The doctor wants her to reduce the salt in her cooking by using low salt soy sauce. Mom is resistant. She says her dishes just won't taste very good. She really doesn't eat a whole lot of salty stuff. Art tends to really watch the amount of salt we consume. We did get some low salt soy sauce on the way home though. The question is whether or not she'll use it.
That leaves exercise. Since mom injured her knee, she hasn't been able to do her daily exercise of climbing the stairs. We took her walking last night but that won't always do it because the weather doesn't always cooperate.
So now we're thinking of getting a treadmill. I wanted to get an elliptical but when I've tried them in stores my knees started to hurt a little. We really can't have that with mom. HOWEVER, choosing a treadmill is AWFUL! There are so many different kinds. Do you have a treadmill? Can you recommend something?
Oi, you've got a lot to think about, Kay. Sorry, I'm no help.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't know anything about treadmills. I use a stationery bike that I ride everyday -- it's easy on my junky knees, but it does burn some calories, helps with the blood pressure and keeps me moving. Hope you find something good that works for both of you!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I think I'd like a treadmill. I love to walk, so I should think walking on a treadmill wouldn't be too much of a chore. I have a NordiTrak, though, and I HATE it. Needless to say, I haven't used it in years.
ReplyDeleteAnd you all KNOW how we dither about not being able to make up our minds WHICH product we're going to buy.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Nordic Trak, Jean.... How funny! We've got a Nordic Track also and it sits in the corner unused.
I have had several treadmills in my adult life Kay. The ones that I considered were all pretty much the same.
ReplyDeleteOh, except for extra bells and whistles ( heart rate monitor, cals burned,distance,cup holder. The list goes on and on. Good luck!
Oh, Kay, I'm sorry to hear about Mom's blood pressure and, I hope you all have good luck getting that under control soon. I don't know anything about treadmills, sorry I can't help you with that.
ReplyDeleteGive your mom my best and tell her to hang in there, she can do it. After all,she's YOUR mom!
Have a beautiful weekend!
I'm no help either, I'm afraid. I don't have one. They take up so much room. Good luck. Sounds like Mom is a bit stubborn. Ha!
ReplyDeleteThe one we bought was noisy and I couldn't hear the TV. We eventually gave it away.
ReplyDeleteKay..have your Mom see a PT and get suggestions as a tredmill can be really difficult..as I know...
ReplyDeleteI think Rambling woods advice is best. I don't have a treadmill. I just walk outside or do heavy labor in the yard. During bad weather I don't have a good substitute except doing my physical therapy exercises.
ReplyDeleteI think Sylvia's idea of a stationary bike might be easier and safer for your mom, but ask an expert.
I'm glad your Mom has a good doctor; it sounds like she's in good hands.
ReplyDeleteWe bought a treadmill in Ireland and it was a godsend - everyone in the family used it every day, and loved it. We never have any choices, however (just hope we can scrape together the money for the cheapest one) so I can't help there! But with a marathon runner in the family I'd get a good one LOL
how about just walking to a video in the living room in front of a tv to music. check out walk away the pounds with leslie sansone. I've done it for years. treadmills can be dangerous...and boring.
ReplyDeleteWe had an elliptical and had to sell it because it hurt my knees so much. So I think you´re right on with a treadmill. I would love one too, but our house is so small, I wouldn´t know where to put it.
ReplyDeleteYup, no more soy sauce. But maybe you can get her in the water for water aerobics. My knees hurt on the treadmill, but I will spend an hour in the water, running, jumping, and having fun. Is there a Y near you?
ReplyDeleteI had a Nordic Trak treadmill before we moved into a smaller place and both my husband and I loved it. You could choose from pre-entered trails to walk (this treadmill could elevate the front of the treadmill or lower the front just like you were walking along a path that had slight inclines or declines. It was wonderful and I miss it.
ReplyDeleteOh dear...this is a quandry isn't it? There are so many options out there to choose from. I have an elliptical trainer but it is very hard on my knees now so I guess I will have to pass it on to someone else...I will be interested in seeing what you come up with for a solution. Water aerobics sounds good by the way.
ReplyDeleteIt seems amazing that the weather could be bad in HAWAII. I think of it as perpetually gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, a stationary bike could be a good answer--especially a recumbent one. I have a Schwinn and it is easy on the knees but doesn't take up too much space. I read while I pedal, but it is quiet enough one could watch TV too.
Everybody: Thank you for your input. The YMCA is in town and we'd never go because of the traffic congestion here on Oahu and the length of time it would take to get there. The problem with a stationary bike is that it would not be weight bearing which is what she and I need to have. We also want to get something that Art can use, too. That would have to be the treadmill. I'm surprised that there were others who found the elliptical could be hard on the knees. I thought I was the only one. Hmmmm... I guess more research is needed. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteI'm bored to tears with my elliptical and use it only if I can't get some other form of exercise. And I don't know about treadmills, especially if your mom has balance problems.
ReplyDeleteDoes she like yoga? Is there a senior center around where she could take gentle yoga classes? What about bon dancing or tai chi? These are suitable exercises for the elderly. It's also good to be in a class for the socialization.
I think she ought to ditch any food or condiments that contain MSG. Not only is it high in sodium, it's a brain allergen in some people. Learn to use lemon juice and lime juice instead.
And don't worry so much about her! I had my mother in law living next door to us for eight years and I could have driven myself nuts with worry if I had wanted to.