(11/2021) Usually for the November article I write about the Thanksgiving Dinner and how to change some of the ingredients to make the meal a little healthier and have less calories. This year I am going to write about how we can be smart about our health and how time changes our ability and way of doing some things. I asked one of my clients for an idea to write about and he gave me two subjects he thought were important, as we get a little older.

The first thing we all have to realize is that we can not stop the years from passing by no matter how hard we try or how much we don't want to age. The second thing is that as our body may get older and our ability to do things may change we need to realize that our mind also matures and we become wiser about how to accomplish the things we need to do in perhaps and easier and more efficient way.

One of the subjects he suggested I write about is to know when to ask for help. Just because we could unload a ton of stones for the driveway a few years ago doesn't mean we should be doing it now. I know none of us want to admit that we have slowed down a little and can't or shouldn't do as much as we use to. The thing is realizing and asking when we need help and not pushing through and causing an injury.

That large bag of dog food you use to throw over your shoulder before may just be what throws your back out now. The point is, don't be afraid to ask someone to help you. It is much better to ask for a little help now instead of needing help after you have broken a bone or something that puts you out of commission for a while. I was very impressed that a man told me that people should ask for help. Sometimes it is hard for men to admit they need to slow down but I think they are the smart ones.

The other subject he suggested I write about was getting in shape by walking and strength training before hunting season gets here. Walking in the woods is more strenuous and harder than walking on a clear, flat surface. Getting your heart rate up hiking through the woods puts more strain on your heart, lungs and leg muscles. Going out without some exercise and preparation can be hazardous to your health especially if you have any health issues to start with. Sometimes, unfortunately that's when you discover you have a problem and sometimes it may be too late.

Over exertion hiking through brush or dragging a deer out can be too much for your heart to handle. I realize there is not much time before hunting season starts but maybe you can get in a few hikes. Preparing for the extra walking is a good idea and so is going with a partner. It is always advisable to hunt with someone. Even if you are not close to them let them know where you are and have a way to contact them if you do get a deer and need help getting it out of the woods and back to the vehicle. I hunt myself and know how your heart can race when you see the big buck in front of you. Getting your heart rate up is good as long as you don't over exert it.

I hope you take this article as a helpful tool to prepare and accept our changing abilities as we age. I know everyone is different and has a variety of abilities at any given age. I am not saying just because we get older we can not do what we need or like to do, I'm just saying be smart about it and realize and accept there comes a time when we all need to slow down a little and ask for help. Remember to keep moving and that time will hopefully come later rather than sooner.

Have a Happy and Healthy, Safe Thanksgiving and remember to take that walk after dinner to burn some of those pumpkin pie calories.