The back of my postcard reads, 'Wish you were here.' Misery loves company.
It’s a little known fact, but one that warmed me as I braved the cold recently to document the latest snowfall here at home.
The cold is actually good for us. And all that white stuff is just icing on the cake; and on the sidewalks, the driveways, the streets, and the riverwalk. Yum!
The cold is actually good for us. And all that white stuff is just icing on the cake; and on the sidewalks, the driveways, the streets, and the riverwalk. Yum!
If I were an inch worm inching my way to the other side of the street (why should chickens always get the spotlight) in these frigid temperatures, I could expect to live 20% longer, at least if a car doesn’t come along and squash me and my chances at longevity.
And since I share the same genetic pathway that gets the credit for that longevity in inch worms, then it stands to reason, I too might expect longevity for having wearily weathered winter, again! So says the researchers from the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Michigan.
The bigger question is ‘do I want to live longer in this wintery mix of ice, snow, and cold?’ Sit and ponder that one.
And since I share the same genetic pathway that gets the credit for that longevity in inch worms, then it stands to reason, I too might expect longevity for having wearily weathered winter, again! So says the researchers from the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Michigan.
The bigger question is ‘do I want to live longer in this wintery mix of ice, snow, and cold?’ Sit and ponder that one.
Yes sir, cold comfort while pondering.
According to a random survey of family and friends enjoying these record-breaking temperatures and snowfalls, most are ready to throw in the snow shovel.
And then there’s Diane. My wacky and wonderful friend actually likes shoveling her driveway. Apparently she already knows what the researchers in Finland discovered when it comes to cryotherapy (exposing the body to ultra-low temps for brief periods). Cold suppresses the pain that normally goes along with a hard workout. Blood tests (not on Diane; on the Finnish fellows) revealed three times the levels of the chemical norepinephrine, a naturally occurring chemical that may help suppress pain.
So much for the ‘no pain, no gain’ workout theory.
And then there’s Diane. My wacky and wonderful friend actually likes shoveling her driveway. Apparently she already knows what the researchers in Finland discovered when it comes to cryotherapy (exposing the body to ultra-low temps for brief periods). Cold suppresses the pain that normally goes along with a hard workout. Blood tests (not on Diane; on the Finnish fellows) revealed three times the levels of the chemical norepinephrine, a naturally occurring chemical that may help suppress pain.
So much for the ‘no pain, no gain’ workout theory.
I know; you were expecting a picture of Diana. I'm forbidden. Grant and 'Pa will have to do.
Furthermore, a workout in the cold significantly increases energy expenditure for hours after the workout, if one lives through the workout. Perhaps I should add wise and svelte to the wacky and wonderful Diane descriptive.
You go girl!
She's definitely my go-to girl next time it snows!
You go girl!
She's definitely my go-to girl next time it snows!
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