for me as well. It uses muscles not used any other way. Your current walk sounds wonderful. And yay for neighbours who are following the restrictions - that's good to hear.
DeleteWe had snow today as well, and I didn't go out for a walk due to the depth of it, so I think I'll try that floor workout instead. Take care and stay safe, Doug.
I am with you Jenny and doing things to continue to build my immune system. I've been working on this for a long time with much improvement and I hope to continue that route. That includes a good amount of good foods in my home to make things that help my body.
ReplyDeleteGlad to read about your mom. Very, very cool. And here's to your continued journey and I love your outlook.
Also, thanks about the sprouts, as I hadn't considered that. So cook them I shall and learn more about them, I will.
Much, much thanks.
My hat is off to for how you have changed your way of eating, Ivy. You have been very proactive.
DeleteI'm glad you took the sprout info in the spirit in which it was intended! And like any other food-related risk, it's up to everyone if they decide to chance it or not.
Thank you, Jenny. For the kind comment and for thinking of me. Very, very cool.
DeleteHere's to us both and the health of everyone!
Yes - bottoms up!
DeleteI am so glad your mother is on board and that it was here decision and therefore likely to stick.
ReplyDeleteI am reading (of course). And gardening. And thinking (more seriously) about neglected cleaning/organising/paperwork tasks.
And gardening.
I am revelling in the light at dusk and dawn.
And yes, that getting to the ground and back up again is a biggie. Not easy and not graceful but I can still (just) do it - for which I am grateful.
All good ways to spend time in isolation, EC. I did a small spurt of cleaning last week but it didn't last, hah
DeleteIt must be a relief to see your mother ready to embrace the Covid measures.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing well to be losing weight and taking care of your health, Jenny, well done.
Relief is the right word, Marie! I feel better now that she is following the rules.
DeleteLooking after yourself is number 1. Good news about your mother. We are not getting through to my 94yr old dad. His short term memory is non existent so he has to be reminded over and over again about the new rules which he greets with absolute disbelief. Thx for the funnies, sadly I am in the cheeseburger brigade.
ReplyDeleteOh, Susan, I'm sorry about your dad's memory. It makes these kinds of things so much harder. I can imagine his reaction - this is such an unprecedented situation for our generation, and his generation must have hoped they left those things behind.
DeleteI am writing more. Paying attention to our health needs.
ReplyDeleteThe only stocking up leans to dried beans, canned meat and vegetables. Exercise is haphazard, sadly.
Good things to do, Susan. I like your ideas for stocking up, too.
DeleteWise words. We are changing what we do by the day. Yesterday some shopping and take away coffee. Today, cancelled a catch up with a friend and no coffee out. Maybe we will drive to the beach and take a walk.
ReplyDeleteIt's a quickly evolving situation and we have to evolve with it, right?
DeleteI'm pleased to hear that your mother is being sensible and complying to the new rules. Takes a lot of getting used to, doesn't it, especially for the older generation?
ReplyDeleteI too am overweight, but it isn't because of what I eat as I don't eat much, but just lack of exercise. There isn't a great deal I can do unfortunately, but I'm sure I could march on the spot and more walking on the patio. It has been another lovely sunny day here, so I did do some walking outside with my walker. Fingers crossed we have more lovely days so I can carry on with good intentions.
Take care and have a lovely week.
When the weather cooperates it is so much easier to get outside for a bit. But your idea to do what you can inside and on the patio are also excellent. I hope your good weather continues.
DeleteMarching on the spot is easier if you play music with a steady beat, that's what I'll be doing when it is too rainy or cold in our coming winter, also a bit of "Nutbush" dancing after I shove a couple of chairs aside.
DeleteI'm just same old same old, but in the house.
ReplyDeleteYep, pretty much the same with me :)
DeleteWay to jenny_o. Congratulations and I am proud of you. Keep it up. The kids are in their second week of no school and they extended it to April 20 today. And I have been working from home since March 13. But Frizzle is happy that her family is home all day long.
