WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR APRIL 2022
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bananasandoranges wrote: »MACHKA I agree it's good to like one's body. I'm fine with mine overall.
Now losing is more about health. When I was younger it was more about appearance and also balanced well-being I thing.
So I have been very tired of late. I have gained about 17 pounds in 5 years. That's about + 15% that I'm carrying around every day. I think that is what is tiring me. it's more tiring to walk around. I'm not really much more muscular... So presumably if I lose at least some of this I will be less tired. Generalists have tended to say I was not overweight since I was just at the top of average BMI, and it could be worse. no point having a complex for no reason. Now I'm at 25.5 BMI. Not easy though, as some of us have seen.
HeightI lost an inch more or less over the years. As a young teen I was 5 2 then went up to about 5 3 and am now back down to 5 2.
"on average, women lose two inches of height between ages 30 and 70. By age 80, that number is three inches"
Two inches ! by 70! that's a lot!
I'm not crazy about that! I liked the extra inch. it brought me closer to average!
But it's hardly the worst thing in the world. In France and also in the USA average female height is 5'4" so I was quite close to average here and I guess in the USA too, all told.
It must be good for women who feel they are too tall. I don't think it's SO common but I had an acquaintance that was about 6 feet back in the day and was uncomfortable with that at the time.
So losing an inch means my BMI goes up at same weight. But also I gained weight.
On height ...
How You Can Avoid Losing Height as You Get Older
It's never too early to prevent bone loss with diet, physical activity
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-avoid-losing-height-get-older/
"Losing a little height as you get older is normal. Over the years, the discs between your spine’s vertebrae flatten, your muscles start to lose mass and the spaces between your joints narrow.
However, a significant loss in height can signal osteoporosis, says rheumatologist Abby G. Abelson, MD, FACR."
"Your diet and lifestyle are two important risk factors that you can control to prevent osteoporosis. That means eating a diet rich in calcium throughout your life and regular physical activity can help a lot. Dr. Abelson adds that it’s also important to stop smoking if you do and to avoid excessive alcohol intake.
You should aim to get 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day to help prevent bone loss, Dr. Abelson says. Exercises that make your muscles work against gravity, such as walking, jogging, aerobics, and weightlifting, are best for strengthening bones."
Aging changes in body shape
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003998.htm
"The tendency to become shorter occurs among all races and both sexes. Height loss is related to aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints. People typically lose almost one-half inch (about 1 centimeter) every 10 years after age 40. Height loss is even more rapid after age 70. You may lose a total of 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) in height as you age. You can help prevent height loss by following a healthy diet, staying physically active, and preventing and treating bone loss."
I've lost about one-half inch (about 1 centimeter). Used to be 5'6" and now I'm 5'5.5".
But since being told I slouch when I stand and walk, and since really noticing what I looked like in a mirror when I did that back in 2015, I started making an effort to stand tall and walk tall.
I could be wrong, but I think standing tall and walking tall make me look slightly more slender.
Doing those things also makes me feel slightly more confident.
So it's possible, perhaps, that I still look 5'6" when I try to make myself tall.
I also tend to wear shoes with just a slight heel.
I'm about 2 kg heavier in this photo than I am now, but I'm standing tall and I think I look slimmer than I've been feeling the last couple days!!
Then there's the exercise factor. As stated above, "walking, jogging, aerobics, and weightlifting, are best for strengthening bones."
Cycling doesn't do much, and knowing that years ago, I started walking and walking and walking. More recently I've added occasional jogging and stairclimbing. Plus I do some weightlifting.
I do need to find a GP ... and talk to her about getting a bone density test.
Last time I talked to a GP about that, it was a University GP in Alberta. I would have been in my early 40s but she informed me I was way too young to start thinking about bone density tests ... she said they wouldn't do a test on me for another 10-15 years.
Given that the tests can start in our mid to late-40s ladies, I don't think she realised I was 41 or 42 years old!!
