The Power of Exercise

My husband, Bernie, and I have suddenly become 91 years old. As I have read many times, it's true that inside you still feel like a little kid..and that is good! It's that childish feeling that motivates me to do all that I can to be as healthy and active as possible. At the age of 30ish my first husband, Len, and I took Yoga lessons at a local community center. Every morning before going to work, we would practice in the foyer of our little Elkins Park House with our dog, Velvet, attempting to participate.

The wonderful energy from Yoga led me to jogging around the high school road track. Starting with a really difficult 1/4 mile, I will never forget the thrill of my first full mile, and the even larger thrill when at age of 60 I completed the Temple University 10k run in 1986. When Len died suddenly of pancreatic cancer, I believe that my continued exercise sustained me.

During this time I joined the Abington Club gym, became a dedicated "gym rat" and worked out in several gyms. When Bernie and I moved to Warrington, PA, we included a fully equipped gym in the basement of our new home, which we both use to this day.

I had left high school at 16 to elope with Len. Married ladies were not welcome in school, so I found a great job at a small private hospital in North Philadelphia. I fell in love with the beautiful babies I met at discharge from their large maternity sevice and, with the wisdom of a 16 year old, decided to have a child. I was 17 1/2 when my lovely daughter was born.

Continued commitment to exercise has been my savior. It has helped me confront life's many challenges and has given my the strength and motivation to maintain an active life, including completing my education in my early 60's and the printing of my 245 page memoir, "My name is Fredarose."

For me, always having a new project is my best stimulus. The second book I am now working on is keeping my mind happily occupied. In my studies of stress management I have learned the value of filling your brain with healthy thoughts.

A positive attitude, peace of mind enhanced by meditation, social involvement with others, and volunteering have provided me with valuable incentives. Just remember "rest is rust." - Freda Tevelson Samuels (current patient at WGPT)

Tips for computer use

If you work at your computer for long hours, you may not pay close attention to your posture and this can lead to aches and pains in areas such as the neck, shoulder, back, wrists, and elbows. Taking frequent breaks and correcting your posture can prevent discomfort.

  Read More  

Chronic pain can make it hard for you to achieve your goals, especially if you are experiencing decreased mobility.  A trained Physical Therapist can help you target and overcome discomfort that may be affecting your quality of life.

Managing Wrist Osteoarthritis

The gradual breakdown of joint tissue over time is a condition known as degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis. When this condition develops in the wrist, it may dramatically reduce the hand’s range of motion and also make it difficult to grip even the lightest objects.

  Read More  

Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad

From: Food Network

This healthy recipe can be prepared quickly and includes salmon fillets, lemon juice, olive oil, kale, dates, apples, and black pepper. This nutritious meal is easy to make and is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Try this tasty recipe today.

  Read More  

Crunchy Peanut Butter Thins

From: Food Network

If you like peanut butter, this recipe is just right for you. It combines peanut butter with whole wheat, rolled oats, wheat germ, chia seeds, cinnamon, brown sugar, and bittersweet chocolate. Peanut butter is a source of protein and this blend of ingredients also provides you with an excellent source of fibre, nutrients and antioxidants.

  Read More