OK, dievca is not long legged – nor a “hottie”. And Master isn’t that tall – though He is handsome. In this case, dievca needs a long tall cool drink to replace fluids.
dievca has been running slightly dehydrated. she thinks its because of wearing masks during Covid she got out of the habit of drinking enough fluids. That and upping her workouts in a pool setting where she doesn’t realize that she is sweating.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend 15.5 c (3.7 L) of fluids a day for men and 11.5 c (2.7 L) for women. This includes all fluids — not just water — from anything you eat and drink all day. Everything from coffee to cucumbers to chicken contains some fluid, and it all adds up.
Research suggests that hydration status doesn’t differ much if someone drinks water, cola, or fruit juice, provided that they drink enough to stay hydrated. So there doesn’t appear to be a clear winner. Even caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, can be hydrating, as long as you limit intake to no more than 300 mg caffeine per day (about three 8-oz cups of coffee).
Missed train and couldn’t rebook because all was sold out on a Sunday… dievca’s friend had to drive 3 hours to pick her up.
The Eco – Lodge is a paradise. Fresh lemons, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, apricots, raspberries, nectarines all for the picking. 32 C (90F) during the day beside the pool, dropping to 19C (66F) during the night..
Can you find the house (left) and the edge of the pool (right) in the photo above? It’s taken from down below by the fruit trees!
During COVID, dievca had a three-month period where she was able to rehab her back. Selfishly, it was one of the best things to happen to her regarding her health. she didn’t/doesn’t want a relapse of COVID or another virus in any way, but it might give her time to work on her knee, she needs it.
Last week, dievca had scheduled appointments for two Orthopedic Doctors. to look at her knee – one appointment is this Thursday and one in June. Her schedule blew up when her knee popped going up the 3rd flight of stairs from the Subway yesterday. she was stuck for a period of time trying to figure out how to get up the final 2 stairs. Finally, she slowly made it out of the subway and into a cab. The Cabbie got her to an UrgentCare and was super patient and kind – sometimes you gotta love NYC.
Why an UrgentCare? dievca knew x-rays were not needed immediately – but she did need, crutches, large ace bandages, and confirmation of her injured areas. The UrgentCare Doctor was great – the pop occurred at the ACL/PCL area – she (the Doctor) felt like there might be a cyst behind the ligaments. The area popped again (lightly) when the Dr. palpitated the area. Yes, there is chronic swelling at the meniscus (livable), the knee cap may have chips (that needs an x-ray – but not the main issue), etc. dievca knows the damage has been building for a while due to past foot/calf injuries + aging.
Anyways, dievca scheduled another group to look at the knee Monday 8am, to get “The Party” started. she has the crutches and ace bandages — the pain has receded to certain positions and angles which gives her more information for the next set of Doctors.
The Uber home included a lovely, patient driver. Again, you’ve gotta love NYC.
If you are thinking – where was dievca’s Master? He was the first call of the morning to talk about the Doctor who is scheduled for Thursday. Then after the pop, He spoke with dievca in the cab and said he would come down immediately – but it wasn’t necessary when dievca knew He had family coming in town to stay.
dievca just wishes she could have made it to Thursday without the pain and loss of mobility.
La Box en Pink: A Must-Have from Harper’s Bazaar! Our appreciation of the Parisian It Girl runs deep, which is why we’re thrilled to present La Box en Pink. This limited-edition collection of rosy-hued must-haves from iconic brand Champagne Laurent-Perrier and emerging French labels celebrate effortless style and joie de vivre.
Wine Gift Set Includes:
Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose
The Cuvée Rosé from Laurent-Perrier is the most recognized rosé champagne in the world. The house uses its proprietary maceration technique and the wine is crafted for a fragrance and not mixed for a color. Held in an elegant bottle inspired by King Henri IV, it has been widely acknowledged for its consistent high quality for more than 40 years, and it is the benchmark for rosé champagne around the world.
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé is truly remarkable for its highly expressive bouquet, stemming from the very careful preservation of fresh fruit aromas during the winemaking. Made with 100% Pinot Noir from 10 different “crus ” (or villages), from the North and South areas of the Montagne de Reims, as well as the famous village of Bouzy. Grapes from carefully selected plots are meticulously sorted and de-stemmed before going into the vats, and the controlled maceration helps with the color extraction and the development of the full aromatic richness of the Pinot Noir.
