jimhippen.com (2026)

25/05/2022

Live 12 Years and 4 Months Longer--Strong, Healthy Years

To live longer and lose weight, lift weights.

Weight training increases longevity, significantly. A study by the Penn State College of Medicine of people over 65 years of age found that those who incorporated weight lifting in their regular routines lived an average of 19 percent longer.

That means that a 65 year old who lifts weights will live 12 years and 4 months longer than the individual who remains sedentary. To someone in this age group, that’s a huge difference. That’s enough to open up a new career if you want to. You can play with your grandchildren much longer. You can load up your bucket list and check more things off.

Effects of Weight Training

Weight training results in increased mass of muscles. Lifting weights causes a little damage to the muscle fibers. The body compensates by building the muscles back a little stronger. The person becomes stronger.

Lifting weights also puts slight strain on the bones and stimulates the body to increase bone density. Stronger bones are less likely to break. Reduced osteoporosis.

You get better weight control because of higher metabolism. Improved digestion. Stronger muscles burn calories faster and get rid of fat. Burning 200 calories can take as little as 10 minutes.
Weight training also strengthens the heart. Digestion improves. The blood vessels and lymph systems are stimulated. All this boosts the immune system and reduces illness. You feel better, and when you feel better you look and act better.

You’ll sleep better and your overall quality of life will improve.

Embarrassment

I couldn’t do even one push up…When I was younger I was into weight lifting. At the Deseret Gymnasium, where I was a lifeguard and swimming teacher, they had a great weight room in the basement of the men’s locker room. Several of the lifeguards would go there after work and lift.

As I got in the Air Force, several of our first training class would go to the base gym and lift. Nothing consistent, more just showing off to each other.

I tried to stay in shape and a few years ago I even had my wife go with me to the local gym and do weight machine circuit training.

Then, as a 77-year-old with a belly much bigger than I wanted, a couple of months ago I decided to do some push ups. I felt I needed some exercise and that was the easiest thing to do. Except, it wasn’t. I couldn’t even do one. So, I tried a knee push up. That’s where you just push up with your knees on the ground instead of your feet. Much easier. I couldn’t even do one of those. No one was watching, but I was still embarrassed.

Proof--Weight Training Reduces Inflammation

One thing that causes us to age faster in all parts of the body is inflammation. I was somewhat concerned that weight training might cause increased inflammation. In studying the literature, an article in the National Institute of Health shows just the opposite. They studied groups of sedentary obese adults. They tested for one of the markers of inflammation, C-Reactive Protein, and found that resistance training reduces CRP by 32.8 per cent.

Combine Weight Training and Swimming for Maximum Age Benefit

Funny how you can let yourself deteriorate as you get older. And as you get older you deteriorate faster.

I mentioned that I started lifting weights as a swimmer. I also checked on swimming as it applies to longevity. Seems that it has about the same effect as weight training. Maybe even better. However it does not affect metabolism as much. So to lose weight, lift weights. To really live the longest, healthiest life, swim and lift weights, not at the same time. Other exercise modalities, such as walking and running don’t have as great benefits.

Of course, any exercise has benefits over a sedentary lifestyle. So get out and move!

Excuses, excuses, excuses.
“But I don’t have time.”
“I hate the pain.”
“I don’t know how to do it.”
“I can’t get anyone to go with me.”
“I just hate lifting weights.”

So? So? So?--Answers to Your Excuses
Anytime you need to make a change, you have to make the time. I started getting up 30 minutes early with the idea of immediately setting out to complete that item of my daily routine.
It doesn’t need to be painful. Start slowly. Don’t try to make up all the time or weight at once. That’s from personal experience.
All gyms have someone who can show you how to use the equipment.
Go, and find a partner at the gym. Most people would be glad to have someone to work out with. Check with your friends. You’d be amazed at how many are just hoping for an invitation.
So, what else are you going to do to get the same effect? Gymnastics? At your age? C’mon! Looks like you’re going to have to change that attitude. Imagine it being fun. It’s like a game. Get excited about it. Start bragging on facebook about all you’re accomplishing. You’ll soon have admirers looking forward to your posts. Some may even want to join you. It’s up to you.

