Healing Time

One thing I've noticed as I have gotten older is that my body takes longer to heal than it used to.  This seems to be true for just about everything:  cuts and scratches, bumps and bruises, colds and the flu.  I'm dealing with the latter right now and there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight after three full days of aching misery.

The facts are that as our bodies age, our cells take longer to regenerate.  Also, the immune system in an older person isn't as strong as the one found in younger people.  I recently read that the flu shot and other immunizations don't work as well in older bodies, like mine.  So it's not just a figment of my imagination that I am sick longer (when I come down with something) than I have been in the past.

This isn't the best news I could hear right now but it does make sense.  As our bodies change, we need to change how we care for ourselves.  I've never given much thought to preventing illness but after this past weekend in bed, I believe I will be motivated enough to make more of an attempt to stay healthy once I get back on my feet. 

What is one thing you do to keep yourself feeling well and avoid getting sick?

Here - a word list poem

 

 

Here

 

clear skies, white covered mountains, frozen glitter in the air

 

Here

 

snowpacked trails, mittened fingers, the smell of woodsmoke

 

Here

 

a setting sun, alpenglow in shades of pink, the sound of waves

 

Here

 

eagles swooping over water, cold cheeks, the far-off whistle of a train

 

Here

 

the first twinkling lights across the water, nightfall, the promise of a rising moon

 

Here

 

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Liz Lamoreux suggested this prompt in one of her lovely newsletters so I just had to try it myself.  She is a nurturing soul with so much goodness to offer - I always get something valuable from her posts.  Please visit her (if you haven't already) and take a moment to write down your own "Here" poem of where you are in life right now.

A New Year