But now I'm a lot older than that, so I should get on it. I wonder if I look 40 now.
Machka in Oz1 -
Lisa,
A thought about your Humira.
Can you ask your doctor to send the rx to CMOP, the mail order prescription service for the VA? Cost- and convenience-wise might be better/easier in the long run...just a thought.
Of course, just getting through to ask for the prescription is an ordeal, I realize...
Karen in Virginia1 -
LisaInArkansas wrote: »No one told me this, so I didn't stop at the pharmacy, even though I walked by it during my rat maze journey to and from my appointment. I walked by it because they have shut down the main entry to the hospital and the primary care entry to the hospital, and there is no sign ANYWHERE on that *kitten* campus that says that, so you just keep traipsing around until you finally find a door that will open. Which is the emergency entrance. There was a sign there saying: No emergencies accepted, please go to: and an address.
I find myself continually amazed by bureaucratic decisions that make no sense whatsoever. Not sure why, I've dealt with them throughout my entire adult life. Still find the incredible stupidity just staggering. Had three people tell me, "Nope, I'm lost too."
Later,
Love,
Lisa in AR
That reminded me of 4 years ago when I was instructed to get my flu shot.
4 years ago, I spent 3 months in the hospital sitting by my husband's bed and then, as he became more mobile, walking the halls. I got to know a portion of the hospital quite well.
One day, the nursing staff (knowing I work for the same overall department as they did) strongly advised that I get the flu shot if I were going to be in every day, and reminded me I could go to a certain lecture theatre in another part of the hospital to get it done.
Off I went ... and promptly got lost. I found a reception counter down a corridor and they gave me new instructions of how to get there. And I promptly got lost. I asked someone waiting for an elevator who gave me a few instructions which were not at all helpful. Finally, I thought I had it figured out, opened a door (as instructed) and walked to the reception desk to walk through that department (as instructed) but I was stopped by the receptionist.
She told me that yes, I could get to the lecture theatre that way, but I'd have to put on surgical scrubs because that way went right past the operating theatres. And she handed me the scrubs!!
I asked if there were another route and she directed me that way ... some time later, eventually I found it ... and then had to find my way back!!
But it did amuse me that I could have opted for the surgical route. Maybe I could have dropped in on someone's surgery on the way.
Machka in Oz
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Today's walk ...
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Julie-I don’t believe it is a new intolerance, but I will keep an eye on that This is my first spring season not smoking for many years-don’t know if that impacts or not.
Kelly-I empathize with your sinus deal! Mucinex and antibiotic seem to be kicking in, ears are feeling better. I like the Mucinex because it is one drug (some of the other cold things have multiple drugs).
Lisa-sorry the VA trip was so messed up. They keep saying that system needs reform but nothing seems to happen. One of my brothers informed me that my middle brother now has reason to believe many of his health issues are due to poor treatment at VA. I am not certain my eldest brother (who retired from Navy as captain) uses VA or civilian.
Betsy-messing up on one part of paperwork is not a big deal-easy to get it all confused. I did not have to do anything with property here when my husband passed. We were both on deed and don’t need to remove him until I go to sell. Had other accounts set up so they went to me automatically. Biggest thing was taking him off beneficiary for things-I did that as I thought of it over a period of a couple of years. Good job on things today!
Barbara Southern Oregon-prayers for nephew. They do amazing things with brain surgery today.
Machka-I am just shaking my head at your chance to walk past the operating rooms . . .
Received new orthotics Monday. Am breaking them in this week. Was to wear them 2 hours yesterday. Wore them on my walk (took me about an hour for my 3 miles) and then around the house a bit. Was very pleased to notice none of my usual foot pain. Even this am-woke up-no pain across top of feet. Hoping these do make a difference. I definitely walked faster yesterday.
