Did you ever think, when you were in your 20's and 30's that when we reached middle age, certain things would, or even could change?

I've done a lot of research and talking to other people of our ”baby boomer” generation,I have reached this conclusion: Nothing will change unless we make it so!

If we are dealing with a weight problem, is it because we are eating to satisfy a want that is not within our grasp? If we are dealing with a hypertensive problem, is it because we don't have a release for our frustrations? Both of these problems are often found together: overweight and high blood pressure. Many factors can play a part in high blood pressure, including genetics, diet, weight and stress. Being overweight and dealing with large amounts of stress are two of the most common causes. We eat to calm ourselves and the weight goes on. As the weight goes on, we tend to have less energy, and consequently are less likely to exercise, thereby causing us to gain more weight.... And so, the vicious circle continues. This is very common, and in my opinion about 95% of the people with a weight problem also have a lot of difficulty dealing with stress. The other 5% or so goes the other way, they skip the food and loose weight the improper way. Either way the weight gain or loss can be a detriment to your health. Whoever said that life is easy, was either rich or crazy.

The basic rules of life is everything in moderation. Sometimes, that is not an easy thing. Easier said than done.Yes, I realize that I am speaking from a standpoint that I have accomplished a huge weight loss, but remember I am still fighting the battle. (In case you missed my previous post, I lost 185 lbs in my mid-50's--after being seriously obese all of my life since childhood!) I may have lost the weight, but I am still battling to keep it off. My attitude is to be me and keep up the fight, because I do not like to go to the store and buy clothes that were a size 46W! I like to walk to the clothes department and buy a size 10. Much easier and a larger selection!! Not to say that I don't feel better and can do more before I feel tired. My medications are much less to take since the weight loss, as well.

All I can do is to give you the encouragement to work on your diet and do exercises like walking and if you enjoy dancing go for it. It is more fun to do things to music and keep the beat, than to let the beat get you and all the opposite things happen. Remember it's all in your attitude and your wants, you can do it with or without help. The important thing is that you loose the weight and maintain the loss. It is a very positive thing for your health.

Rosemarie

Side comment from Kat: Okay, Okay, Ro, you got me on that one--I'm in the 5% that tends not to eat, especially when I'm stressed. I guess that's why I'm underweight and got no rear end!!

Please watch this video about obesity. It's a real eye opener.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz87VR-6ILE

Humor for Stress Management

Humor and Stress Management

For some it might take a cup of coffee, for others a few rounds of beer or any other booze you can get your hands on, to relax after a hard day's work. Well, I'm guilty of that one myself--although I haven't been caught half-naked, wearing a lampshade on my head after a few rounds of rum... in a long time! Okay, I'm sorry and apologize to everyone if you get nightmares about imagining me in that state of drunken stupor!

Just please, don't even ask how that one happened!

It's interesting, how different people get through the times in life when they're faced with vein-popping stress. Some people rely on their religious faith. Others drink too much, or take drugs. Some people use the new-age stuff like Zen or Yoga. I personally, tend to clench my jaws til my teeth break.

Humor is the absolute best medicine for stress. A good laugh can actually physically release the stress, and help you forget your problems for awhile. It's better to laugh while facing your troubles with a clear mind, than to face them angry, with a clouded vision. One of my favorite "funny guys" would have to be Woody Allen. This guy has that off-the-wall sense of humor and dry wit, that cracks me up. You can probably talk to him about almost anything, and he'd mock the subject and you'll end up laughing, rather than being upset about it.

Here are some of Woody's more quotable quotes:

1. "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."

2. "I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it's the government."

3. "There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?"

On relationships......

4. "Love is the answer, but while you're waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions."

5. "A fast word about oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, she said 'no.'"

On everyday life......

6. "Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats."

7. "I am not afraid of death, I just don't want to be there when it happens."

8. "I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose."

9. "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans."

And to sum things up.......

10. "The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don't have."

I found this great video on youtube about having a sense of humor! Enjoy! Kat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcF7FHc1eSc

Dancing and Dieting to Weight Loss!

How many times have you looked in the mirror asked yourself, "If I lost a few pounds what would I look like?" Your doctor may even have suggested losing some weight for the health benefits. If you are willing to follow the diet that your physician suggests, you will lose weight. Exercising, along with diet, can speed up the process of weight loss. It's not necessary to work out at the gym or do sit-ups and jumping jacks an hour a day. You could do things that you enjoy anyway, maybe do it more often. You don't even have to think of it as being exercise and good for you. Instead of being an unpleasant, drudge thing you MUST do, it will be fun.

Do you like to dance? Go dancing a few times a week (I sometimes dance at home, alone in the privacy of my living room--just crank up the stereo and let go!) Peppy, upbeat music helps keep the pace going and the motivation up. This is not the time to tune in your favorite easy listening tunes! No partner, or partner doesn't care to dance? Try joining a line-dancing group. It's tons of fun, plus a bonus: You'll meet people and make new friends.

Walking is one of the best exercises there is. It burns calories, tightens lower body muscles and is great for the cardio-vascular system. One very simple thing you can do is park your car in the middle of the parking lot when you go shopping. By the time you have walked across the parking lot,through the store and back again,you probably will have gotten your exercise for the day.

Some people enjoy a long walk after dinner. That is an excellent choice if you keep up a moderate pace, and it's always most enjoyable if you walk with someone else, a family member, neighbor or friend. People who live in cities with fairly close access to a shopping mall, can even walk the mall in inclement weather, hot, cold, raining, snowing.

Just by trying the above, it will not only help you firm up and help the weight loss, it is good for arthritis and high blood pressure, because by losing the weight, you are taking the pressure off your body and your joints. As the weight goes down, so does blood pressure and pain from arthritis. Many heart conditions will become less dangerous. If you are a Type II diabetic, you will see improvement in your blood sugar. There are many more wonderful health benefits to losing weight. I know, because I have lost over 185 pounds and I feel great! I have done all of the above, and am still walking and dancing. Why not give it a try? It's Fun!! --Rosemarie

Not happy with how your body looks? Check out this great, funny video!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6m_Fq6dsIo