Sick Day(s) - boo!

I was so pleased at how energetic and strong I felt on Monday. My exercise and healthy eating increased focus was working!

Then I woke up Tuesday and was sick. Random for sure and nothing terrible but it Dora’s rather feel like a smack down from the universe. Today I feel like I was sick yesterday but hopefully another day of taking it easy does the trick.

My go to when I don’t feel well is sitting on the couch reading and long naps plus green tea. How do you take care of yourself when not feeling well? 

Booster #2 Accomplished and recovered from

I was so hopeful that by switching to Pfizer for my second Covid booster shot I could miss out on side effects but that wasn’t to happen. Quite mild though with tiredness and sore arm the main reactions and just for a short time. I am quite grateful for the vaccine regardless! 

Btw, I also went with the Pfizer booster because there is some medical evidence that switching types is more effective in triggering protection. I don’t believe that is definitive although the pharmacist agreed it might be the case. Pfizer is also the version most readily available right now where I live and it was easy to get close by.

In recording this booster in my log of vaccines I noticed that it will be 10 years in October since I last got the tdap vaccine so I double checked if that was still the right timeframe and it is. Interestingly, the pharmacist brought up the exception that if I was going to be around a pregnant person or newborn a lot the timeframe was shorter.

 I didn’t know that but as far as I know there are no plans for further grandchildren so it will be flu shot in September and tdap in October. Then, other than annual flu shots and any further Covid boosters, I am good until 2027 when a pneumonia booster is called for.

Creating my "Right for Me Right Now" exercise program

Throughout my adult life I have started and stuck with for a time many exercise programs. There were several gyms for weight machine workouts, Pilates, yoga and swimming plus physical therapy and walking. I had trainers to help set up everything but the walking and that made figuring out the starting point and when to increase each exercise very easy which helped me stick with the program.

I'd do that again but I still don't want to go to a gym or Pilates studio until the pandemic isn't causing vaccinated people to be hospitalized in ICU or die. So, it is DIY time and dredging up memories of how the trainers created my programs. Then I will go up a step when these become easy or not effective.

I think I have landed on the right mix for me for the rest of March which is the first month I am seriously sticking with this. It has taken some trial and error the first week which showed me my current limits or starting point that sill enable progress but won't discourage me. 

Here is where I have landed for exercise. I'm trying for 3 Pilates and 3 stretching sessions per week. After each I will do a few shoulder PT exercises. Taking walks will be 2 or more times a week depending on weather, schedule and how I feel.

All of these are readily accessible for me and are at the right level for right now but this is a big increase over what I had been doing since my second foot surgery! 

• Standing Pilates for Seniors | 25 Minutes of Exercise to Improve Strength, Mobility and Confidence by The Girl with the Pilates Mat who is in England. I'm paying her via PayPal using her Buy Me a Coffee link and buying one coffee per session. Paying for a trainer is motivating if I pay in advance. Trying to treat it like my Atlanta Pilates Studio arrangement.
• My old DVD for 35 minutes of stretching (Gaiam a.m. & p. m stretch) which is also available online for payment I believe. For a while in Atlanta I did this almost every day. This won't change as I change my overall program.
• An old PT exercise to try to finally get back my full range of internal rotation for my right shoulder. This is how much you can raise your had up your back from your waist. Long ago I had frozen shoulders (one at a time) and with the second one I stopped the exercises once everything but this was back to normal. We still had the equipment which fits over a door so I'm seeing if I can improve it now after all these years. It may be too late but we'll see. The picture explaining it is below.
• Taking walks and tracking distance and speed using my phone.

I'm also tracking my weight and measurements to see what happens.

Not in my plans but definitely a first

 But still a life first - an ambulance ride. Not to worry, I am doing fine now but last night was a different story.

Symptoms like food poisoning or stomach flu (norovirus) with the latter the likely culprit as Hubby wasn't sick. I got quite dehydrated and weak so he call the paramedics who were great and then spent the wee hours of the morning in ER where they patched me up and then sent me home. Glad he decided to call as I wasn't in any condition to decide.

Hubby was asleep at 3 am of course but came and got me and brought me a coat and slippers as I was only in pajamas and socks. Remember it is cold in an ambulance and ER and grab something warm to take with you! The staff were all wearing fleece pullovers.

Anyway, I count myself lucky to not have been in an ambulance in 71 years of life. Now I have and I'm sure the neighbors are going to be asking what happened as the security staff first responders, fire truck and ambulance all showed up. Not an uncommon site in a 50 and over community and they have a wonderful response time. Still, a first time event at our house.

