I've known for a long time that high blood pressure and salt intake were related but it was made very clear to me about a week ago. Let me go back a few years first. I've never had many issues with my blood pressure until a few years back. I had a high-pressure sedentary corporate job and family life was at an all time high level of stress for a slew of reasons. My blood pressure crept upward even though my diet and weight did not change. Stress kills; this I can say for certain. In a nutshell, I started monitoring my BP, chucked the J O B, lived through the family stress, and lo and behold the BP was restored to normal. This didn't happen overnight but over a few years but I'm happy to report that my overall average blood pressure is low to normal again. Until a week ago that is.
What happened a week ago? I couldn't figure it out. Every time I go in to our local Rite Aid I like to take a BP reading at their machine by the pharmacy. Geez, the drug store used to be all about makeup, beer, and silly celebrity magazines. Now it's the place for health screenings. Boo. Anyhow... last week I noticed a marked spike in my BP and I couldn't figure out why. Recently I lost 6 pounds after a few months of a consistent walking program. My business is going well too. Those are supposed to be good things right? So why the "Stage 1 Hypertension" reading? I wracked my brain to come up with a reason. An hour earlier for lunch I had homemade crockpot chicken soup with vegetables and noodles and no salt added. Except that I had fresh-out-of-the-package saltines that tasted so good with my healthy soup that I ate a HALF A PACKAGE. Mystery solved. Short term spike for sure caused by a mega-consumption of saltines (Note To Self: Foods that contain the word "salt" should be eaten in moderation.)
Here's the whole story on cutting salt: Cutting Salt Slowly Could Prolong Half a Million Lives, Study Finds
Here's a story about a couple that has been married for 80 years. That's right, 80 years. Love these photos and I love their story.
"Though the couple is hesitant to give out marriage advice, their secret to so many happy years together is simple: compromise and don't hold a grudge." "I'm always blown away by their incredible optimism, deep sense of compassion and modesty," granddaughter Heather Mitchell said before their anniversary. "They are true beacons - inspirational people who emit such joy without even knowing it." I like this quote from Mr. Betar the best. "Get along. Compromise. Live within your means and be content," Betar said, before adding, "And let your wife be the boss." Connecticut Couple Honored as 'Longest Married' in U.S. and 80th Anniversary Celebration Story in November 2012
Did you watch the Super Bowl last night? Yeah, me neither. I could fill a thimble with what I know or care about football so again I did not partake in the biggest game of the year. Watching the game for the commercials isn't even something I understand. I thought that commercials were to be avoided at all costs? However, since I live in a world filled with tweets, posts, videos, and real-time statuses I feel like I experienced the game firsthand. Here's what I know about last night's game:
Beyonce had an overall unfavorable effect on more than 50% of the people that posted about her. I'm not sure why but the words "nasty", "dirty", and "inappropriate" came up a lot in my news feed. Maybe I'll pull up the video later on YouTube to see what everyone was talking about but I probably won't since I'd just most likely be nonplussed by the hype as usual. Not a lot offends me.
Whatever Beyonce did on stage was soon followed by a power outage to half of the stadium that caused a 34 minute delay. The joke was that "Beyonce broke the Super Bowl."
The delay caused a slowdown of the momentum of the Baltimore Ravens. I suspect that it also caused a few bored viewers to continue to tune in when they might have otherwise bailed from what was going to be a big letdown of a game. Hmmmm... I love a good conspiracy theory.
The 49ers came back after the lights returned but not enough to win the game. Just enough to make it watchable until the end. Hmmm...
Two commercials were big winners according to my internet friends. One was about the Budweiser Clydesdales and the other one was about farmers. I saw so many posts about the Clydesdales that I just had to click the link to see what everyone was talking about. Did you see it? If not, grab a tissue because this one made me well up a little even though I knew what was coming.
OMG right? Dab, dab.
I waited until this morning to watch the Dodge truck farmer ad. This was a good one too. I've met a lot of farmers and this is right on the money. Do you recognize Paul Harvey's voice?
I don't know how many farmers had the time to watch the Super Bowl, but I can tell you that most of the ones around here will not drive anything but a Dodge truck. (Let me put my business hat on for just a moment and go on the record to say that I love a company that knows it's market.)
Football. I can't escape it. But the good news for non-fans like me is that the season is over. The winners have been crowned, the commercials have aired, the nachos have been devoured, and The Good Wife will again be shown at it's normally scheduled time.
