George and I are hoping to be like his mother and father. Dad and Mom Adams are age 96 and 88 respectively --and neither have ever taken any prescription drugs. They have been such an inspiration to us --and have helped us find alternative ways to stay healthy. Of course, eating healthy and exercising is the major key. BUT--we also take many vitamins, minerals and supplements (that's another blog).
I know there may be a time when one of us 'has' to take a prescription drug (won't ever say we won't) ---but right now, we will do whatever it takes to stay off of them. I see my sweet brother (who is 86 and living in a skilled nursing retirement facility in FL) taking TONS and TONS of prescription drugs.. Because of this, he has no quality of life much these days. I think that, once you take one, you have to take another to counteract the side-effects of the one--and then it just grows from there.
SO---since I am always looking for ways to do some of the necessary things --like lowering our cholesterol or our blood pressure, I read anything and everything I can that may help. I am always looking for doctors who are into Holistic Health approaches --and there aren't many of them, at least in our area!!!!
I got tagged recently by CICERO --asking me to talk about a book that I am reading now. SO--as you can imagine, my book is a health book. I received this book from friend Susan. This book is entitled "YOU-The Owner's Manual" It is written by Dr. Michael F. Roizen and Dr. Mehmet C. Oz. Dr. Roizen is the cofounder of RealAge, which George and I both read and participate in online. And many of you may know Dr. Oz --since he appears on the Oprah Winfrey Show. This book challenges our preconceived notions about how the human body works and ages, and then it takes us on a tour through the entire inside of our bodies. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in better health (which should be ALL of us).
I won't tag specific people this time, but will ask you this question, "What good book are you reading right now--or just finished reading?" I encourage you to either comment about it ---or better still, blog about it!!!! Thanks---and happy reading.
I'm not an avid book reader...but one of the best books I've ever read was "The Shack"!!! The author uses a very unexpected way to explain the Trinity!!!
ReplyDeleteI am reading The Shack now and the first part of it scared the crap out of me, as when I started it, we had just taken our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter camping. Of course, I never let her out of my sight, but it still scared me. Once you get past the first few chapters, it is indeed a good book. Our church is actually doing a Wed night study on it.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Mountain Moving Faith by Kenneth Hagin. I am really enjoying it as its a book that makes me stop and think. Gives me food for my soul. I am like you and don't want to take prescription meds. I take red yeast rice capsules everyday for cholesterol and it has been working great for me for two years! William and I both take vitamins and herbs daily.
ReplyDeleteI regularly read and review everything I read on my book blog.
ReplyDeletehttp://bookcritiques.blogspot.com/
So true: my thought is that the food we eat, and the spices we choose, have the medicinal quality in low doses that can keep those things at bay. But it's always a little bit of "crossing our fingers" and "counting our lucky stars." It's great that you have such good role models to aspire to, and also can see and understand the other side of the fence.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Deb, I loved The Shack! I am reading a book by Carolyn Cummings (a former co-worker of my husbands) that it titled: " What they want you to know!".
ReplyDeleteI am on my very first prescription in my life ever now after my blood clot / pneumonia episode. I am taking Coumadin but doctors predict that I will be able to discontinue it in 6 months. I have always prided myself on not taking meds. My grandparents lived to be quite old and quite healthily so. I think quality of life is so important.
A very interesting post Betsy. Your in-laws are truly an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteJust started "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle".
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh at the picture of your new book...."EXPANDED EDITION". I wonder if they are trying to tell us something.
George's parents are a great example! And you and George have such a zest for life - I think you both will have longevity in your future. I hope I never have to take prescription drugs. If I have a headache, which I think I've only had 5 in my life - I suffer thru it. I'm glad you profiled this book, it peaks my interest. I just re-read "Alone in the Wilderness" - the true story of Dick Proenekke. I might have to review this at a future date.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a great day!!
I love Dr Oz! I am working real hard to lose all this extra weight to be able to stop my high blood pressure meds!!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, I did a book blog post today too. I'm starting "Maiden Voyage" by Tania Aebi. It's about her voyage around the world at age 18. I can't wait to get my weekend chores done so I can settle down with that book!
ReplyDeleteI will look into this today..Thanks for sharing!!!
ReplyDelete(((Hugs))
I am reading All Things Reconsidered by Roger Peterson. it is a great book for the winter.
ReplyDeleteI have been doing more reading on the Internet lately. I mostly have Norman V Peal and William Backus books allot of garden and how to books. I have a large collection. I too look at alternative healing. Fish oil Omega 3 has hubby's over all # at 140 he needs more on the hdl which is 26. I have them give him prescription niacin. Vinegar helps with high blood pressure. And cleanses the body of impurity's. He only take 1 script for his heart. He can not stop this one. As the side affect is it may give him a heart attack if he stops. So he is stuck with that one.
ReplyDeleteI will consider myself "tagged".
ReplyDeleteI'm reading a funny mystery SOME LIKE IT HOT-BUTTERED by Jeffrey Cohen.
