Lessons from a Friend

My friend, Christie, with whom I play pickleball is a hoot! She makes all of us laugh. That's one of the things I like about her. Another thing I admire is she plays hard but doesn't take it too seriously.  She knows there are way more important things in life.

Christie is always willing to lend a helping hand. For example, one day we decided to play at courts I had never been to before and I wasn't familiar with the area and it took about 10 seconds for her to offer to take me with her. 

When we decided to meet socially as a group on a monthly basis, Christie was the first one to offer her home for our get together.

Our group has a texting account where we share news, plan pickleball games, ask questions, etc. and Christie is always one to answer those questions or offer assistance to anyone who needs it. She never needs encouragement. Christie is self-motivated to help.

Her upbeat attitude and joyful nature is contagious. One can't help having a good time when she is around.

Now, don't get me wrong. Christie is not a pushover or Pollyanna. I have seen more than one time where she has stood up for someone who didn't have the courage to speak up for themselves. She is able to do it firmly and confidently.

I admire all of the traits she possesses. I love it when I make a new friend and they have qualities that remind me of areas I may have let slide and how to embrace those virtues and bring them back into my life.

I am blessed to be able to call her my friend.

xo

A Little More on Brain Health

In my last post I wrote about a bit of research I've done on brain health since my friend was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment and I listed several things we can do to help protect ourselves from the various forms of dementia, with Alzheimer's being the most common type.

I have discovered that there are many risk factors that some of us engage in that contribute to low blood flow to the brain and low blood flow is the number one predictor of future Alzheimer's disease.

Blood Flow Risks That Drain Your Brain:

- Excessive caffeine
- Nicotine
- Dehydration
- Hypertension
- Any cardiovascular disease
- Erectile dysfunction
- Oxygen deprivation (such as near drowning)
- Too little exercise

As Dr. Daniel Amen explains in his latest book: Feel Better Fast and Make It Last;  "Circulation is essential to life. It is the conduit for transporting nutrients to, and toxins away from your cells. Low blood flow shrinks the brain and kills its cells".......He goes on to say: "What's more, if you have blood flow problems anywhere, you likely have them throughout your body."

I have decided to explore my health markers by scheduling an extensive blood test that I will take this week.  One of my main concerns is inflammation in the body, as this, too, affects brain health.

No, I'm not getting obsessive about my brain health, just curious to see how I'm doing. And, at least we have some say in the matter.  As I have said before, I plan on living well into my 90's and with God's help - even possibly into my 100's!

xo

Brain Health

A dear friend of mine was recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Apparently, that is a precursor to a more sinister disease: Alzheimer's . About 8 out of 10 people with mild cognitive impairment or MCI go on to develop Alzheimer's within 7 years. There currently is no treatment for MCI.  It is recommended that if diagnosed with MCI one should see their doctor every 6 months for further testing.

My interest in brain health has increased tenfold since my friend's diagnosis.  I have always been curious about how the brain works but now I'm earnestly seeking more information.

Research suggests genetic factors may play a role in who will develop MCI. Studies are underway to learn more.

Dr. Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and brain disorder specialist and Dr. Michael Merzenich, professor emeritus neuroscientist at UCSF have completed numerous studies on brain health.  Dr. Merzenich has concentrated much of his work on how to keep our brains healthy as we age and explains that we have more control over our brain health than previously thought.

Apparently, the same habits that keep our bodies healthy are also responsible for brain health, such as:
- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Daily exercise - ideally 5 days a week for 30 minutes or more.
- Little or no alcohol.
- Diversify activities - visit museums, go to the ballet, symphony,  or anything that is new to you.
- Keep curious about life and your surroundings - notice the flowers, sky, people around you.
- Engage in conversation about new subjects, try doing puzzles and online brain games.
- Try a new sport or game - ones that utilize eye/hand coordination are especially effective.

I'm going to keep reading and learning to see what else I can do to keep my brain functioning at it's optimal best.  I plan on living well into my 90's and hopefully beyond.  I'm sure this will not be the last post I write about this subject.

xo

Self Critical

I tend to be a tad self-critical.  Not in all things. Only the things that are important to me at the time. At the moment it happens to be pickleball.

I'm playing with a wonderful group of women, some who are more advanced in the game than I.  Some who are less. My problem lies in the moments I feel I should play better - I miss a shot, hit the ball out of the court, whatever. I silently (and sometimes loudly) berate myself. I thought this was normal until one of my pickleball buddies pointed out to me how hard I am on myself and how that behavior affects my game - for the worst. If I acknowledged that the shot was an error and simply got over it, I'd be a better player.

Do any of you find that you are hard on yourself? Expecting to be perfect?  Wanting to excel at something right out of the box? I'm not foolish. Of course I know that with practice we get better at whatever we attempt, it's in the moment that I don't manage to apply that knowledge.

Now, having raised two children, I actually know this. Utilizing this is a lot different than teaching it to children. Thanks Elaine, for pointing that out to me.

Bob Iger, the CEO and Chairman of Disney, in an interview with Oprah said he believes in the pursuit of perfection, not to be more successful but to be better at what he does. He went on to say; that perfection is not being perfect - it's not giving up.

That's what I'm after - to be better at what I do and to not give up. And, the lesson I got from my friend is that I will be better at what I do if I am kinder and more forgiving to myself. This is true in all areas of our lives, in all that we do.  I'm learning to give myself a break and quit being self-critical.  I love the game of pickleball and the game of life and I do believe I will enjoy both even more and play and live better if I simply relax and have fun with all of it.

xo

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Most of us, once we reach our fifties and beyond, know at least one person who has had breast cancer, or a friend of a friend who has been diagnosed.  It is frightening.

Two years ago my sister was diagnosed. One week later, during the course of my annual mammogram, a "suspicious thickening" was detected. After several other tests, it was decided that there wasn't a tumor or lump of any kind, simply my dense breasts giving us a scare.  Phew.  Got out of that one.

My sister wasn't as lucky.  She underwent a lumpectomy followed by 4 weeks of radiation and several months later, reconstructive surgery (the radiation left her breast a bit deformed). She is, thank God, cancer-free today.

In addition to my sister, I have four friends who have been diagnosed, treated and are cancer-free today. It appears it is becoming an epidemic. However, I believe the reality is that more women than ever are having mammograms and/or are doing breast self-exams.  And the wonderful news is that with all the screenings we have for early detection and the various modes of treatment more women than ever are surviving and living long, productive lives.

In addition, we now know that we have a huge say in our health in general, and breast health specifically.  It's been proven that a healthy diet consisting of lots of fruit and vegetables, small amounts (or no amount) of alcohol, and physical exercise at least three days a week goes a long way in preventing this dreaded disease.

In addition, cutting way back on chemical use in the home is considered a smart move - as in using more natural cleaning products, and hair and body items, as well.

My husband's mother died when she was in her 40's from breast cancer, my hubby was 13 years old, when he and his three siblings were left without their mom. The 5 year survival rate in the '60's was very low  - about 65%.  Now it is 90+%.

And let us not forget about men.  Although rare, breast cancer does affect men as well. Before I moved to Arizona, I volunteered for To Celebrate Life an organization that assists under-served cancer patients in Marin County and surrounding areas and we had several men in the group.

Let us do all we can to stay healthy and cancer-free and remind your friends and family to do monthly breast self-exams and yearly mammograms.

P.S.  After writing this post, it was announced that Beyonce's father was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Sadly, no on is immune.  Let us be well and healthy.

xo