Baby Boomers And Pain Management

As boomers age it is normal to have a certain amount of pain. There are those that suffer from acute pain or chronic pain. There are over 75 million people that suffer from pain due to diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Some boomers think the pain is imaginary, but it is not. There are boomers that suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, low back pain, headaches and neurogenic pain to list but a few. Relationships are affected and job performances can be difficult. We boomers need to get the best that we can out of life therefore there are things that we can do. Above all, see a physician and follow his advice. There is hope.

As boomers age it is normal to have a certain amount of pain. There are those that suffer from acute pain or chronic pain. Messages are sent to our brains which says, “Ouch that hurts so stop.” The brain sends the message to the body part as pain. Unfortunately we can not always stop. There are over 75 million people that suffer from pain due to diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Some boomers think the pain is imaginary, but it is not. Stress is one of the main culprits of pain. Inflammation causes pain.

There are boomers that suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, low back pain, headaches and neurogenic pain to list but a few. Relationships are affected and job performances can be difficult. We boomers need to get the best that we can out of life therefore there are things that we can do. Above all, see a physician and follow his advice. There is hope.

Here are some things that you may want to try doing on your own to aid in the healing process of pain or to help you cope.

Alleviate as much stress out of your life as possible. Exercise each day. Even a short walk will help. Instead of watching a boring rerun on television take a short walk. Stretch to loosen those stiff muscles and joints. Maybe lift a few cans while cooking and count. Bend over a few more times than necessary to tie your shoes. Go back and forth toe then heal. Give those calves a stretch.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. Peaches, bananas and berries are very good for pain. Actually fruit salad makes a delicious snack instead of potato chips. Try keeping a container of raw vegetables in the refrigerator for quick access. Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower,radishes, and even spinach leafs are good. Olive oil and whole grain has been know to help pain. Try those new whole grain crackers that are flavored with olive oil and garlic. Keep a container of whole grain pasta prepared and refrigerated. There are many things that you can mix with pasta cold or hot. Eat more oats. Try to avoid sugar,milk and flour as much as possible.
Try deep breathing and meditation. Deep breathing can help clear the lungs. Start slow and work up to longer periods. The more you do, the better you will get. Set aside time for this. Try it while you are waiting on a friend to visit or bored on a rainy day.

Focus on the present and stay centered. Again, the more that you practice this the easier it will become. Think positive thoughts. Let your mind go to pleasurable places. The mind is very powerful. It will try to play tricks on you. Be patient and soon you will be in the drivers seat. Let pain know that you are in charge not IT.

There are many places out there to get help such as pain management centers, physical therapy offices, physician’s practices, yoga and meditation classes, holistic medicines, and massage therapy. Then there is the pain pill and patches. No matter what we boomers choose we still must do the work. Make a decision. Discuss options with a health care person. Put your best foot forward and do what you can. After all, why not get the best that you can out of life by working to defeat pain or learning to deal with it.

Originally posted 2011-08-03 16:11:59.

Boomers Can Defeat Burnout

Boomers are subject to burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It saps energy and can lead to health problems.

How to Overcome Burnout

In today’s fast paced society with economical insecurities, job, and life style pressures there appears to be many people that are experiencing burnout. Many are striving to hang on to jobs that have become mundane and stressful. Others are without jobs at all. Boomers are finding themselves postponing their retirement because they lack the funds necessary to retire. Some boomers are dealing with elderly parents, struggling to help their grown children, working long hours, and using all the energy that they can find to just stay afloat. Many single boomers are faced with trying to survive on one income and some have taken second jobs in order to live. The pressure is high and very stressful. At an age where boomers should be slowing down, they now find themselves having to speed up in order to deal with life. Many do not even realize that they are experiencing burnout.

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It saps energy and can lead to health problems. Stress is pressure which can be relieved after getting things under control but burn out is different. Burnout can be caused by the following.