Need to file appeal with Social Security this evening. When I talked to retirement system last fall about possible retirement dates, I had mentioned maybe April (we based income projection on that). Evidently they let SSA know that. They send me notice they are ending survivor benefits. Looked at appeal form on line last night, they give option to upload proof. Getting letter from HR today verifying I still work and have not given retirement notice. A bit of a hassle, but my husband worked hard for that money and I promised him if something happened to him I would try to get the money I could from it. It's nice to have some extra, but I don't need it-more the principle involved.
Take care all,
Ginny in Ohio
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bananasandoranges wrote: »MACHKA I agree it's good to like one's body. I'm fine with mine overall.
Now losing is more about health. When I was younger it was more about appearance and also balanced well-being I thing.
So I have been very tired of late. I have gained about 17 pounds in 5 years. That's about + 15% that I'm carrying around every day. I think that is what is tiring me. it's more tiring to walk around. I'm not really much more muscular... So presumably if I lose at least some of this I will be less tired. Generalists have tended to say I was not overweight since I was just at the top of average BMI, and it could be worse. no point having a complex for no reason. Now I'm at 25.5 BMI. Not easy though, as some of us have seen.
HeightI lost an inch more or less over the years. As a young teen I was 5 2 then went up to about 5 3 and am now back down to 5 2.
"on average, women lose two inches of height between ages 30 and 70. By age 80, that number is three inches"
Two inches ! by 70! that's a lot!
I'm not crazy about that! I liked the extra inch. it brought me closer to average!
But it's hardly the worst thing in the world. In France and also in the USA average female height is 5'4" so I was quite close to average here and I guess in the USA too, all told.
It must be good for women who feel they are too tall. I don't think it's SO common but I had an acquaintance that was about 6 feet back in the day and was uncomfortable with that at the time.
So losing an inch means my BMI goes up at same weight. But also I gained weight.
On height ...
How You Can Avoid Losing Height as You Get Older
It's never too early to prevent bone loss with diet, physical activity
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-avoid-losing-height-get-older/
"Losing a little height as you get older is normal. Over the years, the discs between your spine’s vertebrae flatten, your muscles start to lose mass and the spaces between your joints narrow.
However, a significant loss in height can signal osteoporosis, says rheumatologist Abby G. Abelson, MD, FACR."
"Your diet and lifestyle are two important risk factors that you can control to prevent osteoporosis. That means eating a diet rich in calcium throughout your life and regular physical activity can help a lot. Dr. Abelson adds that it’s also important to stop smoking if you do and to avoid excessive alcohol intake.
You should aim to get 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day to help prevent bone loss, Dr. Abelson says. Exercises that make your muscles work against gravity, such as walking, jogging, aerobics, and weightlifting, are best for strengthening bones."
Aging changes in body shape
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003998.htm
"The tendency to become shorter occurs among all races and both sexes. Height loss is related to aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints. People typically lose almost one-half inch (about 1 centimeter) every 10 years after age 40. Height loss is even more rapid after age 70. You may lose a total of 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) in height as you age. You can help prevent height loss by following a healthy diet, staying physically active, and preventing and treating bone loss."
I've lost about one-half inch (about 1 centimeter). Used to be 5'6" and now I'm 5'5.5".
But since being told I slouch when I stand and walk, and since really noticing what I looked like in a mirror when I did that back in 2015, I started making an effort to stand tall and walk tall.
I could be wrong, but I think standing tall and walking tall make me look slightly more slender.
Doing those things also makes me feel slightly more confident.
So it's possible, perhaps, that I still look 5'6" when I try to make myself tall.
I also tend to wear shoes with just a slight heel.
I'm about 2 kg heavier in this photo than I am now, but I'm standing tall and I think I look slimmer than I've been feeling the last couple days!!
Then there's the exercise factor. As stated above, "walking, jogging, aerobics, and weightlifting, are best for strengthening bones."
Cycling doesn't do much, and knowing that years ago, I started walking and walking and walking. More recently I've added occasional jogging and stairclimbing. Plus I do some weightlifting.
I do need to find a GP ... and talk to her about getting a bone density test.