Intensely fruity flavors, clean and slightly sharp, the wine opens to the sensation of freshly picked red berries: strawberries, Morello cherries, black currants, and raspberries. The finish is supple and rounded.
Rated 96 Points: Connoisseurs’ Guide
La Box en Pink
La Box en Pink is comprised of a 750ml bottle of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, a crepe de chine scarf by ba&sh, Delina Hair Mist, Feminine Discovery Set, and votive candle by Parfums de Marly, Le Stylo in Emilie and Les 4 Rouje cream lip palette in Chaleur by Rouje, and a pink quartz necklace by Bôneur, and French Glow supplement and a Simple Skin Mini Routine Set by Aime.
The Holiday that’s celebrated by almost two billion people across the world, known as Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, is upon us!
Though the titles can be used interchangeably, the name Lunar New Year is inclusive to other countries that refer to new year celebrations by different names. Additionally, the holiday has a longstanding connection to the moon.
Although the date varies annually, it will always fall between Jan. 20 and Feb. 21 on the Gregorian calendar. This year, it starts on Lunar New Year’s Eve, beginning on Jan. 31, and ending on Feb. 15, 2022. Only the first seven days, Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, are considered a public holiday.
Another constant is that each year has a corresponding animal from the Chinese zodiac, based on ancient Chinese mythology; 2022 will mark the Year of the Tiger.
Previous Tiger Years include 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010
(click on the photos for details)
Thank you to Elle Decor, People, CNN Style, DailyMail UK
Drinking coffee around 45–60 minutes before a workout allows for caffeine to reach its peak effectiveness. Most studies indicate that caffeine is highly effective for workouts when consumed in doses of 0.9–2.7 mg per pound (2–6 mg per kg) of body weight.
The Netherlands is having some COVID-19 challenges as are other European Countries. dievca knows this for sure because her Dutch friend doesn’t want to chance traveling for Thanksgiving. Understandable. she just wishes she could get a booster added to her friend’s AstraZeneca vaccine – her friend has asthma and arthritis issues.
The bubble of NYC is holding its own with school starting and the weather changing. An increase of 1.78% for the last 28 days, but drops in hospitalizations and deaths. dievca guesses if you get hit hard in the beginning, you comply with offered solutions.
dievca received her booster and she knows that parents of young children are getting their kids vaccinated. Seems to be working for the 18,823,000 in the NYC Metro Area.
Please consider getting your COVID-19 vaccine.
PS. for those interested in the booster shot. dievca’s arm is sore at the injection site, but she is feeling fine.
deivca is pondering a question this morning… please let her explain the scenario, 1st:
A work friend died yesterday. she was a few years older than dievca. The friend worked at a different location, so dievca didn’t see her all the time. dievca did see the friend in the summer and she looked a bit tired and thin, but her friend was thin to begin with. The friend was moving well and rollerblading consistently to work.
In September the friend asked dievca for a favor and it was to be turned back over in November. Not anymore.
No one knew the friend was sick, she just died.
It was cancer.
The workplace is reeling because this person was kind, happy, and caring. Lovely to everyone.
No one knows what happened. Was it diagnosed Stage 4? did she decide to pass on chemo? was it so aggressive there was no time? had she been battling it for a while and told no one but her family?
Back to dievca’s pondering…
Is it better to let people know about your illness or say nothing?
A quick death might be better for the terminally ill person, but doesn’t allow people to say Good-Bye. (You don’t have to explain your condition, your treatment plans, deal with everyone feeling sorry for you, etc.)
A longer process allows people to connect with the terminally ill person but extends their trauma. (People will keep asking what is going on, what the treatment plan is, ask how you are feeling, maybe offer pity, etc.)
OK, multiple questions. Tough questions.
No matter what the answers, it does bring to mind the phrase, “My Body – My Choice.”
Looks like Life is getting back to normal when people are dealing with the common cold, rather than COVID-19.
Master flew back with a stuffed up nose. He had been hanging out with some super fun Tots on Halloween. They shared their daycare wealth~
Before His return and across the country, dievca’s nose started to leak. she’s drinking as many fluids as she can get down her gullet.