Okay, here’s what you need to do:

1. Decide to do it and pick a gym. If you are going to need assistance, pick one with a certified trainer. Try to find one with machines, rather than free weights. You’ll be less likely to injure yourself.

2. Set a goal for each muscle group. For instance: 120 pounds on the pull down bar. 200 pounds on the leg press machine. Try to use all the major muscle groups. The more groups, the more your metabolism will increase.

3. Keep track of your progress. This will make it easier to keep going. Tell others about your activity. Use a spreadsheet. List all the muscle groups on the side, and the pounds lifted on each and date. You’ll see improvement faster than you think. Just start out slowly. Test your maximum. Then drop back so it’s easy to do 10 repetitions. Then do 3 sets of 8 repetitions. When that gets easy, move up the weight.

Now you have a decision to make. Will you let your muscles deteriorate (like I did for a while), or will you take steps 1. 2. and 3.

BIG REWARDS! You'll feel amazing. Stay with it and you’ll look amazing. I’m on my way there. I can now do 6 or 7 knee push ups.

If you are one of those who think we only have a certain number of days to live. No more, no less. Do you want to spend the last few days languishing in a hospice bed, or drop and be gone while finishing one of those bucket list items that can be so fun? Lifting weights can make the difference.

Let me know how you’re doing. Text me at 385-227-0138. I’ll be your cheerleader. Perhaps we can compare notes as we progress.

11/05/2022

Meditation

Many successful people advocate meditation as a part of a successful life. How do successful people find the time to meditate? We get so busy it seems like there isn’t time to just sit and think, or whatever meditation is.

Even my Fitbit program suggests doing a mindfulness exercise five days per week.

Martin Luther is supposed to have said, “I have so much to do today, I must spend an extra hour on my knees to ensure I get it all done.”

So successful people make time to meditate. What exactly is meditation, and what am I supposed to think about during meditation time? Do I just relax and control my breathing? Or do I think about what I have to do? Or do I make my plans for the future? Do I think about my goals?

One study lists nine kinds of meditation:

Mindfulness meditation
Spiritual meditation
Focused meditation
Movement meditation
Mantra meditation
Transcendental meditation
Progressive relaxation
Loving-kindness meditation
Visualization meditation

On a strictly clinical level, Mayo Clinic says that meditation is a type of mind-body medicine. It has been practiced for thousands of years. During meditation, you develop intentional focus and minimize random thoughts about the past or future.

Many forms of meditation exist. But most meditation forms recommend:
A quiet setting
A comfortable position
Focused attention
An open attitude
Meditation may offer many benefits, such as helping with:
Concentration
Relaxation
Inner peace
Stress reduction
Fatigue
Emotional well-being
Research has found that meditation may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with conventional medicine, meditation may improve physical health. For example, some research suggests meditation can help manage symptoms of conditions such as:
Chronic pain
Asthma
Cancer
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Sleep problems
Digestive problems
Transcendental meditation is probably the type of meditation most frequently mentioned. As differing from other methods, anyone can do it because there’s no trying to "empty the mind", no mindfulness (monitoring of thoughts), no concentrating, no control of the mind.

It is best taught by a certified specialist and promises major increases in calmness, creativity, energy, clarity of mind, and happiness.

One of the most famous people who advocate and teach meditation is Deepak Chopra. He has been on many major talk shows and publishes his wisdom, which is quoted often. He defines it as… “a mental form of yoga, wherein we silence our thought process and arrive at the source of thought. In other words we dismantle notions of the self and arrive at a higher being.” His form of meditation is the transcendental variety.

Going on line, there are many who say they will teach you to meditate. Perhaps for a beginner, a teacher or mentor may be of help.

I’ve recently tried to incorporate meditation into my daily schedule. Since I have decided to do it, I have awoken earlier than I usually do, before the alarm goes off. I have been just sitting on the edge of the bed and beginning with a prayer. As I pray I have tried to focus on my relationships. Relationship with my wife, my family, my friends and acquaintances, and my God.
My thoughts often drift, and most of the time I just let them, then try to bring it back to my original intention.

