Remember Lady Traveler's First RV Road Trip?

What were we thinking?

We weren't.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by,

and that has made all the difference.

Our first little motor home at the Wimberley Texas Flood 2015

For those of you who are new to my Lady Traveler blog

here's Part 2 of a little story about our very first

RV Road Trip in 2015.

We didn't plan to buy the 1987 Mallard Sprinter motor home,

but for $5,000, how could we go wrong?

Part 1 and Part 2 blogs are posted on the website:

www.retirementandgoodliving

Part 1, my previous blog on this website, tells how we stumbled across

this little darling.

Read and enjoy!

Relaxing after a long day volunteering with first-response team
Christ In Action (CIA)

Now, after reading my story, perhaps you might want to hit the road

in some sort of RV ... motor home, 5th wheel, trailer ... lots to choose from.

The choice is yours.

Whether you're retired and/or looking for some way to help others,

or you just want to go travelin',

an RV can take you just about anywhere your

little heart desires.

All in a day's work to help bring hope to America's families
Volunteering with Christ In Action 2015 at the Wimberley Texas flood

We traveled in our Mallard Sprint for six months

until we met our beautiful 2004 American Tradition 40-foot home-on-wheels,

Moon River.

That's when we really took off for places unknown.

25+ (I've lost count) states and have loved every minute.

After watching hours of the Travel Channel,

we began experiencing God's beautiful country first-hand ...

... east, west, north south.

We've met wonderful friends of whom I still

communicate via Facebook, blogs, e-mails, and Instagram, 

and even meet again on life's highways!

It is a small world after all.

Lots of states on Route 66, including Missouri to visit son Shawn (4 times).

I love expanding my boundaries.

Rob and I have lived in Sweden and traveled to over 25+ countries,

including living on a World War II ship for 14 months.

(I have my favorites and perhaps I'll return one day to

Israel and/or Italy).

Tuscany, I love you!

Wherever you are, make this a good day ... your best day!
It's your choice.

And ... keep that body movin'!

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

You can order my book, Lady and the Sea at:

www.sharonleaf.com

or

www.amazon.com

www.retirementandgoodliving.com

"Let's Get Physical, Physical"

Huntington Beach, CA 2012

I have blogged random thoughts about everything from travels, friendship, moving, writing, publishing, Israel, beauty. I wrote several blogs about women's health issues--from heart attacks to cancer--and when I recently received an email from someone who had read my blogs regarding cancer, it brought back flashbacks of a dear friend of mine who died last year, of Rob's best friend's wife who died two years ago; and of several friends who have survived ... cancer.  The C word.  Even Olivia Newton-John, the beautiful singer of "Let's Get Physical" is a cancer survivor.  Research continues, support groups are bountiful, and there are people like David Haas who dedicate their lives to this field.

I've never had a guest on my blog before, but when David wrote and asked if he could share an article on my blog, I was delighted.  Joining the organization in 2011, David is a cancer support group and awareness program advocate at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. In addition to researching the many valuable programs available to the site's visitors, David often blogs about programs and campaigns underway at the MCA, as well as creative fitness ideas for those dealing with cancer, while creating relationships with similar organizations.  Here is one on his articles.

Utilizing Exercise for Cancer Patients

Many cancer patients find a desire to live a better lifestyle not only to survive the disease but also to live longer after recovering.  From the time of diagnosis, exercise can help cancer sufferers to deal with the stress, anxiety and depression that come with cancer.  Exercise that also works on the relaxation of the mind, such as yoga is especially beneficial.  Furthermore, physical fitness can help regain appetite that is often lost during treatment of cancer.

The type of exercise undertaken is highly dependent on how cancer has affected the patient.  Some days, the cancer sufferer may not feel well enough to do any physical activity especially while undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation that cause high levels of fatigue; however, the patient should try to exercise as regularly as possible as even a few minutes of exercise is better than none.  Reports show that studies of numerous types of cancer have shown that obesity reduces survival time after cancer treatment and increased chances of recurrence.

Exercise can be broken down into four categories: aerobic, strength training, balance, and stretching.  A cancer patient, whether in the treatment stage, remission or even just diagnosed, should cover each of these areas.  Although at times the cancer sufferer may not feel up to doing much, just 10-minute blocks of exercise throughout the day can be highly beneficial.

Aerobic exercise is particularly useful t feel better during treatment.  This can be something as simple as walking, an exercise which can be practiced immediately after undergoing treatment. When combined with strength training, the body decreases body fat and builds lean muscle most efficiently.

Strength training is highly important for cancer sufferers who are undergoing chemotherapy, commonly used for the treatment of mesothelioma, because it causes a loss of bone density and muscle.  Through weight training, cancer sufferers are able to increase muscle in order to maintain bone density.  They should consult their doctor before beginning a regimen.

A sense of balance may be slightly impaired by medications, making falls more likely.  Chemotherapy patients especially run the risk of breaking their more fragile bones.  There are very simple exercises that can improve balance and can be completed even on days when the cancer patient has little energy.  Such exercises include balancing on one leg or a grapevine moving by crossing one leg in front of the other.

Too much bed rest can lead to stiff joints among other problems.  Stretching relieves this discomfort while providing the body with gently exercise.  It can also help to stretch areas that have developed a weakness due to the treatment such as the rotator cuff in breast cancer patients who have undergone mastectomies.

I want to thank David Haas, for all the work he does with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.  You can read more of David's blogs at www.mesothelioma.com

As we enjoy the last days of summer, let's get physical and connect with those around us.  A smile, a kind word, sharing valuable information with those in need.  You are God's hands, eyes, heart.  We were created to get physical.

Oceans of blessings,

Sharon