Sunday, September 30, 2012

CAMELOT – I’VE FOUND IT!


By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Due to some technical difficulties I was unable to post this article and the preceding one at the time I wrote both of them.  But, the information is just as valid and I will be giving an update on this article shortly.  I hope you enjoy both of them.  

We each have the ability to find Camelot in our lives.  Like the “Elephant in the Room,” Camelot means different things to different people at different ages.   It can mean we’ve found our ideal mate, house, profession, friends, hobby, etc.  Therefore, it’s truly wonderful when we can acknowledge that we’ve found “IT.”

Since the beginning of the year I’ve been researching and visiting places to see if they have an aquatics program for senior citizens, one that may include exercises for arthritis.  I did uncover the Tri-City Wellness Center in Carlsbad which was truly a great place and had great programs.  However, my insurance would not cover visits to the pool and I found the membership fee and monthly dues too much for me to handle financially.

But, my goal at the beginning of the year was to get rid of my walker and perhaps walk 1-2 miles daily (as I did before  pneumonia and shingles took their toll on my body, and despite the fact that doctors told me to remember the “elephant in the room” which turned out to be my age!).

Thank heavens I believed enough in myself, and how I wanted to live my life, without all the medications, to keep looking for a way to improve my health and enjoy whatever activity (especially water) I could find and afford.  As luck, serendipity, karma, destiny would have it don’t you know I finally found that place!  The Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad, California.
The Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad has got to be the best kept secret not only in town but in all northern San Diego County!  They have a wonderful  hydrotherapy (water therapy) program, the use of water to relieve discomfort  and promote physical well being and relief from pain!  It is founded on the Arthritis Foundation of America program.

The location is right!  The price is right!  The folks are right!  And we have a wonderful teacher in Mark who guides us through an hour of water exercises!  He is patient, kind, good humored, handsome, and an all-around gem!  I feel like I died and went to heaven!  I’ve not been in a swimming pool in over 30 years even though I used to be a good swimmer…

Folks, this is the answer to a lot of my prayers to live a happier, more productive and useful life!  I’ve still got a lot of living to do and my age is not going to stop me!  I found this fantastic place quite by accident.  I had recently visited the New Life Expo and signed up with the LaCosta Chiropratic  and Wellness Center for a special fundraiser they were promoting for the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad.  I decided to check out this website and find out where my money was going and what else the Boys and Girls Club had or did.

Last week I enrolled in their hydrotherapy program.  I go three times a week, from 10 AM to 11 AM.  I already feel much better, the pain in my back is almost eliminated. And I have more energy.  In fact, I feel like a million dollars!  Too bad this wonderful program is not offered by local cities, the YMCAs, etc.  I am making friends with the other women in the program and learning a lot from them.

Who would have thought that the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad would change my life?  For more information, they are located at Roosevelt and Oak Street, or call 760-930-0389.

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2012 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.






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