Anna Monica – Ripples

Some people believe that “staying in shape” is not possible because, to them, they have never ever been in shape. Being no medical expert and having no actual statistics at my fingertips, I nonetheless do read and listen to the news all the time, and know there is a misconception about our bodily appearance.

It is true, most definitely, that this country’s population is aging and “modern medicine is enabling us to live longer” although it is a paradox because the older we get the harder it is to keep health insurance and pay for drugs – but that is a subject for discussion at another time.

Teenagers look great in their bikinis and perhaps we all did or could have at some time. It’s true, though, that time does take its toll and eventually we look harder for cover-ups to go over our swimsuits than for the actual suits – or, we tend to avoid the beach.

What this is leading to is to encourage everyone to walk, run, bounce a basketball, play softball, volleyball, tennis, bicycle, do the limbo, or whatever; mainly, find an activity which will make you move. Nothing beats movement. It is good for the body and especially good for the mind. The hardest step they say, and I truly believe, is “the first step out the door.” No matter what body type we have, or our weight, there is no excuse to avoid exercise, except, perhaps, that our bodies fit the sofa cushions so well.

Exercise can keep us young, as well as strong. We can do it alone or with a group. Age need not a factor, and many disabilities need not be, either. Watch any marathon, road race or other athletic activity and see the courage and physical stamina of the disabled who participate.

We have a shining example of staying young in our area. She is Helen Luck, a LaPlace resident and long-time tennis player. Most of us tennis players are in awe of playing with or against Helen who has such a complete game. Helen has just returned from the Georgia State Hard Court Championships, just outside of Atlanta. This was a USTA (United States Tennis Association) event. She came out second in her age group, but not before giving her opponent a tough match and taking it down to the wire.

Helen has always had the support of her dentist-husband, Dr. David Luck, who has been known to spend hours on the tennis court evaluating her game and operating a ball machine so she can get in practice in addition to the lessons she still takes from Belle Terre tennis pro, Leif Olsson. Son, Mike Comeaux, also contributes advice.

All of this has paid off as in the USTA Helen is now ranked third, up from seventh, in the entire Southern District, which is quite an honor. Also an accomplished golfer, Helen has held titles of club championships. Nearing 70 years of age, she is an example of dedicated exercise and what we can do when we arise from our sofa cushions.

ANNA MONICA, a native and resident of Garyville, has her column published each Saturday.