It looks like dievca will be making soup for everyone. Chicken Soup for herselfand Jambalaya (Creole) for Master. He’s better at drinking water than dievca, so He can do a “thicker” soup.
Creole Jambalaya is less thick than Cajun Jambalaya because of less browning and added tomatoes.
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut 1″ pieces
1 tsp. dried oregano
6 oz. andouille sausage, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. tomato paste
2 c. chicken broth
1 (15-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 c. long grain rice
2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning (modify to your heart’s content – dievca has Old Bay handy)
1 lb. frozen seafood or shrimp (or 1 lb fresh shrimp)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and bell peppers and season with salt and pepper.
Cook until soft, about 5 minutes, then stir in chicken and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until the chicken is golden, about 5 minutes, then stir in andouille sausage, garlic, and tomato paste and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
Add chicken broth, frozen seafood/shrimp, crushed tomatoes, rice, and Old Bay. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is almost absorbed for about 20 minutes.
(If you have fresh uncooked shrimp – add the shrimp and cook until pink, 3 to 5 minutes.)
Stir in green onions just before serving. Serve with crusty bread.
Taking a tub was a delight this weekend. The Roosevelt Island Graduate Hotel offered a Kohler Soaking Tub ($4250). It was the perfect size. Too bad that dievca got water in her ear and is battling an ear infection. But, now she knows what type of tub to buy for the future. XO (click photo below for a link)
KES After Hours Set, Silk Slip Pajamas – Organic Lac Beetle$345 (click photo)
Details
Slip Cami
Adjustable straps
V neck
Shiny facing of the Silk Charmeuse
Slip Shorts
Thin elastic waist
Scalloped rounded bottom
Shiny facing of the Silk Charmeuse
Care & Composition
100% Silk
Dry Clean
Made in New York.
How does clothing promote wellness? That is the central consideration of KES new mini collection of organically-dyed silk garments.
In addition to being luxuriously soft, natural silks boost our health and beauty by relieving irritation, reducing allergens, and keeping moisture close to the skin to create an effortless, youthful glow.
Similarly, organic dyes are historically thought to have healing properties that enhance our overall well-being. Natural dyes are anti-microbial, non-toxic, and non-allergenic. They also offer skin moisturizing, anti-aging, and UV-protective properties.
For centuries, organic dyes have been used to imbue garments with rich, earthy hues. These natural tones are an essential element of our collective ecological and cultural history. Because of their natural derivation, organic dyes are inherently pleasing to the eye, complement every skin tone, and evoke within us a deep connection to the earth.
Something to keep yourself and your Sir/ Madame healthy~
We should NOT host large gatherings and we should keep a distance from family members that we are not currently living with ~
Who’s left to invite?
dievca is keeping it simple: a workout, a smaller meal, Zooming family, donating to a Soup Kitchen around the block. she is Thankful for being alive and wishes you GOOD HEALTH for this upcoming Holiday Season.
dievca is donating local – but if you are looking for a solid group who feeds those in need: World Central Kitchens, she’s seen them in action for NYC and knows they have a mission Worldwide – donate here
No one talks about peri-menopause. No one talks about colonoscopies.
For both topics, there are “hints” and “innuendo” – interspersed with potty humor (colonoscopy) or the suggestion of mental instability (perimenopause).
dievca is looking at both topics straight in the eye. One came to the attention of the other this week….
The colonoscopy prep is tedious. Here are some things of use to help one get through it:
Chill your prep solution as long as you can before drinking
Don’t sniff the prep solution
Don’t swish the solution in your mouth because you are pondering swallowing
Use a straw to keep the texture and salty and sweet taste away from your tongue
Take small to medium sips
Swallow as fast as you can to limit the taste in the mouth
Take a small sip of water/clear fluid to dilute and rinse the taste from your mouth
If you feel nauseous, take longer pauses between sips – even if you go beyond the time limit for drinking the prep
If you feel like you need something more substantial in your stomach than liquids, suck on hard clear candies, eat light-colored Jello, apple sauce, and Italian ice. No red or purple colors.
Keep a cream available for a sore bum
If everything coming out stays neon yellow – don’t panic. As long as its clear, you are ok.
Finish the prep as best you can, but know that if you throw some up – it is not a problem as long as emissions are clear
Your blood pressure is going to be high due to dehydration, don’t panic
Schedule the procedure in the morning, so you don’t have to wait if someone before you has a problem and you can get to your caffeine as soon as possible after the surgery.
