Day 218

My second walk yesterday was full of chatter. I ran into Anita, Sheila, Eileen, and Mitzi and had lots of news exchanges. Today I’ll get my flu shot before grabbing up the Senior News and distributing some of them before senior center duty and finish up later in the afternoon. It will be a busy day with contacts and more catch-up time. Hollie and I had lunch after the last museum duty. I enjoyed her company and the Rueben sandwich.

October Senior News column

 Staying healthy is a life-long commitment. We all know that exercise and nutrition are the tools we have for building strong bodies. And there is one more important ingredient to a good life.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with non-anemia iron storage depletion caused by donating blood. It was the 107^th pint that brought a reaction that nearly did me in. For the previous eight years I went from doctor to doctor, had way too many x-rays, blood tests, was stuck in tubes and shot full of stuff that glows in the dark without having a diagnosis. I was losing the battle gradually but consistently over the years giving up physical energy, normal breathing, clear thinking and bone strength. 

Once I knew what was going on I was able to go forward with vigor to restore my body and my health. Nutrition, exercise, supplements and a healthy attitude were my priorities. One thing I know for sure is that while my health was failing, I continued to volunteer, walk, and eat well. I know I kept going because I did not sit down and give up even though I had updated my will, and written my obituary.

Giving of oneself as a volunteer, serving in whatever capacity is possible is a positive way to stay healthy. There is no substitute for service. It gives a reason for getting up in the morning and having a meaningful day. There are so many opportunities to help out in our communities. Most non-profits depend on volunteers to keep their doors open. It would only take a few minutes to find a comfortable place where skills and interests could fit in. By the way, I have found other volunteers who became best friends and a source of mutual support. Finding like-minded people provides whole new relationships.

Yes, I eat well. During this season I have been at every farmers’ market in addition to the produce from my straw-bale garden. The garden has provided the greens that are full of iron and calcium. I walk nearly every day with a five mile goal. I have had a fitbit tracking device for a year and find it motivating to get moving. At first I was happy to get one mile and day by day it became easier to walk longer and faster.

The best ways I know to get healthy and stay that way are being aware that each day brings chances to improve, praying and having faith in the life force. The Dalai Lama says, “Choose to be optimistic. It feels better.”