I had my annual physical last week and was surprised to learn that I've lost over an inch in height! Well, I knew this was normal and likely to happen, but to me? Not really! I was told that we are tallest in the morning and by afternoon we settle down. So I tested at home.
(In my image in my brain I am 35, weigh 130 and am 5'8 3/4" tall. The reality is different.) At the doc's office I was 5'7" but had her remeasure with me standing as tall as I could and I was 5 7 1/2. At home first thing in the morning I am 3/4 inches taller, but settle back to the lower height by noon.
My bone density is great, so that isn't a problem. Also, I have enviable blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and I had my thyroid level checked and that is fine. My main problems are some osteoarthritic aches and pains and the skin pre-cancer--I have a post on the dermatologist.
Anyway, most of the shrinkage is in the spine (flattened feet count a little bit) and core exercises are even more important as we get older. Losing toned abs can cause your spine to sag forward, making that tummy problem even worse.
I'm regaining the strength I lost and am almost full speed on exercising. Maintaining at about 5 more pounds than ideal, but still determined to get there and maintain.
Now I'm off to do some crunches. Have a healthy week, everybody.
