Of necessity, many of us have become multitaskers…and every day we get opportunities to fine tune the skill. A couple of weeks ago, I was tidying up my bedroom, watching tv and I may have been talking on my cell phone (about business) when I must have decided it was the perfect time (or the only time that I’d find that day) to get in a few knee bends and stretches. SO, up I reached….then down I went….up…then down. When I finished I felt good because I had gotten all those tasks done….at once. Mission accomplished. The room was neat, I’d handled my phone business, I’d watched the news….and I’d squeezed in a mini workout. There was just one problem. In the distractions of those minutes, I had failed to follow good physical form. The knee should always be pointed “straight ahead” when bending it….never at an angle. Well, the next morning I felt it. Today, two weeks later, it’s still swollen, and I still have a painful limp! (The stairs in my house aren’t helping). So, in this case my multitasking caused me injury…and inconvenience…very counterproductive! However, others frequently manage the juggling act without banging up their knees. Take Jenny Thompson, for example. She’s 34, a pastor’s wife, and a stay-at-home mother of six. She’s also one of NBC4’s ”Weigh To Lose” contestants. For the past six months, the four have competitively pursued paths of healthy living. They’ve drastically changed their diets and started vigorous exercise programs….while at the same time, living their very busy lives. Jenny’s job as a mother is itself a challenge; but watching her work around her house is a true inspiration. She’s a focused manager whose children are a testament to the loving, disciplined teamwork that’s made for some pretty successful multitasking in the Thompson household. In our “Get Healthy 4 Life” report today at 4, I’ll show you how Jenny’s getting the job done at home AND with her health. As for me and my knee, I am reminded that multitasking has its “limits.” Perhaps we’d all be better off discovering and acknowledging our own! –Pat Muse
Time to Roll Up the Sleeves
We lined up and rolled up here at NBC4 today. Some of us looked the other way when the needle went in. But to be honest, I had to ask the nurse if she really did in fact give me my flu shot. I didn’t feel a thing. I’m putting my money on not feeling bad this fall and winter. This is the time to get vaccinated. Don’t wait. Dr. Jackie, our guest on Monday, told us the flu season can run from November until March and it takes about two to four weeks to build up that immunity to it.
Does the shot give you the flu? Dr. Jackie says no because the shot is a killed vaccine. You can feel a bit achy or tired temporarily because your immune system is revving up, but it is NOT the flu.
So do your part, protect yourself and those around you at work or at home. We all know how long the flu can shake. Take five minutes get the shot and avoid the fever, chills, cough and all the other fun stuff that comes with the flu.
I’m not a doctor and I don’t play one on TV, but I do listen to them.
– Jim Handly
On The Road Again…A Win
Talk about a roll on the road. The Redskins are bringing it home for fans in a way few could have imagined a couple of weeks ago. Jim Zorn and company, aka Clinton Portis, dug themselves out of a hole. The comeback was remarkable. Portis rushed for a season high of 145 yards. The ground game came on strong. With a 4 and 1 record and coming off last weekend’s victory over the Cowboys, it seems anything is possible. Up next the Rams, Browns and Lions all with poor records. Dare we say seven and one? Looking forward to another Monday 5:00 sit-down with George, Sonny, and the coach. Let’s hope the players got another well deserved Monday off.
See you at 4 and 5. Let us know your thoughts on the game too.
Jim Handly
Nail It
Four weeks ago, John McCain’s surprising move to put Sarah Palin on his ticket was widely viewed as either a stroke of political genius or political insanity. As it turned out, that decision fired up the conservative base of support McCain needed to propel his campaign on to November. Sarah Palin was viewed by many and feared by others to be the nail that would help hold together a potentially winning coalition. Funny thing, though, about nails. They can be either “constructive” or “destructive” tools. When I jumped into my truck and took off for work this morning, my normally smooth ride felt wobbly. Much to my dismay, I had a front left FLAT. It’s a new tire, just bought it the last week of August. A quick visual inspection instantly revealed the culprit….a nail….ANOTHER nail. I had one in a rear tire in “early” August??? (I digress.) As we witness the big VP debate buildup today, I’ve got nails on my mind. With polls showing Obama gaining on McCain, the pundits say what Palin needs to do tonight is “nail it.” It would help her and boost him. Likewise, Biden can help Obama keep the momentum going by “nailing it.” With so much at stake in this election, all eyes will be on this Veep debate. It is widely believed that a poor Palin performance could prove to be a “nail” in McCain’s coffin, leaving his campaign flat and difficult to fix….unlike my tire. Certainly, ALL of the air hasn’t yet seeped out of his campaign, but the strongest supporters are hoping Palin can at least plug the leak tonight. Be sure to join us for a debate preview this afternoon at 4…as well as a warning about cold meds and kids…and some money advice if you’re living paycheck to paycheck. Meanwhile, I need to figure out where I’m picking up these nails….and try my best to steer around them! —-Pat Muse
Pinching No Matter Your Salary
I’ve had the chance this week to sit down with people who earn more than $100K to find out how they are coping in this tight economic climate. In our region that income doesn’t go nearly as far as it did just a couple of years ago. I talked with a single mother of two and a couple who downsized from two incomes to one to raise their young children. In addition to salary, the two families had a lot in common.
They have both turned to financial advisors to help them chart a course. They have changed the way they shop, using only cash these days. Their priority has been to pay down credit card debt first. The financial planners we interview say high debt can cost a you a lot it comes to paying interest. Our two examples have put vacations, home renovations, and eating out on hold.
Does all this sound familiar to you? Our point is, no matter your income, we all need to live within our means. I used to go out to restaurants 3 or 4 times a week, sometimes treating friends. That is one area where I’ve scaled back and seen a big difference. Yes grocery prices have gone up, but you can save by eating at home. Some of this is common sense discipline, but many of us need constant reminding. It also helps to know that everyone should pinch pennies where they can these days and we’re not alone in getting by. My special report tonight at 11 is called Living on the Edge. We will air it again Thursday at 4:00. Meanwhile, let us hear how you’re are saving in these tough times.
jim Handly
