Be Active

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b e a c t i v e

Antioxidant Recipe

Lead An Active Lifestyle At Any Age!

Nutty and slightly sweet sherry vinegar is a natural partner for strawberries. This composed salad makes a cool kickoff for dinner or a nutrition-packed lunch on its own. Ingredients 1/4 cup honey 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, or red-wine vinegar Strawberry, Melon and Avocado Salad 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Pinch of salt 4 cups baby spinach 1 small avocado, (4-5 ounces), peeled, pitted and cut into 16 slices 16 thin slices cantaloupe, ( about 1/2 small canta- loupe), rind removed 1 1/2 cups hulled strawberries, sliced 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted (see Tip) Preparation 1. Whisk honey, vinegar, mint, pepper and salt in a small bowl. 2. Divide spinach among 4 salad plates. Arrange alter- nating slices of avocado and cantaloupe in a fan on top of the spinach. Top each salad with strawberries, drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

be i nformed

You are never too old to enjoy an ac- tive lifestyle! Just ask today’s senior citizens about retirement and they’ll tell you they haven’t retired, they’ve rewired! The senior citizens of the 21 st century are healthier and more active than ever. In addition to leisure activities, the modern definition of retirement now includes such things as starting a new business, working part-time, volunteering and mentoring. So, what’s the key to a healthy retirement? Exercise! A consistent exercise routine can help you control your weight, improve your overall health and slow the effects of aging. Before starting any exercise regime, it’s important to check with your doctor, especially if you are being treated for a medical condition or injury. Once you get the approval, start with something easy like walking for a short distance or gardening. Don’t be a weekend warrior and overdo it! If you end up with sore muscles and joints from the very beginning, you’re less likely to continue with your exercise program.

time, soft shoes start to disin- tegrate and this break-down in materials can cause foot pain, increase existing pain and contribute to imbalance. A BioPed Pedorthist can help you find the right shoe for your level of activity - whether you have a foot condition to contend with or are just looking for a comfort- able pair of shoes. If you are having trouble with your balance, a Pedorthist can also recommend specific stabilizing footwear which can help with walking, exercising and may even reduce falls. Most off-the-shelf footwear from BioPed can be modified for your foot shape and/or condition. If you’re bothered by a bunion, shoes can be stretched to accommodate for the bulge. If swollen ankles are a concern, the Pedorthist can open up the heel counter and rebuild it with softer materials. At BioPed , we believe in helping you achieve an active lifestyle at any age. If you suffer from a foot ailment, our Canadian Certified Pedorthists stand ready to evaluate your condition, and if appropriate, can manufacture an orthotic to relieve painful symptoms. Most appropriate footwear costs no more than a good pair of running shoes. What a small price to pay to partake in your favourite sport or hobby!

If you’re spending more time outdoors in the nice weather, don’t forget to dress appropri- ately. It’s best to wear layers of clothing to allow for re- moval if it gets too hot. Also, sunscreen, sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat are a must. Always bring some water to sip along the way, and while you’re at it, bring a friend! Nothing provides more motivation to exercise on a routine basis than the buddy-system. But most importantly, be sure to wear the appropriate foot- wear. If you’re over 65, you’ve likely travelled more than 160,000 kilometers on your feet. That’s a great distance!

Many seniors purchase walk- ing shoes without assistance from an expert – often pur- chasing less expensive, softer shoes at a retail store. They believe the softer the shoe, the better for their condition. What they don’t know, is that a soft shoe can actually compound their troubles. Over

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