All this means I wasn't able to go to our first since February 2020 in person book club this morning. I was so looking forward to it but too little sleep and the possibility of infecting others kept me home.

Anyone else find riding in an ambulance makes them car sick? That was on top of everything else so they gave me a shot to stop the nausea which was great.

Today is already a better day so onward.

Different dentist -different recommendations

 Well that was interesting. I went to the dentist today prepared for the first step in getting a crown. Asked some questions and he was clearly not sure doing that was the right idea. As we talked it turned out that two other teeth seem to be a much higher priority and the one I was told needed doing was low on the list and likely to create additional problems if we tried to do it. Walked out with nothing done for now and a list of priorities for when I am ready to proceed. Thankful.

Also thankful the dermatologist found nothing of concern. As a teenager I put on a bikini and suntan lotion and layer on the concrete deck of the public pool for hours. Many a sunburn but I guess most in my generation did the same. Sunscreen was not on anyone’s radar back then.

Yeah for healthcare access and the funds to pay for it but boo for needing it

 I already mentioned that I need to schedule getting a crown on a tooth with hairline fractures. Yesterday I had my suspicions of a UTI confirmed and started antibiotics for that. It was surprisingly hard to get the lab test ordered and then to get the prescription filled took persistence. I did get a laugh as the quite young pharmacist faced with a prescription for penicillin asked a colleague if it wasn’t the oldest antibiotic produced. Yes, and it saved my Dad’s life when he had a ruptured appendix back when it was newly available. That means I am here to get its benefit too.

I delayed my mammogram until mid May based on the recommendation of waiting 6 weeks after your second COVID shot to help avoid a false positive due to lymph node swelling from immune system response. I was able to book the bone density test to be done right afterwards at least.

Now I am trying to sort out pre-op blood work, EKG and in person doctor visit and avoid the blood work and Zoom doctor visit as follow up for my physical. Don’t have the answer yet if they will let me combine them or insist on separate tracks.

Again, very happy it is all available and I can pay for it but thanks pandemic for bunching it all together in the space of a few weeks to be followed by foot surgery!

Then there is the little old poodle’s healthcare. We now have her blood pressure under control but her kidney function tests still are showing poor results. The vet is switching one of the blood pressure meds to see if it does a better job on kidney function. At least her quality of life is back to being good, she is energetic and playful and she is eating like there will be no more food if she doesn’t eat it all right now. So there is that to be very happy about. Maybe it is our age or the pandemic but we are all about prioritizing quality of life right now.

I’m not sure how people who aren’t comfortable with using computers get their healthcare organized these days. All this not only took lots of computer messaging to the doctor’s office but also the persistence, time and willingness to make repeated phone calls. Interestingly the dentist and vet are the most responsive although everyone I’ve dealt with has been very kind.

Preventing Falls in Older Adults - Great resource materials

Sometimes the internet just gives us great resources. I traveled from this NPR article  Simple Ways to Prevent Falls in Older Adults to the referenced CDC website of resources for caregivers and older adults re: preventing falls. Materials for Older Patients

The whole medication and low blood pressure issue talked about in the NPR article really hit home for me. I wan't an "older adult" but I had an acute heart problem that led to big blood pressure drops when I stood up (all fine now) and fortunately I didn't fall. My FIL wasn't so fortunate and fell quite a lot in his final years due to rapid blood pressure drops when he stood up.

Please take a look and pass on this information and resources!

I'm weary!

I'm blaming the marathon of moving being over and the letdown that accompanies the end of sustained effort. Or it could be that I'm trying to increase my exercise level but haven't decreased the caffeine intake. Maybe it is that glass of wine each night or the lack of full, interesting days. Perhaps the lingering effect of the recent flu shot

Don't know but I'm just plain tired right now. We went out to eat last night at a no effort restaurant and I lounged on the couch another night while Hubby made dinner. I'm doing one major household chore a day rather than a day of chores. Took a nap one day. Hopefully this will pass soon.

My usual response is to up my activity level and try to power through it unless I can see that I am actually ill in which case I take to the couch or bed if possible. This time I am considering whether or not to do optional things and only doing them if they are energizing me.

So I'm making progress on my September goal list but cutting back on it too. Phone calls instead of travel for example. 

