"Put on your own oxygen mask first..."

You know what they say in the pre-flight speech about parents putting on their own masks first and then the masks for their kids.

That is a good idea for parents to do in their family life. And the 'oxygen mask' is ramping up your willpower. It takes lots of willpower to be a good parent! When we are worn out and tired and stressed we just don't have the gumption to stick with the "no" that our kids often need to hear.

I came across a very interesting article that is mainly about Alzheimer's prevention. And it is not a new drug. It is a lifestyle change.

Two places to check out:
The web site for Dr Vincent Fortanasce, a neurologist who has written a book called "The Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription" . He is not selling anything (except perhaps his book). Just telling the truth about how costly our lifestyle has become. He talks about "pre-Alzheimer's" in kids... yes, in kids. It is about lifestyle, how we eat, exercise and sleep.

Here is the second link, to a great Q and A session with him. About the second question into the article he talks about willpower and how it is connected to serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals our bodies readily make... when we eat well and exercise.

And once we have our own "oxygen mask" on, we can have the willpower to help our children eat well and exercise too. God calls us to give him our best. Going back to the basics will help.