Barbara J. Hamby

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Confessions of a Sloth

Since my retirement, and maybe even before, I can’t remember that well, I’ve had a compulsion to read nutrition and health advice columns. Following the advice and/or recipes isn’t always part of the compulsion. I do like to pass on the advice when I think it might be helpful to someone else.

A lot of it makes sense to me and I do try the ideas that are not too expensive or too gross for my consumption. I find that the most healthy food recommendations are often not digestible by my ancient and surgically altered body.

In the past, I’ve taken senior exercise classes, Tai Chi classes and Yoga classes. I know all of these practices are excellent for aging bodies and I always feel better when I’m exercising regularly. Meditation classes a number of years ago brought my blood pressure down considerably. Swimming, in the summer, is delightful. But the pool is only open for three months or so here in the park where I live.

Under those circumstances, one would think I would be racing around to participate in any or all of these activities. Racing? I can’t even drag myself three blocks to the clubhouse for morning exercise class. Morning is the operative word--too early in the morning. I never was a morning person, and that situation has not improved with age.

Maybe I should start an evening exercise class. Most people eat their heaviest meal in the evening. I do not unless I am a guest where the food is irresistible. Even so, exercise in the evening would be better than none at all.