Blog 30 My Body and the Hill (Gary)

Page 44

My Body and The Hill (Gary)

            I continue to battle a glitch in my side.  I have been trying to unravel the cause for about five years.  I am sitting here hoping (a word I don't like because most people hope rather than do) that the chiropractor I saw this morning has the answer.  I am taking a pill once a day to activate some facet or part of my liver that has not been working properly.  At least that is the conclusion I have come to.  Some years ago I suspected that when I do therapy I restrict my breathing with my intention to listen.  Later I realized it was probably more the result of living in a combat zone and staying clenched.  When we are in fear one of the primary reactions to stress is to clench our muscles and organs.  My restricted diaphragm has locked the muscles next to it and caused digestive and muscular problems.  My sit-ups have further tightened those muscles by putting even more pressure on the diaphragm.  Now, today that is all resolved, but for seven years I have been somewhat disabled due to my PTS and restriction.  If the pill continues to work, it will definitely change my life.  I can be hopeful.

            I now understand what my mother used to say: “If you have your health, you have everything."  HO to that.  It has taken a great deal of my energy.  So many times I have felt depleted because of it.  I value my body having learned to use it doing construction at age sixteen and digging ditches for the utility company when I was eighteen.  Now I have to exercise in some strenuous manner at least three to four times a week.

            My foreman gave me this gift by example.  He, in his late forties, led his crew by working ahead of them.  We would try to keep up.  Thank you, George Wettach.  I would have to say I am continuing to follow your lead and my health is far better than most men my age because of it.  I can easily do 9-mile walks, bench 135, press 60lb. dumbbells for 12 reps, and do 40 pushups, all with relative ease.  (Note: Gary loves to brag when he’s being humble. — M.Y.)

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