I don't know why we look to a groundhog for our weather forecast but since the local weather-casters never get it right, why not ask the fuzzy critter? In case you've had your head in a hole (pun intended) you know that February 2nd is the day that our furry Pennsylvania friend Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his man cave and either sees his shadow or just stands there wondering why the paparazzi are hanging on his every move. This year's result? No shadow. What does it mean? I get this part confused and rely on journalistic integrity to remind me every year that NOT seeing his shadow is a harbinger of an early spring. After a few weeks of below zero temps here in Central New York I'm more than ready to accept Phil's prediction. If he's wrong his average is still much better than the local "experts." Here's the scoop: Pa.'s Punxsutawney Phil predicts early spring
Do you ever catch yourself saying things like "I'm too old to learn something new." or "Exercise at this age is just too difficult." My personal favorite excuse is "At this age I'm about where I'm supposed to be. If I had been meant to (fill in the blank with whatever activity I feel I'm too old for) than I would have started it by now." Well this article pretty much puts those ridiculous statements to rest. This man started running marathons at age 89 and after 13 years he's decided to retire. Yes, he's 101. No more excuses for me. World’s Oldest Marathoner to Retire at 101
I love stories about children making a difference because they're a great reminder that if an 8 year old can raise awareness for a local charity then what's stopping the rest of us? A local boy decided that he didn't need any more toys and that his birthday party would be a great way to raise money for sensory toys for the local autism program from which his brother had just graduated. You're an inspiration Michael! Read about it here: 8 year old asks for donations for autism instead of birthday gifts
A previous study that I posted here showed the relationship between acts of kindness and likability and happiness of high school peers. I guess it's not just limited to kids. Here is more information that concludes the correlation between kindness and happiness. No mention in this article about money. Surprised? We Have Found that Almost Any Types of Acts of Kindness Boost Happiness
I thought I had better write a blog about fitness since I've actually, for the first time in a very long time, been maintaining a regular workout schedule. OK, so it's only been a few weeks but that's a long time for me. :) Maybe it was no coincidence that Walgreen's sent me an email today with all kinds of good links to articles about exercise. This one was the best and I've implemented just about every one of these hints. In case you're too busy to scroll through all of these (perhaps you're working out?) here are a few gems:
Shorten Your Workout, But Make It Count
Find An Active Hobby
Motivate With Music
Use Instant Gratification In A Healthy Way
Walk Faster
There are more good ones so check them out when you can. I'll add one more because it's the most important one:
Here's a prime example of the positive power of social media. One Iowa high school student started a Twitter feed existing only of compliments to his fellow students. One year and 3100 tweets later he's still sending out praise. Here are a few of his recent tweets: "your sense of humor can brighten anyone's day. Never lose your caring personality and ability to stay positive" "just remember tomorrow is a new day! your friends, family and everyone around will always be there for you including the bros" "right. Keep doing what you're doing! Believe it or not it makes a huge difference. Every word." His twitter ID is @westhighbros - yes I just followed him and I look forward to reading his supportive tweets. Restores my faith and reminds me that there is good to be found in all of the social media "noise." Read all about it here: Twitter feed sends out compliments to high-school students
One thing that's great about a fresh new year is that there are a lot of written compilations of good ideas to help us start the year out with a good attitude and with positive perspective. I've read many of these lists but so far this one is the most inspiring. So good in fact that I'm going to read it again. 11 ways to make this your best year yet ... it is never too late to start a fresh new year!
Seems like all I've been hearing about is the flu. Knock on wood I've escaped its clutches so far this year and I hope to keep it that way. This article lists some foods that boost immunity and I'm happy to report (no oysters for me thank you very much) that I eat most of these on a regular basis. Do you? Superfoods That Fight Colds
It's a brand new year and most of us have either made some resolutions or have thought long and hard about making some overdue improvements. I fall into the latter category since I refuse to make official resolutions that I might have to keep. :) But seriously, I did sort of semi-commit (geez Louise) to moving more and eating better. Couldn't be more vague could I? OK, I dusted off the treadmill, cleaned out the room where it was previously collecting dust, and asked my wonderful husband for a small flat screen TV for that room for Christmas and he gladly complied. The flat screen is still in the box but the room is close to being ready for some "treading" while I watch The Food Network (calorie free) or The Biggest Loser (I heard that Jillian Michaels will be back this year shrieking louder than ever. BTW a new season starts next week.) Here's an article to inspire all of us to commit to getting more exercise this year. They give a lot of great reasons to get moving. My favorites are the ones about improved eyesight and better sleep. Yes please. Here's the article: 11 Ways Exercise Sends Health Soaring
