MONDAY FEBRUARY 1ST 2021 - ATTITUDE

 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, 2021

Our second month in 2021 starts today!!  We enter it with hope and anticipation - for successful vaccinations, for the huge decrease in COVID cases, for education to resume, for business to resume, for life to return to normal!!!  We shall see!!!

*****

This week, I’m looking at self-improvement.

There is a phrase that I like “Creating a better version of ourselves”.  We are generally good - but there is always room for improvement.

*****

I am getting tired of the pandemic.  I have a small apartment without a television.  I can only go to places that are open.  So, I can go to the grocery store or Walmart (and other stores) - but, hey I don’t need (or want) to shop every day!!!  The library is closed.  The senior center is closed.  The recreation center is open - and I try to go there to get out of my apartment, and get some exercise.  (But, it is closed on Sunday - how do I get my exercise on Sunday - especially if raining?)

So, what do I do in my small apartment?  

I cook.  - Yesterday was a pulled pork in the crockpot.  Earlier I made ham and bean soup.  I made cheesecake.  But, hey, I don’t need to cook every day.  

I listen to books.  I suppose I could actually read books.  But, I like audiobooks - as I can do two things at the same time - listen and type.  (I have a Lee Child’s “Jack Reacher” book on now).  

I crochet.  I’m not good (I’m not even so-so), but you learn by doing.  And, I think (no verification by others) that I’m getting better.  

I color.  My friend (PB) gave me a “Color Happy” adult coloring book.  But, even that after an hour doesn’t satisfy me.

I eat.  (YOWL) It is Not a good thing to snack all day.  

I nap!!  (I’m getting good at the 10 to 15-minute nap!!)

*****

So, how to overcome the overwhelming pressure of this pandemic?

With Positive Thinking - optimism - faith - hope - and love!!

I can’t change the pandemic.  If I can’t go to the library, to the senior center, to other places - that’s the way it is.  

I can only control one person - ME.  And, that control comes from within.  I have to know, accept, embrace WHO I am - and be positive.  If I let those negative thoughts sneak in (in the Judeo-Christian view, that is allowing the devil to influence me), I get down, I get negative, I go off the track.  I must believe that I have VALUE.  

Romans 8:39a: “ No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God”.

For the next few days, I’ll point out some ways to keep positive in a negative world.  (And, <disclaimer> - no, I am NOT Pollyanna all the time - I do get down on myself and have to adjust my attitude and thinking!!!)

LOVE WINS!!

HUGS!!

Karen

SUNDAY JANUARY 31ST - SUNDAY FUNDAY!!

SUNDAY JANUARY 31ST - SUNDAY FUNDAY!!

Wow - here we are - the last day in January 2021!!  And - what a memorable January 2021 it has been.  We have seen the pandemic continuing; we have seen a riot at the nation’s Capitol; we have seen our 46th President inaugurated, and we have seen measurable snow in Georgetown Texas.  (In five years, which topic will you be talking about?)

We are alive - although the death toll from COVID continues to rise.  We have taken care to isolate, social distance, and wear masks.  

Our brains may be a little slower as we analyze leads, finesses, bidding, and all other aspects of bridge.  Yes, there will be a day when we do ‘normal’ things again!!

LOGIC PROBLEMS

There are three mismarked boxes in the back of the Lake County Food Bank food storage room.  All three boxes have labels on them - but none of the labels are correct.  The labels are Apples; Oranges; and Apple-and-Oranges.  How can you decide what is in each box by taking only one item out of one of the boxes?  

There is a barrel with no lid and some wine in it. “This barrel of wine is more than half full,” says the woman. “No, it’s not,” says the man. “It’s less than half full.” Without any measuring implements and without removing any wine from the barrel, how can they easily determine who is correct?

SOME HAPPINESS QUOTES

Seeking external validation brings disappointment. Validate yourself from within to find true happiness.  (*** As children, we needed our parents, teachers, and coaches to give us validation.  Some people I know didn’t get that validation from their parents - and thought they were ‘worthless’ - but that is a lie - we all have value.  You need to know and love yourself from inside)

Our happiness depends upon ourselves. (from Aristotle - it took hours to translate that from the original Greek (or not!!!).  That is similar to above - if I believe I’m happy, then I  AM HAPPY

I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful and don't forget to make some art -  write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can.  (*** I know some of you better than others - this is a good thought for 2021 - and I know that some of you WILL be doing some art, drawing, dancing (even Zumba), singing, and definitely LIVING a big exciting life with ELAN and GUSTO!!!

