INTRODUCING SUZIE BLAIR 

All of us would benefit from making a more sincere effort to stay healthy; especially those of us who are already over the age of fifty.

This is such an important lifestyle decision.  What we do now really affects our quality of life as we go on into our sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties.

Over the past few years I have observed from afar as a dear friend has very diligently worked on this concept in her own life.   I think she has now risen to become a good leader in this challenge we all face daily.  I’ve asked her to share her thoughts with the whole IN SEASON Lifestyle Community.

Let me introduce you to my friend; her name is Suzie Blair.

ABOUT SUZIE BLAIR

This is Suzie with her husband, Carl at an Alabama Football game.  Though they no longer live in Alabama; they are HUGE Alabama fans.  Even now I have visions of Suzie passionately yelling “ROLL TIDE”  to the top of her lungs.  Her husband is rarely seen without either a Bama cap or T-Shirt to show his support.  No truer fans have ever lived.

Here is a photo of Suzie and Carl with their lovely grown children, their spouses and their grand-kids.  Aren’t they a beautiful family?

Suzie and I have known each other for over 35 years now.  You could not ask for a better friend for life.

THE TICKING CLOCK CALLED LIFE

It has been interesting and refreshing to see the transformation that has taken place in Suzie’s life as she (like me) has begun to journey into that age of “over-fifty.”

My observations have been that her internal clock seems to be making her younger rather than older!

Her skin glows.

Her body is thin and slim. She is more agile than most people her age.

She runs marathons and comes in first or second or ahead of others that are half as old as she.

She chases after her grandchildren as if she too were a child at play.

Everyone thinks she is amazing!

As you can see by the photo above; she lives a very interesting and active life!  You never know what she will be up to next.

When I wanted to interview someone on this blog about the subject of staying healthy as we age; Suzie seemed like the perfect candidate.

So I called her up and she laughed at me.

She wanted me to know that she sometimes falls off the wagon with her diet; and she has some days when she can’t make it to the gym at all.

None of the above discouraged me from interviewing her though because I’ve seen her constant ability to stay the course.  She is the best living example I know; so today I am introducing her to all of you.  I know you will feel blessed to know more about Suzie.

STAYING THE COURSE FOR AN AMAZING TRANSFORMATION

If Suzie can’t do part of her routine one day; she makes up for it the next day.

If she eats too many sweets; she goes out and walks five miles to make up for those extra calories.

I’m convinced that her slow, methodical method of staying the course with diet and exercise and paying close attention to her physical health is an amazing transformation that we all could stand to make in our lives too. That is why I asked her to interview and talk with us about those particular things.

Finally; she agreed!

          

LOOKING BACK AT THE PAST

What a blessing to be able to arrive at this place and to be doing this interview with Suzie; I’m so thankful that it is possible; given the facts from the past.  Over time Suzie has had more than her fair share of serious health problems to crop up in her life. There were days we all thought we might lose her and to be here now and to be asking her to tell us all how to maintain a healthier lifestyle is really a pretty amazing miracle. So; I’m happy to be experiencing this interview with my old friend on many levels.

These serious health problems that Suzie experienced happened way before she hit the age of fifty. She has coped with each experience like a trouper, and I suspect a huge part of that has to do with her faith in God and her love for her family. I’ve also noticed that she has become even more serious about maintaining her health over the last ten years; and I think she looks and acts healthier now than she probably did ten years ago.

I’ve been writing about mind and body and spirit and how they interact in maintaining overall health. You can look for more on those subjects in our AN APPLE A DAY column all through out this coming year. I think Suzie will agree with my theory that the mind and spirit play a huge role in how she has maintained her healthy state of life well into her sixties. I’ve asked her to discuss the physical things that she is doing which make these mental and spiritual things so evident; such as exercise, rest, meditation, worship, diet, medications and social contact with family and friends.

So enough of my coments; let’s go talk with Suzie!

ME: “Suzie; you’ve been exercising and going to the gym for a long time now. What was your first motivation to begin doing that, and what has kept you going back now for years and years?”

SUZIE: “My very first motivation to exercise for good health came many years ago in junior high school. We had Physical Education or as we called it; “PE” everyday back then. It was something that I enjoyed.