I must say, I’m not very good at meditation, but I have found that I carry that mood with me throughout the day. I do feel better about myself and what is happening to me and what I am out to accomplish.

One thing that has helped is music. I found a recording of the hymn, Still, Still with Thee, as sung by the Tabernacle Choir at Elder L. Tom Perry’s funeral. It lifts me up and helps me focus on the Savior.

Elder Uchtdorf, a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has talked about meditation recently. His description is beautiful and poetic. “A garden of reflection where we can walk with the Lord and be instructed, edified, and purified by the written and Spirit-revealed word of our Heavenly Father. It is a sacred time when we remember our solemn covenants to follow the gentle Christ, when we assess our progress and align ourselves with the spiritual landmarks God has provided for His children.”

“Think of it as your personal, daily restoration. On our journey as pilgrims on the path of glory, we know how easy it is to fall away. But just as minor deviations can draw us out of the Savior’s Way so too can small and simple acts of realignment assuredly lead us back. When darkness creeps into our lives, as it often does, our daily restoration opens our hearts to heavenly light, which illuminates our souls, chasing away shadows, fears, and doubts.”

I love that picture of myself as a pilgrim, walking in the garden of the Lord to achieve a daily restoration. I also like the idea of focusing on the written word, the holy scriptures to help guide us.

So meditation can take several forms. It can be done any time during the day. It can involve the written word as well as music. It should be practiced daily for maximum effect. Sometimes a teacher or a mentor can help.

Since many of the world’s most successful people swear by meditation, it’s a good idea for those of us on the road to success.

Everyone can try it out. Try meditating every day for the next 30 days. I know you’ll get better at it, just doing it. If you’re not satisfied, sign up with a teacher or mentor.

07/09/2020

Charity, Charisma, and Character

What is charity? In the scriptures it is defined as the pure love of Christ, or the love He has for each of us. My recently returned missionary granddaughter, Serenity expressed it so well in her mission report when she said she could look at someone she had never met and feel love for them, a desire to serve them.

Having true charity can, and probably will lead you to have charisma.

What is charisma? (Thanks to Joshua Boswell for this) It consists of 3 elements:
1. Benevolence. This is expressed as kindness and selflessness. Desiring the best for another person you may be with. Being willing to share your love and knowledge to help another.
2. Power. This is the ability to effect measurable change. It needs to make that change a positive thing. Making a positive difference that you can measure.
3. Presence. This is giving another person your total focus and attention. Notice how you feel when someone puts their phone away and just gives you that precious gift of their time. When you do this for someone else, they love you for it.

What is character and how do these things relate? Character is the mental and moral qualities that are distinctive to an individual.

Having good character means changing only in a positive way. When people are around you, they get a sense of your character from the things you say and do.

When you have good character you “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

These are things we can learn. Things we should learn. Things we want for ourselves so we can serve others better. When we serve others, we gain rewards. If you help enough other people get what they want, you will get what you want.

30/06/2020

I met a new friend on Monday, June 29,202. Jason Mortensen, independent candidate for President of the United States. Since I don't believe in coincidences, I feel I need to look into this candidacy. He describes himself as husband, father of six, and Unrelenting Defender of Truth.

Is this the hero I am looking for in a candidate? I will be looking further into his candidacy. I invite all my friends to check him out.

I rented a Penske moving truck to him so he could move to Raleigh, North Carolina. He said something to the effect that he is moving to the east coast to begin his campaign.

06/03/2020

There Will Be Miracles

Twice this morning I have been reminded about this subject. It was originally suggested by my beautiful wife, Georgia. Then a Facebook friend decried the state of this world and his situation. I asked him to hang in there and reminded him that there will be miracles.

I remember that we must have faith.

I remember that we must have hope.

I remember that we must have charity.

Who is ultimately in charge? God is.

Elder Holland recently talked about knowing the end of the game. The winning team is already declared. We just have to decide to put on the winning team’s jersey and it will end well for us.