Life style changes
Expecting to do to much
Taking on to much responsibility
Not enough sleep
Lack of close supportive relationships

When a person is feeling burnout they may feel hopelessness, empty, beyond caring, and lack motivation. They may feel bored, overloaded, unappreciated and have thoughts of wondering if what they do even makes a difference. They may experience doubt and wonder if their will ever be positive changes in their lives. Even when people love what they do they can still experience burn out. Burn out is prominent in health care professionals, stay at home moms, students, social workers, athletes, lawyers, bloggers, ministers, high achievers, perfectionists and those in helping professions.

There is HOPE! Here is a list of things that will help to cope with burnout and rise above.

Start each day with a relaxing ritual. Read the Bible or something inspiring before jumping into your normal morning routine. Take time to meditate. Write and focus on a positive thought.
Allow your muscles to relax. Perform stretching exercises. Listen to pleasant relaxing music. Take time to pamper yourself. You are worth it.
Learn to say no. Set boundaries. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Learn to pace yourself. Know that you are special and treat yourself that way.
Nourish your creative side. Try something new or fun. Perform at least one activity that has nothing to do with work. You are important.
Learn to manage stress. There are many books and articles to read on this subject.
Slow down. Rome was not built in a day. Do not isolate. Surround yourself with kind, understanding, caring people. Share your feelings with a trusted person.

Look at your goals. Are they realistic? Are you neglecting something that is important to you and makes you happy?

8. Take a break! Turn off the computer, turn off the television, ignore the phone, stop texting, and let yourself enjoy the quiet. Smell the fresh air. Listen to the birds sing. Look at nature. Play! Sing at the top of your lungs if you want to do that. Who cares how it sounds. Close off the bedroom. Run around naked if you like. Feel Free!

Know that you are loved and show it by loving yourself! You are special and you deserve a good life!

Books for Reading

The Road Less Traveled by Scott Perk. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Joy of Burnout by Dr. Dina Glouberman,Burn Out by Marcia Mueller,

Originally posted 2011-02-23 10:02:25.

Baby Boomers Stress

Working Boomer has bypass surgery and deals with baby boomers stress.

Writing is therapeutic so I have to get some thing off my chest so that I can get on with this thing called life as a Baby boomer. Two and a half weeks ago, I started out to do my laundry at the mat. Now I am not fond of the laundry mat nor am I fond of doing laundry on my day off. Prior to leaving my apartment, I had had some chest pain. I put in a call to my physician. His office returned my call immediately. They told me to go to the emergency room. After dropping off my laundry I proceeded on down to the hospital. Within hours, I found myself in the back of an ambulance headed to intensive care. The next day I awaken from my triple by pass heart surgery.

Now I am here to tell you folks that life can throw you some curves and mess up a few plans. It can even cause baby boomers stress and anger if you allow it. You can act ridiculous and others can too. That is a choice. Bottom line is just this; you still need to deal with IT! You can complain, stomp your feet, cry, throw a fit, curse, laugh, cry, meditate or spit if you want. You can be childish or mature. There is still no getting around the inevitable though. You still have to DEAL WITH IT! Oh and by the way, you can not change what others do during this time. You can play poor pitiful me or get into the blame game. You can be selfish or self caring. You can fight or you can give up. You can take the easy way out or you can put on your big boy or big girl pants and deal with it. You might even get into that thing called stinking thinking and convince yourself that the world revolves around you. Guess what, it does not! It is just life, so make the best of what you can.

Everyone has stress. Life is life and it is not going to quit happening. We are all equal. No one is better or less than another. We all want love and deserve what is good in life. So when you get to thinking that you are so special that stuff will not happen to you, then think again. It will! Take a deep breath.

