A Slow Beginning in the Neighborhood

This evening, I decided to take a quick walk after coming home from work to get in the steps to make my daily goal and take advantage of the pleasant January weather.  I started alow because I was still a little sore and stiff from yesterday's pool aerobic workout.  I took a route close to home so I could walk and get home before dark.  As I walked up a slight hill, I was approaching an older woman walking her 2 dogs.  The dogs weren't big and didn't seem threatening or overly aggressive, so I didn't break my stride and continued on my path.  Well, the lady made what I thought was an unusual move - she stepped off the sidewalk and made both her dogs sit in place.  As I passed her, I looked over my shoulder to see if she and her dogs were still in that same spot or if she had moved on.  Well, not surprisingly, the lady didn't move - she continued to watch me  until I turned the corner - I guess to make certain this black woman dressed in typical exercise wear wouldn't double back and try to do her harm.  The area where I was walking is alongside a relatively busy main thoroughfare.  Additionally, the lady had the advantage of having the 2 dogs with her that she could sic on me.  At first, I thought to double back and graciously tell the woman she had nothing to fear about me. On 2nd thought, I chose not to because she may feel 'threatened' by my presence.  What was funny (at least to me) is that I saw the same woman on my way back home.  This time she started to turn.   As she slowly walking away, she looked over her shoulder to watch me.  I just shook my head in dismay.

Despite this woman's not so subtle actions, I met my step goal - even exceeded it.  No turning around.

1st Workout of 2017!

Well, it was only about 15 mins, but it did give me the BURN!  Took my new 'Simply Fit Board' for its 1st spin.  It's been shown and TV so I bought one for myself and mom for Christmas.   I worked on the intro workout called the Basic Twist. I had a good sweat going after only about 5 mins.   Got a good core and leg workout.

The instructional DVD has several  additional workouts.   Also, the board is a good size the travel with (maybe not flying - could take up needed luggage space)  - but this would be good to carry on road trips.

This is one I definitely will use again and again.

Wise Water Wednesday - Interesting Water Facts

Water is a very vital resource for humans. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), a person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water.  This infographic from SaveTheWater.org website demonstrates just how little water is available for human use.

When human activity pollutes or threatens the quality of our drinking water in one part of the world, it has rippling effects in other parts, it threatens the health and livelihood of people everyone.  The Flint water crisis really brought drinking water quality issues in this country to the forefront.  There are more cities and communities whose drinking water may not be as save as their people realize.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, US drinking water supplies are considered some of the safest sources in the world. However, water contamination still exists.  Some sources include:

"Sewage releases

Naturally occurring chemicals and minerals (for example, arsenic, radon, uranium)
Local land use practices (for example, fertilizers, pesticides, livestock, concentrated feeding operations)
Manufacturing processes (for example, heavy metals, cyanide)
Malfunctioning on-site wastewater treatment systems (for example, septic systems)

In addition, drinking water that is not properly treated or which travels through an improperly maintained distribution system (for example, the piping system) may also create an environment for contamination [this is at the heart of the controversy in Flint].

The presence of certain contaminants in our water can lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons may be especially susceptible to illness."

Runners, joggers, walkers and exercise enthusiasts alike know water is an important part of our training. We take for granted having clean water readily accessible. 

For example, Dr. Kathleen Zelman, nutrition director for WebMD, offers this Rx for proper hydration for outdoor activity: 

* Drink about 2 cups (16 oz) of fluid about 2 hours before starting our outdoor activity (water is preferably, but fruit juice diluted with water or sports drink are good choices).
* Drink 4-6 oz. every 15-20 minutes to keep your muscles hydrated.
* Finally, drink up when you're done.  If you weigh before and after you exercise, you need to drink 20 oz. of fluid for every pound of water weight you lose.

Water quality can, and does, have a direct link to human health.  Consequently, proper regulation and oversight of drinking water supplies is so critical. 
Next week's installation will examine how drinking water is regulated in the US.