Hi Hairy People,
Although not a fun topic to talk about here, good diet & exercise are an important element to having and maintaining a good healthy head of hair. Although it's true that the lucky guys with good hair genetics can sometimes get away with not taking as good care of themselves in this department (and STILL have pretty decent-looking hair), on the other hand, without good over-all health, you can't reasonably expect to get the maximum luxurious, lustrous head of ideal hair-of-your-dreams, either.
Case in point: myself! Regardless of what another may say on this topic, I can speak from experience...
I used to be great at keeping up with regular exercise -- including running on the beach, weekly hiking, stretches, pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, knee-bends, etc.... Not to also mention that for several years of my life I averaged approximately 4-5 nights of the week going out C&W dancing, as well as attending regular Swing dances, going to Salsa dance clubs, and occasionally Ballroom events. (That's how I came up with my handle, "Urban Cowboy", back when I joined MLHH in '03).
As that famous saying goes, "Life is what happens while you're making other plans!" We all get thrown curve-balls in life that surprise us with stress and hardships that we never planed on having to deal with. Some of those "curve balls" we find we can bounce back quickly from; but others seem to take more time to get back to "normal"...
Like many people on planet Earth, I've been through financial stress, personal relationship stress, sexual identity stress, job/career stress, etc., etc.... I won't bore you with the details!
The one thing I seriously regret in my life, though, is the fact that I let some of these stress issues gradually stop me from the regular exercising that I used to so faithfully do to keep myself fit.
I have no problem about eating healthy foods, thank goodness (I totally LOVE fresh fruit and vegetables, for example): my problem, though, is that I simply love eating too much of it (LOL) -- after all, I'm a graduate of a good-quality local cooking school, and confess to even being quite a snob about food!
So, here's a word to the wise, especially to you young'n's: if you currently have a good regular exercise program that you're keeping up with, DON'T STOP!!! If you do, as you get older, it's harder to pick up wherever you last left off.
Also, on a much scarier note than just the issue of a healthy body = healthy hair...
It's a well-known medical fact that people with weight problems gradually develop other health problems. I don't talk about this topic much, because I don't usually like to bring in too much of my own personal history onto the board here, BUT: in September of '03, I had a heart attack, resulting in being hospitalized for 3 days (including one of my arteries now having a stent inside). Other than having to take heart medication for the last 7 years, I'm fine now (at least "relatively-speaking"); but, losing the extra weight is even harder than I ever thought possible, whether we're talking about dieting or resuming exercising.
So, take it from an old longhaired geezer who misses his former slimmer, healthier body: eat healthy (and not as much quantity of cheese as I sometimes indulge in - LOL), and keep up with your physical fitness program, whatever that may be (even if it's only a modest one) -- your health (and your HAIR!) will thank you for many years to come for doing so!
- Pudgy Ken (who nowadays has to shop for his clothes at "San Francisco Tent & Awning!")
AMEN TO THAT!!! I can second everything Ken said. If you're in good or even decent shape, STAY THAT WAY!!!. After all, you can't wow us with your glorious mane if you're not around to show it off.
Frodo (who resembles the typically pudgy hobbits way too much for his own comfort)
EXERCISE!!!! GASP!!
Americans don't exercise, I mean look around you when you walk down the street...or ride down the street on your wheelie scooter LOL
Sad but true.
Not like when we were young.... Remember Ken we used to get loads of exercise when we were kids running from the dinosaurs.
Great way to stay fit.
Kevin
Think of your knees now!
Well if you give the Dino a run for its money they fade away from just too much exercise.This little guy chased me all through NYC yesterday and finally surrendered as the flying longhair was just too fast for him:)Talk about no skin and bones!LOL.
Mark
Hi Ken,
Wow that was quite a statement but certainly well said my friend.I wouldn't say I have the best diet in the world but maybe regular exercise has offset that for me over the years.I do believe exercise has kept me healthy especially as I get older.Knock wood I have had no major health issues to date.As long as I'm capable exercise will remain a part of my life.I recommend it for everyone:)
Mark
So well said Ken and thank you for posting this. Now, as for weight, I know EXACTLY what following a Diabetic Diet will do. (It really is VERY RERASONABLE and you are never hungry.) You will automatically shed a lot of weight and should prepare meals yourself and NOT EVER rely on cans. COUNT CARBS! And, avoid like the plague sodium which they stuff like maniacs into our food.
And..........adding fiber to things is a GREAT boost.
Of course, the exercise is important to keep circulation going. I used to do mine entirely outside but not all that much anymore. WHY? Because the Workout-Gyms have things to such a science and the equiptment in many ways spares one of potential pitfalls. And, within 1/2 hour I can benifit what would take me probably 2 hours outside. There IS a difference. Too bad it took me 40 years to learn this and a disease that practically put me in "Mountain View." Hey.........actually it is rather nice up there and this is where I run the 2 Chihuahuas. Gorgeous view btw and always so quiet. But so sad........EVERYONE up there is unable to see the view. The problem? They are 6' under. Boo-Hoo. LOL
Take care
Justin~
Ken, Well spoken! And one of my favorite John Lennon lyrics. "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."
peace, jonalbear
Well said - a serious matter, but a great way to put your GSOH to good use!