Last time I talked to a GP about that, it was a University GP in Alberta. I would have been in my early 40s but she informed me I was way too young to start thinking about bone density tests ... she said they wouldn't do a test on me for another 10-15 years.
Given that the tests can start in our mid to late-40s ladies, I don't think she realised I was 41 or 42 years old!!
But now I'm a lot older than that, so I should get on it. I wonder if I look 40 now.
Machka in Oz
My hip and back issues that started out as an injury progressed downhill as a result of my poor posture. My exercise therapist and a physiotherapist both told me the best way to keep proper posture is to “suck it in”. You hold your belly in like you would for a tighter pair of paints, but don’t hold your breath. It strengthens your core, and forces you to have proper posture.
When I turned 50 my doctor sent me for a bone density test. It was also my mammogram year. I called to make the appointments and they scheduled my mammogram for Sept 12, day before my birthday. When they went to schedule my bone density for the same day, they couldn’t as I wasn’t 50 and AB Health wouldn’t cover it. We changed it to the 14th and it worked.
Even that close it wasn’t accepted.
Tracey in Edmonton0 -
Ginny - “
Julie-I don’t believe it is a new intolerance, but I will keep an eye on that This is my first spring season not smoking for many years-don’t know if that impacts or not.”
When I quit smoking I felt sick for a year with congestion, sinus issues, cold like symptoms. My doctor told me it was my body getting rid of all the gunk. Don’t know how true her reasoning was, but it was a unhealthy feeling for a run of time.
Tracey1 -
Machka-I am just shaking my head at your chance to walk past the operating rooms . . .
Take care all,
Ginny in Ohio
Well, I was wearing my Health ID tags.
I'm hoping they wouldn't have made that offer to someone without the IDs!!Received new orthotics Monday. Am breaking them in this week. Was to wear them 2 hours yesterday. Wore them on my walk (took me about an hour for my 3 miles) and then around the house a bit. Was very pleased to notice none of my usual foot pain. Even this am-woke up-no pain across top of feet. Hoping these do make a difference. I definitely walked faster yesterday.
Ginny in Ohio
I need to find mine!!
M in Oz
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This was in the monthly carer's magazine I get.
I'll list the 14 "answers" tomorrow.
Machka in Oz0 -
Ah, lordie, y'all warm the cockles of my heart (whatever those are),
Heather, I love you back. You make me want to move mountains even when my butt hurts.
Karen, ditto! The pharmacy in Fayetteville direct lines to the CMOP for anything that can go that way. All my prescriptions are mailed to me, and the vast majority go through the Dallas CMOP. I can't even get these civilian doctors' staff to file my prescription with my "local" pharmacy in Fayetteville (an hour away). Having them go through CMOP would probably completely foul the process.
Kim - Thank you for your spirited defense! I keep thinking of these older gentlemen who fought in Vietnam and Korea who are trying to deal with these same issues, and my heart breaks. They deserve better. They stepped up for our country and in return we give them a highly flawed system that may not actually help them. My own experience is so mild compared to theirs.
Carol - Absolutely not a stupid question. I have, in a pinch, asked that they file a prescription at Walmart - which is the only pharmacy that will work with the VA here. Unfortunately, Humira, even at Walmart, for two doses (lasting one month) is $6,219.23. And that is through the GoodRx program which gives a discount on the retail price of $11,000. If I can hang tight (like I have a choice) my prescription co-pay through the VA will be $8.00 for three months' supply.
A quick snapshot of what the VA does:The VA (Veterans Administration) administrates benefits for veterans.
1. Home loans. They don't loan money, they provide a guaranty to the banker that if the veteran defaults, the VA will pay a certain amount of the balance. With the VA backing you, you don't have to make a down payment, and they set the interest rate.
2. Student loans for veterans. Again, they don't loan money, they guarantee to the loan company that they will pay a significant portion of the balance.
