May 10, 2006 - Day 1 - Week 6 - Six Pack Abs

There is an old saying that goes something like this; be wary of what you ask for because you might get it.

The doorbell rang last evening just as I completed my tribute to Earl and Tiger Jones and their public demonstration of affection in the form of a hug.  When I opened the door longtime friend Sue greeted me.

“What are you doing here”, I inquired. “Oh, Peter, I just came by to give you a hug.”  First time that has happened and the coincidence of the timing made me smile and relate to Sue that I had just finished praising this too often neglected form of healing.

Cancer plays with both your physical and emotional well being and the strengthening of the body will have an effect on one’s mental state.  I have never had anything remotely described as a ‘six pack’ at my midriff, perhaps it is more like an inner tube resulting from too many six packs through the years, but now I am in search of becoming etched, or cut, or whatever the younger generation terms the perfect look.

What I am realizing is that hugs help, but hard work is also needed to build that frame that can compete against cancer now.  In reading Dr. Bob Blaich’s book The Inner Pharmacy he states the second most important muscle, after the heart, in the human body is the diaphragm. This is the core of what is referred to in the New Testament of the Bible as the temple of God.  The healthy diaphragm is where the beginning of over-all health may reside. If we take care of our bodies then we have a better chance of warding off some of the diseases we seem to attract today.

I was always in fairly decent shape, but my intentionality and consistency of purpose regarding my own body was suspect during the past 10 years.  Type II diabetes, a result of heredity, a carbohydrate diet, and a neglect of my core seemed to weaken my immune system over time.  My blood sugars would not go off the charts, except on occasion, but I pushed the envelope and did not abide by the strict guidelines offered by experts.  I should keep my sugars around 100-120 and I was always 140-160 and then with spikes of 100 or so points I would get into the danger zone.

What is the point of all of this?  Aerobic exercise helps in maintaining good blood sugar levels and is a definite anti-dote in warding off debilitating diseases.  Even if you are even a sometime couch potato re-think the daily routine.  I don’t think I will ever achieve the Jack LaLanne trim and fit at 85 look, but a jiggling mid-section may indicate that all is not well within the eco system that sustains my life.

I can not stand sit ups, crunches or abdomen exercises, but they are of necessity becoming part of my routine.  I am wary though that I may end up what I asked for and that is a hard rock six pack.  Progress reports may be requested on-line.