Pace Matters

Click to read a Great article

Finding time in a full work schedule to get exercise is really tough.  This article is a reminder to me about how important pace is.

Happy Hiking!

 

Your body wants to heal, great article to read

I love this article. It is fascinating, but not surprising – it resonates of Feldenkrais to me.

If you subscribe to this blog and are unable to access the link, please visit the blog to click on the article.

While you’re at it, here are some tips that everyone should know about preventing food spoilage.

New Book on California Plants

Matt Ritter, professor of botany, wrote a new book and it’s fantastic.  If you enjoy the outdoors, especially CA, you will enjoy this book:

 

The cover is the only thing about this book that’s boring. It’s really well done and will make a lovely gift for your favorite outdoor enthusiast 🙂

Article on using POLES for Hiking & Walking

April 2018_Pole Walking Article

This is an article that appeared in a local paper.  The writer told me that it was one of the “most fun” articles she’d ever written.

Just click on the link and Enjoy!

The forbidden topic

Constipation.   No ONE wants to talk or read about this – unless you’re having problems.

Doctors prescribe drugs.  I have a client whose primary care doctor told her that it was OK to take Miralax every day.  Are you KIDDING ME?

Yesterday a client said – in passing – I think I’m constipated all the time.   Last night it hit me.  This is something we should talk about.  It’s important.

Both my mother and grandfather dealt with this and, as a teenager, I had a hemorrhoidectomy.  It was grim.  Since that time, I have had a toilet seat bidet wherever I lived.

I’m reminded of a dear client – Allie – with whom I walked and worked for 12 years – from when she was 89 to just over 100.  She had a SYSTEM.  That’s what everyone needs – a “system.”

I’m the most “regular” person I know.  But when I travel – even one night away from home – blammo, I’m stopped up.  I have a “system” to proactively and prophylactically prevent that.

If you ever get into an accident or have a procedure done and have to take pain meds – BLAMMO – you’re instantly stopped up.   You too need a “system.”

Here was Allie’s system – fine tuned to a TEE – 12 dried prunes soaked in water.  2 prunes every day for 4 days, 5 prunes on the 5^th day and 2 prunes + ½  cup of the soaked “juice” on the 7^th day.   DO NOT use this system – this was her regimen that worked for HER.   I put it here as an example of the level of thought and fine tuning that went into keeping HER regular.

My system – a very good diet with lots of fiber.   Bidet wash every morning.  My favorite herbal laxative taken when I travel.  For travel, I also carry 1 or 2 Smooth Move tea bags.

There are stool softeners, fiber/bulk additives.  I know someone who swears by coffee enemas (which I think is nuts).   With the current awareness of our microbiome, consider how you are treating your elimination system.  Consider the problem – the cause – before just taking a laxative as a fix to a symptom.

What’s your “system?”

 

Fall Recovery: How to get up from the floor

If you find yourself unexpectedly on the ground, take a moment.  Don’t get up.  Assess.

Don’t offer to help someone up who has fallen.  Encourage him/her to take a moment to assess.

Interesting video on how to get up from a fall.

Note:  When rising from floor using the step forward movement, the OUTSIDE leg should be away from the stable surface.

 

Back Health

Interesting article on back health.

Winter Hiking

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yesterday we did our first hike on Mt. Tamalpais since the rain last week.  The Fungus is AMONG US, the newts are crawling and the colors are RICH. 

As always, click on any photo to enlarge, click the back button to return to post.  The black mushrooms were a stunning discovery and a first for us.  The newt’s eyes are visible on a larger version.  Notice the pole tip for scale on the Chantrelle photo.  Enjoy and we hope to see you OTT (on the trail).

This lovely forest scene was taken after we did our big climb.  There are several trails on The Mountain that I call “Just Show Up” trails. It does not matter how fast we go, we just DO IT.    Small steps, poles pushing.  I estimate 25 to 35% assist with my poles.  When I don’t hike with poles, my legs COMPLAIN – a LOT. Happy Trails!

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Tis the Season

I will shortly be mailing out my yearly holiday letter with suggestions on gifts you can give to people you love who love the outdoors.  I hope you enjoy it.

Click on any photo to enjoy and click the back button to return to this post.  Above is Bryce, cryptobiotic crust (the desert floor) and some Utah rock.    This year’s journey to Utah State Parks was so timely and perfect that I’m opening our next journey up to AdventureBuddies (the meet up).

Above is Canyonlands:  Needles and Island in the Sky and Bryce.

The other bit of news is that I’ve joined the UC Botanic Garden and will be listing a gentle walk for the Pole Walking Meetup.  I was able to see the Maladora in bloom this year – enjoy!

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Stay Cool, Gear Up

Travelling thru Zion National Park, I saw this hat in the visitor center.  It’s yet another way to stay cool in the desert or on hot hikes:

Use the link above to search for your size and color (I love the green).
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