Remember last week when I mentioned I should wear my glasses more often? Well, the 39 degrees that I thought the television was displaying yesterday morning was more like 29 degrees.
29 degrees is still “warm” enough for me to take my run outside but the part I didn’t factor in to this run was the early morning ice left over from the rain that happened overnight combined with the melting snow.
I took this picture when things started to defrost but you can see my path was glistening – isn’t danger beautiful?
I was so bundled and determined that I just couldn’t let a little ice ruin my intentions. I kept the pace slow and weaved on and off the path to avoid the major spots of ice in order to accomplish the 10 miles I set out to do.
I looked up at one point to see the sun rising and shining down on the snow, closed my eyes briefly (genius thing to do while running on ice) and took in the moment.
I was never one for nature but running outside after being cooped up in a gym was a bit magical yesterday.
Even better, I realized yesterday that the cautious pace I kept to was once a fast pace for me not that long ago.
Isn’t it wonderful when you can recognize your own fitness accomplishments?
Anyway, after my run, I headed into the city for a luncheon with the Parkinson’s Alliance.
How many of you know someone affected by Parkinson’s Disease? With 60,000 new diagnoses every year and 1.5 million existing cases, it is becoming increasingly likely that it will touch us one way or another. If you don’t know anyone personally, you at least know Michael J. Fox (or, as I like to think of him – Alex P. Keaton or Marty McFly).
Carol Walton, CEO of Parkinson Alliance and Amy Lemen of the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center at NYU Langone Medical Center lead the discussion and I learned so much about the disease that I never really knew.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t eat my way through the conference. It was a luncheon so really I did what I was there to do.
Education is key when battling Parkinson’s Disease and guess what – so is diet and exercise.
The highlight for me (besides the food) was hearing that doctors are prescribing exercise to help treat the disease as a way to improve motor skills, boost confidence and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.
You don’t need to run 10 miles dodging ice patches – all you need to do is start moving. Any exercise that you will stick to and enjoy will make a positive difference in your life.
I am telling you people – daily exercise combined with loading up your diet with fresh produce, whole grains, less saturated fats and processed foods will help you to fight off so many diseases as well as alleviate any current symptoms or health problems you currently have.
I am such a strong believer in the power of food and exercise that I think one can call me passionate about it.
I am also passionate about Red Mango but the price lately is really starting to get to me. Do you know they raised the price per ounce again!?
When your frozen yogurt is ringing up close to $10, one may need to start rethinking their passions.
Can you believe it is Friday already? This week has been a bit of blur, especially with having the little boy home for winter break.
I am really looking forward to getting out a bit this weekend and not cooking. I need a kitchen break!
Next week I will share some more details about the Parkinson’s Alliance as well as information regarding the Parkinson’s Unity Walk scheduled for April 26, 2014 in Manhattan. In the meantime, click here for more info.
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Tell me one exercise and one food you plan on for this weekend…
How much does your frozen yogurt usually cost you?
Do you know someone with Parkinson’s Disease?
The Cookie ChRUNicles 
Love this! You are SO right. Exercise makes such a difference. And you’re right that you have to find something you enjoy so you’ll stick with it!
Exercise is so key for everyone, even if only 30 minutes a day.
While there are so many health concerns that are out of our control, there are so many that are. I truly believe in the power of movement and food to help prevent certain illnesses (when possible) and treat symptoms post-diagnosis.
This weekend I hope to channel my yogi and eat lots and lots of brunch food!
I am totally with you on the brunch foods! I have been craving a good diner baked oatmeal!
A family member had and sadly passed from Parkinson’s. I did a lot of research on it, and caffeine is said to help Parkinson’s patients, and strangely enough smoking has helped them as well. I strongly believe diet plays a key role in so many of the illnesses out there, food and exercise can be the best medicine and preventative measures but if not watched can also be the cause of many things too.
So sorry about your relative. Isn’t it interesting to learn of unique things that are said to help people? smoking= interesting.
I’m definitely a believer in the power of food and exercise to heal all. The problem is that, while effective, it takes commitment and work… and people are always looking for a quick fix with a magic pill or diet. Not gonna happen — lifestyles need to change.
On the agenda this weekend: snowboarding for exercise, and whatever Mom cooks for Sunday night dinner for food 😀
Can I just say what a comfort to uncover somebody
that truly knows what they’re discussing online.
You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
A lot more people have to look at this and understand this side of the story.
I was surprised that you aren’t more popular given that you most
certainly possess the gift.