For the Ladies:
Perimenopause?
When dievca checked in for the procedure – they insisted on her taking a pregnancy test (!)…..on the hint that she still gets periods. That’s where perimenopause rears its head. How old are the people getting their 1st colonoscopy? In their 50’s – when does perimenopause start? late 40’s early 50’s on the average. The question, “Do you still get your period?”, can be a loaded question and awkward to answer~ Be aware. It’s tough to pee in a cup when you are dehydrated.
The procedure itself is quite simple and your a** does not hang out for everyone to see.
A side note: A close friend’s sister died at 40 from colon cancer. dievca’s friend was constantly on people to get a colonoscopy ASAP. Sadly, that friend was the one who beat gallbladder cancer only to die from pancreatic cancer at 50. dievca finally honored her promise to her friend, she knows her friend was watching. All clear.
dievca took a friend to an early morning outpatient medical procedure. One is not allowed to sit in the waiting room for the pick-up, so dievca wandered down to the East River to enjoy her coffee. An excellent choice.
Note: dievca brought her own coffee in an amazing Japanese brand ZOJIRUSHI thermos that a friend gifted to her.
Have you gained anything positive from the Quarantine?
We know the bad news: People have died. People have been very ill, lost jobs, been furloughed.
Businesses closed, economies collapsing. Loneliness. Depression.
Has anything positive happened? CO2 emissions dropped. Wildlife came back to heavily used and populated spaces. One can hear the birds chirping at 4:30 am in NYC. Some businesses which were on the verge of collapse received a reprieve with Federal Aid or were able to file for bankruptcy in a less messy manner.
In NYC, Animal Shelters had most of their animals adopted. Some Family and Friends grew closer than they ever expected.
dievca’s body has been healing. Yes, there are age issues and lurking injuries that won’t disappear, but their impact has lessened – immensely. dievca has been able to assess, have the time to fix and strengthen her body. The time in quarantine has been a godsend to dievca and she feels a bit guilty about it. Catholic guilt.
Well – with dievca’s healing – she’s dusted off her road bike and has started cycling Central Park with Master.
Joyce Barry Australian Cyclist
dievca’s bike was in storage, but the other ‘bits and bobs’ had to be bought
(click photos for brands):
2013 Specialized Dolce Comp Apex
Bontrager Starvos MIPS Road Bike Helmet $94.99
Shimano Mountain Bike Shoes eBay $25.00
Castelli VELOCISSIMA 2 SHORT $109
Terry Tourista Black Cycling Tank V neck
Castelli ROUBAIX GEL 2 GLOVE $39.99
If you want to know why dievca bought certain items – just ask.
A quick recap:
dievca tried to get a COVID-19 antibody test the morning after the riots started in NYC. she walked to three midtown urgent care centers and they were all closed. Apparently, the decision to close was made that morning for workers’ safety – it wasn’t known to dievca at 8 am. Then she drove 2000 miles, roundtrip to her Mother.
dievca was finally was able to get an antibody test last week and play detectivewhen she scheduled an appointment at the NY.gov temporary tent medical center in her neighborhood. On her walk to have blood drawn she ran into some new park artwork:
The COVID-19 antibody test came back negative. That means that her co-worker who ended up with a positive test did not get sick at work, they picked up the virus in Queens.
PS. she’s not planning on kissing the Frog Prince with COVID-19 lurking about~
Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline.
Emotional symptoms of stress include:
Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
Avoiding others
Physical symptoms of stress include:
Low energy
Headaches
Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
Aches, pains, and tense muscles
Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
Insomnia
Frequent colds and infections
Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
Clenched jaw and grinding teeth
Cognitive symptoms of stress include:
Constant worrying
Racing thoughts
Forgetfulness and disorganization
Inability to focus
Poor judgment
Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
Behavioral symptoms of stress include:
Changes in appetite — either not eating or eating too much
Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
Exhibiting more nervous behaviors, such as nail-biting, fidgeting, and pacing
Blood tests can be used to estimate how much stress one is experiencing. A cortisol blood test is one of the most commonly used blood tests. Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands when one is under stress. Higher levels of cortisol would indicate higher levels of stress.
