August 15, 2020

In this newsletter . . .

The Virus and
Obesity Question

Generally, people who subscribe to this newsletter, and those like it, should be less likely, on average, to put on unwanted pounds during the pandemic. Most of us are too health and fitness conscious to regularly overeat and we find ways to exercise in spite inconveniences.

The are some, however, who do hate facing the scale or the tape measure and they need encouragement to find and practice ways of maintaining a healthy bodyweight. I’m not a nutritionist or dietician, but I can let you in on some dietary practices that helped people who came to my fitness classes, years ago. Go here.

Whenever the subject of being overweight comes up, and how important it is to get control of overeating, I’m always reminded of an old but true story.

In the spring of 1985, my daughter brought home a crossbreed puppy that nobody wanted. The animal’s owner was on his way to the Humane Society with the last puppy in a litter when my daughter intervened. We named her Steve.

Everyone in the family loved Steve from the start. But as she grew out of puppyhood we realized that she regularly suffered pain in her hips. And it turned out to be a severe case of hip dysplasia. One veterinarian said she would never be normal and to consider euthanasia. We said no.

We saw another doctor who explained an expensive surgical procedure requiring a veterinary orthopedic specialist. Sometimes it can be effective, he said. But he suggested, first, to reduce her weight by a few pounds and give an anti-inflammatory pill if soreness becomes apparent. “Then let’s see how it goes.”

Steve never required the surgery and lived just two month’s shy of 14 wonderful years. The two of us hiked and backpacked in the mountains of the western United States and a few in Canada. That’s how active she was.

Once in a while, she would stiffen up after too much activity and I would give her the medication. It didn’t happen often. And the next day she would be fine, ready to play or go off on another hike.

Often just attaining and keeping normal bodyweight eliminates pain, even when structural problems are the source. Lugging around extra weight puts unnecessary stress on joints as well as vital organs. With dogs or people, it works the same way.

Fitness and proper bodyweight will not cure all problems or illnesses. But it will cure some, and it will make almost all more tolerable. Ask your doctor.

As a senior, most of the fitness information you’ll need is here.

Stay healthy. Stay fit.

Logan

Senior Exercise Central

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Sincerely,

Logan Franklin
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter
www.senior-exercise-central.com