IDIOMS

What do these idioms mean?

A Dime a Dozen

Bite the bullet

It’s not rocket science

That’s the last straw

The straw that broke the camel’s back

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

No pain, no gain

HUMOR

Q;  Why shouldn’t you kiss somebody on January 1st?

A:   Because it is the first date!!

What word in the English language is spelled wrong more often than any other word?  (the word “wrong”)

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

To the guy who invented zero, thanks for nothing.

Geology rocks but Geography is where it’s at!

Can February March? No, but April May.

A man sued an airline company after it lost his luggage. Sadly, he lost his case.

Yesterday, I accidentally swallowed some food coloring. The doctor says I’m okay, but I feel like I’ve dyed a little inside.

What washes up on tiny beaches? Microwaves.

SUPER BOWL

So, it is the Kansas City Chiefs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - in the Tampa Stadium.  Do you have a favorite?

I liked Tom Brady when he was in New England with the Patriots.  It seems like he isn’t the best quarterback, but he wins Super Bowl championships.  I do like Kansas City as the winner last year, with a Texas Tech quarterback as well.  But, with Tampa Bay playing at home (but with a limited crowd), I’m going with Tampa Bay 35 to 27.

I saw an article that said Budweiser, Coca-Cola, and Hyundai are not going to advertise at the Super Bowl this year.  Pepsi is not having a regular ad, but still sponsoring the half-time show.

The Halftime Show will feature an artist I’ve never heard of: “The Weeknd will perform during halftime of Super Bowl 55. A Canadian singer-songwriter whose full name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, The Weeknd should bring a wide-ranging setlist to the stage in Tampa, Florida.”

SIGNIFICANT HISTORY DATES

January 31, 1969 - During the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, the Viet Cong attacked the US Embassy in Saigon.  I have many friends who fought in Vietnam.  It was a tough situation.  Protests at home, troubles with identifying who is a friend and who is an enemy on the ground.

February 1, 1978 - Harriet Tubman became the first African American on an American Stamp.  I think discussions are ongoing to put her image on the U.S. Twenty Dollar bill (replacing Andrew Jackson)

February 2, 1887 - First Groundhog day - I’ve had ground pork from the grocery store - is that the same?

February 3, 1959 - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” die in a plane crash (‘the day the music died’) - I didn’t notice (I was only 11 and not into music yet) - although it did happen in Clear Lake Iowa

February 4, 2002 - Mark Zuckerberg launched something called Facebook to Harvard students.  If I remember at first it was a ‘hot-or-not’ page to evaluate women on Harvard’s campus.

February 5, 1994, the murder of Civil Rights activist Medgar Evers is convicted (30 years after the crime).  

February 6, 1952 - Queen Elizabeth II becomes the reigning monarch in Great Britain (and she still reigns!!!) 

NATIONAL DAYS

January 31 - National Hot Chocolate Day

Somebody gave me some hot chocolate mix for Christmas.  I don’t drink it frequently - but it is nice on a quiet evening.  

February 1st - National Dark Chocolate Day.

I prefer Milk Chocolate - although I know that dark chocolate is better for us in terms of antioxidants.  I supposed I could combine with January 31st and have hot dark chocolate cocoa!!!

February 2nd - In addition to GroundHog Day, it is National Tater Tot Day!!!  WOOOO.  I like tater tots - but soaked in ketchup (and I can’t remember when I had tater tots last)

When I lived in Connecticut, GroundHog Day was more of a big deal.  Six weeks of winter - that would put the end of winter about mid-March - which is really pretty normal.  I did like the GroundHog movie.  

In Texas - six more weeks of winter is not too significant.  I’m more interested in the Amarillo Armadillo who on July 10th tells Texans if there are six more weeks of temperatures over 100 degrees!!!  (That is made up, but could be real)

So, maybe we grab a bag of tater tots, and find the GroundHog movie on Netflix (or someplace) and take the day off. 

February 3rd - National Carrot Cake Day.  Are you a carrot cake person?  I like it, but it isn’t at the top of my dessert list.  (I am not a fan of nuts in cakes!!!)

