Mama Update

Yes, here is an update on your mama. Please read the whole thing. Any comments?

I had my first physical therapy session (+ evaluation) on my knees today. The doctor checked all the leg alignments and how I walk. She said that because I have flat feet, I have common problems that many women my age have. If their hips are weak, due to lack of exercise, then their knee joints go off track a bit, creating grinding and pain. Since I don’t have other health and weight issues, she believes that I could strengthen my leg and hips muscles to correct my problems, without surgery. It depends on how well my body responds to the therapy and exercises I have to do at home. A little taste of immobility is enough for me to want to stick with the therapy and get back to “normal”. It’s another life lesson to teach me to take care of my body. I’ll diligently walk Max everyday from now on – keeping both of our joints in good shape. Dad and I really need to get in a habit of doing exercises at home – weight training and the bike are really good and they are here in the house! Really no excuses!

There were also many health tips I picked up from reading posters and literature at the wellness center. It’s common sense + making a choice to be healthy + turning it into a life style. I was impressed to see the “educating” approach adopted by the center, because they actually make money from unhealthy people – think about it!

So the common sense stuff is:
No smoking
Do physical activity for at least 30 mins. a day – working does not count unless you’re a trainer
Eat balanced meals
Get 7/8 hours of sleep
Drink plenty of water
Always protect yourself from communicable diseases

Healthy choices are:
Flossing – significantly reduce gum and heart diseases
Eat organic – veges/fruits/dairy/meat – organic only if you can
Cut back on food portions – get only up to 80% full – you work your kidney/liver much harder if you are stuffed, especially if it’s a high protein meal
No need to add corn or soy to your meals – now many processed/prepared foods are made with corn syrup and soybean oil – they both can have adverse effects (causing diabetes & estrogen hormone overload) on the body
Eat real food – try your best to stay away from processed foods altogether – they are high in calories and low in nutrients
Eat sweets and oily foods very sparingly – ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, worse yet – margarine or partially hydrogenated oil, tend to stay in your system and stick to your arteries
Drink alcohol very moderately – people don’t realize it’s very high in carbs and calories
Eat yogurt with live culture
Maintain a healthy weight – yoyo diets actually cause health problems – your weight should be proportionate to your body frame

Life style:
Do all the above things in creative ways and make a habit of living that way
Remember to have fun and laugh

Of course, good genes are crucial, in order for the person to benefit from an optimal environment. A happy life requires a healthy body – my knees are trying to remind me. Wish me luck! I’ll let you know of my progress. I’m going to take Max for a walk now.

Love you all,
Mama

(I wanted to add Max's post-recovery pictures, but it wouldn't go to the photo folder. I'll send them via email.)