Mature Fashion: Health Check-ups

It is always great to get positive feedback, especially if you have been trying hard to accomplish a goal.  One of my goals is to maintain the best state of health possible for me within my lifestyle, budget, etc.

I had my yearly health check-up today; my doctor told me my "numbers were just great, and to keep doing whatever it was that I was doing.."  Obviously, that report really made me feel I had accomplished the goal I wanted, at least as far as maintaining as healthy a body and mind as I can.

I still am trying to lose the additional five pounds I attempted over six months ago...the good news is that I am down to 130 (from my perceived 134 that was actually 137!!)  I am now adjusting my target to my 125 by New Year 2017..it is getting close enough to holiday temptations to really watch the weight.

Mature Fashion: Weight, Self Image and Fashion

Almost every woman CAN look magnificent; she may also look beautiful, healthy, toned, or at least, attractive no matter her weight (and many times, her physical deformities).  How she accomplishes this is mostly within her own control. Physical appearance is a combination of diet, exercise, and can get a boost from the fashion industry.

I have seen quite of bit of social and published media lately that really disturbs me.  The latest was a woman in a swim suit that was totally inappropriate for her body mass and type. Her text bemoaned her insecurity when swimming with her children because her neighbor lady had a figure like a model.  One of the comments listed under her published picture encouraged her to "love her body"  even though overweight and stated that her children would not care if she was fat, but would remember the good times in the pool.

Firstly, anyone who was truly insecure with her figure would never wear a string bikini in a "look at me" print and publish it on Facebook!...especially, if she was obese and afraid of her body exposure.  Secondly, obesity is an important HEALTH issue as well as an appearance issue.  My advice to this woman would have been to lose the 50+ pounds (or more) necessary to preserve her health.  It is certainly my belief that her ability to swim and have fun with her children and/or grandchildren is much more effective with weight loss than her appearance in a swim suit.  Advising anyone to "accept" themselves in this condition is a dis-service, at best. (Now, before anyone brings up the fact that "some people can't help it, etc." please remember that pertains to less than 1 % of those who are overweight!)

From a fashion point of view, swimwear for every figure is available in today's market.  We have all seen women who are very much over their ideal weight; Oprah Queen Latifah, and other public personalities who always look wonderful.  I am seventy three, have wrinkles, veins, etc. that often accompany aging; I am also still overweight, but within a healthy range.  To prove the point that any woman CAN find something that can allow her to play with children, grand-children, or even great-grandchildren, I am publishing my picture in a suit that is appropriate for my body type and particular figure challenges.  BTW, you don't have to have an in-house chef or a high priced fashion stylist or spend a ton of money on a suit; the suit above is "Lands End" purchased at Sears with an accompanying over wrap; both purchased on sale for a little less than $100.00.

This is the only post that I am publishing on both the "Rockmyages" blog and the "RockmyFitness" blog because I do have some different readership on each site and because I think the issue of weight control is so very important to "Rock Our Age".  It is also important from the fashion view point to always remember that no matter the figure challenge, fashion can be used to project a desirable image.  Most importantly, it is important to reach a healthy weight goal.  Even if it is just adding a few steps to the day, doing just one sit-up or push-up,..just begin.  In the meanwhile, fashion can be used to increase confidence and self-image while reaching your goal..I am still trying to lose those last pesky five pounds to get within my personal health weight range.

Mature Fashion: Another Quick morning routine

All of us have experienced the unexpected obstacle to our best laid plans for going to  an exercise class.  I know that I can "be prevented" from going to the gym fairly easily. (in other words, obstacles, although legitimate, supersede going to the gym!)  For example, a  long time friend who I have been playing phone tag with called just as I was leaving the house.  I answered the phone, had our catch-up conversation.... for over an hour!  I had on my gym clothes, and fully intended to make up the exercise (45 minutes of mixed strength training, stretching, and aerobic- the Jane Fonda DVD for seniors) but, somehow or another, I did not "find the time" to make up the exercise. I do, however, usually manage to spend at least five minutes doing whatever exercise routine I am doing.