February 4th - National Homemade Soup day - Last week I made ham and bean soup.  I had a ham bone and threw the bone, Great Northern Beans (from Nebraska), barley, red sweet peppers, and onions into my crockpot.  It tasted great!!! 

February 5th - National Wear Red Day

“The first Friday in February (February 5) is National Wear Red Day. On this day in February, which is considered American Heart Month, everyone across the country dons the color red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation. So put on your reddest red — whether it be a lipstick, a pair of pants, or your favorite hat — and paint the city red.”  I like my red clothes and I will celebrate this day (my parents and grandparents died of Heart Disease, so it is fitting for me to don my red apparel).

It is also National Shower with a Friend Day - and I wasn’t sure which friend to invite over to my place!!!  I don’t think many of my friends would join me!!!

February 6th - Time to Talk Day

In honor of mental health and reaching out to others, this day is a day to ‘talk it out’.  (And, remember, as a Life Coach, I’m here for you if you want to talk!!!)

REFLECTIONS

Here we are - another month gone - another month of COVID.  The vaccine promise is close.  I’m on a list (and I’m guessing many of you are probably on a list as well).  The reports vary - but the forecasts seem to suggest there are very limited supplies - and a lot of people to vaccinate.

I mentioned that 2/3rd of the American Population is overweight (or obese).  I don’t think the COVID-19 issue is helping that.  I’m finding myself slowly drawing inward (and dying).  I sit at my computer way-too-much, and then I snack.  I know I need to get outside - do walking - don’t just hibernate.  Hang in there my friends.  Help IS coming.  I did predict a mid-March date if vaccinations go well - let us hope so!!!

LOVE WINS!!!

HUGS!!!

Karen

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 - SATURDAY STORY

 SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021 - SATURDAY STORY

NOTE- THIS IS A STORY - FICTION.  WHILE BASED ON FACT, IT IS FICTION. 

I am using this to illustrate the diversity we have in the United States.

*****

Ruth Wiskowski was a patriot.  No, make that “PATRIOT”.  She was ardent in her love of country - and her love to Donald Trump.  

“Make America Great Again” resounded to her inner soul.  America had slipped - China was ascending and the United States was descending.  Weak, ineffectual Presidents had allowed the United States to become ‘wishy-washy’.  We were soft on the killing of babies in the womb.   We were soft on immigration - letting all those huddled on our Southern border into the country - and many of them were sneaking in - as illegal immigrants!! We were soft on marriage - one man and one woman - and it seemed to Ruth the next step was that a person could marry their dog!!  (After all, two men could marry; two women could marry).  And, speaking of that, did it just seem that more and more people were gay, lesbians, transgender, or some other weird sexual orientation - that was totally against God’s will.  Black people were okay - in their place.  She didn’t even mind if a black family of two professionals moved into her neighborhood (but not the poor blacks that seemed to procreate like rabbits). 

And, Ruth was not alone.  In her social circle - her church, her bridge group, her friends at the Country Club, similar thoughts were expressed.  

AND … she knew (in her heart) that the 2020 Presidential Election was “Stolen”.  She didn’t know how it was done - maybe the voting machines were somehow controlled to ‘drop’ a certain percentage of Republican votes, maybe the election officials were part of that ‘liberal’ group that wanted to get rid of good old Faith, Honor, Religion, Marriage, yes - she KNEW it was rigged - and she was MAD.  

Her (HER) President had said it - that was good enough for her.  He said that the election was rigged, that it was stolen.  He suggested and urged that “real people” (like Ruth) should block the validation of that weakling, liberal Biden.  She read all of her President's tweets (before that liberal media locked him out).  He was absolutely “RIGHT”.

It was deplorable to her that supposed fact-checking and verification sites - like Snoops, FactCheck, AP Fact Check, Duke Reporter’s Lab, NPR Politics Fact Check, the Washington Post Fact Checker, and others had tried to label President Trump’s comments as incorrect (or even as ‘lies’).  It was widely known by her circle of friends that all of these supposed facts checking sites were really just run by liberals - maybe even socialists!!

Every day after the 2020 Election, her blood boiled, her blood pressure went higher.  How could all that liberal media get anything right?  She watched Fox News, other than a few times a day when she turned to the weather channel to get the forecast or the local news at 5:00.  

It was despicable!!  When her President (and the President of all the real people of the United States) urged his people to come to Washington - and let the congress understand the cheating, lying, and deception being foisted upon Her Country and Her President.  She "knew" in her heart she had to go!!!