Through the years I’ve had many times where I didn’t exercise as much as I would have liked or maybe even not at all due to the activities of my life and responsibilities that pushed exercise to a back burner.”

ME: “How long did it take for you to notice that exercise made a huge difference in how you feel, think, move and work?”

SUZIE: “It did not take me long to feel the camaraderie and make new friends. The first person I met was Martha Whitehurst, a person I went to church with but didn’t know. She would introduce me to people and the first thing ya know….its like walking onto the set of “Cheers” everybody knows you. You feel welcome and accepted. With that welcome friendship comes the challenge to put forth your very best to improve yourself all around physically, mentally and spiritually in order to make yourself more healthy. I truly miss the Y when I have to be away for a period of time. As for how long, it was a gradual process.”

ME: “When you exercise, do you work out with weights, walk, run, do gymnastics or a combination of all?”

SUZIE (laughing):  “One thing I do NOT do is gymnastics. I do work with some light weights though. I do a lot of walking and some run/walking. I enjoy doing the group classes. Right now the classes that I do are 1) Spin Class – which is a very good cardio class on a stationary bike; 2) Pound Class – which is a rhythm class done with what looks like green drum sticks. Pound is a combination of cardio and core body work; 3) Barre Class – which in our case, is a little of everything; some cardio movement; some light weights, some yoga and palates. It is a very good class and the instructors will flat wear you out!

In addition to those classes I also do a yoga class and a palate class which are both good classes for sculpting and stretching your body; giving you better flexibility and mobility. These classes also work on core strength and balance as does the barre class.”

ME: “When was your first marathon race? How frequently do you run those? What motivates you to put forth the effort to run those races? Is it a different motivation every time or the same?

SUZIE: “Sorry to let you down; but I’m not the marathon athlete that you must think I am. Thank you for holding me in such high esteem. If it counts I do have good friends who do that and I support them whole-heartedly.”

ME: “You can’t back out of this question on humility my friend; I’ve seen pictures!”

SUZIE: “Well….in the fall of every year I do a couple of 5K run/walks. The motivation, for one thing is simply that I can do it! Second; both of the 5Ks are for good causes.

One 5K celebrates Stacy B. Windrow, a good friend and instructor at the Y. We run on her birthday. This year’s race is on the 15th of September and it will be the 10th year. The proceeds of that race go to support “Second Harvest.” I believe Second Harvest is a national organization that reaches out to feed the hungry by distributing food into the communities that are most in need. We are fortunate to have a distribution center warehouse in the Nashville area. The goal for this year is $10,000.00.

The second race, which I just started doing this past fall, is called the “Lambert/Dillard.” This race is to remember and honor two ladies in our community who lost their lives as victims of domestic violence. This race is intended to bring about domestic abuse awareness.

In the past I have also run some races for breast cancer and for cancer in general with the American Cancer Society. I did these to show gratitude for the fact that I am a survivor and to honor those who are fighting the battle and also in memory of those who are no longer with us.”

ME: “So I am seeing that you like to run for things that matter to you; things that make a difference in the world and things that are helpful to others.

Do I detect a spiritual motivation here???? I suspected as much.

I love that you have honored your recovery from cancer.  I admire your desire to be grateful and honor what has happened in your life by giving back to something that strikes you as a related cause. I totally get that; and I respect the whole theory. I can very much appreciate your desire to honor those who are still struggling with surviving cancer. I’ve seen this as a consistent pattern in your life;  and I’ve noticed it in other areas that you haven’t even mentioned yet.

Since we are almost already there; do you mind talking about your previous health problems, and how they have improved since you began to pay close attention to your health by eating right and exercising?”

SUZIE: “Well, 37 years ago (1981) I was diagnosed with Chron’s disease, which was by no means a fun experience. By the grace of God, some wonderful doctors ,and a couple of surgeries; Chron’s is no longer a problem for me.

It does give me the opportunity to praise God for the miracle of perfect healing. I have been healed from Chrons for about 35 years! I don’t even have to watch my diet or take any medications as far as Chrons is concerned.

