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Health and Fitness
Information
*
According to the American Council on Exercise active seniors
are healthier and enjoy life more. In addition,
exercise has been shown to decrease age related declines in
a number of areas. ... As we know, exercise is great for
persons of all ages! Be sure to check with your health
professional to assure you are in good health and to
determine your fitness needs.
*According to a past Experience Life magazine,
you shouldn't microwave plastic containers as they may leak
harmful chemicals into your food. Most plastics are not
designed to be microwaved. instead it is recommended you
pull the food out of the plastic container and put it into a
microwave safe container.
* Scientists from the University of Missouri
Columbia have found that your daily activity and engagement
in activities outside of exercise is just as important as
those spent in exercise. Persons who are physically
inactive for hours at a time suffer from lower fat and
cholesterol metabolism. Persons can reverse this trend by
moving around and taking stretch breaks during the day.
* An
interesting study featured in a former Experience magazine
discussed Barbara Frederickson, Ph.D. (University of North
Carolina), psychologist's study which has found that the
"good life" ratio requires three positive emotions for
every negative one but that most American's test out at t
2:1 ratio. The test is available at
www.positivityratio.com. I have found this to be very
helpful as a self-check during the pandemic. Although I
tend to be energetic and optimistic, we have all felt some
stress during the pandemic and it is important to consider
how to maintain self care and nurturing of self and
others!
* Amidst
the recent local sad event of carbon monoxide poisoning and
the death of a family up North, remember to make sure that
your carbon monoxide detector is in working order-- it is
especially important in the winter months as houses are
closed and furnaces are running. Minnesota has a law that
all homes must be equipped with a detector.
*
A recent study in Metabolism-Clinical and Experimental found
that sleep deprivation has a number of adverse effects on the
body (and I would say mind)... practice good sleep hygiene, in
addition to falling asleep, one way to improve sleep quality
is to increase your wakefulness in the morning, use of lights,
music, etc. in the morning can help this (I'd say group
fitness / aerobics class helps us awake too! ) :0)
*The Jan/Feb 2017 Experience
Life magazine spoke of three healthy hobbies, reading,
art, and listening to music. The reading correlated with lower
risk of dying prematurely and higher cognition... as a
professor this is great to hear for me (smile), however I
would like to see the actual study in the Social Science
and Medicine journal as it didn't discuss online vs.
book reading.
*A past Experience Life magazine has some good
suggestions for keeping clean air in your home including:
changing your filter on a timely basis, b) reducing artificial
scents such as synthetic air fresheners, reduce chemical
exposures in your home, and provide fresh air once in awhile.
As we head to the New Year and
folks begin a new decade, let us be mindful of the importance
of intentional and healthful living,
The Hope Heart Institute in
Chicago identifies 10 principles of healthy living:
1- Breathe deeply
2- Drink adequate amounts of water
3- Sleep peacefully
4- Eat nutritionally
5- Enjoy
activity (and I'd add enjoy
others and those special people in your life!)
6- Give and
receive love
7- Be forgiving
8- Practice gratitude
9- Develop acceptance
10-Nurture your spiritual side
May we all continue to spend time doing the things
we love with those we love while maintaining good
safety during the pandemic. The above
information is for educational purposes only and
is not meant to replace the advice of your health
professional.
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Flashback photos of Group Fitness Parties Past- How many
of these individuals can you identify? - Hopefully we can gather
again next Christmas

Left- Christmas Group celebrating Marilyn's 90th
Right- Christmas breakfast 2
years ago :)


Tim and Connie on the Left
Kirk, Marilyn and Charlotte on
the Right


Left- Sarah and Ellen enjoying the party
Right-
Folks enjoying the party in our new home (2016)

Left- we had the blessing of a Clydesdale wagon ride up
North
Right (and
below)- The Haertl's wish you a very Happy New Year!!

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Blessings to each of you in the New Year!
Kristi
