William Penn Life, 2018 (53. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2018-01-01 / 1. szám
Aging Well with Cathy Graham Take charge of your health HEALTHCARE FOR OLDER AMERICANS is nothing to celebrate in 2018, and 2019 may even be worse. While fingers are being pointed every which way, laying blame on weak politicians, greedy insurance companies and pathetic policy options, the one we never criticize is the person in the mirror. I have worked in the fitness industry for 14 years, the last seven of which have been dedicated to working with Baby Boomers. The most difficult part of my life's work comes not in instructing but in educating. Too many people believe that aging is synonymous with inactivity, becoming weak and having less strength. It is time to step up and be accountable for your health and well-being. Perhaps you have never exercised before or even thought about it because you perceive it to be too difficult. There is nothing more strenuous than losing the ability to get up out of a chair. Even if you live with arthritis, a bone-on-bone knee or the inability to keep your balance, there are exercises you can do that will make you stronger, allowing you to remain independent. Granted, starting an exercise program while dealing with a serious health issue is something you should discuss with a physician. Otherwise, it's time to realize that you own your health. Take a minute to exam your own reasoning for not getting off the couch. Do you have real medical reasons, or a list of excuses? One thing to seriously consider is the amount of time you spend sitting or "surface moving." By surface moving, I mean walking from room to room, out to the mail box or out to the garage at la-dee-da pace. This type of essential movement is not exercise. You can benefit from deliberate exercise and movement at any age. Join a facility where they have highly trained, educated and certified trainers. Meet with a physical therapist if you have true concerns. Stay clear of volunteer or undertrained employees; they may lack the knowledge to help you. Demand the best for yourself and then put in 100%. Success comes in more energy, endurance, flexibility and better balance. As a bonus, you will become more confident in yourself and your ability. Being empowered for health is your task. Don't let the crumbling healthcare system get the best of you. Stand tall and plow on. You are the most convincing advocate you have. Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa. Enjoy even more tastes of Hungary The Official WPA Cookbooks Buy one or both - Different recipes in each book A Taste of Hungarian Heaven - $20 per copy Our hard-back book with 500-plus recipes & book stand Treasured Hungarian Recipes - $7 per copy A soft-back collection of 160 classic Magyar recipes Prices include shipping Make your check payable to “WPFA Scholarship Foundation” and mail to: WPA Cookbook, William Penn Association,709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 All proceeds benefit the William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship Foundation, Inc. An outstanding collection of Treasured Hungarian Recipes and family favorites WILLIAM PENN ASSOCIATION1 ( 8 0 January 2018 0 WILLIAM PENN LIFE
