Chapter 6 - Exercise: Use It Or Lose ItWant More Info? Search HERE
The scientific literature describes something called “ Wolfe’s Law,” referring to human physiology (how the body works). You’ve probably heard this law reduced to a very simple sentence – “Use it or lose it.” In a nutshell, that describes Wolfe’s Law very well. For instance, you’ve seen people who were paralyzed from the waist down and who had been confined to a wheelchair for a long time. You may have noticed that their legs became very thin from a process called “atrophy” or “muscle wasting.” The muscles aren’t being used, so they begin to disappear. Use it or lose it! You may have been in great shape at one time in your life, perhaps in high school or in college, but now may find that you’re not able to meet many of the physical challenges you easily met on a regular basis back then. You’re “out of training.” Being out of training causes you to lose stamina and strength. Use it or lose it! One of the things now recommended for senior citizens in order to sharpen their mental skills is to do crossword puzzles or to study a foreign language. The mind is apparently just like our muscles. It has to be exercised too in order to remain strong, supple and durable. Use it or lose it! Osteoporosis is a big concern for post-menopausal women in our country. So women are gobbling down tons of calcium and/or prescription drugs in a completely misinformed and extremely limited attempt to counteract it. The mere act of swallowing calcium will not necessarily get it into your bones! You have to give the bones a reason to take it in and a way to make that happen. The one and only reason a bone takes in more calcium is the stress of using the bone – exercise! Without exercise, the calcium is totally useless in terms of bone strength and, in fact may only result in dry, flaky, cracking skin especially around the backs of your heels. In truth, there are very few Americans who actually lack sufficient calcium in their diets. Your body will also need adequate amounts of vitamin D, (you can get that from sunshine) and natural progesterone to most effectively combat Osteoporosis. (For more on this subject, pick up a copy of, “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause,” by Dr. John R Lee.)
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