Explore stress management strategies, such as:
Getting regular physical activity
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or massage
Keeping a sense of humor
Spending time with family and friends
Setting aside time for hobbies, such as reading a book or listening to music
Self-Care
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MASTURBATION?
Little scientific research has been conducted to examine the benefits of masturbation. However, many experts have weighed in to say it can help combat anxiety, depression, and stress. Psychologist Dr. Becky Spelman, based in London, said endorphins secreted by the body during climax boost mental health.
Dr. Spelman, a relationship expert for We-Vibe, said masturbation can have physical benefits, too. In older women, it can maintain vaginal health and prevent vaginal atrophy – which often strikes at that stage in life. Endorphins, which give the same natural high as exercise can, can reduce pain.
Writing for The Conversation, two researchers at the University of Sydney said self-pleasuring can ward off a host of illnesses. These include cystitis and diabetes, while insomnia can be reduced through hormonal and tension release, the pair said.
Aim to find active ways to manage your stress. Inactive ways to manage stress — such as watching television, surfing the internet, or playing video games — may seem relaxing, but they may increase your stress over the long term.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid tobacco use, excess caffeine and alcohol, and the use of illegal substances.
So….everyone at work had tremendous sicks around the February timeframe, dievca included.
Weird sick
For dievca it was brutal headaches and exhaustion, others it was hacking coughs and exhaustion.
One co-worker recently got tested for the COVID-19 antibodies and they tested positive.
They and their family had gotten sick during the quarantine – bad. Their upstairs neighbor passed away. (duplex)
dievca is getting tested today for the antibodies out of curiosity.
Positive (+) result = she can confirm that the virus came from work. she hasn’t been sick in quarantine.
Negative (-) result = her coworker got the virus somewhere in Queens.
Several groups of researchers from different countries have found that the sickest patients often have the lowest levels of vitamin D and that countries with higher death rates had larger numbers of people with vitamin D deficiency than countries with lower death rates.
Note: The early research is not yet peer-reviewed, and other experts say the scientific proof is lacking that vitamin D could prevent COVID-19 or make the infection milder.
dievca is getting her Vitamin D early and away from as many humans as possible for the following reason:
scold
/skōld
verb
remonstrate with or rebuke (someone) angrily.
noun ARCHAIC•US
a person, in particular a woman, who nags or grumbles constantly.
Two women in full PPE suits and masks, power-walking in the middle of the road at Central Park scold the biker (15 feet away) for not wearing a mask.
Warning – the scolds are out, do not respond, and move away quickly. It could turn dangerous in more ways than one.
Something of Use
dievca admired someone’s workout bra at her gym and was turned on to a Fitness Brand that is very comfortable, yet holds all your pieces in nicely. Splits59
Just the thing to wear during Skype workouts.
Splits59 Maya TechFlex Bra Ombre
Established in 2008, Splits59 is the culmination of co-founders Jonathan Schwartz and Keith Peterson’s mission to create the best activewear on the market. Their workout clothes mix high-tech performance fabrics with flattering silhouettes—including the super popular Splits59 Raquel flare leggings, supportive sports bras, and graphic tanks—all made in Los Angeles with loving precision. Even the name represents the company’s exacting attention to small details: A constant reminder that a split second can actually make all the difference, especially for an athlete.
The Norma Kamali Sequin underwire top and bottoms are exclusive to Net-A-Porter and are something to dream about~ Can you see the suit poolside in Miami, FL?
dievca has a little over a month to work on her poolside presentation. The best full-body workout that will be easy on a torn hamstring/calf and back is swimming. Reality is that dievca will be wearing Stella McCartney for Adidas and Speedo. Let’s hope she can be disciplined for Master and her training.
Caffeine acts on a chemical in your brain called adenosine. An increase in adenosine levels induce sleep and the longer you are awake the more adenosine you have in your system. Caffeine binds to the molecules of adenosine reducing its sleep-inducing effects.
Typically, the half-life of caffeine is around four to six hours, meaning that four to six hours after consumption, about half of that caffeine is still in your system.
Coffee can affect healthy sleep cycles by increasing your arousal frequency — how many times your brain wakes up each night.
However, some studies have begun to debunk this claim. It often depends on the individual. If you have had a cup of coffee every evening for twenty years, you may not have trouble sleeping.
