This is interesting. Dr. Peter Beilenson (former health officer in Baltimore City and Howard County) and others starting an innovative health cooperative in Maryland. Beilenson was interviewed briefly by Dan Rodricks today on WYPR.
Note: An interesting discussion — mostly about mental health issues — follows this brief post.
It’s nearly a week now since the tragic shooting and loss of innocent life in Connecticut. Like many, I’m hesitant to write about this most recent mass murder out of respect for the families, and because so much information is unknown.
Two observations stand out, however, regarding television news coverage:
First, a great deal of speculation has been aired about mental illness. Never before have the words “autism“ and “Asperger’s” been spoken so often on television in such a short time. It’s probably misleading to even classify autism and Asperger’s as mental illnesses, at least not without clarification. They certainly should not be associated with conditions such as Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I’d wager that many people are hearing about Asperger’s Syndrome for the first time, and half-baked information is apt to create an undeserved stigma for both autism and Asperger’s. Continue reading
Week No. 2 at the gym: After three days in a row last week, my body requested a day of rest on Saturday. That worked out well, because I’ve been able to show up at the gym every other day this week. Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. And I intend to go today, Friday. I start with stretching, then an easy walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes, and a few minutes on the rowing machine. Some days I do some strength-training exercises on the machines. Thursday, I did both cardio (the treadmill) and the weight machines, so today’s a quick and easy day, treadmill only.
Showed up at the gym two days in a row! A sense of being overwhelmed by work and pressed for time has been the undoing of my exercise programs over the years. These days, I’m not as busy, but my mind keeps telling me to hurry. Ignore that voice! No fitness goals or expectations! The only goal is to keep showing up every day. — John
“Above all do not lose your desire to walk. Everyday I walk myself into a state of well being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. … if one keeps on walking everything will be all right.”— Soren Kierkegaard
The 12-month gym contract. Been there, done that. Doing it again. When it comes to success at the gym, showing up is half the battle. In life generally, I like to set my goals a little bit high. But at my age, starting at zero fitness, I think a goal of simply showing up is appropriate. I accomplished showing up today. Now my goal is to show up six days a week, five days minimum. — John
Aging wears you down, I can report, based on 64 years of experience. One doctor told me our bodies are designed to wear out. Too much exercise might wear out your knees faster. But I’ve suddenly realized that I won’t be able to get out of a chair in five years, unless I take up strength training (in moderation). Yesterday, I joined my local gym. Now if I can only manufacture some self-discipline. — John
See, this type of exercise can be hazardous to your health. BTW, my cat pushes things off the table on purpose.
UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE — Possible or impossible? It’s already happening, to a limited extent. Where I live, in a remote corner of Maryland, the hospital has been providing free flu-shot clinics on multiple dates and locations throughout the county, every fall for several years. Highly efficient, low-cost, preventive health care. Are you for it or against it?
Jan. 1, 2013 update: Happy New Year! Click on the little comment cloud (above this post to the right) and read a most encouraging comment by hula hoop instructor Cara Zara, with instructions on how to make your own hoop. Better yet, check out Cara’s blog at http://carazara.wordpress.com Thank you Cara!
The video below is an awesome performance by Beth Lavinder Williams. You can see more of her videos on YouTube.
I wonder if I’m too old to learn how to do this? Continue reading
Living Simply And Still On The Grid 