Stroke

I'm a marathoner. So, whether in training or the off-season, I'm fairly regularly engaged in some form of exercise, obviously especially running. Even housework can be exercise, and I have a two-story house to contend with.

A friend of mine (in his 60s) suffered a stroke and he and his wife wrote an amazing book about it called One Stroke, Two Survivors. What is so great about the book is that it's a memoir of how both survived it, from the frightening stroke, to the rehab to all the frustrations that the caregiver has, as well as the patient.

It's published by the Cleveland Clinc.

I try to exercise. I go to the gym once a month when I remember. I play on a softball team once/week, but only 3 months of the year. Then, I realize I'm not really exercising "most days of the week" as is recommended.

So, what I actually do is just "be active" on a daily basis. I walk to the mailbox (it's down the street a few blocks, not just by our driveway!). I take many "stroller walks" with my son. If we go out to eat, we walk for an hour around the downtown area or into art stores/gift shops. I play outside and not inside. I try to work outside and not indoors...that helps me cut down on my grazing, too. I take the stairs and not the elevator. Cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking dinner...those are all activities that help, too!

I have always felt guilty about not exercising...but I think being active on a daily basis helps.

I don't exercise daily although I suppose I should, especially with that news!

I really believe in getting out even in the cold but in our extreme cold, it's not physically possible to go outdoors and a gym isn't feasible.

I'm buying a bike this spring and cannot wait!

Knowing that just moderate exercise can help avoid a stroke is a good enough reason for anyone to step it up just a bit.