What Research Says About Coffee Consumption
Coffee appears to affect everyone differently. Some people get headaches and restlessness from a simple cup of black coffee. Others can drink multiple espresso shots without noticing much of a difference.
Part of this stems from tolerance. There are many different variables that come into play when discussing tolerance: age, weight, sex, consumption, type of roast, etc.
Coffee can give you a temporary mental and physical boost. How it impacts you depends on how much you consume and the source. There is a big difference between drinking one or two servings of black coffee every day and making multiple trips to Starbucks for a Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino.
Research shows that daily consumption of caffeine in coffee, tea, or soft drinks increases daily sugar levels by nearly 10%, boosting their risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. Just adding cream and sugar to your homebrewed coffee could quickly skyrocket to over 200 calories per serving.
A Starbucks Venti White Chocolate Mocha, for instance, has 580 calories, 22 grams of fat and 75 grams of sugar. A plain cup of brewed coffee? Two calories, no fat, and zero carbs.
Other issues
Acid Reflux: Caffeine causes the gastroesophageal sphincter to relax, which allows acid to enter the esophagus.
Not for children: Small amounts of caffeine, equivalent to one cup of coffee, increased children’s blood pressure. And to compensate for the rise in blood pressure slowed their heart rates.
Osteoporosis: There is some evidence showing that moderate to high coffee consumption (more than four cups per day) is linked with calcium loss and fractures.
Drinking Coffee Can Be Good For You
Coffee is linked to a positive mood, alertness, and an overall increase in mental function. Coffee consumption habits may even reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
What are the nutrients in coffee?
A single cup of coffee contains:
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Manganese and potassium
Magnesium and niacin (vitamin B3)
Coffee shows more antioxidant activity than green tea. There is some evidence that coffee may lower the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A number of studies have suggested that consuming caffeine can reduce your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Coffee drinking has beneficial effects on the liver, including reducing the risk of death from liver cirrhosis, decreasing harmful liver enzyme levels and limiting liver scarring in people who have hepatitis C. And researchers found that those who drank four or more cups of caffeinated coffee each day had a 20 percent lower risk of developing melanoma than people who drank decaffeinated coffee or no coffee.
Caffeine is a performance and endurance enhancer. It fights fatigue, strengthens muscle contractions, reduces an exerciser’s perception of pain, and increases fatty acids in the blood to support endurance. The belief that coffee is dehydrating doesn’t have much interference with exercise if it is consumed at a reasonable level.
Enjoy Your Coffee Like Everything, in Moderation
Thank you to Jonah Malin via Medium, wiki, Rush.edu and nih.gov
dievca is a degenerate…in the Physical sense.
she knows that she has damage in her body from being a former elite athlete,
but it is her everyday actions that trigger episodes of pain.
Taking care of her Mom/Dad at Thanksgiving blew her over the edge this time.
(Turns out her Dad had a UTI and needed a hospital stay with antibiotics to heal)
Anyways…
Her work with a Physical Trainer has been cumulative and she can now apply her own fixes.
The Foam Roller is an important tool in her recovery.
There are a number of foam rollers available at the gyms or available to buy – its confusing. Here’s a guide to help with what type of foam roller does what.
Foam Roller Guide
Foam rollers come in various densities and shapes. Below is a list of the different kinds of rollers you might come across and how each one helps take your physical health/recovery to the next level.