I stumbled onto him as an author of fiction when a friend was reading his non-fiction book on parenting a child with Asperger's.
His books are sweet and funny. If you prefer the sex and violence to be "off the page" and the characters to take center stage, he's the writer for you.
Interesting post Betsy. How nice that George's parents are still so active and definitely are an inspiration to all of us!! I will have to give your book a look over..thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I wish I could say I'm reading something healthy but I'm not, my favorites are Agatha Christie MURDER mysteries especially the ones with Miss. Marple.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I wish I could say I'm reading something healthy but I'm not, my favorites are Agatha Christie MURDER mysteries especially the ones with Miss. Marple.
ReplyDeleteNo medications..WOW..that isn't me. I'm reading about how animals cope with the winter called. "Winter Survival" which is very good...
ReplyDeleteI have taken the same medication for my high blood pressure for more than 10 years. No other ones have been needed, so one prescription medication does not always lead to others.
ReplyDeleteI always have several books in process, and my current book is "The Widows of Eastwick," by John Updike.
You have really hit on a topic here...I plan to stay off meds as long as I can.
ReplyDeleteI own "you on a diet", I do watch Dr Oz on Oprah. I do think he has good advice.
ReplyDeleteNot reading healthy right now. Just pleasure. But along the lines of health and not going with all the drugs....have you read Dr Atkins' Age Defying Diet? Most doctors don't want anything to do with Dr Atkins because it keeps a person healthy and out of their offices.
ReplyDeleteLeedra’s Photos For Fun
Leedra’s Greeting Cards
Photography By Leedra
Atkins for Life is another one.
ReplyDeleteLeedra’s Photos For Fun
Leedra’s Greeting Cards
Photography By Leedra
Great post Betsy...I love DR. Oz.....gosh, he is so darn smart and CUTE. What a combo.
ReplyDeleteYour inlaws are quite the inspiration...I hope you are able to exceed what they have already accomplished.
I have not read a book in a while...we have had too much going on...I read the Twilight book back in December. (the one all the "kids" are reading about vampires) my daughters pressured me into reading it...really, I loved it.
Soon, I will be soaking in my tub w/ a nice book...soon.
I'm reading Journey to Lhasa, by Alexandra David-Neel. She was the first western woman (French) to cross Tibet on foot and reach Lhasa, the capital city. She did this in the 1920's with no gear! It's an amazing story.
ReplyDeleteAnd, Betsy, it's not a red football--it's a large Christmas light! I didn't take them down yet, I just don't turn them on.
I'm right in the middle of Off Season by Anne Rivers Siddon.
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy and thank you so much for your visit today. I'm glad you like the new look on my blog.
ReplyDeleteYour inlaws are amazing people to manage to live this long and not ever having to take prescription drugs. So are you and your husband.
Betsy, you said you also save your templates. I thought I had backed my original one up, but it didn't happen.
So, do you mind telling me how you save each one you create?
Thanks, Betsy, and have a good week.
Hi Betsy, Like you, I don't take any kind of medicine, only vitamins. I love to walk (went out yesterday in 20 degree weather and nearly froze) and I do pilates. I love Dr. Oz and have all his books. I am always reading stuff about your health.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, I've heard good things about that book. I may have to read it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi--Hope you enjoy that book. I've heard some really good things about it. Did you ever read the "Purpose Driven Christmas"???
Peggy-- Food for the Soul is the type of book to read--especially in this crazy world when we try to always do the right things. We take Red Yeast Rice for our cholesterol---and it also works quite well.
Sally--Your site is definitely the place to go to get a good book review. Thanks!!!
Bob--Yes, there is another side of the fence--and some people have to take Prescription Drugs in order to live. I certainly understand that... We all do what we can. I guess my point is to stay as healthy as we can for as long as we can. Some of us are luckier in that area than others.
Vanessa---Well, your case is a good example of someone needed prescription drugs. But--hopefully, when you are totally well, you won't need them any longer. I have a cousin named Carol Cummings. She lives in Michigan!!!
Mildred--Yes, my inlaws are quite an inspiration. They are part of the lucky ones who have stayed healthy their entire lives--although now, both of them are blind from macular degeneration. Something will get us as we age whether we like it or not!!!
Richard-- Ha---That book is HUGE... It is definitely expanded, and hopefully will help me from EXPANDING farther. HA!...
Shelley-- Yes, my inlaws are good examples. BUT--none of us know how our lives will play out--from one day to the next. Right now, I'm healthy.. We'll see what happens --down the road.
Woody-- Extra weight doesn't help the blood pressure or cholesterol. Ask me---I KNOW!!! Good Luck!
Cedar---Can't believe that we both did book blogs. How neat is that!!!! Hope you enjoy your book!
Kathleen--You're welcome... Hope you enjoy it as much as I have. I emailed my friend who gave it to me and thanked her AGAIN.
Kallen--Sounds wonderful. Winter is the best time to get some reading done. I like to do Family History in winter--but this year, so far, I've been too busy blogging. HA!
