|
 USE IT OR LOSE IT
by Sal Fichera
My last three newsletters were devoted to the topic of “adaptation,” which is the body’s propensity to limit its capabilities to the challenges it’s given (See 1st of 3 article series). One example I used to illustrate the prevention of adaptation, via video, was that of my mother, Katherine, playing handball.
At the age of 77, she continues to do the same activities as when she was in her 30s and 20s; she plays handball (the only difference, now, is that she plays against people 1/3 her age), bowls in 4 leagues (none of which are for seniors, since they slow her down), power walks five times per week, lifts weights 2-3 times per week, and more.
 Whenever I speak of my mom, though, there are a number of skeptics who, unfortunately, choose to conclude that it’s all due to genetics. While genetics is one variable in the spectrum of wellness, it’s “only one” of many variables; the others being, nutrition, physical activity, vigorous exercise, rest, mindset, environment, avoidance of substance abuse (cigarettes, drugs, alcohol), and more. How we CHOOSE to live our lives will determine the final outcome of our health status.
To dispel the myth (excuse) that genetics is the sole, or primary, determining factor for wellness, let me share with you the story of my uncle, Tony, the brother of my mom. Only 13 months older than Katherine, they both were born to healthy Italian immigrants. Living physically active lifestyles and eating only home-cooked food, they were a strong, healthy, disease-free family.
Over the past 25 years, however, my uncle became increasingly sedentary. He blamed his couch potato lifestyle on his arthritic knee, choosing to avoid physical therapy or any physical activity, which could’ve alleviated his symptoms. He also stressed how he wanted to “enjoy life” and eat whatever he wanted and to avoid wasting time going to a gym. After all, he’d say, “life’s too short to spend time in a gym.” He also, in his macho way, bragged about not caring how long he’d live, as long as he enjoyed himself.
Eventually, Tony became unable to move around without a cane, experiencing pain every time he tried to exert himself beyond what he was used to doing – sitting in a couch. In 2008, he had a pacemaker inserted into his chest due to a weakening heart, a direct result of his lack of physical activity. In June, 2009, (four months ago) a blood clot formed on his right leg. While in a hospital for 6 weeks, he developed gangrene, which, unfortunately spread so rapidly, that he had one of two choices; either have his leg amputated or be moved to a hospice, since he wouldn’t be able to live much longer with the infection. Strangely, he demanded from the doctor the ability to get back to the activities he loved so much (skiing and hiking), yet which he abandoned 25 years earlier.
On August 31st, Tony had his leg amputated. He remained hopeful, after the surgery, to get back to his old routine, as normally as possible. He would have a prosthetic leg, go through rehab, and then live life as best he can. After several weeks of seeming progress, things turned for the worse. His heart was getting weaker from being confined to bed, and his organs were beginning to malfunction. Last Tuesday, October 6th, he passed away. I love him and miss him dearly. However, I’m frustrated that he made lifestyle choices that ended his life prematurely, by at least five years.
There are several lessons that can be derived from Uncle Tony’s story, and the stories of many other Americans, whose lives end similarly – prematurely as a result of sedentary living.
- Avoid the trap of blaming genetics; genetics is simply your blueprint;
- Avoid the “I don’t care how long I live” attitude; there is the QUALITY OF LIFE factor that would be sorely missed once it’s gone; besides, think of how many wonderful experiences, and people, you’d miss if you shorten your life by just one year, let alone 10 years;
- Avoid relying on the health care system to “fix you up.” The best health care is self care. (If my uncle survived, he would’ve struggled surviving financially. Although he worked for 60 years, his medical coverage was quickly coming to an end, having been in the hospital for many months.)
What we need to accept is that we make our choices, and then we must live (or die) by those choices. The human design is such that if you don’t use your muscles, or limbs, you will lose it … figuratively and literally. Choose wisely – be active and eat healthfully. Only then will you be able to truly enjoy life to its fullest!
Two quotes to ponder:
Goethe:
Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded.
Unknown Author:
Our health always seems much more valuable after we lose it.
|
