Summer Is Over, Now What?
November 22, 2024 by Don S. Otis
Filed under Health and Fitness
By Don Otis
For many of us, summer is filled with activity. We take vacations. We get outside. Then comes the fall and we scramble to fill our woodshed or prepare our garden for the dormant winter months. Aside from shoveling snow, our winter workouts consist of channel surfing or shivering to stay warm.
I lived and worked in North Idaho for fifteen years. When I first moved there from southern California, it was an adjustment. I spent many of my evenings at a gym, playing squash, swimming, running or lifting. Then I discovered running outside, even in the snow. I took an old pair of running shows and placed about eight short flat-headed screws around the parameter of the sole. The screws give traction on the snow and ice, a bit like having studded snow tires.
Psalm 139 Can Help You To Lose Weight
November 14, 2024 by Julie Morris
Filed under Health and Fitness
By Julie Morris, RN
Psalm 139 has been an awesome help in my weight-loss journey and it can help you too. Read each verse, followed by the thoughts I wrote years ago in my personal journal. Then try writing your own thoughts.
“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me….you are familiar with all my ways….You have laid your hand upon me.” (Lord, you know me. You know all about me, all of my negative thoughts and bad choices. You are always with me, reaching out to me, holding me—when I let you.)
Stop the Cycle of Shame
November 8, 2024 by Julie Morris
Filed under Health and Fitness
By Julie Morris, RN
“Congratulations!” she said cheerfully, not realizing that her words would send me spiraling into shame.
She continued, loud enough for the other nurses and even some of the patients in the ICU to hear, “Congratulations on your pregnancy!” Suddenly seeing the horrified look on my face, she changed her tone and said quietly, “You are pregnant, aren’t you?”
Eating for Good Grades
October 29, 2024 by Brooke Parker
Filed under Health and Fitness
By Brooke Parker
School is fully upon us. My oldest just entered kindergarten so I’m new at being a school mom, and I’m concerned about my son’s well-being while he’s at school. The dietitian in me especially worries about his nutritional health, which affects his ability to focus on schoolwork throughout the day. I believe that this concern is extremely valid. The length of time away from home and accessibility to nutritious foods both pose a problem for optimal energy and focus. The following are basic concepts to simplify the school nutrition obstacle:
Variety Is The Key
October 19, 2024 by Cami Checketts
Filed under Health and Fitness
The human body is amazing! It adapts quickly to stresses placed upon it. This was a very good characteristic for our ancestors, but not so great for us.
Stuck in a modern society of ease and convenience–with washing machines, fast food, and speedy cars–we also have obesity, heart problems, and many different health challenges that come with inactivity.
Because our bodies are so impressive, we have to work harder and challenge ourselves differently to maintain optimum health and vigor. When we look at living better and longer, we would be wise to remember what Theodore Roosevelt said: “Nothing worth gaining was ever gained without effort.” If we want to increase our fitness and health, we have to be willing to push ourselves. But if we do the same activity over and over again, we will really have to work hard to keep seeing results.