Family and Friends Related

√ Meet up with cousins during their vacation

·        Go to visit granddaughter using credit with Southwest plus some more

√ Have lunch with elderly aunt and uncle – we had a long phone call instead

·        Arrange to get together with another cousin and an old friend

√ Write aunt and a cousin

Call friend in former location to hear about her vacation in Italy

Personal

√ Pick out a pattern to make a small cross body purse

       ·        and get fabric

So far so good - Keep promise to myself by stretching and exercising daily starting 9/9

·        Add one more weekly activity to my yoga class and OLLI class (sewing group, genealogy, music & motion?)

√ Get flu shot

Cross Country Move Related

Came by to see what needs to be done & hope to get bit and appointment soon - Schedule handyman service for:

-        Recirculating pump installed and outlet under sink removed

-        Holes in attic firewall between garage and living area repaired

-        Back door threshold repair

√ Shutters for family room window ordered

·        Update wills, power of attorney, health care power of attorney, living trust

·        Identify items needed for earthquake/emergency supplies & bug out kits for home & car; start purchasing

√ Purchased additional first aid items; started a backpack for car with shoes, flashlight, survival blanket, some first aid supplies, bottles of water

Retirement Related

√ Hubby sign up for Medicare Parts A & B

Others Added

Welcome to Medicare appointment

DDS appointment and insurance

Don't forget to take care of yourself when making big life changes

Going through a big life change? How about a cross country move? Add in downsizing, daily chores, aging body and much more to create a time when you definitely need to prioritize taking care of yourself along with getting everything done.

I haven't been following my own advice. Skipping exercise. Stress eating by loading up on carbs and having an extra glass of wine. So what am I doing about it?

One thing is that I decided to invest in getting advice on nutrition in an integrated medicine context within the parameters of my particular body health and medical conditions/medications. I had the first meeting yesterday and we discussed a lot that I know I should do, but also some things I didn't know or hadn't thought about.

That included the impact of taking a daily low dose of antibiotic and how to  counter that nutritionally. Why I have ridges on my fingernails. The fact that I may have a low level of stomach acid and how to  check that out (this could explain why I no longer like to eat high acid foods such as oranges, strawberries and some apples). How my diet may contribute to inflammation in my body.

She brought over a nifty scale that in addition to measures body fat, muscle and bone %s, visceral fat and how many calories you can eat to maintain your current weight if you are totally inactive. It even gives you an estimate of your body age for what that is worth.

I'm looking forward to her follow up report as I want the recommendations to see what I can do right now. Then our meetings are on hold until I get to CA and unpack a bit. We will do follow ups and weekly phone support via phone or skype. No more nifty scale measures though!

Overall my short terms nutrition goals are to
- Increase my hydration and do this consciously as I typically don't feel thirsty and I prefer coffee over other liquids.
- Plan breakfasts and lunches to get more fiber and protein - we do dinner quite well.
- Create some snack combos that are healthy and curb my cravings for sugar and fat (cookies anyone?).
- Add some probiotic rich foods and/or supplements to counter the impact of the antibiotic (yogurt and kefir top the list right now as fermented foods tend to have too much salt for me).
- Explore ways to balance stomach acid in addition to idea of eating more bitter greens which I do love. Not sure about drinking apple cider vinegar LOL.


Today at Trader Joe's I bought some unsweetened Kefir to try, a women's multivitamin and some hummus for snacks. A start.

What are you doing just for yourself?

What about after the move and settling in?

I really enjoyed reading Tamara's spring bucket list and realized that it was time to think about what I was going to do and/or explore doing once we move, fix what needs fixing in the new house and are ready to get out in the larger world. So here are some ideas. A work in progress but I tend to hunker down and am seeing as I leave my current community that I squandered opportunities for great friendship and more fun by not being the one to reach out.

I want to be physically active so
- explore what I can do using the pool, gym, etc. at our HOA community
- try out the YMCA, parks & rec dept, and/or pilates studios to find the right community and exercise
- find good walking locations for with and without the dog

I want to eat right for my current body and health goals as well as cooking for Hubby's different dietary needs. To that end I am starting a Nutrition Counseling program on Wednesday. Stay tuned on that. But in my new home
- shop the Saturday farmer's market as this is an agricultural area
- try one new dinner recipe a week
- try different restaurants to find that magical mix of healthy, enjoyable and right price

I need a new community of friends and to get to know my sons, DILs, nieces & nephew, BIL, FIL and cousins in a new way that happens with more time together.
- schedule fun times and quiet times with each
- explore what is available in the HOA community
- look into sr. university, art or other classes
- find a compatible book club, walking group, mystery writers group, live theatre, etc.
- network with current friends and family to find who they might know in the area and make friends.
- get in the habit of having people over again
- throw a housewarming party and invite neighbors - or better yet throw 2 with one for neighbors and one for family

Decorating our new house to really work as our home is a priority.
- Work with people who can help create a vision and source fun, comfortable, affordable furnishings while enjoying the process
- Make sure what we buy is really right for us and not make do

How was your physical fitness 20 years ago?

