Let's Move Day

Religious organizations have long provided physical care for people by sponsoring feeding programs for the homeless, soup kitchens, orphanages, etc. A new physical need is becoming more and more apparent. Childhood and adult obesity is off the charts in North America. Some church groups are recognizing the changing needs of society. These days less people are dying for a piece of bread, and more are dying because of too much bread. 

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has long had a focus on healthful living, and this year's "Let's Move Day" is another way of reaching their communities for health. On September 25, people across North America will MOVE, to start that step in the right direction for health. Consider joining the movement! Whether you are taking a run or playing volleyball, your steps count toward health. To join "Let's Move Day", visit the site online. 

Forgetting to Breathe

It sounds strange, but I'm so stressed at work these days that I think I'm forgetting to breathe. Several times a day I catch myself gasping for breath after what must have been too long a period of concentration. Even when I do breathe, I never feel quite caught up on oxygen. I find myself wondering if I've developed asthma or something, but I think I'm just really stressed out.

This doesn't seem to happen after I've been home for an hour or two, watering my garden or checking the mail. Once I get out of my high-stress environment I breathe just fine. These days medical workers know the big deal that stress is. The physical and emotional toll can be high. Ulcers, back and neck pain, eczema, stomach pain, even baldness and infertility are linked to stress in some cases. Our bodies are a careful balance. What signs have you seen that stress has worn on you now, or in the past?

Things Change ... so can you

I've held on to a lot of statements as my identity over my lifetime. I believed them, repeated them, and when reality said otherwise, I just counted it as a short blip on the screen before I inevitably returned to the "me" my words had created. I used to think that I "WAS" a girl who always had long hair, who hated running, who never got a traffic ticket, and so much more. I realize now, those labels were something that may have applied at a time in my life, but I don't own them, and they don't own me. My life is fluid, and no label guarantees me anything. I can cut my hair and love it. I can (unfortunately) get pulled over. I can go for a run and feel good. I can change and still be me. My world is open. I am not my past unless I refuse to walk into my future.

Something New

Not only does doing the same exercise routine get boring - it doesn't challenge our muscles or our metabolism in new and challenging ways. I ran across this list today of some unusual options to keep fit. I know I love Zumba (might have to consider upgrading my gym and going), but there are some other great options too. Some I've never heard of.

Click here for a list of Excersises you've never tried.

Off the Wagon

So, I disappeared for awhile. Isn't it interesting how when we are not quite doing our best, we go offline - in life and otherwise. April was not a great month - fitness wise. I ate a lot of easter candy. And I got to know a GIANT bag of chocolate chips in my fridge. And you know what I discovered? I feel sick when I eat trashy. Really! How did I not make this correlation before? My poor tummy feels so much better on fresh salads, lean proteins and amazing nutritional shakes than it does on cajun trail mix, marshmallow peeps, endless chocolate chips and fried food. I'm doing my best to remember this, and treat my body the way it deserves.

Lilacs!

California is abundant with flowers year-round. I love it! But I rarely see my Midwest favorite. At the home where I grew up, and the old farmhouse where my mother grew up there were lilac bushes that bloomed every spring. I looked forward to it every year. They smell so wonderful. Here I enjoy the camellias and bougainvillea, but I really miss lilacs! Last week I noticed what looked to be a big old-fashioned lilac bush. This evening I put on my walking shoes and trekked down a few streets to find out for sure. I took a little souvenir home to remember.

Fruit-Steak

So what would you consider to be the big, juicy steak of the fruit world? I'm in a mood today, craving anything with lots of fat, and at the same time fighting a sore throat, stuffy head and persistant headache. It isn't a great time to be munching on chocolates, chips and junk. I needed something meaty, something satisfying. Thankfully the big bag of Ruby Red grapefruits caught my attention at the store. This is a great batch, and the flesh is truly meaty and perfect. Yum!