Visualization and Weight

Does it help to visualize yourself skinnier.  I have been writing over and over my target weight for the year.  If I write the weight enough, will my body naturally force me to do the things I need to do to get to that weight.  That is my hope.  It may take more than that, but at least it is a start.  I notice there is a book on this topic, called the Gabriel Method.

Veritas School Emergency Response Steps

I am glad someone thinks about these things ahead of time.  When the recent happenings it might be a good time to come up with family emergency plans, where to meet, who to call, whether you can post something on line?

Risk of Static Shock and your Car

This warning advises doing two things, releasing static electricity before fueling by touching your hand against a metal surface.  Second it strongly suggests not reentering the car after you start fueling.  I am very good at the second, not so good at the first.  I am not sure how frequent this problem is; but it must happen.  Even one accident, if it involves yourself is too many.

No smoking, No E-Cigarrettes

I have never seen a sign like this before.  This is at Mental Health Urgent Care courtyard.

Pamphlet: How to Eat Healthy

This pamphlet from Krames Fast Guides promotes the My Plate method of eating.  This is the current dietary standard promoted by the government.

Other ideas I gleaned for healthy eating, Drink water throughout the day, don't skip breakfast, wait 10 to 15 minutes before reaching for seconds, you don't have to clean your plate, reduce salt, lower your sugars, decrease calorie intake while increasing exercise for weight loss.  store food properly and check the labels.  Leftovers should be in the fridge within two hours after the meal.  Check expiration dates.  Avoid dented or rusted jars and cans.  Wash lots while cooking to avoid cross contamination.

**Motivational Book: Skill With People

This is an interesting booklet by Les Giblin which I have from my Amway days.  It talks about how to be good a selling, but the principles can apply to many other situations.  It is written by Les Giblin.  He points out that people would rather talk about themselves than about anything else.  The focus of interactions should be on what the other person has to say.  It talks about the need to praise, but it must be sincere and it should focus on the act and not the person.  In like fashion criticism should be made in privacy, should start with a compliment, should be impersonal (focus on the act not the person), should supply the answer (the right way to do it), ask for cooperation, criticize each offense only once, and finish on a friendly note.  In dealing with people a grateful attitude is also essential.  Mean it when you say thank you, and say it clearly and distinctly, thank people by name, and look them in the eye when you thank them.  This little pamphlet is a good thing to consult frequently to keep you brain in the right place in working with others.

Train Safety from VTA LIghtrail

I am always preaching train safety.  It is a big enough problem in Argentina that a common good bye was "Que no te pise un tren"  "Don't let a train run over you."  SO this is good advise.

Living Well with Diabetes

Living Well with Diabetes, Krames fast Guides, Krames staywell 2000.
This pamphlet hits on the basic important health considerations for someone with diabetes.  As always, I like to add my personal observations.
Monitoring Blood Sugar: TO take control of your blood sugar, you have to know what is going on.  Daily monitoring with a monitor is important.  Also long range monitoring is important with the use of the A1C lab teat.
 
Treating Highs and Lows:  You have to monitor to know if you are having a high or low.  A little sugar will treat a low.  There are also glucose tablets.  I don't often have this problems.  Treating highs is more difficulty.  It could mean cutting back on carbohydrates, could mean increasing exercise, or lastly extra medication.
Taking Medication:  I take pills.  I have never had to take insulin which is usually injectable.
Staying Active:  Walking I have found is the best way to keep blood sugar low.  With walking good shoes are important.  Also drinking plenty of water is a must.

Healthy Eating:  It is important to eat carbohydrates, but in moderation.  Balance meals between 1/2 vegetables, 1/4 carb and 1/4 protein.  Serving size is important to watch.

Caring for feet with daily self foot exams and regular podiatry check ups.  Good foot ware is also important, and avoid going bare footed.

Pamphlet: Healthy Aging

This pamphlet simplifies the topic of healthy aging with the above topics.

Staying Fit:  This involves being active most days by getting in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise.  This should be a lifestyle of working in the yard, walking etc.  Your activity should include stretching, strengthening and aerobic activity.
Healthy Diet includes eating a variety of food, balance what you eat with physical activity, less saturated and trans fat, more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, limit sugar, moderate salt, and if you drink, moderation only.
Mental Wellness:  This is keeping your mind active.  The more active, the less chance of memory loss.  It is more necessary however to keep things in their place so you can find them, read regularly and play games, regular physical exercise will also help.  Depression can set in at an advanced age.  Stay in contact with friends and have a regular routine, in the winter try to get sun.
Medication Use:  Use medication wisely.  This includes talking to your doctor and learning about the drugs you take.
Tests and Checkups:  Regular tests should include blood pressure, cholesterol, osteoporosis and colorectal cancer.  For women mammogram and Pap test.  For men prostrate cancer test.  Other checkups include teeth and gums, hearing and eye exam.
Preventing Falls:  Some ideas are to put things lower, wear good walking shoes, secure flooring, keep cords away from areas frequently walked, install handrails on both sides of the stairs, and secure the bathroom with suction bathmats, etc.