I have been thinking about why I was 20 pounds thinner, had more stamina and was stronger 20 years ago. I don't want to give more credit to aging and menopause than is appropriate!

Eating:

I have been contemplating how my relationship to food was different when I weighed 20 pounds less. Yes I was 20 years younger and pre-menopause but I also ate differently as I recall.

What we ate was very similar but there was very little snacking and definitely not the going out for coffee drinks and sweet desserts in the afternoon. I ate smaller portions - for example half a sandwich not a whole one with the same amount of meat, tomatoes, lettuce but half the bread. Going to think about this some more and really think about portion sizes and servings per day in different food categories.

I found this visual on portion sizes very helpful too. A sign of cultural changes perhaps that now protein portion size if represented by a cellphone instead of a deck of cards? Check it out here Visual food portion recommendations

Drinking:

My husband and I talked about this and as we recall there was rarely alcohol in the house. Yes we would have a beer when out for Mexican food but not drink regularly like we do now.
 
Boredom & Stress:

I've also realized with further thinking that I rarely ate when I was bored. I tended to go for a walk instead but then I lived in S. California which was more conducive to that than Atlanta often is. In fact I walked a lot back then. 

I do recall feeling more stressed but boredom when near a refrigerator of coffee house is not being dealt with the same healthier habits.

So what to do? 

I am definitely focusing on portion sizes and healthier snacks. I am also trying to ramp up my exercise in the face of walking outdoors being unpleasant. I had been only going to Pilates once a week with minimal exercise except for short dog walks and daily activities otherwise.

I am ramping up my use of my 30 minute gaiam stretching DVD. I tried the Wellness Center's stretch class but found the instruction lacking so back to the DVD.

I am determined to become able to swim laps for exercise. I have only gone once and am going again this afternoon. Hard work and my stamina is low right now so actual swimming time is short. Should get better if I stick with it.

I tried using light weights for upper arm exercises and need to do more of that.

The big decision is coming up as to whether or not to continue my expensive private Pilates sessions. I do think they are beneficial but need to combine them with a lot more exercise if I am to get strong again.

  

Allegies, stress, contractors and classes

Welcome to Atlanta in the Spring where we check the pollen count before engaging in any outdoor activity! We are really suffering this year but this morning I decided it is a cold type thing on top of allergies and oddly that makes me feel better about feeling badly.

I'm also acknowledging that I am stressed about moving, etc. Time to be kinder to myself. It hasn't helped that my husband has been in pain from a tooth problem and neck problems as well as allergies/cold problems. Well, we will just have to buck up I think.

On the preparing to move front we have had two contractors over and are waiting on estimates. We will have to replace two windows but found out we can just fix the third one (yeah!). The main floor bathroom redo will include a new tub and tile surround, new floor, new vanity counter top and sink. I am hoping we can reface the existing vanity to save money there. Since we are doing this to get top dollar in resale price and not to please ourselves, we are also going to hire someone to help us pick out materials for this renovation and make tweaking/painting/light fixture change recommendations for the rest of the house. Onward.

I started 4 senior university classes this week and like 3 of them. I took advantage of the one change per term option and switched the 4th one to something I hope I will enjoy more.

That's it here. What is up with you?

On spinal anatomy, pain, and the wonders of physical therapy

My body keeps teaching me things LOL.

Last weekend I noticed that I had significant pain and restricted range of motion when I tipped my head forward or to the left. Enter my wonderful Physical Therapist who made space for me on her calendar yesterday and today in hopes that I can get on an airplane on Tuesday without lots of pain. I like pain free travel and family visits don't you?

So what is the problem? My spinal facet joints have grabbed bits of tissue and are grinding them when I move - facet joint impingement it is called. What was most interesting to me was the fact that I even have facet joints (Spine Universe) which are what connects the vertebrae together and run along the sides of your spine.

Lots of improvement after the first PT session and I am hoping for more after today's. Then I hope my tendency to be very diligent about doing the assigned PT exercises will help me be pain free or at least minimal.

