HEALTH AND NUTRITION continued HEALTH AND NUTRITION con't next column LET FREEDOM RING con't p. 27 values that moved the Framers during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Its opening words, “We the people,” are a clarion call that a complete change from the existing norm was occurring: The Constitution assures to the body politic as a whole, the benefits of specific purposes for which the Constitution exists. The Fifth purpose is “to promote the general Welfare.” In this context, “general” means applicable to the whole, and not to a particular state or special interest group. So this did not imply a broad grant of power to the federal government. Thereby the underlying values that moved the Framers during Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia were honored and preserved. Effectively this “general welfare” purpose is fulfilled by fulfilling other purposes like having tranquility, justice, and defense. In closing, let me summarize several “take away points” for you to remember: • James Madison did not design a “Charter of Negative Liberties” as some politicians now allege. • He studied history to determine why previous attempts for a Republic had failed. • His findings became the “blueprint” that guided our Founding Fathers on how to avoid those pitfalls.. • Their lodestone was the Declaration which focused on the People’s Unalienable rights granted by their Creator. • Errors of previous Republics were explicitly rejected. That’s the context for The Bill of Rights. • These prohibitions and subsequent are not “negative liberties” to constrain the government. They are legitimate manifestations of true love to protect the People’s Liberty and Freedom. • And that’s the context for the title of this paper! �� Note: The inspiration for writing this article was 3-day Road Scholar tour: Three Friends: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe (Program #9113) to Charlottesville, VA. An excellent tour, especially for teen-age children, easily accessibly from the Pinehurst area. Wesley May Fitness After 50: More Important Now Than Ever by Mark C. Ford CPT Why more important now? You might ask. I’m sure you have heard someone say, “ If I had known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” Unfortunately this is said and felt by way too many people as they enter the senior stage of their lives. I’m sure you have also heard “60 is the new 50, 50 is the new 40” etc. etc. This is very true thanks to the medical advances of the 20th century which have allowed us to enjoy a longer life span than ever seemed possible by our distant ancestors. So if we are going to live longer, then doesn’t it make since to look and feel our best and be able to stay active well into our senior years? Well, with a little discipline and maybe some guidance, this is really quite easy to accomplish. I’m often saddened to see an extremely overweight middle aged individual, limping along with a cane or even worse a walker due to knee or hip complications that could possibly have been avoided. A fitness routine that would have kept their weight within a healthy range and joints and muscles subtle, would make for a much higher quality of life for this person. As a personal trainer, I encounter individuals in various stages of health and fitness. I can honestly say that I have never met anyone who didn’t feel they had some area that could be improved, whether increased strength and stamina or just working on flexibility and balance. Everybody, regardless of age, can benefit from a regimented physical routine designed to meet specific goals. One very important reason to maintain a high level of physical well being, is that at some point you may be called upon to be a care giver to a loved one who can no longer perform the duties they once did. As they look to you for assistance, it will require more effort on your part, and you will need additional strength and mobility as your responsibilities increase. So, what are some basic things you can do to stay on the right track? First of all, try to never have a completely sedentary day. Even just a brisk walk in the evening is better than nothing. You’ve heard the phrase “use it or lose it.” This is very true when it comes to muscle strength and bone density especially as we age and for post menopausal women. Obviously getting enough sleep is another factor in feeling refreshed and having the energy to accomplish the day’s goals. Also, something I believe people neglect, especially in the summer months, is staying hydrated. If you wait until you’re thirsty to drink, then you’re probably already dehydrated to some extent. Water is the best source and contains zero calories in contrast to juice or alcoholic beverages. I am a firm believer that when you eat is just as important as what you eat. Late night snacks do not give your digestive system time to function before bed, and a restful night becomes elusive. If you do eat anything after dinner, fruit or something that is easily digested is advisable. I would like to see everyone strive to be an AOA “ Active Older Adult.” I think if you give it a try you will feel better, have more energy, and might just help motivate others to follow your good example. It’s never to late to improve what I believe is our most important asset, our Health and Well Being. �� Mark Ford is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer who specializes in working with individuals age 50 and above in the comfort of their homes. He can be reached at 910-975-2572 or mford42@nc.rr.com. “If you want to succeed in life, the saying goes, you must pick three bones to carry with you at all times: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funnybone.” ~Reba McEntire Wes May, with his wife, Jeanne, retired to Pinehurst in 1994. His career callings were as a Navy pilot and a sales/marketing manager for naval communications systems. His life-long interest in military and political studies was honed by a broad academic background: two-years of Liberal Arts at Columbia University, BS in Marine Engineering from US Naval Academy, two years studying Political Science at the University of Madrid, Spain as an Olmsted Scholar, MA in International Relations from American University and MS in Management Science from George Washington University. As a naval pilot and communications subspecialist, he served as Commanding Officer of a Navy strategic communications aircraft squadron and of shore communications stations in Iceland and Guam. In addition to “Bucket List” traveling and playing golf, they are active in Moore TEA Citizens and feel blessed to be members of Trinity Christian. Fellowship Church. No. 127 The Pinehurst Gazette, Inc. p.35
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