Grammy--We also take the Omega-3 Fish Oil caplets. I had never heard of vinegar helping with high blood pressure. Interesting!!!! I knew that it 'cleansed' our bodies. I will admit that I don't eat much vinegar (unless it is in a recipe). I have a really good slaw dressing that has vinegar in it.. I need to find other things.
Fiona--Love that title (Some like it Hot-Buttered)... Sounds funny!!!! I enjoy character-driven books as well as TV dramas.
Tina-- Yes, we do have good role-models. And we both have good family genes. My Dad lived to be 79, Mom died at 91.. Hopefully both George and I will live long, productive lives. BUT--I don't want to continue living if there is no quality of life. Well--that's another blog!!!! ha
Diane---Well, there's nothing wrong with murder mysteries... George and I STILL watch Murder She Wrote!!!! ha
Michelle--You are a good example of someone who NEEDS prescription drugs. And that is a good thing. My friend with MS has to depend on MANY drugs to give her a good quality of life. SO---as healthy as I am now, who knows about the future. None of us do!!!! Neat book you are reading!
Carolyn, As I explained in my email---I do certainly understand why some people do take prescription drugs and have to do so. AND there are drugs out there with no side effects, so that is a good thing! John Updike has written some fabulous books!
Rose--Great to hear that. That's all any of us can ask for---to stay as healthy as possible. Then we will just deal with life issues as they arise.
Pigeon---Dr. Oz has helped alot of people, hasn't he???? I enjoy Oprah's health topics... Oprah and I share a weight-gain-loss problem!!! Darn!
Leedra--Reading for pleasure is GREAT... I've been on Dr. Atkin's diets before (along with many others) --and can have success with them. BUT--it's not a way to have to live the rest of your life. I personally am trying to learn to eat everything IN MODERATION... (Those two words don't seem to be in my vocabulary! ha)
Hey Suzanne-- Yes, we have big shoes to fill if we live to that age and stay healthy.... The folks are quite an inspiration to us. Be patient---your new bathroom will be completed SOON--and you'll get to enjoy a nice, long bubble bath---with a nice book!!!!
MM--Interesting book.. Sounds like quite a woman!!! I enjoy reading books about strong and successful women in our past. Talk about an inspiration.. HA---I didn't think it was a football--but you have to admit, it looked like one!!!! Tee Hee
Dot--Sounds like a good book!! Hope you are enjoying it.
Betty---Yes, my inlaws are quite an inspiration for us. I sent you an email about my sidebar and templates... Hope you can find out how to get your sidebar back.
Hi Judy, Glad to hear that you are doing many of the same things that I am doing. I will admit that I haven't walked as much recently as I need to--but I hope to start again very soon--once our weather improves a little. Good Luck to you--to both of us!!! Let's work at keeping healthy!
ReplyDeleteReading again PRAYER - Finding the Heart's True Home by Richard J. Foster. Excellent for my present needs.
ReplyDeleteI bought this book when it first came out and I think it's a wonderful health bible to own. Dr Oz & Dr Roisen speak so much sense and in laymans terms we all get too. The Hubster and I also subscribe to their website and get daily emails with advice. Sadly my Graves Disease means I have to take a prescription med, or I would not be here to comment.But I also do everything I can to be natural in other ways.
ReplyDeleteWe're with you on not taking meds!!! That's why we bought the sauna. Prevention is what we are in to ... so glad you are too!
ReplyDeletePrevention is everything. I see people every day whose whole existence is wrapped around dealing with their various and sundry medical issues. It's sad. They are not "living" but rather just existing. Good for you Betsy!
ReplyDeleteKarin--- I enjoy Richard J. Foster's books.. I can't remember what the name of it is, but there was one of his books that I studied when I was in Grad. School. Glad you are enjoying your book.
ReplyDeleteSarah--Glad you have this book also, Sarah. Those two doctors do say things in 'my' language--and seem to speak FOR me. Well---I certainly understand when someone HAS to take a prescription drug.. That may happen to me someday!!!! We all have to do what we have to do. So far, I've been healthy. Who knows about the future!
Cicero-- I'd love to have a sauna or a hot tub or even a jacuzzi... Prevention is the right word for sure. And we're trying.. It's a 'one day at a time' journey!!!
Jayne--I know, since you are in the health world, that you see alot of this medication problem. My former doctor (maybe all of them) get all of these samples when dealing with the drug reps.. They 'push' those drugs --and we patients get stuck with those drugs. It's a no win situation. My brother is existing--that's a good word!
Great post Betsy. We also stay away from prescription drugs as much as possible. We take vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, use essential oils, and try to eat healthy.
ReplyDeleteRight now one of the books I am reading is: Healing Spices - How To Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices to Boost Health and Beat Disease.
by Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD with Debora Yost
This is a library book and I have it on my wish list at Amazon.
Wishing you well in all areas of your life.
Hugs ~ FlowerLady