Later, in December of 1995 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Again, by the grace of God, surgery and some very strong medications I am a Survivor. Yes, eating smarter/healthier, exercise and controlling weight also helped to prevent the cancer from recurring. This also helps with lymphedema which is a side effect of the breast cancer.”

ME: “Is there anything else; besides food and exercise that has made a difference in how you feel and how you live your life?”

SUZIE: “Having a social life has made a huge difference for me. Friends from all areas of life, such as the Y, church, bible studies, neighbors; all play a part in the good healthy emotionally balanced life and give me a positive outlook on life. Most important too is a good close relationship with God and family. My husband, Carl, and my family are my biggest cheerleaders. We support one another in life while also leaning on God to be the anchor. I just don’t know how people can do life without friends, family and God.”

ME: “Again, I’m seeing relationships as one of your main motivations in staying healthy. I’m not a bit surprised either; after knowing you for so many years!

You know I have to keep adding to and building on the logic of more than just the social aspects (though they are very important and significant); so, I’m wondering how have you changed your diet over the years and what good advice would you give anyone trying to improve their health when it comes to dieting? Is there any particular way to eat that you have found to be a best practice?”

SUZIE: “My diet; WOW! That is an ever changing factor in my life. I do not really diet too much to lose weight, although I do enjoy seeing from time to time that I weigh a pound less. Right now, I am trying to watch cholesterol. I do eat meat but I try to eat more veggies and fruit. I do try to be cautious of fats from meat and fried food. I very seldom eat fried food.

For breakfast I eat nuts and berries and drink chocolate almond protein milk along with taking vitamins that relate to me and my own personal health concerns.

I try to eat “an apple a day.”

ME: “I love that! It just matches The IN SEASON Lifestyle’s title for our column about health!”

SUZIE (LAUGHING): “Somewhere I read an article that suggested that eating an apple a day was good for helping to bring down cholesterol.

I also try to remember to eat two dates per day. They are a good source of lots of vitamins and minerals, energy, natural sugar and fiber. They also have lots of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Plus; they are another serving of fruit for the day.

I don’t know if you would say this is diet-related; but I mostly drink water all day long. I keep my refillable water bottle with me at all times and sip on it throughout the day along with mostly drinking water at meals. Water helps to wash toxins from your body. For every two pounds that you weight you should drink one ounce of water every day. For example; since I weigh in the mid 140’s. I try to drink at least 75 ounces of water each day. Pure water, because teas, sodas, juice, milk or sports drinks don’t count. They are fluids and some may even be good for you; but they don’t count as water.

There is no particular diet or eating program that I would say is the best, just eat smart, lean meats, fruits and veggies and drink lots of water. Don’t over indulge; but if you slip up remember the sun will come up again tomorrow and you will do better then.”

ME: “Well; if you don’t recommend one specific diet plan; what would you say is a good way for a person who is overweight to lose weight?”

SUZIE: “Before anyone is serious about losing weight I would recommend having a good physical check-up to be sure they do not have health problems of which they are not aware. Also, as costly as it might be you also need to check in with your dentist to be sure of your oral health. After all; that is where it all begins. Your oral health plays a big part in your overall health. My physician asks me every time I go in about when my last dental visit was, just as he will ask me about my last GYN appointment or last mammogram. It all plays into good health.

After the overall health is checked out losing weight is really simple (hard but simple), eat less and move more.

Try to stay away from fats and sugar and reduce salt. Salt causes you to retain body fluid which results in elevated blood pressure. Eat lean meat, lots of fruit and veggies, drink lots of water. One other thing is to get your rest. A middle-aged adult should get seven to eight hours of rest each night.

As I mentioned earlier it is best to stay away from sugar since it is not only empty calories but sugar converts to fat in the body. Sugar is an inflammatory substance. It causes you to gain weight because of the inflammation. It makes your joints hurt and you wind up just feeling bloated Yuck!

Some foods to consider limiting are: bread, pasta, rice and potatoes because they are all starchy carbohydrates which break down into sugar.

These things all combine to create a vicious cycle. Be kind to yourself and your body. Know your limits. Begin your weight loss journey at a bit of a slower pace and work your way through. It is a new lifestyle. Don’t start out so gung-ho that you get burnt out quickly or hurt yourself.