She drove to Washington and arrived two days early.  She soon found like-minded friends in her hotel.  Some were talking about storming the Capitol - almost like when the French people stormed the Bastille.  It was time to forcefully take back HER country.  

She was in the first wave that stormed the ‘castle’ (oops - the Capitol building).  One of the Capitol police tried to stop her - and she - she put a knee into his groin - into his ‘privates’.  (She was really amazed that she did that!!  She shouted YEEHAW as she rushed by the other guards and police.) Her work and her voice were going to be heard today.  

Like most of the others storming into the Capitol, it was the first time they had been inside this building of government.  She had to take a few selfies so her church and bridge friends would know that SHE was there - representing THEM - representing the PEOPLE of the United States of America.  She was there to “Make America Great Again” - and if it took an attack on the Capitol to get the justice she was up for it.  

BOOM - there was a shot someplace.  There was yelling and screaming.   There were chants of “Make America Great Again”, chants of “The Election was Stolen”, “Power to the People”.  

It was exciting!!

She heard somebody say they had found Nancy Pelosi’s office.  If anything, Nancy Pelosi was the epitome of all that was wrong in America.  She got a picture of her sitting in Representative Pelosi’s office (okay, she also took a pen from her desk as a memento of the day).  

But, all good things come to an end.  The senators and representatives who were verifying the Electoral College numbers had been whisked out, the order was restored, and Ruth got out of the building before she was arrested.  

The group was both upbeat - and defeated.  They had stormed the Capitol, they had made known the wishes of the real people of the United States.  But, Vice President Pence - that former loyal Trump supporter - had turned tails and didn’t do his responsibility of proclaiming the electoral college fraud.  

*****

Ruth made her way back home.

While the real people hadn’t changed the election outcome, they put the liberals on alert that the real people were upset and demanded justice.  

Of course, those wimpy Democrats wanted to impeach their President - again; they wanted Vice President Pence to declare their President to be incompetent. What saps!!

It was not a surprise that two days later, two FBI officials were at her door charging her with illegal entry into the Capitol building.  Her picture was on the local news and on websites as being one of the Capitol insurrectionists.  (And, she was proud!!)

*****

Sure this is a story.  But, it does have a sense of truth to it.  There were rioters who breached the Capitol’s security, that did ‘break and enter’ into the Capitol and indirectly threatened the duly elected Representatives and Senators.  

I dislike the use of labels - they somehow become identifiers. We become less human and more the label. We use the labels as "straw-men" - liberal became a profane word; conservative has become synonymous with 'radical right-wing'. We have allowed blind allegiance to build hate between peoples.

To me, it does illustrate the frailty of American democracy.  It demonstrated how mobs can get out of control (and in this case, cause the death of six people).  We are a government of the people, by the people and for the people - which does mean that Ruth and her friends - as people of the United States do need to have their voices heard - but there are also other voices.  There are those that didn’t storm the Capitol; there are those who voted for the other candidate.  There are those who didn’t believe that fraud occurred in the election - but didn’t show up.  

There are checks-and-balances in our Constitution.  But (as in 1 Corinthians 14: 40)  “Let all things be done decently and in order.” 

We are ALL allowed our opinions but we all must live together.  I was around for riots relating to Vietnam and the Watergate affair.  A quote about power is: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  

I think that the America of my grandparents is disappearing.  Blacks, Hispanic, Immigrants, Women, Gays, Lesbians, Transgender, Republicans, Democrats, and others all have to work together.  

And, for me - Psalm 20:7 ‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will trust in the Name of the Lord our God”.  “Render unto Caesar what is Caesars and unto God what is God’s”.  And - maybe more significantly:

“First of all, I ask you to pray for all men and to give thanks for them. Pray for kings and all others who are in power over us so we might live quiet God-like lives in peace.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Love does win - it may not be instantaneous, but in the long run, LOVE WINS.  

Karen

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 - LOVE WINS - HUMILITY

 FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 - LOVE WINS

“Love is patient, love is kind. IT DOES NOT ENVY, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Looking at “Love does not envy” today!!