Surround yourself with caring loving people until the rough times go by. Laugh a little. Pet your dog. Be grateful that you can smell and see. Look for something positive. Love yourself like you have never loved yourself before. Be grateful for those that understand and are there to listen to you. Hang strong! Be gentle with yourself. Above all appreciate those that care and forgive those that do not have a clue. After all you are wearing the pants so stand up tall and show the world what you are really about. Be good to yourself. You earned it! You deserve it! If others are stressed, let them have their problem because you have got your own right now. That is more than enough to deal with at the time. Guess what folks, this too shall pass and you will be a better person for dealing with it too!

By the way, a special thank you to all those healthcare people out there that see us through some very difficult times as we go through our stuff. They are great! As a matter of fact sometimes they show us more love and compassion than we show ourselves. Guess what? They are human and have stress too.

Originally posted 2011-05-31 20:02:17.

Georgia Golden Olympics | Warner Robins GA

Georgia Golden Olympics
Warner Robins GA

This past week I went down to Warner Robins GA to the Georgia Golden Olympics games to participate in the 1500 meter race walk in hopes of qualifying for the National Senior Games in Minneapolis MN in July 2015.

The Georgia Golden Olympics are held every year in September down in the middle Georgia city of Warner Robins, home of Robins Airbase.

This year those who participate and come in at the top four positions qualify for the National Senior Games which are only held every other year. 2014 is the qualifying year at the state level for the 2015 National Senior Games.

We only spend Thursday PM and left Friday PM but did get to see several events.

On Thursday our first stop was the Warner Robins Senior Activity Center where we registered and saw the list of people who would be competing in my event on Friday. We got a T-shirt and other items in a welcome package.

Next we headed over to Robins High School’s McConnell-Talbert Stadium on nearby S. Davis Drive where a lot of the Track and Field events were being held.

We spent some time watching the high jump where both male and female contests had a friendly but competitive match. It amazed me how high they were jumping. I saw more than a few ace bandages and ice packs.

I got to check out the impressive track where I would be race walking the next day.

On Friday morning I got up early and was one of the first ones to arrive at the stadium for Jim Norvill’s race walking seminar.

I stayed to watch and photograph the 5K race walk. There were about 11 contestants ranging from seasoned veterans to a new comer or two.

These race walkers really put a lot in to the contest which is about 3.1 miles or little over 12 times around the track. Several of the same race walkers would be coming back at 1pm for the 1500 meter race walk that I had signed up for.

I stopped by the Senior Activity Center again to check things out and met Ms. Vicki Pilgrim who was directing these games and doing an excellent job keeping track of so many things going on with the events and people.

After picking up my wife Mary Ann, checking out of the Hampton Inn on Watson Blvd and getting a bite to eat, we headed over to the stadium to watch the 100 meter dash. I ran in to a fellow I had met back in Alpharetta training at the Old Milton High School. He is 80 years old and had won the 50 meter dash the day before and I watched him win the gold in the 100 meter race too. He did it faster than I could have and I am only a baby at age 68. He’s the gentleman at the top right in while shirt in the photo below.

Mary Ann’s brother Mike and wife Diane were nice enough to come watch me compete at 1pm in the 1500 race walk. I was uncertain as to how it would be going since I had only been race walking for two months and had hurt my hip a week before. I did good and came in second in my age group winning the silver and qualifying myself for the National Senior Games. I think I may just make the trip to Minnesota for the National’s next year.

Robert Fowler Silver Medal 1500M Race Walk

While getting my medal engraved back at the senior activity center I stood in line with other medal winners and we shared our excitement and stories. One lady (pictured below) had won several medals in shot put, discuss, race walking and others and is also planning on going to the nationals.

“Others won medals in swimming, cycling, golf, pickleball, basketball, table tennis and horseshoes.”

We made the ride back to Atlanta tired but happy that I had won a medal. I would have loved to stay longer and participated in and viewed more of the competitions. Maybe next year I will stay two nights instead of one.

The registration is not open yet for the Nationals but when they do open this Fall, I will be planning my trip. This will be a great incentive for me to continue my race walking hobby and really improve my technique, speed and endurance. I plan to enter the 1500 meters and the 5K race walks. They are on two consecutive days so that will work out fine.

