BREAKING OUT OF JAIL Written by Terry L. Sumerlin
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Figuring that no one I could call on cell phone would be able unlock gate, I began to plan my escape. It would be a simple matter of climbing on top dog house and then to top of six foot privacy fence. From there I would leap to ground. I never knew that a six foot drop gave you so much air time. It was while in air that I began to think, “This is really a stupid idea.” Suddenly, as my fall came to an abrupt stop, thought changed to, “This is a PAINFULLY stupid idea.” I had injured my left heel and right knee. Great! “How long will I be laid up?” immediately became burning question. Fortunately, knee healed in a day or two. Several weeks after incident my heel is still sore. It, too, will heal and injury will be forgotten. What won’t be forgotten are a couple of lessons. First of all, next time risk is involved I’ll factor in ability and age versus benefits. And, though at fifty something, I won’t be putting arbitrary limits on what I can and can’t do, I will consider that injury is often more likely and longer lasting than when I was twenty. Secondly, I’ll remember that while it may be true that age is mind over matter (and that if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter), a corollary “barber-osophy” is equally true. BARBER-OSOPHY: When it comes to our health, if we fail to use mind to take care of matter, age will matter sooner than we think. Copyright 2004, Sumerlin Enterprises Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as a link to www.barber-osophy.com is included.
Terry L. Sumerlin, known as the Barber-osopher, is the author of "Barber-osophy," and is a columnist for the San Antonio Business Journal. He speaks nationally as a humorist/motivational speaker. Visit his website at www.Barber-osophy.com.
| | How Healthy Is Your LifestyleWritten by Loring A. Windblad
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Curiously, computers sometimes elicit more personal information about sensitive lifestyle areas than a doctors interview. For instance, many people find it easier to report excess alcohol consumption to a computer than to a physician. Women, especially, seem more likely to confide alcohol, sexual and other problems to a computer than to a doctor. Computerized psychiatric histories sometimes spot problems missed by clinicians - such as suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression or phobias. Adolescent and student lifestyles especially poor. One recent study found that seven out of 10 people questioned were particularly worried about nutrition and half were also concerned about physical inactivity. A study of Queen's University students found that over 80 per cent fail to get regular medical/dental care, and over half consume excess alcohol and have poor management of work-leisure time. Study results show student health problems with: * Alcohol: * Cannabis: * Cigarettes: * Stress: * Inactivity: * Weight: * Sex: * Condom use: Adolescent eating habits can endanger health. Many adolescents receive inadequate nutrition due to poor diets, irregular eating habits and eating disorders that stem from wish to conform to society's idealization of thinness. "Weight control" techniques such as self-induced vomiting and diarrhea are widespread. A recent U.S. National Adolescent Health Survey found 61 per cent of adolescent females and 28 per cent of adolescent males were dieting, 51 per cent often fasted, 16 per cent used diet pills and 12 per cent practiced vomiting. Teens had poor dietary practices because of: * Excessive preoccupation with physical appearance; * Western society's obsession with thinness; * Eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia. Lifestyle habits can improve health: * not smoking tobacco; * maintaining desirable weight (avoiding obesity); * good nutrition (following Canada's Food Guide); * exercising regularly and sufficiently (at least 30 minutes three times a week); * getting enough sound nightly sleep (7-8 hours); * avoiding accidental injuries by taking safety measures (such as seatbelts and helmets); * practicing motor vehicle safety; * moderating alcohol use; * avoiding other recreational drugs; * getting regular dental care and medical check-ups as advised; * fostering family, work and social networks; * having safe and satisfying sexual relationships; * avoiding or learning how to cope with excess stress; * enjoining sufficient leisure-time activities and relaxation; * getting any needed therapy for mental problems. Lifestyle changes occur in five stages Stage 1: Pre-contemplation - health risk of a particular life-style activity is (largely) unrecognized, denied or trivialized. Stage 2: Contemplation - admitting to a health risk and thinking about making a change "some day. Stage 3: Preparation - motivated and ready for change "soon", planning how and what to do, often setting an actual date. Stage 4: Action - active steps to change behaviour - e.g., giving up cigarettes, walking to work instead of driving, drinking less - setting a specific schedule and definite goals. Stage 5: Maintenance - long-term change achieved and kept up. Just asking can make a difference. Surveys show that many people expect physicians or nurses to ask about and give advice or information regarding health. Given chance, many people would like to discuss lifestyle concerns such as nutrition, obesity, alcohol,other drug use, family conflicts, elderly relatives, sexual problems and chronic pain - but often hesitate to do so unless asked.
Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at http://www.organicgreens.us
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