Dallas County Living Well Magazine Spring 2015 | Page 47

and minimize the risk of injury and falls. Upper body muscle work is also important to stabilize the shoulder girdle. Finally, we cannot ignore our genetics! Some people are genetically prone to bone metabolism issues and sometimes prescription drugs must be prescribed. The thyroid and parathyroid glands control calcium metabolism like an orchestra conductor. If one gland is malfunctioning, problems can also arise. The liver and kidneys potentiate vitamin D; thus, any one of the links along the vitamin D and calcium metabolic chains can cause problems. The serenity prayer states that we must accept the things we cannot change, have the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. We cannot change our genetics… at least not quite yet… but we can value ourselves enough to take good care of our bodies. My mother’s generation was not raised with physical and nutritional wellness information so many did not hop on the bandwagon as research progressed. Today, there is no excuse. The information is out there and has been distributed to the masses quite readily for the past few decades. We must choose to keep strong and eat right in a society where it is all too easy to do the opposite. For the most part, we are in control of what we put in our mouths and whether we stimulate our voluntary muscles. I strongly urge you to invest in your muscles and improve your body mechanics as best you can so that you have a good chance of avoiding the potential negative consequences of physical neglect. It is your body and your life. You only have one, so do your best! Consider consulting a certified personal trainer and a degreed nutritionist (or dietitian) if you need help. Peace (Namasté) Author Cindy Harrison-Staub, M.S., is a certified personal trainer with the City of Plano Recreation Centers. She also holds a M.S. in Nutritional Sciences. You can reach Cindy at [email protected] or 972-948-4141. NORTH DALLAS Living Well Magazine | SPRING 2015 45