Bones!!

(The following was sent in by the amazing Virginia Posadas)

We are saturated with news clips and messages on the importance of exercise. We hear these messages, but don't really listen. Not until something happens.

Over 3 years ago my doctor recommended that I undergo a bone densitometry. It's to check one's bone mass. Why the fuss? Doctor said that mature Asian women are prone to having osteoporosis because of our small bone structure. Test result: not good. Although still in the "normal" stage, I was borderline in having osteopenia (aka low bone mass). Then if not mitigated, you graduate to osteoporosis. Doctor recommended eating properly, supplements and exercise.

Yeah, exercise. I thought I was exercising enough. I would go to the gym at least once a week  (boring!), take some classes (e.g. deep water exercise, yoga), play my dvds. I do admit though that exercise would always be last priority because it is hard to fit it in when you work all day and are so tired by the time you get home! However, something had to change.

One day, my daughter Summer suggested we try the latest craze called Zumba. "They're dance classes and you'll really like it, mom!" So off we went and tried a number of different instructors. Then, we attended this Zumba fund raiser held at a school gym. There were lots of participants, but Summer spotted someone who she had researched on line. Summer quickly called my attention and told me to watch how this lady moved. Yup, it was Michelle!  Oh yeah. We both nodded and right there and then decided that we were going to attend her class. 

I started attending once a week, then twice a week, and then thrice a week. Except during the golf season when I skip a class or two to go golfing!

I had another bone test done a week ago. Result: Marvelous! There was a significant increase in my lumbar spine and my hips.  Doctor said he was very pleased I was able to reverse the trend. "Taking all the supplements in the world will not help you unless you keep an active lifestyle. Keep doing what you're doing", he said.

Osteoporosis? Not likely in this lifetime! Bones - my motivator! What's yours?