Staying Healthy, Or Trying To
Author: Bill Garwood
Article Published: 07/31/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 04Staying Healthy, Or Trying To
Bill Garwood
What do you do to stay healthy? Do you work out? Do you take vitamins or supplements? How about eating leafy green vegetables?
In Montana, it sounds like we are eating plenty of red meat and potatoes. Yes…. I mean like a lot of people, I am having to watch what I eat and drink. (Anybody who sees me out on Saturday night, SHUSH!)
Our learned Doctors say they know what everyone should do, but do they follow their prescriptions? NO! Most Doctors are way out of shape and eat whatever they want. There is an old recording called: “Dead Doctors Don’t Lie.” The doctor who recorded it died not long after. Hmmm, yeah, I think I should follow whatever they said. NOT!
Even though the doctors have only 2 models to work with (male & female, don’t start…), every person they treat is different! Example: My health care folks tell me that my A1C or blood sugar is waaay too high. Also, my blood pressure is mostly high. Except it changes day to day. I take certain medicines and vitamins/supplements to help keep my body healthy. I don’t just take ALL the bad, nasty meds that the health care providers prescribe.
My regimen for staying healthy? I’m 72; I go to the fitness center 5 days a week. I walk on the treadmill, then I lift weights. I do some stretching and movement/balance exercises. (Yes, I know I’m “Unbalanced”). This routine keeps me healthy.
My V.A. Doc tells me I should be dead! Wow, good bedside manner, Doc. She said the only thing keeping me from tipping over is my workouts. GOOD!
Most of our medical people mean well, but they mostly prescribe medicines that treat the symptoms. (A good example is Metformin.) BAD medicine. Americans need to exercise more; yes, working hard helps except if your job is sitting behind a desk all day. Lots of folks around here get out and walk; that is great. Do more. I have dropped the sugars… Except for my morning Pepsi. I told the Doc, "If I have to give up my morning Pepsi, I will die". I have cut out carbohydrates: potatoes, rice, breads. (I really hate that; I love potatoes!)
There are many things we can and need to do to stay healthy; this sounds crazy, but hug your spouse regularly! It actually helps keep your B.P. and anxiety level down. Trust me, I practice what I am preaching. It’s FUN too!
A very big one is HYDRATE! This heat is bad; we all need to stay hydrated ALL the time. Even in winter, the cold can sap your energy levels. Surrounded by snow, I have actually heard people say they need water. I scooped up a bucket (clean snow) and said, "Here, melt & drink". How can some folks not understand you can drink melted snow? (No yellow snow.)
Once we get through August, Autumn is not far behind. Stay well, stay healthy. Be around for the holidays, including Fall Fest.
Excelsior, Sir William of Townsendshire.