ReplyDeleteI bet she is! And it's great you can work from home. Stay healthy, you guys.
DeleteCongratulations on getting out to walk. I tend to choose a book, too. Orthotics might help your feet, too. A chiropractor ordered some for me a number of years ago when I had to be on my feet all day at work. They helped. I cope by being cautious and watching lots of movies. I don't panic and I don't buy truckloads of toilet paper.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Movies are great for a lot of people. I actually have a pair of orthotics but they need an adjustment and that won't be happening any time soon unless I do it myself, which I just might do. Good idea, Janie - thanks.
DeleteI've noticed an improvement in my breathing too, since I began walking. My biggest problem now is the footpaths around here are old und very uneven, with raised parts where tree roots have lifted pavers and there are many sections where the slope (for rain runoff) down to the road is quite steep, especially at driveways to houses. So far we are still allowed to get out and walk for exercise as long as we don't have large groups all huddled together.
ReplyDeleteSounds like difficult territory to walk on, River - do take care. We're still allowed out to walk but it's suggested we stay in our neighbourhoods. They say if you need to drive to where you're going, you're going too far. That makes it hard for those who don't have decent walkways, as you've described.
DeleteI'm so happy to hear that your mother has decided to stay in now. I know that must have taken a lot of stress off of you. It is hard to worry about loved ones when we know we can't make them be safe. I have an older brother I worry about because he is just not one to stay home.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being smart and working on improving your health! That is one of the best things that can be done now other than not going out. I'm sure the walking is okay as long as you are not in a group. I've been wanting to get back into walking but we have had so much rain and bad weather for over two weeks now. I think I could handle all this current situation much better if I could just go out in the sun - if we would get some sun.
Take care!
I am very relieved about my mother. I hope your brother has a change of heart too.
DeleteThe sunlight makes such a difference to our moods, doesn't it? I always walk alone; I find it's a good time to recharge my batteries.
I'm not really doing anything different except going out less and applying for social security. Mum has had surgery so I'm trying to give extra support to my parents which is out of routine but not covid related.
ReplyDeleteI like your health regime, little improvements are better than none
I should have been working on my activity level all along, but that ship has sailed. So I'm doing what I can.
DeleteI hope your mum's surgery went well and she has a quick recovery. It's a worry when our parents are not well.
Good news, thanks. We're home all as well, but keeping busy writing, working schooling and biking in the nearby woods. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteYou also, Charlotte. It sounds like you are being very productive.
DeleteWe are totally restricted here in New Jersey, so there have been more people out walking than I've ever seen before. The other day I was walking the dog, and if there had been anymore people out and about, it would have been difficult keeping the 6-foot separation we're all trying to do.
ReplyDeleteThe population density can be a problem when trying to maintain that distance. Folks in less populated areas definitely have an advantage there.
DeleteI am gradually sorting out all my kitchen cupboads and finding all manner of chutneys and sauces. They will get used over the next weeks and months. I am anticipating some weird and wonderful food combinations. Stay Safe Jenny love. x
ReplyDeleteThat's a good productive activity, Cherie. You stay safe as well.
DeleteGood for you. Exercise never hurt anyone. (At least I'm pretty sure that's true.) And it certainly helps everyone!
ReplyDeleteI love that cat hanging from the chandelier. Awesome.
There's a reason why you're supposed to check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program, but walking is okay for most people. And for me, it's the most pleasant way of getting aerobic exercise. Working out is so repetitious. I suppose some folks think walking is repetitious, but when you're outside, no two days are the same!
DeleteIt's all we can do, that which is within our control. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mimi - I feel better doing something productive.
DeleteHi Jenny, I had a goal of focusing on my health this year after my doctor told my I had some bone thinning. She recommended weights/weight bearing exercises other than just walking. I joined a local gym and even bit the bullet and signed up with a personal trainer to help me get started on the right path. The gym had to close, though, so that's on hold. Trying to walk and there are lots of great yoga videos on YouTube. We can always get a little exercise in if we really want to. The problem for me is wanting to "wait until I feel like it". An infrequent feeling at best:-) Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteYou're right - and I'm also one who wants to wait until I feel like it, which is practically never :) It was a hard slog today but my motivation is high right now.
