Bits and Pieces

·         Sugar Intake: I drink two cups of coffee each morning, first thing. I pour three heaping teaspoons full of sugar into the brew, each cup. I love coffee and its taste but dislike the bitterness. Thus, sugar is consumed. But that’s it. I use sugar rarely thereafter. I used to consume pots of coffee daily but that involved a lot of sugar. Later in life I realized I used too much sugar, and it couldn’t be good for me. So, I limited my coffee intake and that solved the immediate problem. I put sugar on hot and cold cereals, too, but then I started to avoid cereals. Problem eliminated. How much sugar do you consume?

·         Salt Intake: like sugar, salt is a common dietary component in our eating habits. It is used as an ingredient and often used to add to the final product on my plate. I read that salt was not good for the body so monitored my use of it. Now I rarely use it and then sparingly. A little salt on a steak is a good thing, on a casserole or potato dish? Not so much. I lightly salt vegetables but only after tasting. I have discovered many strategies to lighten my salt load. I don’t often think of it, but it has become a new habit. Like sugar consumption, new dietary habits can prove effective.

·         Moving The Body: most likely, moving the body is the most important topic in today’s blog. Standing, stretching, and walking. It doesn’t have to be an exercise regimen, just moving keeps the body burning calories, fat, sugar and salt. Activity is the name of the game. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are great but used all the time robs the body of activity. Walkers and rollators require leg action as well as standing to use it. I have reduced moving the body and noticed a resulting reduction in mobility capability. The two are related intrinsically. Move and keep mobility alive. It helps to reduce food intake as we become less mobile. That lessens the accumulation of fat which only lessens mobility.

All of these topics pertain to managing one’s body, especially as it ages. In my case, 80+ requires active health management. Otherwise, couch potato status soon follows and then death. The answer is to pay attention to diet and remaining active within the limits of the body’s capabilities. I suspect the most important thing to do is keeping the mind active. With that comes interest and cause to consider, relate, research and do. The latter is what actually does the work of keeping the body going.

So, think first, then act. See you next time!

August 18, 2025

 

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