New Facts in the New Year

What you are about to read may not be new facts to you, but they are to me. Since it is the start of a new week, I am sharing three facts for you to ponder.  

#1: Have you ever heard of "Rucking"? It is part of military training and has been picked up by civilians for its calorie-busting and strength-boosting benefits. It is walking with a backpack with 10% of your body weight. It burns 13% more calories than not wearing a vest. Rucking burns two or three times more calories than walking. It offers a unique blend of cardio, strength training and mental resilience. By wearing a weighted backpack while walking it will provide a full body workout, with your core, legs and shoulders put to work. It is recommended to start with a load of 10-15 lbs. Gradually increase the weight and the distance you walk to avoid putting stress on your joints.

No one has more appreciation for people that have a walking regime than I do. Walking has so many health benefits. As we age, we are reminded that we have to be strong. Everyone needs an activity that will help maintain strength. My trainers frequently say, "you have to be able to get up off the floor and off the toilet". Rucking is the perfect solution to build strength into your walking program. I can't believe I am writing this but, I might even try it. 

#2: The number of colorectal cancers in 20-30-year-olds is climbing at an alarming rate. The information is attributing the increase to chemicals in food, air we breathe and the water we drink. Previously it was associated with obesity, sedentary lifestyle and processed food. 

I think it is impossible to identify what the cause of an increase in specific cancers especially within certain age groups. Environment is often identified as a factor, as is the food we eat. Many young people make it a point to eat well, exercise and do other activities that benefit their health. Yes, as a society we are exposed to more toxins, but we all are. We are missing something, and we need to figure it out, quickly.

In 1976 when I started nursing, cancer rates were 1/33. Now, one in every two Canadians is expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. One in four Canadians will die from it. Lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancers account for half of all cancers. My theory is that the cancers are mutating at an alarming rate. Cancer doesn't seem to have any rules. It certainly doesn't care that you are young, that you lead a healthy lifestyle, or that you have nothing but a beautiful life ahead of you. Cancer seems to be in full control of who it picks and chooses. 

#3. "No makeup" is trending. Pamela Anderson was a guest on "Kelly and Mark". She has made the decision to not wear makeup unless she is performing. She is blond and has a pale complexion, at first glance I thought she was ill. We all remember Pamela on Bay Watch, she certainly had lots of makeup and hair spray then. She said her son's told her she has spent half her life in a makeup chair. She described not wearing makeup as freeing, especially with her time.   

Since Covid, I have given up on makeup except for Cover Girl paint on lipstick. One application usually does me the entire day. Twenty years ago, as part of starting a new life, I decided I would get up every day, make a point of putting on lipstick and wearing earrings. Even on days when I never left my home. I still have this routine, it is such a habit, I don't even realize I am doing it. The full makeup application only happens on special occasions. As odd as this is, if I am out and I notice I have forgotten my earrings, I almost want to go home and get them.

Well, there it is, three random thoughts to start your week. I certainly hope something in my words has sparked an interest within you. I am always amazed at what people relate to.