I’m not saying to stay at a slow pace forever – do push yourself both physically and nutritionally – challenge yourself. You can do it! Remember the weight that you are wanting to lose wasn’t gained overnight and don’t expect it to come off over night either. An ant eats the elephant slowly, one bite at a time.

Thus far I have talked a lot about physical health and diet; next we need to talk about exercise. Exercise is another important component of weight loss. Walking and running are great cardio exercise. Mix it up. Do cardio, weights, and core exercise. It is so important to build your muscles up. I’m not meaning to become a huge body builder; but to build muscle to give yourself a little strength. Muscle also burns more calories than fat.

Something I’ve done for myself is to wear a Fit Bit Versa activity watch because I like that little pat on the back so to speak as I see that I am reaching my daily goals. It also tells me when I have reached milestones. One more thing that you can do with a Fit Bit is to accept fitness challenges and/or challenge others. My Fit bit also has a trainer app on it so that you can actually do workout routines right off your watch. I have also downloaded on my phone an app called My Fitness Pal on which I can list all the food that I eat on a daily basis. It really helps me to stay on track and focused. Watch for things that are helpful to you.”

ME: “What is the ONE major thing you have done when it comes to the food you eat that has changed your life the most?”

SUZIE: “One thing???? Reduce sugar, salt and fried food. Notice I said “reduce.” Try to eat more fruits and vegetables along with lean meat. Drink lots of water. Get your rest.”

ME: “Wow! I love those ideas. I know you’ve mentioned that watch to me before. What a great way to be reminded. I think sometimes I could take advice and criticism from a watch a lot better than from a person. Actually though; your watch sounds inspiring and encouraging! I’m sure it feels like “likes” and “follows” on your blog when you are a writer? Right? Whatever works – I’m willing to give it a shot!

You have already answered my next question; but I think I would like to hear more comments. Have you found your willingness to go to the gym, to walk in the neighborhood and to run in marathon races has been beneficial socially? Please give us any examples that come to mind. How much do you think the daily interactions with others can affect your overall health?”

SUZIE: “Yes, very much so! Going to the gym is a form of accountability. After you get into the routine of going people you workout with get used to seeing you and the interactions are enjoyable.

My friend, Martha, is (as I call her) my little red headed conscience. In good loving fun she challenges and pushes me to do better and to be my best. There is also a process of learning from one another. Someone will always be looking for you to be there. If you don’t show up for a few days they will come looking for you. I always try to go into the Y with a smile on my face and speak to people as I am coming and going. Hopefully, it will give others a little lift. I know it gives me a lift when others respond to me.

Over the many years that I have been working out I have built relationships with other Y-goers and we enjoy having lunches together or celebrating each other’s birthdays and supporting each other in times of need. We have a fun get together every year at Christmas for a celebration and to play dirty Santa. In my neighborhood I often meet others as I am walking. Sometimes in the morning when I’m passing people’s driveway, I’m able to greet them as they are getting in their cars to go to work. I always try to speak or wave and have a smile on my face. Hopefully, a quick smile or wave will help someone start their day off in a good mood. I know it makes me happy and gives me extra energy.”

ME: “I’ve watched your participation with Camp Bluebird for years now. It seems to bring you great joy. Can you tell us more about your work/participation with this camp? How has it changed your life and how has it motivated you to do all you can to stay healthy, mind, body and spirit?

SUZIE: “Camp Bluebird is a wonderful camp for adult cancer survivors. It is a place where you can go and just relax and recharge. I personally like to go to camp to offer hope for those who are fighting. I try to always have a positive encouraging mind set. I really feel a positive attitude is half the battle in fighting any disease. A positive attitude is a game changer in your quality of life. I believe that The Lord has blessed me to be a survivor and that I am supposed to take every opportunity given to me to reach out to the next person to give a helping hand.

