Ask Dr Denton: Hari Hachi Bu Fouls and Walking Our Way to Beautiful Living

The more we sit and watch TV, search the web, tweet, passively participate in the various social networks, or even just enjoy good Videos, the more our bodies become rigid and stagnant. In cultures where physical activities are a necessary and normal way of life, or where the culture reinforces exercise as a norm, the average life span is simply longer.

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P>PORTSMOUTH, VA (Catholic Online) - Dr Denton Weighs in at 200lbs after a terrible week of trying to take in 25% less food than he normally eats.

Dr Denton what do you have to say about this past week?

"Change is slow"

Ok, so I lost a pound or two, but wow what a surprise for me to really think about the moment I felt full. When I was exhausted I just wanted to keep eating. When I had a peaceful day I felt great and I was really full - even before the 25% reduction.

Keeping a little reminder card with me seemed to help. Just verbalizing my progress to my family made the transition to a new pattern of eating seem easier.

However, I failed a couple of times. For example, I ate my wife's other half of the sandwich that she didn't want. I think that qualifies as a Hara Hachi Bu foul.

This week let's talk about the next step in time. The next Pearl we can find along the treasure map to beautiful living is walking our way to beautiful living. 

"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching".  Francis of Assisi

Many people of faith spent Friday of last week walking together in Washington D.C. The large crowd gathered to March for Life. They peacefully walked to defend the Right to Life for the most innocent of our world, our first neighbors in the first home of the whole human race, their mother's womb.

Not running but walking, hand in hand with a neighbor, with a friend, with our Lord, they did a beautiful thing, together. In the midst of bitter cold, they kept warm by recalling the purpose of their noble effort and by standing in solidarity with one another, and for their neighbor.
 
We can walk our way to Beautiful Living

We know without question that the healthiest cultures in the world keep moving. Simply put, they are physically involved in some form of activity. If you are an Orthodox Monk who lives high in the mountains, you walk to prayer 4 time's day.

If you are an Okinawan senior, you may have spent your entire life walking to the garden, to the shop, or to a friend's home. If you are Sardinian, you may have spent your life climbing the rocky land while  herding sheep.

If you lived on the Isle of Crete, you may have cast a fishing net your whole life. In every instance, because you are moving you are probably healthier than the doc who is writing about you.

Why are these people much healthier?

The old adage "If you don't use it you'll lose it" is true. Our bodies are amazingly beautiful gifts. The more we move and stretch our bodies the better they become. The best way to approach walking is to start.

The more we sit and watch TV, search the web, tweet,passively participate in the various social networks, or even just enjoy good Videos, the more our bodies become rigid and stagnant. In cultures where physical activities are a necessary and normal way of life, or where the culture reinforces exercise as a norm, the average life span is simply longer.

Once again, weight problems just don't exist.

So this week I am asking you to move a little more and keep up the Hara Hachi Bu. Try these simple little steps this week and let's lose another pound!!!

1. Walk 15 minutes a day.
2. Walk when you get home from work, picking up groceries.. Simply change your shoes and walk
3. Don't change your clothing before you go for the walk. Why? Because sooner or later the excuse of "I just don't want to change" will win.
4. Pray when you walk. Make this a special time with the Lord.
5. If the weather is poor, walk up and down your stairs 10 times. P.S. Up and down equals one time! Nice try. No stairs! 20 laps around the house should equal about 15 minutes .. Time yourself.

St Francis would have been on the March for Life last week. I know in my heart there were many Saints on that march.. that walk for life. We walk for those that don't have the choice. Pray for the little ones this week and be thankful of the gift of Life you were given.

May God Bless Your Walk
Dr D
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Dr Denton D. Weiss, M.D. is board certified in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Weiss' approach to his medical practice flows from his convictions about the meaning of life which are deeply rooted in his Catholic Faith. He and his wife, Michelle strive for an integrated approach to life which recognizes the unity of the body, mind and soul. They call this approach "Bella Vitae" or "Beautiful Living". He, and Michelle, are contributing writers to Catholic Online.

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