A soft foam roller is perfect for beginners and can be used by almost anyone since it’s the most gentle of them all. This option is great for those who are just getting used to foam rolling or those who are looking for a more rejuvenating (and less excruciating) recovery session. If you’re a total first-timer, this one from Spri is a solid option. It’s soft and has the most give. ($22; amazon.com)
This one’s for the athlete who has super-tight muscles that need a little extra love or for anyone who’s experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness (what happens when it’s been two or three days since your last workout and you’re still sore.) It’s denser than a soft roller, which is more effective at relieving tight muscles and trigger points. A firm roller aligns muscle tissue and breaks up the beginnings of adhesions or muscle strains. It can also help with lymphatic drainage—which carries waste away from the tissues—and decreases inflammation.”($38; amazon.com)
Only use this style if you’re experienced with foam rolling and are ready for plenty of hurt-so-good pain. It provides little-to-no give, and the textured surface targets knots and kinks. Look for a roller like this one from TriggerPoint with a literal grid pattern design. ($35; tptherapy.com)
An even more advanced level than a grid roller. This roller should only be used on a healthy athlete, as it is extra firm, and the bumps built into the roller provide more focused trigger point relief and reportedly stimulate deeper layers of muscle. The roller works to increase the flexibility in your soft tissue and provide long-lasting pain relief. In other words, the temporary pain is worth it. Try the RumbleRoller.($45; amazon.com)
The ultimate player in the foam-rolling game. A vibrating foam roller takes the effectiveness of a deep-tissue foam roller and ups the ante with vibration technology. The goal is to minimize how much pain you actually feel (kind of like how those vibrating massage chairs feel good, not painful) while relaxing tight muscles, so you can spend less time and effort on those tender-to-the-touch areas and net better results. This version is much pricier than your standard roller, but worth it if you’re serious about relief.($200; amazon.com)
Dad has been swallowing food. But can he handle liquids without them going down the wrong pipe? We’ll see. It’s interesting to watch. The difference between having a feeding tube or not. Crossing fingers.
Sometimes traveling goes well. Easy flights, no wait at the baggage claim area, the rental car choice is excellent. That makes your trip roll along smoothly.
But, air travel can be likened to a scorpion.
There is a sting in the tail…
Catching a cold.
Microbiologists have tested planes and found that germs are commonplace, and can survive for hours or days after the passenger who brought them on board has departed.
Some of the 200 or so viruses that can cause the common cold can infect people for up to 18 hours after they have left the body, and flu viruses can infect people for up to eight hours after being let loose.
As well as causing the common cold and influenza, these bugs and viruses can cause everything from skin diseases and upset stomachs. Studies have found MRSA and E. Coli can live on the plane for over a week.
Where are the dirtiest places on a plane?
Tray table
Overhead air vents
Toilet flush buttons
Seat belt buckles
A 2013 report conducted for the Federal Aviation Administration in the US concluded that while fresh air is germ-free at high altitudes, aircraft HEPA filters effectively remove bacteria and viruses, as well as dust and fungi.
However, there could be a greater risk of exposure when the plane is parked at the gate, when auxiliary power units generally provide ventilation and not the aircraft’s own system. This helps germs to spread through the cabin more easily.
Another culprit could be the low relative humidity of cabin air. The typical relative humidity on planes is around 11 per cent. Some research suggests that low humidity interrupts the Mucociliary Clearance System, which consists of a thin layer of mucus and tiny hairs in the nose. This protective system traps viruses and bacteria and moves them from the nose to the throat, where they are swallowed and destroyed by acid in the stomach.
Because this system no longer works properly, bacteria and viruses get easier access to your lungs.
Whatever way it gets to you…you run the risk of becoming sick on a flight from directly inhaling particles in the air from someone’s coughing or sneezing. You can also become sick if you touch an infected surface and then touch your eyes, mouth or nasal passages.
(Note: dievca got the armrests and toilet handle – but she missed the tray table and seat buckle with her cleaning activities. And she sat at the gate for an extra hour on the last flight. Sigh.)
The celebration day started in 2015
and commences, again, on July 31st!
dievca is “in”!
Orgasm photo series – Marcos Alberti – Smile Makers
The O Project is a series of photographs taken by Marcos Alberti, a renowned Brazilian photographer who was behind the 3 Glasses project in 2016. This time, Marcos has worked with Smile Makers to create something daring, unique and meaningful: a series of photos of women before, during and after they climax through self-pleasure. Far from the fake and standardized depiction that porn gives of it, the series showcases the female orgasm as it is: DIVERSE, BEAUTIFUL and EMPOWERING!
Just to keep in mind:
Oh, Yes!
(click here for Marcos Alberti’s other photo project)
As I watch my Dad keep weight on as best as possible with tube feeding, I remember all the traveling he had to do for work. All those meals he had on the road. (and he drank) How he would finish what I didn’t eat. The focus was on me, my brothers, my Mom — not him.
But, Dad tried – he tried to keep running until a severe ankle injury stopped him (his ankle still swells 30 +years later – of course he never went to the Doctor). Dad was a great athlete and he’s still moving as much as possible to this day, but he did have a…
“Dad Bod”
Its true — there is a type of body created by being a Dad. Especially a “resident” Dad.
