‘Get out and stop and smell the roses. Too hot? Grab a grocery cart and add some steps by traveling the lanes of the grocery store for some exercise.’ Courtesy/Bernadette Lauritzen
By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind and I debated writing about the subject. I did feel that it could be what someone needs to hear at just the right time.
I had a breast cancer scare and as my mother passed after breast cancer that then moved into her brain, needless to say, I am slightly more cautious. This time the report came back for more images, then led to an ultrasound.
After doing additional images, really a story within itself, myself and four other women waited in our fancy wraps, in what I will call the room of SIGH-lence. One younger gal vacillated between her eyes pooling with tears, texting frantically and sighing heavily, until her name was called again.
The remaining four tried not to make eye contact, but be non-verbally cordial. That was more painful than the smash. Finally, I had to say something, feel free to insert the thought, of course you did Bernadette here. So, I said, “The least we could do is get to play with puppies?” That instantly lightened the mood of the room because they all agreed aloud and the awkward silence came to an end.
The breast ultra sound was new for me and to be honest, I was sure the verdict was coming down. She marked my breast, took many pictures of one spot and my armpit where the naughty lymph nodes can be the next problem. I was fascinated how your brain can write a story in both directions at the same time. Luckily all ended well for me and I could do nothing to help the others, but pray for them not knowing them or their fate. So why write about it?
The last 3 years of the pandemic two of my office mates and myself would joke, they say God doesn’t give you more than you can handle. I would say to the duo, he trusts us so much that I am afraid what was next. So, what did I learn that I should share?
If you have skipped tests during this time, stop neglecting them. A non-diagnosis doesn’t equal no illness, whether it is cancer, dementia or diabetes. If you are in decent health, make better choices now. Stop drinking the giant soda, smoking or not eating fruits or vegetables. Do you know why many seniors have to go into assisted living? Their caretakers can’t lift them anymore.
If you have the ability to lose even a few pounds, just do it. If you can do small things to be more flexible, start today. If it is hot outside, walk your hallway, go out to the mailbox several times a day, once to check mail, once to leave a treat for the mail carrier, and another time to check the mail because you know it is late enough.
Most people I know don’t want to go into assisted living, but I know many ages downing energy and fast food like they are going off the market. If you keep it up, you will be 60s and feel 90. No disrespect because I could name several 90+ that could run circles around me.
By 2030, New Mexico will be number 3 in the nation for population 60 and older. What can you do to be a better or healthier senior? Have a good attitude, be more kind, and make a few friends along the way. Also, whenever possible ask someone to pet their dog, it is the best stress reliever for sure.