December 28, 2017
The physical
Hardly are you surprised that one of the Big Seven has to do with health and wellbeing. Indeed let’s pause for a moment and think of our many acquaintances who, in one way or another, must modify their activities because of a physical limitation. Yet don’t we all have to take into consideration health issues in whater we aspire to do?
I was quite young when my parents told us that “our bodies are temples” of the Holy Spirit. To this day I cherish that thought — that Spirit feels quite at home, thank you, here in this physical construct. That makes me want to keep a good house.
Like most of you, I tend to a basic health agenda.
— annual physical exam
— semi-annual teeth cleaning
— annual flu and pneumonia shot
— daily teeth brushing
— semi-annual fire alarm battery
— regular use of the car’s seat
— annual visit from health insurance representative
— eight or nine hours of sleep a night
My med prescriptions are of course personally tailored.
— Atorvastatin to keep cholesterol in check.
— Valsartin to protect 120/70 blood pressure
— Fish oil and vitamins.
A drug that I truly appreciate is Escitalopram, for it has helped immensely in my management of low-level yet life-long depression.
You are surely much better than I in limiting sugar intake. My constant struggle at weight management relates more to sugar and carbs than anything else.
I used to have bladder cancer, discovered in 2000. Two surgeries and intravesical chemotherapy did their work. I am of course grateful to the medical staff for good work.
In the annual physical, Dr. Coss (the best physician I ever had), after going through the lab report, demands a full account of my exercise regimen. He’s a stickler on physical activity, so I am eager to tell him on my next appointment that I walked about 900 miles in 2017, many of them on El Camino in Spain.
Yoga is new for me, and quite enjoyable. Gaynell, at 70, leads our group of seniors with verve and nerve. I typically begin class with my mind stuffed with urgencies, but 55 minutes later I am of one mind and one body. I also use the Y for exercise in inclement weather. (Today I walked three miles on the tread mill.)
When I look over our year’s medical bills, which this year will augment itemizations in the tax report, two thoughts stay front center: (1) gratitude for social security and insurance; and (2) disappointment that our US medical system is convoluted enough to make life more miserable for poor people.
As I enter my 80’s I readily notice changes that are, I suppose, typical of senior health. My physical strength is diminished as is physical endurance. My memory is what might be called idiosyncratic. In many ways, I am an old geezer. And getting a kick out of it.
How long will I live? Will it be a sudden death or, instead, will my body and mind slowly dim like dusk? Even if they do, I hope this house will have cheery lights on inside.
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