Envy:

Noun: A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.  "she felt a twinge of envy for the people on board"

Verb: Desire to have a quality, possession, or other desirable attribute belonging to (someone else).  "he envied people who did not have to work on weekends"

*****

I have envied others.  Maybe it was ambition, maybe I wanted more glory - more status. I envied other people and their things.  I’m not sure how obvious I was.   I’ve also been (and still am), a competitor. (Even in my Words With Friends games, I like to win!!  I’m sure glad my sister puts up with me!!!)

I know now there never is ‘enough’ - never enough status, never enough glory for me.  I don’t think that money held that much interest for me, but I wanted top student evaluations at the end of the semester.  I relished students on that last day of class saying “You are the best professor I ever had”. I enjoyed the glory of being an ‘honored professor’.  I loved going into the classroom with a resounding “WOOOO” and knowing each student by name.  I loved being at ISECON conferences and being the conference chair four times - but knowing and welcoming new and old attendees.  I loved being involved and serving on my campus, and in my church, and in my community.  I wanted others to say “There goes that Dr. White, what an awesome and amazing person”!!!

Now, some years into retirement, I am finally learning (and understanding).  Retirement can be like ‘death’ if you were a professor in ‘real-life’. 

*****

“When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? (Luke 14:8)

*****

Ecclesiastes 1:2-8

“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.  The sun rises and the sun sets and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.  All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. 

*****

If you have read this blog in the past, you know a surgeon said that I am lucky to be alive.  Am I alive to get more honors?  To do more publications?  To be a ‘BIG DEAL’.  There is an old religious hymn - “The Old Rugged Cross” which has a line “Til my trophies I lay down”.  I don’t have my “wall of encouragement” anymore.  I’ve thrown out most of my awards and certificates.

As you might also know, I am being humbled and mostly it is self-induced - it is very humbling to go from a “big deal” (which I really wasn’t) as a white, privileged, male professor, to a retired, non-privileged white female.  I hear some of the comments - like “who does she think she (or even ‘he’) is?” or “what a farce”.  

*****

Back to LOVE WINS Friday - love is patient, love is kind, LOVE DOES NOT ENVY, love does not boast, love is not proud.

That hits hard at me.  Love does NOT envy others.  I am happy for others.  I am learning to LOVE EVERYBODY.  I want my ex-wife to be happy.  I want her to have the joy, and peace in her life that I couldn’t provide.  I want my children and grandchildren to also be happy.  I hope to be reconciled to them someday.  

Love does not envy.  I want the best for my friends, I want the best for my family, I want the best for my world.  I want to be a lover, not a competitor.  I really didn’t mind last spring when my friend (BW) beat me about 80% of the time in online chess.  (It is good to have smart and good friends!!)

I am learning to be content.  I have a small apartment and none of my furniture is new.  In the kitchen, the only things I bought were a microwave that is over a year old and a new can-opener when the old one wouldn’t open cans anymore.  In my bedroom, I have two storage units that I (honestly) got out of the dumpster in my apartment complex.  The first one was a chest of drawers, which I’ve fixed up the one with new shelves (it must have had drawers before, but they weren’t in the dumpster).  The second one is a lower nightstand - and that has my cosmetics, deodorant, and miscellaneous stuff.  (FREE!!)  I have two pictures that I ‘rescued’ from the dumpster and two pictures given to me by friends!!

John the Baptist said of Jesus “He must increase and I must decrease”.  I didn’t like being second.  Now, I am learning to be second, to be humbled, to be a lowly (almost) forgotten, crazy, foolish, person.  

Humility means “the state of being humble.” Both it and humble have their origin in the Latin word humilis, meaning "low." ... When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.  I’m not sure I’m wise at all, but I’m willing to be humbled and open to God’s love and grace!!!

I have quoted Micah 6:8 so much, you can probably quote it back to me.  “And what does God expect of you oh man, but to love justice, show mercy and walk humbly with your God.”

Another source says, “Humility is often characterized as genuine gratitude and a lack of arrogance, a modest view of one’s self. However, the biblical definition of humility goes beyond this. Humility is a critical and continuous emphasis of godliness in the Bible, as we are called upon to be humble followers of God and trust in the wisdom and salvation of God.”

I had a big ego (I’m sorry).  I am still learning and growing in learning how to be humble.

So, Lord let me be humble in my love, let me not be jealous or envious of others, but to love and support them.  

Because - LOVE WINS!!

Hugs!!