It may not be all fun and games before the end. Things will likely get better. They will also get worse.

Global warming will continue no matter what we do to fight it. It may turn around all on its own. In the 1970’s the pundits were talking about global cooling. Record low temperatures were recorded all over the world. Alarmists always fear the worst, and it seldom happens.

Government officials will continue to be corrupted by their lust for money and power. That is predicted for the last days. Secret combinations have always corrupted the government and tried to destroy our laws. Satan rages all across the earth. But he cannot win. He knows the time is short.

About charity. If we have charity for all people, even our enemies, it will be well with us. We will invite miracles in our lives. I feel we will have a measure of protection against the evils of the world if we have charity. At least our souls will be protected. And we will be enjoy eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

What miracles have you seen in your life?

21/02/2020

Social Programs vs. Socialism

Why are we so afraid that social programs will lead to socialism? Why are we afraid of socialism?

My definition of socialism is that the government controls every aspect of our lives. This is contrary to the concept that everyone has the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Socialism limits too many freedoms.

When our freedoms are restricted, rebellion follows.

Social programs on the other hand provide services that many people need that would not be available or provided by the marketplace.

Social programs that seem to work are Social Security and Medicare. Could they be better? Of course. I may address Social Security later. But right now let’s go after health care insurance.

Could Medicare be expanded to everyone? Not without doubling taxes.

Bernie Sanders found that out when he proposed single payer healthcare for his state of Vermont. The state actuary at the time, David Hippen, ran the numbers and determined that it would cost as much as all the taxes they were already collecting. In other words they would have had to double every tax in the state. It was not feasible.

Massachusetts successfully implemented a healthcare insurance program that eventually covered 98% of state residents. The state operated as an insurance broker that provided free, highly subsidized, or full price private insurance. Employers with more than 10 employees were required to provide insurance.

In many ways Massachusetts program was successful, covering many who had not been covered before. Every resident was required to obtain insurance.

Two of their main goals failed. First, overall medical costs were not reduced. Second, people continued to use emergency rooms as their primary care providers.

When Medicare was first implemented, medical costs skyrocketed. Controls were implemented which restricted what doctors could collect. A doctor I knew was forced out of business when he discovered what he could collect did not cover the malpractice insurance he was required to maintain.

The current system works well for large medical groups, especially those who are part of a hospital system. Hospitals have had to form associations to stay in business. Local, county run hospitals, those that have to cater to low income population, are struggling. Some have had to close down.

I would propose something like Romneycare from Massachusetts. Somehow, in order to lower costs, malpractice insurance costs would have to be reduced. Private doctors and small rural hospitals would need individualized contracts to enable them to stay in business.

Drug costs would also have to be regulated, which may delay the development of orphan drugs which have little profitable application. This is an area for future application.

Finally, the question you may ask me, is this a social program that would cost more than it’s worth? It’s going to require serious future debate to find the best solution.

The Republicans have had several years to come up with a good plan. They have not. It’s time to replace the Republican leadership in congress.

The Democrats have had the same number of years to revise Obamacare to make it work for the average American. They have not. It’s time to replace the Democrat leadership in congress.

Both parties are neglecting the American people. It’s time to drain the swamp and get new people who will work for the people, and not just for their party and their wealthy contributors.

14/02/2020

Alternatives to Abortion

As I am completely opposed to abortion, I think it’s important that I propose alternatives. We can’t just outlaw it again and expect the law to be obeyed. We can’t relegate it to secret operating rooms that may not be sterile or properly equipped.

One option is to encourage the mother to keep the baby, the child, with the assurance that the physical and emotional needs of both the mother and baby will be available.

The father would need to be held to his responsibility for the child. DNA is easier to trace, so it becomes easier to establish paternity. Those who refuse could be incarcerated. It worked for an ex son-in-law who didn’t want to work to provide child support. A few days in the slammer brought him to his senses and he got a job.

Another is low cost adoption. It should not cost a lot more to adopt than to have a baby in a hospital. I’m sure the adoption agencies would lobby against this. It’s a big source of income for the lawyers who run these organizations.

