Welcome back to school, everyone!  I hope you all had a great winter break.

I spent much of my time working on an elective research paper, but it was done in my pajamas and slippers at home with plenty of coffee and tea.  I also completed a one week class in Baltimore on Geriatrics and Palliative Care to get me back in the swing of school.

One thing I struggle with during break is decreased strength I gained while working out over the summer.  My friend in the pharmacy program, M, is tall and lithe like me, and we both agree that we lose five pounds during the semester, which we gain back during the break with better eating habits.

I have free-weights at home beside my desk, and as I cleaned my workspace of a semester’s printed PowerPoints and notes, as well as my son’s Lego pieces, I sadly cleaned dust and dog hair tumbleweeds from my workout equipment.

I know what you’re thinking:  another lame attempt at a New Year’s resolution.

Yes, and I’m ashamed to say that I hope fourteenth time’s the charm, but I have confidence in this year’s attempt.  The hump of difficult courses in pharmacy school are over, and I’ve learned by trial and error many time management skills which will be the key to my success.

So, here’s my plug for the campus gym.  It’s on the second floor, just above the cafeteria, and for those of you worried about sweating after an intense workout, they also have shower facilities.  See?  No excuses at this point.

Dr Conroy, a professor at the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the UMB School of Medicine gave a lecture in my Geriatrics course.  We talked about general physical exercise and how it can help increase core strength, increase stability and flexibility, and reduce fall risk.

Exercise has also been shown to improve mood and fight off depression and anxiety and can be helpful during the cold dark winter months.

And exercise can improve your sex life.  So, you’re young, unmarried, have an intact sex life, whatever.  Here’s another reason to work out.

My other New Year’s resolution?

Staying hydrated.