Karen

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021 - HEALTH CONCERNS - IV

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021 - HEALTH CONCERNS - IV

 https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html

The Dangers of Obesity

When I was at Quinnipiac, there were two separate years that a friend and colleague from Belarus was a visiting professor.  He came for a semester each time, and I went to Belarus for a week afterward - each time.  (I said - he knew English and thus could come for a semester, and I knew no Russian and thus could only stay a week).

My friend was a good visitor.  Growing up, there was a concept of the “Ugly American” - an American abroad - who didn’t know the country’s history, language, people, culture and (worse) didn’t care!!  My friend was not that way.  He wanted to learn about the United States and the programs he was on (Regional Scholar Exchange Program, and Fulbright Program) wanted to build rapport among people.  

It took several months the first time he visited (in 2003) to become friends and for him to be at peace when talking to me.  He didn’t want to step on any toes.  But, finally, he said to me “There seem to be a lot of fat people in the United States.” (He was right).

After that first visit, I visited Minsk, Belarus, and noticed the notable lack of fat people (although there were some).  My friend and I talked about it.  Americans have cars and drive everywhere - and then we want the closest parking place when we get there!!!  (So, I can drive to the Georgetown Recreation Center, then try to get the best parking place, before I walk five miles!!!)  

He also noticed that we also have too many other ‘labor-saving’ devices.  We noticed the physical plant mowing the grass at Quinnipiac - using a tractor.  There were people using riding mowers to mow their yards.  (Kind of “Hey, get this done faster, so I can put my feet up and relax in front of the TV).  The second time I went to Belarus, I watched a ground crew mow the grass in a park - with old push mowers (the non-powered mowers my grandfather had).  I even saw a group plowing the land with a horse!!!  Maybe this was a way to keep people employed.  I was thinking - ‘you know if you had a riding mower, you could get this done so much quicker and move on to other parks and areas - but a crew of four people mowing with push mowers kept the crew employed and with income.  

There were other jobs in Belarus that I thought ‘that could be automated’ - but it used physical labor.  

Cars were relatively few in Belarus - and people walked.  There were buses that always seemed to be full.  In Minsk, there was a subway that always seemed to be full - and on the sidewalks, all kinds of people - walking.  And, unlike America and Americans, the great majority of people lived in (ugly, Soviet-style) apartment buildings. I like walking - I try to get 5 miles (or 10,000 steps) every day - and some days I make it and some days not!!!

*****

Let’s do some research here: (from the CDC - Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

“People who have obesity, compared to those with a normal or healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions, including the following:

(all quoted from CDC)

“All-causes of death (mortality)

High blood pressure (Hypertension)

High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (Dyslipidemia)

Type 2 diabetes

Coronary heart disease

Stroke

Gallbladder disease

Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)

Sleep apnea and breathing problems

Many types of cancer

Low quality of life

Mental illness such as clinical depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders

Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning”

Another source says “More than one-third of adults in the United States are obese. In the United States, 36.5 percent of adults are obese. Another 32.5 percent of American adults are overweight. In all, more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese.”https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity-facts/ 

TWO-THIRDS OF ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE?  Did you read that? TWO-THIRDS!!!  (And, I am one of those - in the overweight category).  So, what am I doing today?  Oh, I’m making a cherry cheesecake - with sugar, cream cheese, and not probably on a list of nutrition things.  (By-the-way, nutrition was yesterday as I made bean soup!!  But the day before that I made luscious butterscotch bars).  So, I’m part of the problem too!!!

That same source said “Obesity costs Americans $147 billion each year. People who are obese pay more out of pocket than people who are not. In fact, the medical costs for people with obesity are $1,429 higher each year than those of people with a normal weight.”

So, not only are we as a nation overweight, but it costs us more - and may (probably) lead to health issues.  

*****

“The good news is obesity is largely preventable. A healthy diet and regular exercise can go a long way to help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. Otherwise, the realities of carrying around excess weight can start to creep up on you and take their toll.” (Healthline article)

I have a friend (VK) who is very active, but recently decided she had added a few too-many pounds during COVID isolation. She is cutting out white flour, and sugar from her diet and has lost about 8 pounds (in her most recent Facebook post).

*****

Yes, I am retired, yes, I have time to exercise (some days I get in as much as 2 to 3 hours).  When I was teaching I tried to get half-an-hour - but I was more active in the classroom.  Now, when I’m not exercising, I’m probably sitting at my computer (writing blog posts), or in my favorite recliner - playing games and napping.  Find a way to get some exercise.  Maybe you can park your car farther away from your worksite - so you have a few more steps.  I use the step counter on my iPhone (built-in health app), to keep track.  To make the exercise palpable, I listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or music.

