The Perfect Prescription

July 14, 2021 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

I don’t like going to the doctor.

It’s not that I don’t like my doctor; he’s great. It’s that it puts my impermanence on full display, stripping away the denial of immortality; even when it’s simply a routine checkup. Something about being in a medical office raises my blood pressure as well as fear level.

“How are you feeling?”
“You’re the doctor; wouldn’t it be up to you to tell me?”

He chuckled an inner warmth that blended well with his extensive knowledge. As I said, I like my doctor. In a time where the medical providers are overworked and under-appreciated, rushing here to there to accomplish everything required of them, he always appeared totally attentive during the short time we spent together once a year.

“Are you exercising?”
“Yes, I walk about 30 minutes at least five times a week – plus I take my dog out each day. That’s not really exercise because we have to stop and pee at every bush we pass.” I paused, then corrected, “Well, it’s not WE to have to stop and pee; it’s him. Just clarifying…”

He smiled again.

“Your blood tests all show that everything is as it’s supposed to be. You’re a healthy man.” He paused. “So, how’s your life?”

The question knocked me on my heels for a brief flash; not a query I expected from an MD, but, when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. One cannot heal the body while ignoring the mind and spirit. As I took a mental inventory of “how is my life,” I opened up about the waning days of my career, my aspiring spirituality, family drama, life goals, and the passing of years in general.

Says singer/songwriter John Mellencamp in The Real Life: [Read more…]

Spend an Entire Day in Gratitude

June 9, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus

Although this is very simple, it’s not as easy as it seems.

Go 24 hours without complaining about anything; not only to others, but to yourself.

Thank you so much.

Do not complain about politics, the weather, bad drivers, inconsiderate people, high prices, or traffic. Do not disparage customers, clerks, or those with opposing views. Do not think negative thoughts about co-workers, friends, or family.

Most importantly, do not berate yourself for where you are in life or where have you yet to go. Do not put yourself down for your mistakes, your accomplishment, or your appearance.

If you really want to “push” yourself, each time you feel the urge to be negative, find a way to be grateful instead.

Try it for one day.

What’s odd is how the rest of the world seems to change when you do.

Find Fun Ways To Move More

June 2, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

If you’re able to walk, find excuses to do so.

Don’t worry about how far nor how long; just find a way to move your body a little further.

If you can’t walk, stand up for a few minutes each hour. If you can’t stand, move your arms and hold in your stomach.

Not only does getting out of your chair help you stay (or get) fit, but it burns a few calories, it reduces bone loss, and it holds back a myriad of diseases.

And remember it’s virtually impossible to feel sad or angry when walking briskly.

(Try it the next time you’re upset. You’ll see that’s correct.)

Lose ten pounds — and your health — in three days

July 24, 2013 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Searching the worldwide wacky web I stumble across: “Lose ten pounds in three days!”

Intrigued, I find myself on a discussion page for a “fantastic new diet.” Let’s review, shall we? (Warning: If you are capable of rational thought, tread carefully.)

Day One

Breakfast:
Black coffee or tea
half cup grapefruit
one slice toast
two tablespoons peanut butter

Lunch:
half cup tuna
one slice toast
coffee

Dinner:
seven slices meat
one cup string beans
beets
one small apple
one cup vanilla ice cream.

Day Two

Breakfast:
One egg
half banana
one slice toast
coffee

Lunch:
one cup cottage cheese
three saltine crackers

Dinner:
two hot dogs
one cup of broccoli
half cup carrots
cup of vanilla ice cream

Day three is a virtual repeat. Beyond that, instructions include, “Do not vary or substitute foods. In three days you will lose ten pounds and then you can eat normal food, but do not overdo it. After four days of normal eating, start back on the diet.”

Let’s wade right in, shall we?

[Read more…]

One More Reason to Stay Healthy

June 19, 2013 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

We all want to be in good health.

Equally true is that we often put off what we need to do to achieve that objective, needing reminders of what really matters. Many times they are unpleasant. Some times, we’re just fortunate.

Ever since I was old enough to live on my own, my place of residence has always been at distance from the remainder of my family. I didn’t dislike them and we (mostly) got along well. It’s just that — I don’t know — I guess I’m the one from my clan who was most inclined to strike out for new horizons.

I’m actually not very adventurous. So it came as no small shock to my parents when, after graduating college, I threw what few possessions I could call my own into my 1973 Mazda RX2 and drove across the 115 degree Nevada desert — without air conditioning — to establish myself as the afternoon drive DJ for KEYY AM in Orem, Utah. I held no particular desire to live in the Beehive State; it just happened to be where I landed my first gig. Upon arrival, they immediately demoted me to the all-night slot and fired me six weeks later.

Welcome to radio.

After that, I “played the hits” and spun classic vinyl throughout the west, eventually lighting on the Northcoast of California 30 years ago. I guess that qualifies me as “a resident,” and short of our airport, I love almost everything about this area and call it “home.” My family however still resides elsewhere.

In the past, it was always me, who at the end of a too-short visit, hugged my mother farewell, loaded suitcases into the car, and resumed my far-flung life, never successfully suppressing the wetness in my eyes.

The baton passes.