Stretching in the 5 weeks of December

I am going to make the challenge for this month be to stretch my mind, body and money! I know that there are only 30 days in December but I'm challenging myself from November 30th through January 3rd to get in those 5 weeks and hopefully set some new habits.

Mind:
- Read one non-fiction book a week so I can learn something. I'm in the middle of a history of the British Women's Institute right now and it is interesting. I also have a travel book we bought duirng a museum visit last week and need to get going on it.
- Go to a free Christmas chamber music concert.
- Cook something new to take to my book club Christmas party. I'm thinking a great hor dourves dish or perhaps cranberry almond biscotti to use up ingredients in my pantry. Or even both?

Body:
- Use my stretching DVD at least 4 times a week and do not pay for stretch classes. I started November 30th!
- Walk the dog every day. (0.75 miles)
- Take one urban hike each week. I have mapped two routes. One is 2.5 miles. The other is 4.25 miles.
- Pilates session each week. If my trainer is off for vacation be sure to schedule with someone else.

Money:
- See how long we can go without eating out! We had a great time including eating out a fair bit during our Thanksgiving week staycation and family visit. I am usually the one who suggests we go out so I am the one who needs to do better at planning to eat at home.
- Do not buy any books. I have started a list of ones to request inter-library loan.
- Order Christmas gifts from kids lists and have shipped directly to them or send checks.
- Stick to no clothes shopping. My one exception is a pair of sweatpants if I find ones I really like.
- Order debit cards for each of us.
- Check husband's SS statement.
- Get free credit reports and read carefully.

What are your goals for the month?

Well now, that was a painful new experience

Let me say up front that apart from a bruise on one arm and a bump on my head I am just fine. Very early Friday morning I wasn't though.

Suffering some gastro-intestinal distress probably from the spicy sausage that was part of Thursday's dinner, I trekked into the bathroom about 3:30am. Last thing I remember before coming to flat on my back on the tile floor was starting to walk back to the bedroom.

I've never fainted before and it was very strange to be trying to figure out where I was and how I got there. My husband said it sounded like a very large tree branch hitting the roof. We got around later on Friday to joking that it was a branch of the family tree that fell!

The best I can come up with is that the dinner plus possibly the Ibuprofen I took caused acute gastris and that resulted in a rapid drop in blood pressure. Go figure.

After spending Friday being waited on by my husband, napping excessively with the dog, and eating very small bland meals I seem to be on the mend although the aches from falling are compounded by those from the really hard Pilates session I had on Thursday. Thank goodness it seems I can take Tylenol.

Counting my blessings that I didn't hit anything on the way down and hoping never to repeat!

What will you accomplish this week?

Christine over at Spring Cleaning 365 suggests that today's daily task be to "Write down every single thing that you need to accomplish this week. Then schedule those things (but make sure they’re the RIGHT things) on your calendar. That way you’ll know WHEN you will accomplish those things on your to-do list." Well I do love a list and I haven't been getting much done so let's give it a shot.

Hmm .... Lose 5 pounds while eating cupcakes and ice cream? Book a trip to Paris? Magically know exactly where we will move in the summer of 2017? Guess that isn't what she meant!

I'm starting with my commitments:

Wednesday: Vet for monthly shot, Annual eye exam
Thursday: Volunteer book sorting at library, Monthly book club in evening including pick up food to take

Add in weekly chores:

Sunday: Wash linens
Monday: Clothes laundry, Clean house
Wednesday: Grocery shop at supermarket, Vet for monthly shot, Annual eye exam
Thursday: Volunteer book sorting at library, Monthly book club in evening including pick up food to take

And now exercise - keeping in mind predicted rain on Thursday and Friday and that I cancelled my gym membership as I just wasn't using it enough. I have rearranged our office to make space for at home workouts and the warmer weather will make long walks easier:

Sunday: Wash linens, Walk the Beltline with Hubby with lunch at midpoint
Monday: Laundry, Clean house, Stretch DVD, Walk dog
Tuesday: Long walk with dog
Wednesday: Stretch DVD, Walk dog, Grocery shop at supermarket, Vet for monthly shot, Annual eye exam
Thursday: Volunteer book sorting at library, Monthly book club in evening including pick up food to take
Friday: Stretch DVD, Walk dog if weather permits
Saturday: Long walk without dog

What else needs to get done? Rake leaves in driveway and courtyard and prune 2 bushes. Complete Federal and State amended tax returns due to late arriving data from inheritance. Confirm room available for annual meeting for Friends of the Library and transfer membership email list to a Gmail account. Alter a top and a pair of capris. Watch 4 Craftsy class sessions on altering clothing. Thrift shops for donation and warm weather clothing additions. Check out new to me stores for wardrobe additions. Find new groomer for dog. Wash car. Schedule bone density test and mammogram.