Though age is positively associated with BMI over all years for all men, comparing nonresident and resident fathers with non-fathers reveals different trajectories based on fatherhood status. Entrance into fatherhood is associated with an increase in BMI trajectory for both nonresident and resident fathers, while non-fathers exhibit a decrease over the same period.
The study was started in 1994-1995 collecting height + weight to calculate BMI (Body Mass Index) and fatherhood status. Covariates included age, education, physical health, income, number of children, screen hours, workouts, etc. The starting age range was 12-21 and the study was conducted over 20 years with data collected in four waves.
Men were grouped into three categories: resident fathers, non-resident fathers, and non-fathers. The trajectory of standardized BMI over time is shown below.
In a press release, the lead author of the study, Dr Craig Garfield, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and attending pediatrician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, said,
Fatherhood can affect the health of young men, above the already known effect of marriage. The more weight the fathers’ gain and the higher their BMI, the greater the risk they have for developing heart disease as well as diabetes and cancer.
So, the “Dad Bod” exists.
Weight gain associated with life transitions such as parenthood is a real concern, and public health, social, and clinical supports should be available for men during this time.
And we should be saying, “Thank You” to our Dad’s for giving their health up for us.
As I was reading the study, I wondered about the reasons for participants to be non-Fathers. Did they have a partner, male or female? Did that change the findings? Did marriage, in general, cause a male to gain weight whether there were children or not? Etc.
I think, in general, men who have families forget to take care of themselves.
The “Dad Bod” sacrifice.
And especially for Father’s Day – again, I’d like to Thank You.
Fatherhood is special. XO
OK, dievca is not long legged – nor a “hottie”. And Master isn’t that tall – though He is handsome. In this case, dievca needs a long tall cool drink to replace fluids.
dievca is doing her water workout at 6:30 am, picking up a cortado at her favorite Cuban “window” (Las Olas 
During COVID, dievca had a three-month period where she was able to rehab her back. Selfishly, it was one of the best things to happen to her regarding her health. she didn’t/doesn’t want a relapse of COVID or another virus in any way, but it might give her time to work on her knee, she needs it.
Why an UrgentCare? dievca knew x-rays were not needed immediately – but she did need, crutches, large ace bandages, and confirmation of her injured areas. The UrgentCare Doctor was great – the pop occurred at the ACL/PCL area – she (the Doctor) felt like there might be a cyst behind the ligaments. The area popped again (lightly) when the Dr. palpitated the area. Yes, there is chronic swelling at the meniscus (livable), the knee cap may have chips (that needs an x-ray – but not the main issue), etc. dievca knows the damage has been building for a while due to past foot/calf injuries + aging.
The Holiday that’s celebrated by almost two billion people across the world, known as Chinese New Year and Spring Festival
Drinking coffee around 45–60 minutes before a workout allows for caffeine to reach its peak effectiveness. Most studies indicate that caffeine is highly effective for workouts when consumed in doses of 0.9–2.7 mg per pound (2–6 mg per kg) of body weight.
The Netherlands is having some COVID-19 challenges as are other European Countries. dievca knows this for sure because her Dutch friend doesn’t want to chance traveling for Thanksgiving. Understandable. she just wishes she could get a booster added to her friend’s AstraZeneca vaccine – her friend has asthma and arthritis issues.
A work friend died yesterday. she was a few years older than dievca. The friend worked at a different location, so dievca didn’t see her all the time. dievca did see the friend in the summer and she looked a bit tired and thin, but her friend was thin to begin with. The friend was moving well and rollerblading consistently to work.
Looks like Life is getting back to normal when people are dealing with the common cold, rather than COVID-19.
INGREDIENTS
No one talks about peri-menopause. No one talks about colonoscopies.
Perimenopause?
dievca took a friend to an early morning outpatient medical procedure. One is not allowed to sit in the waiting room for the pick-up, so dievca wandered down to the East River to enjoy her coffee. An excellent choice.
Explore stress management strategies, such as:
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MASTURBATION?
dievca is a degenerate…in the Physical sense.
But, air travel can be likened to a scorpion.
Its true — there is a type of body created by being a Dad. Especially a “resident” Dad.
dievca 