Dr. Rippe's Blog

Thomas Jefferson once said, "The most treasured times in my life were spent in the bosom of my family." I couldn't agree more. Family relationships can sometimes be difficult, but when families cherish their bond there is no greater support.

Studies have shown that people who are connected to their families and friends are generally healthier than people who do not. For example, a five-year study conducted at Duke University followed more than 1,400 men and women who were undergoing heart catheterization because of significant narrowing of at least one coronary artery. At the end of the study, people who were not married or did not have at least one close confidante or friend were three times as likely to have died as those who had close connections to other people.

If you feel you need more time with family or friends, there may be some adjustments you can make to achieve that goal. You may be able to increase time with family or friends by sharing more meals together or planning movie nights or educational events together.  You might even work together as family on some ordinary household chores--cleaning indoors or doing outdoor work not only goes faster, it can be more fun when you do it together. Another great option is to sign up together for Your Plan for a Balanced Life and perform your walking or other activity program together and share the preparation of balanced meals.

The most important way to get more time with family and friends is to make that a priority.

What, you may be wondering, is functional fitness.  In its simplest terms, functional fitness is the ability to carry out all the activities of daily living easily and with enjoyment. These activities range from daily personal and household maintenance chores to being able to get out to accomplish activities beyond the home such as grocery shopping, social activities and cultural activities.  Skills include such things as the ability to carry a couple of sacks of groceries from store to car or to climb a flight of stairs easily and safely or to play in the backyard with children or grandchildren.

When we are in our twenties and thirties, most people have good reserves of energy and strength and never think about functional fitness.  But as we pass age forty and beyond, our fitness reserves tend to diminish unless we perform regular cardio, strength, and flexibility activities to maintain these abilities. If you are following the Activity Programs for a Balanced Life then you are boosting your functional fitness and building reserves. This is very important is you are older.

If you need a little motivating, taking a simple balance test may give you an insight into an important aspect of functional fitness.  Here's how to do the 30-second, eyes open balance test.  You'll need a stop watch or watch with a second hand. Wear flat shoes with nonslippery soles On a level, solid surface (such as a hardwood or tile floor), stand on your dominant leg and lift the other off the floor, bending at the knee and raising your lower leg behind you. Keep your arms at your side; eyes are open.  Begin timing when you lift your leg.  If you are able to balance for 30 seconds, your balance is excellent whatever your age. If you maintain your balance for 15 seconds or more, you are above average (woman or man, age 40 and up). The older you are the better this is.  If you score under 15 seconds, you've got another good reason to stay with your Balanced Life Activity programs or other exercise programs.

Many news headlines this past week have fixed on rising unemployment figures in the U.S., adding fuel to the fires of anxiety for many of us. Even if your own mortgage and employment are secure, it's hard not to worry when the news is full of financial crisis and when more personal signs of distress may be nearby: news of a neighbor's job loss or a "pre-foreclosure" sale sign on a house down the street. When threats to your employment are real (perhaps your company is cutting back), anxiety can be overwhelming. Whatever, your situation these strategies may be helpful.

• Take a realistic look at your situation. By carefully and calmly analyzing your own situation, you can separate your situation and prospects from the gloomy (sometimes sensational) projections of news media. What is your employment situation realistically? What steps can you take now to prepare for future possibilities, including a "worst case" scenario?  Taking positive steps can help you cope.
• Don't be a "news" junkie. Staying glued to the television or online economic news and blogs can rev up anxiety and immobilize you. Stay in touch with what's happening but don't fixate on it.
• Find something productive to do. If your job is seriously in jeopardy, prepare to move forward. Get your resume updated. Get your finances in order. Begin to network with others in your field. Think creatively about job opportunities your skills may qualify you for.  If your job is secure, why not join volunteer efforts that help others. Spend time with friends and family, rather than spending money.
• Take care of yourself physically. Eat balanced meals, get regular physical activity, and stay rested. The programs for a balanced life on Start Making Choices can provide a framework to help you meet these goals, particularly if you are trying to stop being anxious.
• Talk to a professional if you need help. If anxiety over debt or finances are a major worry, consulting a qualified financial planner or credit counselor can help you plan and take action in a timely manner. If you feel overwhelmed or frozen with anxiety, consult your physician who should be able to direct you to an appropriate counselor.