Keep on Moving

(Editor’s Note: Regular readers of this column will be saddened to learn that the author, Dr. Jim Tosetti, died in his sleep at the home of his youngest daughter in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on July 9 at the age of 70. Dr. Tosetti chronicled some of his own health problems in his monthly column, using his own experience to help others. In this issue and in September, we will publish the final two columns Dr. Tosetti wrote for the readers of RV Life.)


By Jim Tosetti, M.D.

We all know that exercise is good for us, especially when it comes to toning up the body and losing extra pounds and inches. But, how many other benefits can you list? This could be a fun game to play on your next road trip in the RV. It will certainly pass the time, especially for anyone in the family who keeps asking if you’re there yet.

You’ll probably mention these:

• Helps prevent heart disease, stroke and onset of diabetes
• Promotes healthy blood sugar levels
• Increases levels of HDL (good) cholesterol
• Lowers blood pressure
• Helps burn fat by increasing metabolism (rate you burn calories)
• Helps tone and shape the body
• Improves posture
• Manages arthritis problems
• Promotes bone density, helping ward off osteoporosis
• Boosts immune system
• Increases energy and endurance
• Preserves flexibility, strength and stamina
• Helps coordination and balance
• Helps eliminate back problems and pain
• Reduces joint pain
• Increases range of motion
• Helps alleviate varicose veins
• Improves digestion
• Adds sparkle and radiance to your complexion
• Helps promote a better night’s sleep
• Alleviates menstrual cramps
• Enriches sexuality
• Helps relieve stress, anxiety, depression—puts you in a much better mood

Here are some more ideas our grandson Kyle added to the list:

• Keeps you away from the refrigerator and cookie jar
• More fun and time together walking the dog
• Opportunity to be out on that new bicycle
• New adventures—learning to horseback ride.
• Getting outside with friends

The list just keeps getting longer with more conversation and thoughts from others. Perhaps typing it up and sticking it on that refrigerator might be an incentive to keep moving instead of reaching for the ice cream.

Brain Gain
Besides this list, there’s another benefit from exercise that’s worth mentioning. When you get the body moving, your brain will definitely benefit from all your efforts.

According to a recent study, scientists have discovered that cardiovascular fitness substantially reduced age-related declines in tissue density in certain areas of the brain, particularly in areas of the brain that play a role in everyday functioning. It’s a combination of several chemical and molecular processes that influence brain health and function.

Results were noted with mental and memory tests with those in the group who exercised and with those who sat still in their chairs. The scientists measured the subjects’ aerobic fitness levels by calculating their VO2 scores (a measure of the body’s use of oxygen) and evaluated brain tissues using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Those who exercised did better on all the tests, especially the memory sessions.

This goes along with the theory that we shouldn’t exercise right before bedtime – the brain is stimulated and geared up for thought processing. You’re simply more alert then.
Our temperature rises during exercise and takes at least three hours to start dropping. A cooler body is better for falling and staying asleep, so it’s best to do your exercise in the afternoon or at least three hours before turning in.

On the Road
People often say it’s difficult to go to the gym when they’re traveling in their motorhome, or that they don’t have enough space to store exercise equipment. That shouldn’t be a problem—all it takes is a brisk walk or some water exercises in the pool. You can also stash some weights in the cargo bin or bring along one of the handy-dandy fold-up types of equipment if that’s your cup of tea.

If walking or using your legs is a problem, there’s always a chair or bench nearby where you can sit and move your upper body. If you can get into a swimming pool, all the better. Movement under the water is a gentle, yet very effective way of exercising.

I’ve been enjoying that activity since balance and walking is difficult for me because of complications from congestive heart failure and a mild stroke that affected my cerebellum. That’s the part of the brain that coordinates motor skills and muscle coordination. In the water I’m able to move and stretch my arms and legs to improve circulation and flexibility.

My kids bought me the niftiest contraption that gets these old legs moving. It’s called the Cyclechiser II Exercise Cycle from Medicool, Inc., in Torrance, California. It looks like an oversize toaster or other type of kitchen appliance with foot pedals on each side. You just place it on the floor in front of a chair and slip your feet into the straps and move your legs just like you would on a bicycle. If you can’t do this on your own, simply turn on the electric switch. Not only will it move your legs for you, it monitors your time, distance, speed and calories burned. Just a couple times a day helps improve muscle tone, range of motion and blood circulation, which is also very important with folks like me who have diabetes.

It’s not all that expensive either—$149.95 plus shipping. Best gift ever. Medicool specializes in all sorts of products for diabetics. You might want to check out its Web site at www.medicool.com or call (800) 433-2469.

In the meantime, I better get moving. Hope you’re doing the same.