I recently read an article that I want to pass on to others, and keep a reminder for myself that provided  an alternative to my fall-back AARP routine that I have shared in the past. (that one takes only 15 minutes and is a series of 6 exercise movements). Unfortunately, if I do not complete the routine, I have only exercised the first movements.  I am going to share one with you a maintenance routine that takes only 5 minutes and will allow exercising all of the body. I find it a great "fall-back" routine when I have missed a class or have not managed my AARP program.   Here is the routine that I obtained from a friend who teaches an exercise class:

- march in place for 30 seconds, bringing your knees as high as possible-then rest for 30 seconds.
- perform squats for 30 seconds (whatever number you can manage during the 30 seconds-remember to keep knees "soft"  and spread legs slightly apart)-then rest for 30 seconds.
-bending at the waist and keeping the back flat, elbows close to the body, "row" for 30 seconds.  Rest for 30 seconds.
-lying flat on the floor, using legs, "bicycle" for 30 seconds.  Rest for 30 second.
-lying flt on the floor, hand behind the head, raise head and legs making a "v" for 30 seconds-rest for 30 seconds.

 I like having more than one routine because I can always find time for one of SOME length!! That way I have no excuses for not doing anything!

Mature Fashion: Fashion as Pharm

Getting dressed every day is exactly like taking medicine; if you have the right prescription and are administering it correctly, you receive the benefits.  In fact, there have been many articles written stating mood elevation caused by a fashion make-over, spa treatment, etc. can be as significant as psycho-therapy!!  

I recently had another conversation with a woman in my age group who was basically 'trashing' the entire fashion industry and detailing her abhorance of current fashion, disgust with the 'frivolity'. etc. (unfortunately, this happens all too often when someone finds out I write a fashion blog). I was immediately reminded of "Miranda Priestley's" ("Devil wears Prada") response to the character played by Anne Hathaway when she trivialized the fashion industry. I am taking another page from the same notebook without all the financial impact, employment stats, etc. 

Unless you are a full time nudist, EVERYONE WEARS CLOTHES;  Fashion is NOT trivial in any way, especially when it come to our mental health.  Almost every woman is affected by her mirror; some so much she may refuse to look at herself in it!  Confidence levels are measurably and demonstrably affected with how a woman feels about the way she looks.
We all put on clothes when we begin our day, and we all take off our clothes at the end of the day. Clothes mark the milestones and journeys of our lives.

Unfortunately, many women who now have a "mature" figure feel that the best years have passed them by.  (almost all women who are 40+ do not have the same figure they had in the previous decade; all too many resign themselves to "what used to be, sigh, enter into a low level depression and defensively "give up...and why bother")

A sad reality is the woman's unhappiness with her physical attributes at forty, but she would long for that same body when she reaches fifty.  Another sad reality is that same woman can ALWAYS improve her appearance significantly by making fashion her friend rather than ignoring its benefits. Fashion is a woman's best friend; it can make her feel youthful and vibrant. It can actually give her a boost in confidence, and also a boost in the good endorphins that improve our mood, reduce pain symptoms, and generally feel better.  It is also a great emotional boost (those endorphins again) when her mature and fluid life takes a downturn such as in divorce, loss of career dreams, and even the loss of a loved one.  

No, fashion is NOT trivial.  It can provide a visual loss of almost twenty pounds; it can warm skin tones adding vibrancy and a glow of youthful health.  Both Beau Brummel and Audrey Hepburn are famous for taking as long as two hours to dress for an event, then never looking at themselves while wearing their clothing; that's confidence.  We can apply that advice knowing we look great and feeling great because we know it; best of all, when we know we look great in our clothes, then we can forget about clothes.  Looking great and feeling great is an important component in both physical and mental health!.

Mature Fashion: Meet Dr, Youn

No make-up at all;  lipline dye stain remains from yesterday 

I discovered another medical guru on PBS!!  You have seen several posts from me in the past regarding the PBS specials (and books) that have helped me and others (by report) so much.  I have encouraged all  to read and/or view the programs to help us maintain a great quality of life in our "declining" years.

