The weather is warmer, okay maybe a little too warm; you
see folks of all ages out walking, and you’ve heard from your friends about
different exercise classes. (And how many times have you been told physical
activity is good for both your heart and brain!) And now, even though you were
never that “athletic”, you’ve decided it’s not too late to begin some kind of
physical activity. Where do you start?
You may be the type that can just go out and “Do It”, but
for most people setting goals is one of most effective tools to get started and
stay motivated. Here is a quick “two minute drill” version for setting goals.
The first step is to know what you want. Why is it you
want to be physically active? To prevent falls? To walk through an airport
without assistance? To be able to bounce your great grandchild on your knee?
Then decide what exercise goals will achieve what you
want - something you can and want to do. Many of us have a condition that makes
it difficult to keep moving: arthritis, respiratory problems or weight issues. But
there is always some activity you can do. And talk to your medical provider for
suggestions if you need help determining what will work for you.
Be specific - include the when’s, where’s and how’s. I
will walk around the block every other morning at 7:00 for 30 minutes. Or I
will spend the first 15 minutes of every day completing seven stretching exercises
and practicing deep breathing techniques.
By starting a regular exercise plan, you won’t get any
younger, but you can increase your endurance, become stronger and more flexible;
and generally feel better. You can find several more tips about staying active
as well as a delicious and timely recipe for a Cherry Salad in your Passport to
Happiness Calendar for the month of July.
I
hope everyone had a good viewing spot for the spectacular The Dalles Fourth
fireworks display. It was the first time in twenty plus years, I actually saw a
staged fireworks display other than on television. And what a difference it
makes. Watching from my front porch on east 7th street, there were
several times my head instinctively move backward afraid the expanding embers
of light were going to reach the front porch. With the fourth on a Saturday
next year, I am hoping to stay up way past my bed time again for anther
spectacular fireworks display.
If
you are a member of the Center, (and it is still not too late to join) you
should be receiving in the mail an invitation to the Center’s Annual Membership
Meeting on Tuesday July 15th. The meeting will start at 3:00 and
conclude by 4:30 when there will be a free dinner of pulled pork sandwiches and
all the fixin’s provided by Chris Zukin and the Center’s Board of Directors to
show our appreciation to the Center’s many members and volunteers.
.
I’ve
been reading more about the benefits of meditation, and on Wednesday, July 16,
2014, you can learn more about Mindfulness Meditation from 7:00-8:30 PM at
Water’s Edge. In this class you will learn the history and benefits of
meditation, plus several simple relaxation techniques you can use to
incorporate in your daily routine. Register by calling 541-296-7319.
“For
the Good Times” will be playing for your dancing and listening pleasure at the
Center on Tuesday, July 15th. Doors open at 6:00 and music starts at 7:00. All
ages are welcome and donations are appreciated.
It
was Slammin’ Sam Snead who was considered the best golfer of the 1950’s and who
in 1997, at age 85, shot a round of 78 at the Greenbrier golf course in West
Virginia. (And the winner of a free Cowboy Breakfast on July 19th is
Sandra Fritz.)
But
this week’s “Remember When” question is about a hero in a 1960’s animated television
series. Featured on the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, who was the cheerful but
also dim-witted, Canadian Mountie who was always trying to catch his nemesis
Snidely Whiplash, with the help of his horse named "Horse”. E-mail your
answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with an original
copy of this Canadian Mounties own “How to Do Right Book of Manners”.
Well,
it’s been another week trying to be cool on another hot summer day. Until we
meet again, don’t let the little things block you path to having an incredible
day.
"This
is a youth-oriented society, and the joke is on them because youth is a disease
from which we all recover." - Dorothy Fuldheim
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