YOU CAN DO IT - find ways to avoid the overweight / obese problem in your life!!!  (That is a challenge from me to you!!)

LOVE WINS!!!

HUGS!!

Karen

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 HEALTH

 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021 HEALTH

I was looking at some health data from 1920, and here are the leading causes of death then:

1. Pneumonia/flu

2. Tuberculosis

3. Gastrointestinal infections

4. Heart disease

5. Stroke

And, in 2018 the leading causes of death

1.  Heart Disease

2.  Cancer

3.  Accidents

4.  Respiratory diseases (COPD, more)

5. Stroke

There are obviously some major differences and some similarities.  In 2018 (and the previous several years), heart disease was the biggest cause of death.  And, even back in 1920, heart disease was one of the top five maladies.  

From: https://medlineplus.gov/howtopreventheartdisease.html

My parents both died of heart disease - although in some respects they died of “old age” (a condition no longer used as a cause of death).  My mother was 98, and my father was 97 when they died. They lived long and full lives.  

The article suggests some things that can help people live longer even with heart disease:

1. Control your blood pressure. 

I’ve shared before that in 2017, my blood pressure (at least at one point in time) was 213 (systolic) over 161 (diastolic) with a pulse of 165.  That was like running a fire hose on full pressure through my arteries (especially the main artery, the aorta).  

Yes, I am on blood pressure medications and generally, I’m in the 110 to 130 for the systolic (upper) reading and about 70 for the diastolic (resting/lower) reading.  I guess medications do work!!!  

2. Keep cholesterol under control.  

Cholesterol can clog your arteries.  For some reason, my cholesterol is generally low.  My blood sugar is generally in the low range.  

3.  Stay at a healthy weight.  

I have been running about 10 pounds heavier than I should. (Note to self - get that down)!!!

4. Eat a healthy diet.

Sometimes I do!!!  (Okay, this last week, I made scrumptious butterscotch bars (that didn’t last long), and bought cookies at the store).  But, today, I have beans and a ham bone in the crockpot for bean soup.  That is great in fiber.

(On a fiber tangent)

Fiber:

-. Keeps everything moving in the system (yes, and then getting eliminated from the system)!!

-. Helps a person to be ‘regular’

-. Lowers cholesterol levels

-. Helps control blood sugar levels

-. Helps you have a healthy weight

I tend to alternate eggs one morning and oatmeal the next - so fiber is part of my life

Ten days ago I got kale and Swiss Chard at the farmer’s market which is also good for fiber.  (But, I don’t want you to think I always eat healthily - there are weeks where I rarely eat green and leafy vegetables!!)

5. Get regular exercise

I like to walk.  While I’d like to have some part-time work (life coaching or other), I don’t have any work, so I do have time on my hands.  I can walk for 1.5 to 2 hours a day.  I make it easier by having an audiobook or music to listen to!!!

6. (and more) - Limit alcohol, don’t smoke, manage stress, manage diabetes, get enough sleep 

*****

So, if heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and if you want to live longer (and enjoy grandchildren longer), then taking care of your body and your heart is important!!!

CANCER

There have been many advances in cancer detection and treatment.  Cancer is no longer a “death sentence”.

Colon Cancer can be checked by regular colonoscopies; breast cancer has many advocates reminding us to get our check-ups.  

A friend lost a kidney and is on chemotherapy and those processes have improved greatly.  

*****

SUICIDE

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those from 10 to 34.  Mental health is important.  With COVID - there are more mental health issues - as people cope with isolation, the inability to see family or friends.  [Note, I am starting to feel the strain - getting a vaccination soon will help my state of mind!!!]

The reality is - one day I will die!!!  (And, one day, you will die).  I think most of us would like to live longer - if we have good and productive lives.  So, do we have to have ‘boring’ lives?  (Depends if you think fiber, exercise, limited alcohol, no tobacco, limited sugar, boring diets is boring!!!)  But, living into your 80s and 90s allows you to share your love, your experiences, your knowledge with your grandchildren (and maybe great-grandchildren)  

 

Take care of yourself!!  YOU ARE IMPORTANT!!!

LOVE WINS!!!

HUGS!!

Karen