I have been to Minneapolis before to attend a conference but my wife never has been there. Attending the Nationals will be a good excuse to have a vacation getaway for us.

For more information on the National’s, visit their web site at National Senior Games Association. For more information on Race Walking, visit Jim Norvill’s excellent site eRaceWalk.com.

Boomers Participate in Senior Games

Originally posted 2014-09-21 22:33:55.

When Illness Strikes Are You Prepared?

When illness strikes it can be swiftly and without warning. This can be devastating if you are not prepared. When one is not feeling well it is more difficult to think and respond as one should. How many of us though really take the time to set up small things in our lives that help us when something happens unexpectedly?

Preparation for Illness

I have read where boomers are living longer. Some are living alone. Some may not have near by relatives or friends that can be there for them on a minutes notice. Some times we may just need to prepare small things for ourselves in order to deal and carry out our own responsibilities as they happen.

Our thinking can effect our life situations and how we feel. Do we think positive for positive results? Are we prepared when our thinking might not be at its best until we have time to recover? In skilled nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers, professionals work with patients to help them think and prepare. Maybe it would be good to focus on just a few of these things today. Also if one is fortunate to have a person to assist them then having these things done in advance could also make it much easier for another to assist us.

Do you have a full bottle of an over the counter pain reliever in your medicine cabinet at all times?
Do you have plenty of liquids in your home that might go easy on your stomach if it gets a little upset?
Do you know that it is better to take most medicines after eating a little something to keep the medications from upsetting your stomach?
Do you know that ice is for swelling? Do you know when to use ice or heat?
Do you have a small first aid kit available?
Do you have a small bag packed with small necessities such as tooth brush, a change of night clothing, brush, comb, or any small items that you use on a daily basis?
Do you have a list of your medications written down with the dosages in case you have to go to the Dr. or a hospital?
Do you have your insurance cards in a place where you can find them easily?
Do you know that in addition to a co pay some insurances have an out of pocket expense to be met before the insurance company starts paying. Some physicians offices and hospitals require this to be paid prior to non life treating emergencies before treatment?
Do you have an advanced directive written which is also called a living will in case you are unable to speak for yourself?
Do you have a list of phone numbers written down in case your cell phone has lost its charge and your numbers are in it? This will include your Dr.,relatives, hospital, employer, fire dept, police and etc.
Do you keep Popsicles, small cups of pudding, jello,canned soup,ice cream and etc. on hand instead of having to run to the grocery store if you get sick in the middle of the night or there is a snow storm outside?
Do you keep enough gasoline in your tank in case you have to leave your home quickly and do not have the time to stop to fill your tank?
If you have a pet is there enough pet food in your home to feed that pet for a few days?
If you have a neighbor that you feel comfortable enough with, have you asked for their phone number and written it down in case of an emergency?
Do you have an extra spare car and home key hidden somewhere?
Do you really know how to put a large pill in your mouth to swallow so that you do not risk choking? What would you do if you were alone and found that you were choking?
If you wear glasses do you have a set of readers or a spare set of regular glasses somewhere in case yours break? I would be up a creek if I had to drive or read without my glasses.
When the electric goes out and there is no television but there is light, do you have some fun magazines, books, and etc. to keep yourself entertained until the electric has been restored?
Have you ever put off doing the laundry until there is no more clean underwear? What if you get sick and need a clean pair?
Have you ever been late for something and the button just popped off your favorite shirt? Do you have a needle and tread handy?
Do you have new batteries in the flashlight by your night stand? A flash light will do no good if the batteries do not work you know.
Do you always have enough toilet paper on hand or do you get down to your last roll?
Do you have an umbrella in your car and your home? It does little good if your umbrella is in the car when you need to get to the car?
Do you have an ice scraper and boots for that unexpected snow?
Oh and how about a fly swat or old newspaper for that spider on the wall or the fly that flew in while the door was open.
Do you keep inexpensive baking soda in your refrigerator? It also has many many other purposes other that as a refrigerator fresher.
Do you have a bottle of vinegar? It too can be used for many different things. Just read up on vinegar as a cleaning agent.
Did you know that an infected tooth can carry infection to your heart which could result in death? Other wards keep your appointments for your dental check ups.
Did you know there are many foods that can help lower blood pressure and others that increases blood pressure? What are some of those foods? Are you eating them?

