Thought-provoking Question!

cryptobrit

I was chatting with a friend today I hadn't seen for a while, and we were discussing height. I mentioned how I had 'shrunk' 2 inches over the years due to getting older (quite normal) and because of my curvature of the spine getting worse. My friend asked did I base my height on what it was before my shrinkage/curvature happened, or as it is now (5 ft 2 inches to 5ft). I said I based it on now as that is what I actually measure in height. She then said that as it was due to the curvature of my spine that had made me shrink, then everything is still there as before, i.e. bones, muscles, tendons and so on; and that they were just in a different place. That got me thinking if she had a point. As many apps go by your height and weight, this can make a difference. Thoughts?

UncleMac

Height to weight ratio is the basis of most of the normative charts including the popular BMI (body mass index) and they're almost all rubbish since they make little or no differentiation between an athletic build vs a runway model.

I'm 5'11" and over 18 stone but most folks who meet me would never say I'm obese due to my muscular build. Yet the BMI and many other resources score me as being morbidly obese.

My thought is whatever weight you feel healthy and fit with minimum of medical concern should be your goal. Weight is just one form of measurement; there are many others which are equally or more important.

cryptobrit

Thanks UncleMac. That makes sense. I tend to go by my waist band and how my stomach looks and feels rather than the scales. I was reading a good article about how the fat monitor weighing scales can be a waste. It went on to describe the true ways to do this and the majority of scales are out. Particularly if they do water content as well. When you think how much more expensive they are maybe a bit of a red herring?

Farback

I don't worry about BMI since I started powerlifting. I go by waist to hip ratio.

MostlyWater

I don't know ... the doctor told me a few years back that I grew, due to my exercise schedule. I was pretty happy about that !!!!

UncleMac

cryptobrit wrote: »

Thanks UncleMac. That makes sense. I tend to go by my waist band and how my stomach looks and feels rather than the scales. I was reading a good article about how the fat monitor weighing scales can be a waste. It went on to describe the true ways to do this and the majority of scales are out. Particularly if they do water content as well. When you think how much more expensive they are maybe a bit of a red herring?

They are a quick tool. What they give up in accuracy, they make up in ease of operation. Red herring? Somewhat...

If measuring your body fat accurately becomes important for health or performance reasons, there are more accurate methods such as skin fold measurements and hydrostatic weighing. For most of us, it's more a matter of curiosity and perhaps goal setting.

The fat monitor scales don't actually measure fat vs muscle per se. The way it works is a very mild electric current is passed through the contact patches to measure the body's resistance. Water conducts electrics easily; fat is a poor conductor. Since muscles contain more water than fat, the more muscle, the lower the resistance ergo the lower the body fat. The thing is... our body composition changes throughout the day. Literally, if you measure yourself with a glass of water in your hand, then step off and drink the water, when you stepped back on the scales with the empty glass in your hand, you would see a marked change in the body fat percentage reading.

If you have a fat monitor scale, the way to get the most accurate results is to do the measurement in a consistent manner. In other words, reduce the variables by doing the measurement at the same time of day with the same amount of water & food. For example, if you measured yourself each morning as part of your morning toilet routine, you would get a fairly accurate measurement, particularly if you charted the daily results over weeks.

I read an article recent which quoted a number of studies that seemed to show that those who weighed themselves daily and tracked the results were more likely to lose and maintain weight loss. I don't own scales at home so I was considering purchasing one.

UncleMac

Out of curiosity, are you taking measure to redress the curvature of your spine? Are there exercises and/or stretches to slow or reserve the changes?

cryptobrit

Exercises to slow yes. But it cannot be reversed (spins bifida occult a & Scoliosis). When my condition worsened around 25 years ago after giving birth to my daughter, my mum paid for me to see a private consultant. He was very good and arranged for me to have a medical corset made. While this was good when first wearing; the effort of trying to hold my body up straight was counterproductive. In the end I stopped wearing it which apparently is quite common for this reason. He also said in the report to my GP that the condition would be just something I would have to live with. I have had physio several times but no point any more as I know the exercises they will have me doing so might as well do them myself.

UncleMac

Given the great advantages made in other areas of orthopaedics such as total knee and hip replacements, I would be tempted to follow up to see if there are any medical advances that might be helpful to you. 25 years is a long time, especially given now medical sciences are advancing in leaps & bounds.

