28Our “New Normal”By: Mary Richard / Health FitnessSince “Rona” hit we’ve been adjusting our lives.That goes from “hunkering down” to avoidingcrowds, wearing a mask and continually washingor sanitizing our hands.Some friends have ventured out to restaurants, casinos, large crowds,etc. Some even dare to NOT wear a mask. Sorry, folks, but I’m abidingby wearing my mask as soon as I leave the house (except in my car),avoiding large crowds and NOT going to casinos or restaurants. I carrymy hand sanitizer with me at all times.Also, since my beloved Smith Center is dark right now and we don’tknow when we will be back to work, I’ve had “Smith Center withdrawals.”The beloved shows’ cast, crew and fellow co-workers are missing from mydaily routine.I miss ushering all the fantastic shows that I’ve enjoyed for the past8-1/2 years. But we will re-open again! And it’ll be safe, secure andpristine.Have you gained a little weight? I managed to maintain my weight- but believe me, it’s been tough. Without teaching my beloved Zumbaclasses (while the fitness centers are closed) I’ve taken virtual classes.Not the same as “live” but at least it’s something! Soon I’ll be able toteach “live” again.Do you prep all your vegetables when you get home? I wash the celerystalks and cut them into bite size portions, so they’re ready to nibble whenI have a snack craving.One helpful hint is to shave off a pound a week by cutting just 500calories a day. But do be careful to eat enough – otherwise your body willstart to store energy as fat.You can also drink lots of water. This helps to make you feel a littlefuller and helps with digestion.Rule of thumb: Take half your body weight – divide it by 2 and that isyour “normal” amount of ounces per day. If you exercise or are outsidefor any amount of time, additional ounces of water are needed.Positive attitude and good health to all!Mary Richard is a long term supporter of senior fitness. Sheteaches Zumba, toning and dance classes throughout the Las VegasValley. She can be reached at zumbaqueen@cox.net.August 2020When it Becomes Too MuchBy: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier YouI have practiced medicine for 20 years and I havenever seen anything like this. Our lives have beenheld hostage by COVID-19 for months now.Beyond the infectious effects of the virus and how it can become apotential threat to the body, we are now seeing the effects of shuttingdown and isolating from each other. Patients that usually come in forother complaints are now seeking treatment for stress, anxiety, depressionand insomnia.One of the biggest concerns is that this is creeping up on many peopleslowly. They do not even see it happening to them until they suddenly findthemselves anxious, depressed and not sleeping.It is important to understand what is happening and why. Our nervoussystems are designed to handle and adapt to a certain amount of stress.It was not, however, designed to handle a threat that lasts months on endwith no clear resolution in sight.Add on top of this the protests, riots, concerns about equal treatment,what is happening and may happen to police departments and it becomesthe proverbial straw that can break the camel's back.The sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) becomesoverused and the body forgets how to relax - resulting in anxiety,insomnia, digestive issues, headaches, etc. The unending strain on thebody eventually overwhelms its resources resulting in fatigue, depression,moodiness or the exacerbation of current medical problems.What’s the solution? There’s no easy answer in these times.Social distancing is necessary to decrease the spread of COVID-19 butat the same time, we are a social species. We require interaction andsupport with family, friends and people to stay healthy.Taking a walk with family (when it is not too hot) or exercising withfriends while still maintaining social distance may help. Eating healthy,getting enough sleep, laughing, and engaging in activities the promotepersonal growth will also ease the burden of these times.If you are feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed, please seekmedical attention. There are many modalities and strategies that canhelp you feel better and assist you through these difficult times.Dr. Kyo Mitchell served as faculty at Bastyr University in Seattleand Wongu University in Las Vegas for over a decade. Dr. Mitchellpractices in Summerlin and can be reached at 702-481-6216 orrkyomitchell@gmail.com.
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