Well, I had never heard of Dr. Anthony Youn before last week.  I encountered his program on PBS called the "Age Fix" by just channel surfing one afternoon.  He was giving his lecture for the purpose of promoting his new book, also called the "Age Fix". I was captured by by the segment of the show that was discussing the benefits of using some natural products as face creams, etc

My ears perked right up!!; If you have been reading my blog, you know that I have been using plain yogurt as a face cleanser for some time, and have been trying out other natural skin remedies. I began this mostly because I have been having more skin complications with breaking out, clogged pores, etc.  I have also been concerned over the dangerous products allowed by our cosmetics by the beauty industry. Obviously, the subject caught my eye and I began watching the program in earnest.  I continued to watch the entire program twice and immediately ordered the book to read .  I also wanted to do a bit of research on this doctor. (although I inherently trust information I get from KQED (Channel 9, 25, or 54 here), I always like to check several sources before I take any action or pass on the information. 

From what the emcee and research sources, I understand, although a bit "Hollywood", (like Dr. Oz, etc.) according to the articles I read,  this doctor is reported to be a world class plastic surgeon with a waiting list of approximately one year before one can enlist his services! (not verified),  I also understand he has been endorsed by major reputable sources, and has a sterling reputation for not performing surgery if it can be avoided by using a more holistic approach.

I also understand that he is best known for discouraging any procedure he does not feel is necessary.  He also believes that a great deal of the purely cosmetic surgeries can be prevented by using many inexpensive natural on hand kitchen ingredients.  He also believes a large numbers of the "fixes" can be corrected simply by diet and exercise.

Guess what anti-aging programs he recommends!!...hint....lifestyle changes: (and a new term for me, preventing "Extrinsic Aging")...all of which we are aware at some level.  We all know that smoking in any amount, excessive alcohol consumption, and rays from the sun all affect the skin.  Many of us also know that a healthy diet and enough hydration is required for great skin, but I had no idea about how severely our diet controls potential damage or benefit.

And it is all good news; the same healthy eating habits preached by my favorite "Nutritarians", Drs. Fuhrman, Lustig, Hyman, Masley, etc is the same diet advised by Dr. Youn for generating great skin.

Dr. Youn has also solicited advice from the top make-up artists as well as dermatologists, etc. to give us the inside scoop on what over the counter products work as well as the high priced products that perform no more effectively.  He also documents strategies for maximizing skin care during each decade of aging....best ways to "Rock Age" cosmetically.

I would be happy to pass on some of this information, but Dr. Youn has a VERY strict policy regarding using information to which he has the copywrite.  I believe it was certainly worthwhile for me to buy the book; I especially like the do-it-yourself recipes such as his lip plumper!!

Mature Fashion: Farm, Not Pharm.....

Can't see them but I have an assortment of rings
as well as the black over/under earrings.

Since 1982, the field of medicine has known beyond any reasonable doubt that the American diet is the root of the majority of chronic health problems.  For longer than that nutritional educators have taught that at least five or more servings of vegetables and fruit should be eaten every day..(Ketchup and orange soda do not count).  Most of the women who are in my generation were taught the importance of eating the vegetables on our plates, and we consumed meals that contained them at every lunch, and dinner. We usually had some form of fruit at breakfast. (bananas or dried fruit with cereal, sliced fruits, and freshly squeezed orange juice was common)  Eating between meals (except for after school snacks) was discouraged, and candy and desserts were special occasion treats, or served only at dinner.  Cookies and milk and/or apples was maybe given as the snack, and popcorn might be prepared for evening television, if anything was eaten before bed.

Meats of all forms were expensive to purchase, and often were grown on the farm (free range), and a favorite hobby of the men might be catching fish for dinner, and any meats consumed by the families of hunters was grass fed by free range.  Pesticide free home gardens produced most of the fresh vegetables and home orchards most of the fruits.

Chrome Hearts-Dagger Series

How foreign this diet sounds now! Yet, that is the diet my generation experienced as common fare.  With every decrease in this farm based diet, the increase in heart disease, type II diabetes, obesity, cancer, arthritis, etc. has increased.  Every year, more and more convenience foods are produced, and the health status of our population decreases. All of these foods contain chemical compounds unknown 50 years ago.