Does any of this apply to you? Have you really taken the time to think and prepare for the unexpected? How well are you prepared to take care of yourself?” Just keeping things as simple as we can and being prepared for the little things can make our lives a lot less stressful, don’t you think? As human beings we want to meet life’s challenges with our BEST thinking and preparation. As we do this we move forward from simple to better, and negative to positive thinking. This enables us to be our best self and seek out the best in others. So again why not prepare so that when our brain may be a little weary we can let it rest a bit and feel the comfort of knowing that we are prepared to take care of ourselves.

Originally posted 2011-01-17 17:44:14.

Boomers Juicing For Weight Loss

Boomers Get Healthy By Juicing

My eyes were opened to the benefits of juicing about a year and a half ago when I tried it and lost weight about 30 pounds. What turned me on to this was three things occurring at once in my life:
-Read the book Younger Next Year
-Saw the documentary movie Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross
-A Whole Foods store with juice bar opened in my neighborhood.

I wrote about this in Sept 2012 with Baby Boomers Health: 12 Tips For Old Guys

I started off with a shot of wheatgrass every day. Wheatgrass has the enzymes of grass that really helps your digestive system and provides nutriments. Then I supplemented that with the Green Machine, a mixture of apples, kale, celery, cucumbers, cilantro and lime.

By the way the picture below is wheatgrass that I grew from seed growing on my deck. It grows easily but it is a process to juice it so I just stop by a juice bar instead.

Many boomers are tired of getting big and fat as they age. They are turning to juicing and nutriment drinks to supplement lighter eating and loosing weight in the process.

Then maintaining their weight loss by continuing this healthy lifestyle. It is worth it.

How to Juice

1. Consult some books and web sites, then buy a juicer and get started. Tons of books like The Juicing Bible by Pat Crocker or web sites like Joe Cross has. I got the Breville juicer like Joe Cross recommended and have been happy with it.

2. If you live close to a Whole Foods store with juice bar then by all means start there. Mix it up with trying out several drinks like Green Lemonade, Green Machine and The Mommy Boost.

3. I wouldn’t recommend doing all juicing and no food. I would start by having one green type drink everyday and let that supplement a light meal, say for lunch. Practicing portion control while juicing will do the trick!

4. Give juicing a try and stay the course until you get used to it. After a while you will like it and love the results especially. It will become part of your better life.

5. A friend told me about the Nutribullet and we just got one. It is smaller than a large juicer and it pretty well blends up all ingredients to their most nutritious state, so there is no wasted pulp. It has worked for my friend. It’s cheaper too as the name brand one is about $100 but Costco and Walmart have cheaper models. We went with the name brand as we didn’t see the cheaper ones until later, but who knows?

6. Use fresh ingredients when possible or use frozen. The main thing is that ingredients are uncooked.

Weight loss and maintaining your weight loss is probably the most important thing you can do to improve your health as you age. Weight loss and staying active with exercise is a great duo that will improve your life. Maybe my next post will be about how to exercise.

Boomer Loosing Weight After 50
Healthy Eating Tips
Boomers Health Issues

Originally posted 2013-12-05 23:42:01.

Know that you are loved and show it by loving yourself! You are special and you deserve a good life!

Georgia Golden Olympics Warner Robins GA

Preparation for Illness

Boomers Get Healthy By Juicing

How to Juice

Georgia Golden Olympics
Warner Robins GA