I am also involved with another organization called ABC – After Breast Cancer – which meets monthly. It too is an organization that reaches out to breast cancer survivors by helping to encourage and educate. Every fall we have a fashion show sponsored by one of the large department stores. We get pampered by getting hair and makeup done and then dressing up in the store’s newest fashions and modeling them. It is an evening of fun and laughter; but also an evening of celebrating our lives. We have a blast and at the same time raise funds to help the organization continue to reach out and bring in new survivors. Sometimes our ladies also need help acquiring wigs, compression garments, and prosthesis and mastectomy bras. Our counselor is very savvy in finding ways to help and sometimes funds from the fashion shows are used to help out in this regard.”

ME: “That sounds awesome! It really sounds like a great outreach to those who need help. Have your efforts to maintain your health affected any other family members? In what way? What about friends and neighbors?”

SUZIE: “I think so. My sweet husband has become pretty faithful about joining me at the Y. He does his thing and I do mine, but at least we are both there. My brother-in-law is really interested; I think he will be joining us soon. My nephew ran a race with me last fall and we enjoy riding bikes together when we are on vacation. Our neighbor across the street meets me coming and going up and down the hill that we live on every morning. We both go up and down this street several times each morning. It is a pretty steep hill and very good cardio exercise.”

ME: “You have already touched on this a bit too; but I’m just curious about how much your faith plays into what you are doing to maintain your health.”

SUZIE:  “The Lord has blessed me in so many ways. I fall short every day, but I must keep plugging along to take care of my body – His temple – and try to encourage others to do so as well. A body in motion stays in motion. I pray that The Lord continues to allow my body to stay in motion for a long time and through it all somehow that will bring Him glory.”

ME: Suzie;  “I’ve said it before; you are amazing! I’m so glad you are sharing these things with us here. Now I want to ask you a hypothetical question that I think our young readers will be very interested in hearing answered.  If you were starting out in your twenties again; how would you be different in the way that you lived out your life as far as health is concerned?”

SUZIE: “I don’t really know. Maybe I would have tried to maintain a little better diet, but you know at twenty most of us were just too young and uninformed to really think about the future and what we were doing to our bodies. I have always enjoyed exercise. I definitely would have exercised my faith in God better.”

ME: “What is your opinion of yoga? Do you recommend it; or do you think people should seek alternative ways to exercise?”

SUZIE: “Yoga! Yes; I highly recommend it. I do one purely yoga class every week. It is a good time to slow down, reflect, pay attention to your breathing and your body. Yoga is not an easy class. You learn to use your inner strength to do some of the balance poses. You have an opportunity to stretch your muscles and really pay attention to your body. It is a time to find peace within.

I am not sure what you mean by “alternative” exercise but I highly recommend doing many different forms of exercise – yoga, palates, weights, bicycle, running and walking and swimming. If you are interested in sports, that is also a good way to get exercise. They are all good forms of exercise that use different muscles which keeps your body guessing what you are going to do next. Shake it up!”

ME: “So what is the ONE thing you have done in relation to exercise that has changed your life the most?”

SUZIE: “Consistency. I am at the Y usually at least four days a week and I do work out hard.”

ME: “Suzie; you’ve given us a ton of great tips and advice so far. I have another “if” question for you though: If you could give advice to someone who is in their sixties and overweight and out of shape on where to start; what would you tell them?”

SUZIE:  “First be sure of your overall health. Start slow; it is not a sprint but a marathon. Start a little at a time. (As I said earlier, the ant eats the elephant slowly one bite at a time.) Read and listen to others to see what has helped them. Keep an open mind – You can do this!”

ME: “Well, I’ve asked you so many questions! Thank you for spending your valuable time addressing our blog community. I feel like your advice is going to help many people and inspire them toward a healthier, happier lifestyle. If just one person benefits; then it is so worth the time; I’m sure you will agree with me on that.

For my last question; is there any specific last-minute comments that you want to add or share with our readers that I haven’t already asked?”

SUZIE: “Just that I am by no means perfect. I fail every day and have lots to learn. Do not give up hope. Take care of yourself the best you can so that you can live your life out loud and to the fullest!

Romans 7:15 says “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. “

We serve a mighty God who will always be with you in the battle no matter what it is.”

ME: “Thank you again my friend.

No one could have said it better!

God bless you and keep you until we meet again!”

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