Monthly Grandparenting Column
by Karen Robbins

It’s a new year. Did you make any resolutions? A new year is always a new opportunity to put into practice what we know we should have been doing all along. If you are like me and thoroughly enjoy watching your grandchildren grow and mature, you want to be around to see as much of that as possible. Resolve this year to take better care of your health. Take some positive steps:

•  Get that physical exam you’ve been putting off.
•  Make sure your doctor checks your cholesterol levels and blood pressure (Trust me on this blood pressure thing. It can sneak up on you quickly. And who knew Uncle Louie passed on that cholesterol gene?)
•  Start moving. I don’t mean into a new house. I mean literally move—walk, jog, do the steps. I hate the thought of a regimented exercise program as much as anyone but I found that walking each day helps keep me fit and works off a few calories. (Try combining a morning walk through the neighborhood with a time of prayer for neighbors, family, and friends.)
•  Watch a little more carefully what you eat. By that I mean add a few more veggies and fruit and cut down on the meat portions a bit. It’s not calorie counting but portion control and better choices will help you fend off those pounds that not only slow you down but can shorten your life span. Save the desserts for special occasions.
•  Make sure you keep those regular dental appointments. Gum disease and poor health are related. Set a good example for your grandkids with good dental hygiene.
•  Your arms really didn’t get shorter—you may just need some reading glasses. Visit an eye doctor and give your eyes a good checkup. It will make reading those bedtime stories a lot easier.
•  Get your flu shot and/or the pneumonia shot! It’s not a hundred percent guarantee you won’t get sick over the season but it will sure help to ward off most of what comes at you especially being around younger children.

These are a few ideas to start you on the road to better healthy living. We all know the routine. We’ve all heard the warnings. Too often we think it’s not for us. Take care of what God has given you and you will enjoy those grandkids more and for a long time to come.