A Youthful Spring

“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets and life will become a beautiful success.” ~Louisa May Alcott

With the entrance of spring’s first blooms, one cannot help but feel a bit younger, freer and more hopeful. Gone are the cold, dreary winter days; the early darkness that saps our energy and drives us indoors is stored away for yet another year. The experience of youth – oftentimes a metaphor for springtime – is a hopeful one that bids us to fully engage in the energy of life.

Thankfully age is not the only factor that contributes to our youthfulness. I’ve met individuals in their nineties who do not act a day over 20. They are active, full of excitement and live each day to the hilt. At the same time, I’ve met individuals in their forties who, due to a variety of factors, could be 80 years old. So, how can we continue to be youthful in spite of our age or our disability? This month’s NCHPAD newsletter offers helpful information to start you on your personal path to health and wellness.

How much exercise should you be doing each week to stay healthy and fit? Beginning in this month’s Senior Corner, Fitness and Health Promotion Director Carol Kutik breaks down how much cardiorespiratory exercise is enough regardless of your age. And, you won’t want to miss the next two months of this series where she focuses on strength training and then flexibility.

Have you ever tried massage therapy? Read how this treatment can be a relaxing and accessible part of your total body wellness in this month’s Training Corner.

Do you want to maintain a nutritious, balanced diet but are unsure where to begin? Check out our March Nutrition Corner to find how you can revamp your plate using the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) MyPlate guide. A tasty, healthful recipe is also included for your use.

We’re proud to offer a collection of youth-focused articles including a piece on keeping your kids active during spring break, a special guest column that describes what “a day in the life” looks like for a child with autism, and finally a thought-provoking piece from NCHPAD Director Dr. James Rimmer regarding the exclusion of children with disabilities from physical activity research.

Your kids will be eager to help in the kitchen after reading our Kid’s Nutrition Korner, and you’ll also want to check out our March Research Corner which reviews the energy expenditure and physical activity of children with cerebral palsy. As always, be sure to find upcoming events and webinars in our monthly From the Information Specialist’s Desk.

May this spring fill you with endless possibilities to lead the most healthy, active and independent life possible!

All the best,
Laura K. Womble