For Sandy, the sun, the sand and the surf near her Wilmington, N.C., home are as vital as the air she breathes.
“Being near the ocean is so tranquil and so relaxing that it helps my mind unwind,” says Sandy. “It’s a real mind-body workout. I meditate and reflect during my walks and I find a peace within myself and with nature that I just can’t find elsewhere.” She walks on the beach for 30 minutes two to three times per week year-round.
“I love the sounds, the smells. But one of the reasons I walk the beach is because it burns 20 to 50 percent more calories than walking on the pavement. The sand also cushions and cradles my feet.”
Over the years, Sandy had watched six maternal relatives die of cancer before age 60, including her own mother at age 57. Knowing her own genetic odds were stacked against her, Sandy had always made health and fitness a priority – walking up to 5 miles a day on the beach.
Know Thyself
By getting regular exercise, as well as closely monitoring her diet and avoiding emotional drama, Sandy says she’s been able to safely manage her RA and fibromyalgia.
“I live one day at a time. If I’m tired, I rest. If I’m energetic and feel great, I push myself. I don’t baby myself. I’m not in remission; I still have flares, but I work through them.”
The key, says Sandy, is knowing the triggers and avoiding them. “Sometimes it’s food, sometimes it’s a mental thing, like dwelling on a confrontation, or it could be a lack of exercise.” Dairy products are a “no-no” for her. She also avoids processed foods and tries to eat organic when possible.