Every health professional knows this; many are writing innumerable books about it; more research studies are proving that diet is the main culprit (Hippocrates, the Greek physician called the Father of Medicine and supposed author of of "Hippocratic Oath" said "let food be thy medicine" centuries ago!!)

Unfortunately, the drug and food industries both have great profit motives to ignore these facts; unfortunately, tired and stressed mothers and fathers rely heavily on unhealthy highly processed (and addictive) foods to feed their children.  The obesity rate for children has soared, childhood medical problems are at a record high, and the continuous solution provided by the health care "professionals" is providing more and more drugs to address the problem.

I find it alarming that so much attention is focused on "health care" in today's environment, but so little is done by the majority of the population to take care of one's own health!!  As women, many people assume we are "nurturers", and I do believe that it is up to us to take the lead in insisting the food that goes into our bodies in healthy for us, that we insist our family eat in a healthy manner, and that NO pill (ALL have dangerous side effects; that's why one needs a prescription) be prescribed for us or those for whom we are responsible if a healthy diet can serve the purpose.  I feel very strongly about this, and have proof of this type of harm within my own family. 

Diabetes treatments are in the forefront of my mind now because I am a bit past due for my annual physical and blood tests for diabetes, etc.  I have a bit of first hand experience with the medical profession on the subject of pill pushing; I choose to reject both blood pressure and cholesterol medicine and control both with diet.-I still have doctor's attempting to get me to take pills even though they say my blood sugar levels are "fine". (I want them always to be below 6.0)  My blood pressure has always been good, so why am I being asked to take pills? (answer: they say studies have shown that they "help" side effects of diabetes-if I take care of the diabetes, why do I need them? I am more concerned with the side effects of the blood pressure pills!!)

Mature Fashion: Back Boo Boo

Bed Rest

Well, the whole fitness program I have outlined for myself has encountered another hitch.  I told you a few months ago that I set a goal of reaching a  weight of 125 pounds; (down from 137-which I actually thought was 134!!).  I have still to reach that goal, but the good news is I now weigh 132.8 instead of 137.

In an effort to accomplish my goal and to increase my physical fitness, I joined an exercise class that met on Friday morning. I also volunteered to help out in the clubhouse library, also late Friday morning.  I also met with a delightful group of ladies in the early afternoon (only had time to grab a quick lunch) who held a regular jewelry making class on Friday afternoons.

For those of you who read my post on Look #2 (Rockmyrunwaay.blogspot.com), I wanted to craft some of the artsy neckwear that is being worn for F/W 2016. Unfortunately, I pinched a nerve in my back from sitting so long at the class (we were having a great time, and I was there from 1:00 to 4:30)  I didn't realize it until I walked the short distance home.  Of course, the moral of this post is 'watch your back'. 

I have mentioned in previous posts the importance of not sitting too long at one time.  It is recommended by many of the health articles to try and not sit any longer than 20 minutes at one time without getting up for about five minutes; other articles say not longer than one hour sitting and spending 15 minutes of moving about. (I find the 20 minutes usually work best for me).  I find this advice to be very helpful because it also stimulates the metabolism, helps regulate blood sugar. Unfortunately, knowing all this, I still find I forget do move as often as I should and forget the possible consequences if I fail to do so.  

Having this problem before, I changed into sleeping clothes, laid down for prolonged bed rest after taking an aspirin and alternating ice pack and heating pad to reduce swelling and increase blood flow.  I also took a melatonin tablet (a natural sleep aid approved by my doctor) to provide additional sleep (sleep both aides the healing process and keeps my back at rest for a longer period of time). I always have magazines and books yet to read, etc., so I used the down time to advantage.

Of course, any time one has such an injury, it is recommended to see your doctor unless you have already had professional advice in this area, and are certain you know what to do. (I have had this happen several times).  

My low impact exercise program will certainly help me improve in this area, however, I will be sure to take it very easy on Monday morning.  I will not do any exercise that will cause any pain at all to the injured area.  What I really plan to focus on is not remaining sitting for very long, and maintaining good posture.  I try to remember to set a timer and to remember good posture when at my computer.  Watching television is rarely a problem if I get up every time there is a commercial break (they are always good for five minutes!!)