It was interesting to build my list this way and it includes time with friends, Hubby and pet, health, exercise, volunteering, workable wardrobe efforts, and homemaking.

The list got pretty long even though it doesn't include daily cooking and clean up! Doable? I'll let you know how it goes!

Sunday: Wash linens, Walk the Beltline with Hubby with lunch at midpoint, Rake leaves & prune, Start on amended tax returns.
Monday: Laundry, Clean house (half done), Stretch DVD, Walk dog, Alter top and capris, Confirm room availability for Friends annual meeting (left 2 messages - no response).
Tuesday: Long walk with dog,  Watch Craftsy class sessions 1 & 2, Thrift donations and shop, Visit potential new groomer
Wednesday: Stretch DVD, Walk dog. Grocery shop at supermarket, Vet for monthly shot, Annual eye exam (rescheduled due to Dr. running very late), Wash car.
Thursday: Volunteer book sorting at library (to Friday), Schedule bone density test and mammogram, Watch Craftsy class session 3 & 4 (NO, already know this unfortunately so this was a waste of money), Finish cleaning house, Monthly book club in evening including pick up food to take.
Friday: Stretch DVD, Walk dog if weather permits, Clothes shopping (postponed) & haircut
Saturday: Long walk without dog, Transfer membership email list to Gmail account, Finish amended tax returns (NO, taking to an accountant).

So far to go on my exercise program

So I talked to a woman my age at the gym after yoga class and asked her how she worked in her weight workouts with the class. Obviously I have a way to go on my fitness. She had done 30 min of aerobics on the cross trainer and upper body and abs workouts before yoga! She goes to the gym 6 days a week as a health intervention as she has rheumatoid arthritis and can't move if she doesn't work out. I certainly felt like a slug as I was simply wondering whether to do weights tomorrow or Wednesday!

Vaccinations aren't just for children!

Yesterday I went for my annual physical and brought up that it had been a bit over 5 years since my last pneumonia vaccine. I received it at an earlier age than most due to a health issue.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that there are now two types of pneumonia vaccines recommended for those of us 65 or older. The one I received yesterday (PCV13)used to only be given to children but is now for seniors as well. I'll have to wait until next year to redo the other one.

Some interesting facts about pneumonia from the handout I was given.

"There are more than 90 types of pneumococcal bacteria. PCV13 protects against 13 of them. The 13 strains cause most severe infections in children and about half of infections in adults. ... A second type of pneumococcal vaccine, called PPSV23, may also be given to some children and adults, including anyone over age 65."

And don't forget the shingles vaccine that could keep you from having an outbreak or at least reduce its severity, your diphtheria-tetanus booster every 10 years and your annual flu shot.

There is so much about our health that we can't impact so why not do everything that is in your control to prevent illness!

Healthier eating as we age - what to choose?

We have been looking again at our diet as we try to balance nutrition and food sensitivities, gout and different metabolisms. Just talking to others about what they are doing to be as healthy as possible makes the head spin a bit. One couple is doing Paleo and have lost weight and seen cholesterol levels drop dramatically. Another person is on a macrobiotic diet while going through chemo. Then there is the wine, beer, butter, meat and lots of good vegetables couple.

Our diet had evolved to limited dairy items (Greek yogurt and some cheese), soy milk, chicken/fish/pork, lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Due to my husband's gout we have eliminated beer and have white wine only when out to eat. Still we can improve. Too much coffee and breads although they are whole grain. An increase in vegetable quantity wouldn't hurt. We are not going to go to extremes but I need to get back some excitement around planning and cooking meals. I do see why my Mom was plain sick of meal preparation late in life!

I'm back to trying to include more vegetarian dinners in the rotation. Tonight it is kale and roasted vegetable soup from the Simply Recipes blog with fruit salad and cornbread. Tomorrow we are back to meat with a turkey meatloaf with sweet potato and at least one other vegetable dish.

Are you doing anything specific with your diet to maximize your health as you age?

Retirement and health care costs

We all know that health care costs are the wild card in planning financially for retirement - or before retirement for that matter. This is the best article I have seen on the topic. Hope it helps.

Next Avenue's blog article on Retirement health costs: Planning for the wild card