One of my New Year’s resolutions is to have my column for the Advance Times ready at least one week early.
Well, it is now 10 a.m. on Jan. 9 and I am working hard to get this week’s column ready. It is already late but I asked the editor for an extension until 1 p.m. today, which Mike agreed to.
We all make New Year’s resolutions but usually they are not broken as fast as I have broken mine. This makes me wonder whether I should even try to make New Year’s resolutions. I thought I would go through some of my resolutions with you.
I resolve to play more golf this year. I only played nine holes in 2022 because of health concerns – an autoimmune disease. This is a foolish resolution because I am slowly getting over my autoimmune disease. The chances of being able to play golf at all are about 50 per cent.
Scratch that resolution.
In order to recover from my autoimmune disease, I must exercise at least 30 minutes EVERY day. Already on Jan. 9 I have only exercised three days.
Scratch that resolution.
My next resolution is to be more of a ‘warm fuzzy, loving’ person, especially with my wife, my caregiver. I’d like to say that I have been better this year but I am still the ‘old Bob.’ The intent is there but in practise, I am not improving enough to count this as a successful resolution.
Scratch that resolution.
I take 12 pills for my health issues every day at certain times. I have resolved to take these on time every day. Already, I have missed this resolution. Never should have made it in the first place.
Scratch that resolution.
The next one is a left over from 2022. I resolved to finish my book titled My Voyage with Dementia and distribute it in 2022. Well, it is 2023 and the book is finally in final editing. I doubt it will be done by Feb. 1. Should I bring this resolution forward to 2023? I doubt it.
Scratch that resolution.
I presently weigh 174 pounds. My resolution for 2023 is that I reach 160 pounds and maintain that weight for a month – any month.
Keep this resolution.
That is enough of this resolution business. Therefore, I resolve not to make any resolutions for 2023. At least, I know that I can keep this resolution.
Keep this resolution.
Oh my gosh – I just realized that I have already broken that resolution. I will go on to something else!
The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada has written and submitted a report titled Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia in Canada: The Landmark Study Report #1. This report says that “actions to reduce the risk (of dementia) have potential to change the future of dementia in Canada – if government act now.” This the first of three reports that were to be released with in 2022. I have not seen either Report #2 or Report #3.
I can only hope that this resolution comes true in the coming months.
There is a new dementia drug that has been given a fast track approval by the FDA in the USA. The last time this happened, with Aduhelm in Canada in 2022, health did not even give it a review (to my knowledge). I wonder whether health knows that there are thousands of citizens suffering from some sort of dementia that need this drug even if there may be some side effects. I understand that Health Canada guards our health, but assisting solutions to growing health concerns with ACTION plans should be on their agenda and soon. I use the word ACTION in capital letters to bring it to notice, Canada is skilled at reports but action is needed.
Time to get back to my book.
***
Bob Murray is retired from the graphic communication (printing) industry and has been living in Seaforth since 2015. Murray was diagnosed with Dementia in 2013 and works hard to stop the progress of the disease. Follow him on his blog entitled Voyage with Dementia – https://myvoyage553264702.wordpress.com.