DeleteGreat news about your mom! I bet that's a load off. And good for you for focusing on your health! It's never too late for that.
ReplyDeleteIt's a relief about mom, all right. How is your mom doing?
DeleteWhen I first retired and started doing walks for exercise for my mind and body, I could hardly make it around the block without huffing and puffing. After a month of pushing myself, I was doing more and more and the breathing became less and less difficult. We all have limitations, but sometimes we can push through them and come out the other side in a much better place. Good for you Jenny.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to read about the news of your mom. That had to lift a great burden from you.
Take care of yourself, sweet lady.
Your experience lines up with mine, Arleen - isn't it amazing how our bodies can get stronger so quickly? Yes, I am relieved about my mom. I didn't want to be arguing about something like that and now I don't need to, thankfully.
DeleteYou take care, too, my friend.
Dear Jenny thank you so much for motivational sharing
ReplyDeletei think this is needed in such times when most of us are feared and trying to figure out how to deal with it
this is so peaceful to learn that your older boots helped to calm your foot pain and how nice that your walk is helping you to loose wait ,i am so proud of you ,later is better than never Jenny and i am sure once you have started it ,this attitude will stick to you forever :)))
what made me at peace is to know that your mom has accepted the situation and she is calm now ,i can imagine how huge relief is for you as daughter
stay strong and blessed as you are my friend!
keeping you in thoughts and prayers!
hugs!
Thank you for your kind thoughts and words, baili - returning them to you in full measure! Yes, I am feeling better now about my mom. And about my health and fitness. I think this will be a motivator forever, as you said. I don't say that lightly, because motivation is something I struggle with, but this has given me a new way to look at life.
DeleteGlad to hear your mom is 'with the programme' now. That will make life easier for you I'm sure. You are taking some excellent proactive steps toward protecting your health. We too are watching our food intake and trying to get fresh air and excercise while following all the social distancing rules. It's a challenge.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly can be a challenge, Delores - we are lucky here to have room to spread out but in more densely populated places and in situations like yours where many folks are concentrated in one building it is definitely difficult. Good on you for doing what you can; it's all any of us can do right now.
DeleteI don't know if my mom's adherence to rules is easier or not - it's a big relief, but it means we are back to talking every day, and with her memory problems it is a challenge to not get overwhelmed by the frustration of repetition. By this stage in her cognitive issues, I am sure I have heard the same stories, comments and reflections from her literally hundreds of times. But I'm trying to be patient. I see my calling her every day as something I can do both for her, to relieve boredom, and for others - because if she gets too bored she may seek out other people instead.
Hope all is still well, jenny_o. Take care.
ReplyDeleteStill all good here, Mr. S - I hope the same for you and your family.
DeleteWe are good.
DeleteHi there, Jenny. First time visiting and commenting. Love the memes you shared, the animals are simply adorable! The situation in the world right now really is crazy so, we've gotta be patient and endure. Hope to see you around, girl! :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear your mom is on board. Stay well dear Jenny.
ReplyDeleteThanks, 37p - you take especial care there.
DeleteI need to get fitter. Although I don't have any health issues (that I know about) I'm not fit and I could do with losing a few pounds too. Well done for getting yourself into better shape. Lets hope we all stay virus free!
ReplyDeleteYes, hope is about all we can do after the basic precautions are taken.
DeleteWhat a relief that you don't have to worry so much about your mom now! And getting in shape is such a wonderful positive response - kudos to you. Not only are you improving your health, you're also managing your stress. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIt's a HUGE stress reliever to walk. I'm not really looking forward to warmer weather because there will be more people out walking. I'm probably going to do yard work instead. It's not my first choice but on the other hand it sure needs done :)
DeleteI think getting a little more into shape is a brilliant suggestion. I shall follow your example!
ReplyDeleteYou're already WAY ahead of me on this one, with all those grandchildren keeping you fit and active!!
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