I'm also a proponent of yoga and working out with weights. I have a shopping list of assorted injuries from a vertebra fracture when I was pre-teen, assorted broken bones & dislocations plus arthritis yet I'm managed to improve all aspects of my health as a result of yoga and working out with weights. I'm not sure if either or both would be helpful to you as it's been for me?

cryptobrit

The problem UncleMac is I have other conditions. Between them all at any given time, one will be sparking the other off. The scenario I gave you from 25 years ago was one example; I have periodically looked into developments along with my GP who is excellent but nothing other than trying to strengthen the core etc will help. I do Qiqong when I can and have attempted yoga, but many of the yoga exercises I just can't do. This is unlike the Qiqong which is very gentle. Weights are out despite my enthusiasm. I am very weak when it comes to lifting. I have had to 'down size' on a lot of things as I can no longer lift them. I.e, going from a 3 litre slow cooker to a 1.5 as I just can't manage it anymore. It was the same with the standard pressure cooker that cost me a fortune. It is now an expensive red herring along either its smaller capacity one which unless having a 'good day' it is the same. A couple of years ago I bought the lightest size hand dumbbell type weights to advance from baked bean tins. I had to ask someone to lift them down off the shelf into the shopping trolley. Needless to say, my daughter went on to enjoy her nice new bright purple dumbbells:-). At my age and with the knowledge I have medically, I know my limitations. In fact if anything I try and kid myself and do more than I should which has a rebound affect which then is counter-productive, as then I am out of action for doing anything. I appreciate you trying to suggest things though.

UncleMac

For the most part, I'm doing yin yoga which resembles Qigong... slow and meditative...

I'm one of those silly people who care about others, even the ones I haven't met. Apparently, compassion is not contagious. Pity.

cryptobrit

Ditto with caring for others. I agree that compassion is something that gradually eroded decades ago. An example at the risk of boring others: I was once sat in McDonalds and a very dishevelled man came staggering around the tables. He caught my eye and immediately lumbered over and said, 'Don't I know you?' I recognised him as a friend of a friend who had previously had mental health problems that I was able to deal with. I simply said, 'Yes X, I can see you are not in the best place in life right now.' He nodded and started to speak further. Then this big guy came over muttering about X bothering me and he would get rid of him. I told this guy that it was quite alright and knew him from the past, and that he had had a rough deal. This guy went on about 'you cant be too careful' and a risk to a young woman like you (which I was at the time). I told him X would not harm me and we were having a chat so it was quite alright thank you. He did move away but not fully and kept hovering which didn't help. I was able to chat with X and find out he had moved away from the area for a fresh start but it had not made any difference. He was back visiting a friend. It makes me mad how people still judge; mental health problems can affect anybody.

I shall look up yin yoga, you have got me interested now☯

UncleMac

If the others are bored, they'll skip to the next thread.

Mental health issues scare the hell out of many people and the stigma is very strong indeed. Yet most of us deal with mental health issues, either directly or indirectly, on a regular basis. The sad part is many folks cause themselves and others a tremendous amount of pain and suffering by maintaining this stigma... whether that's through refusing to seek help in a timely manner... either for themselves or their children... or through a form of cultural shunning which devalues and diminishes those who suffered from mental illnesses.

That being said, some of those who have mental health issues and don't "own" the problem create negative impressions and perpetuate the stigma... Meanwhile mental health success stories often fly under the radar...

You're likely familiar with the yin-yang symbol...



Yang is the light; yin is the dark. In energetic terms, yin is yielding or passive. Most forms of yoga are a mixture of flowing movements and stretching stances or poses (asana). Yin yoga involves asana but they're typically held in stillness between 1 to 5 minutes while meditatively focusing on breathing. Rather than trying to force oneself into the poses, we bring ourselves to the best expression of the asana possible with your body and it's limitations and then relax as much as possible. Rather than stretching muscles, yin focuses on deeper tissues and facia.

Like the symbol, there is darkness in the light and vice versa... a good yin class can be a workout but if you're gasping for breath, you're trying too hard! I've done hatha and ashtanga yoga but the first time I did a yin class, I knew it was right for me.

cryptobrit

I think you have hit the nail on the head with "I knew it was right for me". That is how I found the Qiqong. Sadly even with this very gentle form, I can end up going weeks not keeping it up if in too much pain and/or fatigue. It is very frustrating. From last posting I have had another exacerbation of lung probs with paramedic being sent out this morning. Not happy about being back on Prednisolone and AB's but not much choice 3 times in as many months. But at least I am not in hospital and I am still alive; and I can still give the Wii's balance exercises a shot to use up 3 calories a session :-O

UncleMac

Goodness, you've got quite the collection of physical issues but the determination to make the best.

