Sergeant Tony's Blog

Yesterday the “Today Show” reported that antidepressants are the most prescribed drug in the United States.

Say WHAT???

When I walked off the airplane in 1998, after spending a decade in Japan, I discovered that I had become Rip Van Winkle. You’ll remember the story of Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving. Poor hen-pecked Rip wandered up a hill one day, sat down by a tree, and fell asleep … for 20 years.

When he woke up he found that his whole world had changed.

America changed a lot in the 10 years I was overseas. There were huge changes in language, culture (both pop and classic), slang, TV shows, music, mores, norms. In some ways I’m still playing catch up.

One of the things I had to learn when I took a teaching job after I returned was the meaning of ADD, ADHD, AAD, XYZ (whatever) and the names of drugs I’d never even heard of. As a high school teacher, I had to learn that kids with behavioral problems had an abbreviation to justify their inappropriate behavior. They had problems beyond their ability to control, I was told. And the kids would be taking prescription drugs to treat their uncontrollable problems.

What??

America the brave had given way to America the medicated. I had returned to Therapeutic America where everyone has an illness, everyone has a condition, and everyone has an issue that requires a chemical solution or intervention. Our kids have prescription drugs in their backpacks and the parents have antidepressants in their purses and briefcases.

Why?

Why are there so many people, kids and adults, on prescription drugs in this country, the most indulged and privileged country on earth? Why are so many of us depressed? Why are we unable to cope with the everyday issues of life? Why do we over-schedule our lives and our kid’s lives? What are we trying to prove? Who are we trying to impress?

I know there are people who are clinically depressed and desperately need counseling and possible medication. My own family has been touched by the tragedy of PTSD and other associated mental struggles. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not down playing the reality of those things. I’m not playing Tom Cruise, so don’t write me back and tell me how insensitive I’m being. I get it. I really do.

But …

But I’m of the opinion that we exercise too little and over-schedule too much in this country. We eat too much, drink too much, and we’re too busy to notice much. As Dave Matthews said, “I eat too much, I drink too much … too much!”

You may be suffering from “too much” of one thing and not enough of the other.

I hate to preach the same sermon, but it’s necessary sometimes when the answer is the same. Exercise is the one common denominator that medical doctors, psychologists, therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals prescribe for the vast majority of people suffering from stress related problems. Exercise is prescribed for a whole host of other issues, physical, mental, psychological, and emotional.

In my own life, exercise has been the one constant that has kept me sane and stable (if you could call me stable) through the most difficult times of my life. It has been the one thing that has always been reliable and dependable. Through the small investment of time and effort through exercise, I get a lot of great things in return! Our bodies experience a multitude of awesome chemical reactions and physiological responses when we exercise! The mental health benefits of exercise are second only to the good physical benefits that come from working up a sweat.

America is the fattest country in the world AND the country that leads the world in antidepressants.

Is there a connection?

By the way, when was the last time you were at Boot Camp?

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AUGUST IS ANNIVERSARY MONTH!!
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP began at 0530 on August 2, 1999! Tomorrow we officially complete EIGHT years of push ups and mountain climbers! There’ll be a party and other stuff this month to celebrate! Thank you for making this possible! More info to follow!

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TRIATHLON TRAINING
Training will be this Saturday at 8 o’clock. Our location will be determined on Friday. Again, I’ll check Singleton Parkway to see if it’s ready. I’ll post our training location on the blog after I’ve done some recon.

Newbies are welcome as we begin training for the CATS triathlon on September 16 in Conway, Arkansas.

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TREK TRIATHLON BIKE FOR SALE
The Trek tri-bike is for sale again. It’s a small-ish frame bike and would be ideal for a woman under 5′7″ or a man under 5′8″. This is an awesome bike and in great condition, aerodynamic and fast. It had a $2,000 price tag when it was new a few years ago. The reason I’m selling it for a fraction of that price is mainly because I’m 5′10″ and the bike is just a bit too small for me.

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KEVIN JENKS HOUSE IS FOR SALE
Assistant Drill Instructor, Corporal Kevin Jenks, is selling his house at 2784 Union. You can see more details and contact info for Kevin on the blog.

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Do your knees ever ache?

Mine do.

I take glucosamine supplements.

You can find different formulas at places like Walgreens and GNC. I use those made by Shaklee. If you’re interested to know more about the Shaklee formula, go here to read more: http://shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main.

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0645 CLASS RUNS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER!!!
The 0645, 0830, and 5:45 PM classes follow a Monday/Wednesday/Friday “WEIGHT DAY,” and Tu/Thu “CARDIO DAY” workout schedule.

To your continued good health and fitness!!

Sergeant Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
4888 Southern Cove
Memphis, TN 38117
901-644-0145
www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com
http://shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main