Week 2 Countdown: I Learned Something from Thor—Again

Not exactly learned from Thor, like here, but I learned (relearned) a few things this weekend from watching Chris Hemsworth on Disney + and his series for National Geographic “Limitless.”  Many of the ideas explored surrounding health (and thus improving longevity) were things I have read about before.  The benefits of hot and cold temperatures, (sauna then a cold plunge, or even turning your shower to cold water for 30 seconds at the end of every shower can accomplish this), fasting or at least some intermittent fasting, walking or hiking in nature, (hiking on uneven surfaces and keeping your footing, and figuring out where you should be going and how to get back, exercises your brain, not just your body).

There was one line from the show I really liked, “You don’t stop moving because you get old, you get old because you stop moving.”

But the section on Memory was particularly poignant for me.  Chris found out he has an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, (you can read about it here), and he is watching his grandfather struggle with the disease.

I am watching my dad struggle with dementia.  I am watching him from afar, because I don’t live close enough to visit regularly, and that is difficult.  And I wonder if, like Chris Hemsworth, do I have an increased risk?  Do I need a genetic test to tell me I do?  Or can I just make the changes I need to make right now, without a test?

I have been letting some negative thinking get me down.  If that is what I have to look forward to, (what my dad is going through), then what is the point in anything?  Why fight it?  That is a terrible mind set for me to fall in to.  Of course, I should fight it. 

I’m going to really try and use what the series covered as a springboard in which to leap off in a new thought direction.  There is a point in fighting, because each day, from now until whenever, (no one’s future is ever certain, genetic test or not), I can live each day better when I am taking care of myself.  I can live this day just a little better.

I’m talking a good game here, time to put it into action.