I see the Dalai Lama is receiving precautionary treatment for prostate issues. In his New Year's Address, His Holiness thanked everyone for their prayers but didn't focus on his issues, preferring to counsel peace and joy instead.

cryptobrit

I know of a few men in my time with prostrate problems. Even down to having had surgery. One in particular now in his 70's who never expected to still be here. If caught early there is a very good prognosis a lot of the time as it is often a slow-moving type of cancer. First time out today in the car. Spent more than I should but all on nice stuff - some reduced. Love a bargain especially when something I would buy anyway.

Farback

My younger brother had prostate cancer a year ago. He's fine now, and is vacationing in the keys while his older smarter? Brother is working and enjoying another Canadian winter

cryptobrit

That is good news; at least for your brother :-D

d_thomas02

Ahh. The Florida keys... Are you a Key West kinda person or Key Largo?

For me, its Key Largo.

Farback

I've never been, but would love to go for the diving.

d_thomas02

Diving in the Keys isn't great (need a shovel to get deeper than 30 foot ) but beats fresh water any day.

Actually, the question was for grounders. Key Largo is pretty laid back while Key West is about glitter and parties.

chamblisk

Good to know @d_thomas02, in case I ever get a chance to get down there. Key Largo sounds more my speed. Sunshine and warm water goes without saying, I'm sure.

E_Brault

@UncleMac , I am so sorry to hear what you have been through - physically. I never would have guessed that given a recent pic of you. UncleMac , your positivity despite prior circumstances is truly inspiring.

I saw this thread when it first came up, but I was gearing up for some Part-Time work. Plus, I really could stay on MFP all day. Lol.

Anyway, I have shrunk an inch and a half since about 2009. I had a bone density base level test in that year and my results were good. Somewhere between not working full-time and not having medical benefits - I lost an inch and a half.

I have begun working with a personal trainer at the gym and he said, my posture reflected a problem with my spine and recommended I go to a Chiropractor. I am probably 2 months away from getting a Chiropractor appointment, but it sure has me thinking. Could this 1.5 inch loss be due to my spine? @UncleMac do you think I could get it back? My trainer is working it - for sure.

I am no longer comfortable in my furniture at home - too cushy. My dear ol' Mom had a favorite seat, when I was a child. I couldn't understand how anyone could love this seat. It was mostly wood with two rigid cushions - one back and one seat. And it was an avocado green. She said, it fit her body - she is petite. You guessed it, my - what I would give for a chair like that or even an old Barrister chair. Time to check Craig's list again.

UncleMac

@E_Brault, life is what we make of it. I've made some poor choices and some brilliant ones. Along with the scars and stars, I've accumulated a bit of wisdom from some interesting sources. One lady who contributed to my positive attitude was well into her 80s when I met her. Over a cup of tea, she told me about her perspective on life. She said each era of her life was filled with the full spectrum of joy, woe and changes which never ceased to surprise her so she looked forward to each day to see what was coming next... a model of living to emulate...

Personal trainers work with bodies of all shapes and sized, day in and out. If your trainer is concerned about your spine and posture, you should definitely get it checked out. I'm surprised it takes so long to see a chiropractor. I can make a phone call and see one within 24 hours.

The longer term effects of the extended use of computers, tablets and smart phones ends up causing accumulative issues from toes to nose... literally... Being sedentary affects our feet, shortens our quads which can displace the pelvis and cause back issues... not to mention the upper back, shoulder and neck issues... Could this make you appear shorter? Absolutely.

E_Brault

I guess I could move to Canada for better medical benefits. Lol. Right now, I have bargain basement medical coverage. I need a referral to see a chiropractor and my doctor just moved out of this subpar system. So my February 18 appointment has been moved to March 2nd - and instead of it being 2 miles away - it will be 15 miles each way. I could have waited an additional 2 months for the office closer to home. The February appointment was made 3 months ago.

This aside, you are spot on about the physical affects of technology. People are getting carpal tunnel syndrome from texting and stiff necks from looking down at their phone.

With that, I'm going to put down my iPhone and get on with my day.

UncleMac

Chiropractic care isn't covered by our universal healthcare but it is often covered by supplemental insurance; such is the case for me... and I don't need a referral for chiropractic but I do need a referral for therapeutic massage.