Sensory Strides #66 Vaccines; respecting decision; Peter Meiderlin

05/11/21 • 3 min

Quote "In a word, let me say: if we might keep in necessary things Unity, in unnecessary things Freedom, and in both Charity, our affairs would certainly be in the best condition." Peter Meiderlin

Welcome to the Sensory Strides podcast. Observations of the world through activity, reading, listening, and everything else.

We used to start conversations talking about the weather or an activity that was happening in our community. Now a days the question is “have you gotten your vaccine?”. I encourage everyone to be more sensitive with this question. Receiving the vaccine can be a very personal decision and could cause others to share personal medical information they may not want to share. Unlike talking about the weather or a public event, the vaccine is a personal health decision.

I am pro vaccine and believe that receiving vaccinations protects not only ourselves, but others as well. Most vaccines have been around for a long time and have a history that makes people more comfortable with them. As people may know, there are questions regarding some vaccines by some people that disagree with vaccines. I encourage everyone to research any vaccine questions you may have by using well defied medical websites and scientific articles. One key is often making sure that the website ends in org (reflecting a nonprofit) or a solid .com website.

I encourage vaccinating but recognize there are some people that are unable to be vaccinated for health reasons. For those able to be vaccinated, we are protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities.

The only person that can make the decision on your health choices is you.

While I was eligible in the very first round of vaccines due to my job, I did not choose to get vaccinated immediately. My concern was not related to the shortened testing timeframes, I was confident no testing pieces were skipped, just the in between testing step waiting periods. I was concerned about long term side effects. I have since reviewed vaccinations and when long term side effects generally appear and my concerns have been alleviated based on what I have learned thorough research.

However, there were many people, my parents included, where any concerns were offset by the potential negative impact from contracting covid based on their age or other health issues. I never undermined any efforts for those that choose to vaccinate. Everyone’s situation is different, and all health choices need to be made based on an individual’s situation.

I urge everyone to be conscious of what other people’s situation may be and not everyone can get the vaccine or choose to get the vaccine. For those that choose not to vaccinate, they should be responsible for their own health and may choose to continue masking and social distancing to maintain their health.

Remember, you cannot know what someone’s personal history and experience is that supports their decisions. While Covid is a public health emergency, everyone has their own story and has to make the decision best for them. Please support each other and don’t judge each other based on physical observations and respect each other’s decisions.

Thanks for joining me. Be sure to check our show notes for links to inspiration items and ... don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

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Quote "In a word, let me say: if we might keep in necessary things Unity, in unnecessary things Freedom, and in both Charity, our affairs would certainly be in the best condition." Peter Meiderlin

Welcome to the Sensory Strides podcast. Observations of the world through activity, reading, listening, and everything else.

The only person that can make the decision on your health choices is you.

Thanks for joining me. Be sure to check our show notes for links to inspiration items and ... don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

Find us on Social Media

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sherylmrobinson/

Twitter @sherylmrobinson

Instagram @sherylmrobinson

Previous Episode

Ep 65 Sensory Strides: Colorado, Pikes Peak, Manitou Incline, Grandbaby, Lunge Challenge, Geocaching, Vernon County Parks

Quote “Our elevation must be the result of self-efforts and work of our own hands. No other human power can accomplish it. If we but determine it shall be so, it will be so.” Martin Delany

Welcome to the Sensory Strides podcast. Observations of the world through activity, reading, listening, and everything else.

Welcome to season 5!

During our break I became a Grandma! I’ve had the opportunity to spend time babysitting while my daughter was finally able to finish her clinical rotation for her RN degree. I love spending time with my granddaughter and have even gotten her out on some walks with me.

Most of this winter, I hibernated. My husband and I were pretty good about getting some good long walks in, but once the cold really hit those walks went away. I have been working to get back into the habit of walking, but my schedule has not been cooperative.

While looking forward to goals for this year, I realized I need to do different exercises as it is likely my goals will include some vertical hiking. I have been doing a 30 day lunge challenge in April.

This past weekend I did some geocaching with a local student. We are working together to create some geocaching tips and tricks to support a geocaching challenge the county park group has put together. We visited some of the caches to identify and take pictures for tips that could help new cachers be successful. While climbing some of the trails I could really feel the muscle fatigue from that lunge series which reinforced the need to focus on uphill hiking.

That gets back to the possible goals for this year. My husband and I are headed to Colorado in June. There are two things I am considering. The hike up Pikes Peak and the Manitou Incline. Both are super challenging on their own, but add in the elevation and they are even more difficult. I am confident my husband and I could do a 13 mile hill climb over an entire day in Wisconsin, but add in the extra elevation and no bail out options and I’m not sure it is the best decision for us. The Incline is much more difficult, but shorter and there is a bail out option halfway up. As someone who has to be very conscious to hydrate and pay attention to my body as I am susceptible to altitude sickness, this adds an extra element.

Have you done an interesting Colorado hike? Please share and give me ideas.

Thanks for joining me. Be sure to check our show notes for links to inspiration items and ... don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

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Next Episode

Sensory Strides #67: depression; outdoor walking; Richard Louv

Quote “One of the main benefits of spending time in nature is stress reduction.” – Richard Louv

Welcome to the Sensory Strides podcast. Observations of the world through activity, reading, listening, and everything else.

The last few months I have not been as active as I normally am. I had slipped into a depression and was struggling to come out of it. While I recognized my poor mental health status, one of the tactics I used was to eliminate the non-essential items on my list.

I am a list maker and there is always something to do on that list. What I was realizing was my brain and body needed a break from some of those items. So I took a step back from many of the external activities I am involved in and reduced my contributions. While doing this, I also reduced my activity. Even my activity was a list – either a training schedule or a weekly goal of so many minutes of movement.

While stepping back helped me return to a stronger state of mind, the lack of physical activities may have slowed the progress. My husband and I went for a walk last week and I realized how much those walks improve my mental state. That time outdoors, even if my husband and I are talking or I am listening to a podcast or a book, allows my brain to take a break. The fresh air invigorates me and refreshes my soul.

I’m still struggling with keeping a good mental balance, recognizing those things I can control and those things I can’t control. Of course, the things I can’t control are some of the pieces that are weighing heavily on me right now. I need to recognize there is only so much I can do and I need to let go of those things that I can’t do. This is a difficult balance. I have a great support system, but I am my hardest critic and I need to give myself grace.

I hope you give yourself grace for those items you can’t manage and remember to keep the activities that keep you fulfilled in the forefront, even as you may need to let go of other things.

Thanks for joining me. Be sure to check our show notes for links to inspiration items and ... don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

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