Low cost adoption would require serious protections for the adopting parents so that nothing could be done to reverse the adoption.

Protections against unfit parents would have to be installed. Raising a baby is terribly stressful. The ability to deal with that stress would have to be assessed by competent psychologists.

This is a serious social program. However, since government seems to foul up so many such programs, (for example: income taxes and social security programs) I wonder if it should be taken up by churches. I would hope laws would be written to make it easy for churches to take up this need. I think pastors of churches would be less likely to approve unfit parents for adoption.

I do see that this would need to be supported by the taxpayers. Does that mean an increase in taxes? Not if other government expenditures could be eliminated. There are so many programs that do nothing for the people of this country. I’m thinking of a lot of foreign aid.

We’ve used foreign aid as a way to encourage love for us by the people of other countries. In most cases it does no good because none of it goes to help the citizens. The corrupt regimes take the aid and do nothing with it for their people.

Another area of social services that needs to be addressed is a welfare system that is not designed to get able bodied, able minded individuals off their roles. It is designed to keep them down, keep them dependent on the dole. That needs to change and I believe it would save enough money to fund better social programs, such as what I am suggesting as alternatives to abortion.

I welcome other ideas.

11/02/2020

The Courage of Mitt Romney

It’s no secret that Mitt Romney has a negative view of President Trump. Does that mean he is more Democrat than Republican? That’s a big “NO”.

Romney has voted more with Trump. 80% in fact. So Trump is ignoring that fact to attack and try to bully Senator Romney. Trump is a jerk and has lost all credibility with me. Sorry about the name calling.

So, Romney supports President Trump’s policies. Those that he feels are good for the people of Utah, and good for the country.

Senator Romney sees the problem with President Trump’s abuse of his power, and called him on it by voting for impeachment.

Do I believe the charges were valid and that he should have been impeached? I don’t know enough about that. I do know that he tends to do what he wants without considering whether or not it is legal or ethical.

Did the members of congress lie about things? I’m sure they did. Did the President lie about things? I’m sure he did. Our government leaders don’t hesitate to lie about many things if they think it’s what their constituents want to hear.

I watched Romney take charge of the Winter Olympics in 2002 and bring order to chaos. He was brilliant.

I watched him as he ran for President. He seemed to have lost that brilliance. He acted like someone else was in charge of his campaign. And that may have been true. If it was, that was the problem.

I continue to support Senator Romney and hope the citizens of Utah come to realize that he is probably the hero we need.

This is from my blog, www.jimhippenreport.com

01/02/2020

Another post from my political blog, www.jimhippenreport.com.

Friends and Politics

Sometimes we just have to agree to disagree.

I don’t know if our friendship is important to you. It is important to me. But sometimes we disagree on political issues. I have friends who are Democrats. I have more friends who are Republicans. Some friends are really neither.

I consider myself a progressive Republican. What’s that? I believe in conservative financial policies. I also believe in a strong military. I believe in the policies of Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

I love that Roosevelt created the National Park System. I love that Eisenhower created the Interstate Highway System.

I very much dislike our current welfare system that keeps people from growing out of poverty. I dislike foreign aid that goes to corrupt regimes.

I want government solutions that make sense. I believe in paying our way as we go. I dislike government deficit spending.

I believe in learning from history. True and full history. Not the sanitized version that often comes out of our media.

I realized recently that some of my friends who are Democrats don’t know what their party has become. They think the party is the party of John F. Kennedy. That would be great, but it’s not.

Republicans have many of the same delusions.

Too many people are of one party or the other because that’s what their parents were. They don’t try to influence their party, they just go along with what party leaders say.

The government is supposed to represent the people. But instead each legislator represents the people or companies that paid for their campaign for office. It’s no longer government by the people for the people. It’s government by professional politicians for the money sources that got them elected or re-elected.

Corruption runs rampant on both sides of the aisle.

It’s time to change things up. Time for term limits. Time to vote out the professional politicians.

I hope many of my friends will join me.

jimhippen.com

25/05/2022

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