TulsaPets Magazine July 2022

12 TulsaPets • July / August 2022 How My Dogs Might Save Me from Breaking a Hip Navigating the Aging Process My Way by Nancy Gallimore I recently had a visit to the doctor’s office. Nothing specific, just checking my annual physical off the old to-do list. All part of my attempt to be a somewhat responsible, healthy adult. As nurses and doctors tend to do, they had a list of questions surrounding my personal health habits — questions targeted specifically for women of a “certain age.” You know, the “cheaper movie ticket” age. Nurse: “I see you’ve gained some weight.” Me: “There was a pandemic. I learned to cook, but only bread and desserts.” Nurse: “Your cholesterol has gone up a couple of points.” Me: “See the previous answer.” The dialogue carried on something like that. Then she continued with questions about my exercise habits. “Do you exercise regularly?” “Yes,” I answered immediately and assur- edly. “I exercise daily.” In her mind, she was probably envisioning a gym membership. In my mind, I was picturing the 50 times a day I walk across the house to let the dogs in and out despite the fact there is a dog door not 10 feet from the back door. But they have my best interest at heart, I’m sure. They see me start to be the slightest bit relaxed on the couch, they immediately convince me to stand back up to assist with their no-oppos- able-thumb doorknob dilemma. Sit, stand, walk. Sit, stand, walk. Repeat 10 sets.