3. Healthcare - this is the benefits program I'm working with right now. It is definitely not perfect, but it is the biggest part of the VA's existence. There are 1,956 VA facilities of different sizes in the U.S., from walk-in clinics to hospitals and teaching hospitals. They aren't insurance, they are a healthcare system.
I served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, 1979 to 1983. I blew out my left knee when I jumped down off a ton and a half truck in 1981, and they had to do surgery to put my knee back to working order. This put my disability rating at 10%. In 2017, they called me and told me I was eligible for VA healthcare. Not just for my knee, but for all my medical needs.
That's the quick (not very) and dirty version. There are at least a dozen more veterans' benefits that they administer, but the three above are the main ones that people know.
Headed for Walmart to pick up a few things I was too tired to deal with yesterday. Hope everyone has a good day.
Love y'all,
Lisa in AR5 -
Long chat with DSIL this morning. DH upset her a bit, because he was keen to write, so I took over. He came back later and finished off. Her ankle seems to be healing well from the fusion, but their old aunt is failing. She is 95. I enjoyed having a longer chat with DSIL.
Then I got down to writing, mainly editing, as I had lost time and pace. I went upstairs to find old compilation tapes that old boyfriends had made for me. Remember those? It seemed to be an essential ritual of wooing in the old days. :laugh: I've got Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Brahms, Schubert, Gloria Estafan, Taxi Pata Pata, Thelonius Monk. I remember making a Cindy Lauper one for an old passion.
What do wooers do nowdays?
DH off to get his 2nd booster this afternoon.
Homemade pizza for dinner.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx2 -
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Got the garden done!!
M in Oz
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cityjaneLondon wrote: »Long chat with DSIL this morning. DH upset her a bit, because he was keen to write, so I took over. He came back later and finished off. Her ankle seems to be healing well from the fusion, but their old aunt is failing. She is 95. I enjoyed having a longer chat with DSIL.
Then I got down to writing, mainly editing, as I had lost time and pace. I went upstairs to find old compilation tapes that old boyfriends had made for me. Remember those? It seemed to be an essential ritual of wooing in the old days. :laugh: I've got Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Brahms, Schubert, Gloria Estafan, Taxi Pata Pata, Thelonius Monk. I remember making a Cindy Lauper one for an old passion.
What do wooers do nowdays?
DH off to get his 2nd booster this afternoon.
Homemade pizza for dinner.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
There were compilation tapes around, but mostly my mother made them for when we went on driving holidays as a family.
I got a Teddy Bear from my first husband when we were dating.
With my current husband, it was all about cycling stuff. My engagement ring was a wheel he built with a particular hub. Aside for 3 years when it was stolen and until it was recovered, I still have it.
No idea about now.
Machka in Oz
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LISA ~ I had no idea the meds would cost so much through Walmart as opposed to the VA. I can certainly see why you continue to persist in getting them through the VA.
Carol in GA0 -
HEATHER ~ The Oldies were the Best! I can tolerate Adele and John Legend but that's about all now-a-days!
Carol in GA0 -
7770
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Lisa you are brave. I failed at getting the VA to change my name after my divorce. I did have VA mortgages, that side seems to run more smoothly. I served for ten years, but very little overseas. Just three months in England. A very easy tour, compared to Afghanistan, Korea and others.
Having a slow morning. I'm still trying to figure out eating breakfast at seven instead of nine. Today I had a yoghurt at ten, but now I'm too full to start yoga. The yoga video series I started is getting quite difficult, and my knee is having a setback.
So I'm having a comfy rest with Teddy and hoping my tea caffeine will kick in. It's a rainy day in a rainy week. I might make myself a mocha coffee if this keeps up.
Annie in Delaware0 -
Heather- Playlists. This is the generation of "playlists". A playlist for every activity. Driving. Exercising. Grooming. Working. Sex. So...I am sure they make one for "flirting", "dating", "impressing". lol I have made two for my childcare kiddos. One has higher energy music, the other has slower music.1
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