Vegas Voice 11-18

Age - What’s That?
By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness
How many readers out there “cringe” when
you are asked for your age?
Whether it is for an application of some sort or
a general question, I see many of my friends hesitate on the birth year.
I am NOT afraid to admit how young I am – a happy, healthy, 73-yearyoung
active adult!
I attended the annual Zumba Instructor Convention in Orlando
this July. Approximately 10,000 attended world-wide! Workshops and
trainings were four days from 9am – 6pm, and we still partied at night!
During one workshop, a question was raised: “How do you promote
Zumba for 50+ adults?” The moderator asked me to stand up and give
my age.
Without hesitation, I proudly announced “I’m 73 years young.” The
audience applauded and then proceeded to discuss my students – of
whom I’m so very proud!
The majority of my students are in the 50+ age group and very
active. For all the new students that attend any of my classes, I explain
to him or her that Zumba is for everyone!
If they have any physical limitations, I advise them of some
modifications to accommodate the limitations. It doesn’t matter about
the age factor; it just matters of the physicality of the student.
I love the statement “age is important ONLY if you are wine or
cheese!” How true! And as I tell my students, be thankful to celebrate
another birthday! I look forward to my birthdays, as I celebrate the
whole month of December!
Exercise assists the body to keep healthy, and keeping healthy helps
you keeping youthful, both in mind and body! Studies have shown that
an active mind helps to slow down the ageing process.
We certainly cannot stop the clock, but we sure can keep the brain
active and alert! Endorphins kick in when the body is exercising. The
power of exercise burns calories, helps toning muscles, assists with
better sleep and feeling better.
So, the next time someone asks you “what is your age”, be proud to
say, “yes, I’m _____ years young and happy to be here!
Positive attitude and good health to all!
Mary Richard was crowned Ms. Senior Nevada 2006, was first
runner-up for Ms. Senior America 2006 and is a life-time
dancer. Mary can be reached at mary-vegasvoice@cox.net.
32
November 2018
When the Heart & Mind Suffer
By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You
Psychological and emotional disorders can
cause a great deal of suffering - both in the
lives of the person affected as well as their family
and friends. The usual protocol for afflictions such as these is drugs or
counseling.
I recently attended training that shed a different light on problems
such as these. The concept is that we undergo experiences in life and we
are supposed to process them. This is how we grow.
Some experiences however are too difficult, too painful or too
frightening and we block them unconsciously from being fully
processed. In essence, we become “stuck.”
Taken from Daoist philosophy, the idea is that our body, mind, heart
and spirit are not separate entities. Instead they are interrelated and
interdependent.
Daoists believe that the all aspects of self are responsible for processing
life’s experiences, not just your brain or nervous system. As an example,
most of us have felt that pain in the area of the heart when you are
“heart broken.”
The doctor may tell you that your (physical) heart is fine but you can
still feel pain or emptiness there. The heart is more than just a physical
organ and pain is more than just a nervous system response.
While some people can process such difficult events, others seem
“stuck” and it can affect many areas of their lives - physically,
emotionally and psychologically. The person may develop anxiety,
depression, insomnia, loss of identity/sense of self, feeling or being
impotent, indulge in self-sabotaging behavior, feel discontented with
life or have difficulty feeling loved.
Because the body, mind, heart and spirit are interconnected, this
inability to process life’s experiences can result in serious medical
problems following difficult experiences like divorce or the loss of a
loved one.
The solution is to gently re-establish flow so the person can properly
process the experiences in an effort to find peace and balance. If you are
suffering and have not found resolution, this may offer hope.
Dr. Kyo Mitchell served as faculty at Bastyr University in Seattle
and Wongu University in Las Vegas for over a decade. Dr. Mitchell
practices in Summerlin and can be reached at 702-481-6216 or
rkyomitchell@gmail.com.