When I was in Spain recently, I met a woman and her son. They had just completed an alternative path on the Camino de Santiago.
It’s known to be a bit less challenging than the path I hiked, but I was still in awe.
She was 83!
Her adult son was just along for the adventure. The Camino was on her bucket list.
I chatted with her for a few moments … curious to hear how she managed it physically. The days are long and strenuous.
She said she couldn’t have done it without the strength and flexibility she developed in her yoga practice.
And …
Two hip replacements!
Why is it that so many need joint replacement as they age? Has it always been that way?
Surgery should be a last resort! It’s extremely disruptive in countless ways.
The most important thing we can do to preserve joint health should come as no surprise.
One of the chiropractors we visited regularly said …
Motion is lotion.
So move!
But don’t overdo it. I’m still researching this phenomenon, using the premise that it isn’t just lack of movement that is contributing to the epidemic of joint degeneration.
It’s the repetitive and unnatural movement in many of our activities including what’s required to be good at most sports. Tennis, golf, basketball, running … to name a few.
The human body is designed to walk. That’s the natural and sustainable way to lubricate joints.
How many times did you walk for 30 minutes or more this week?
Just do it … preferably outdoors in the sunshine!
Until next week …
Be Well!
Dr. Gala