Shelli Thompson's blog is dedicated to assisting others find their way to a healthy life style.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Ode to Hedgy

A friend is never easy to loose

About 5 or so years ago my sister came to me just before Christmas and asked me for some help.  She had been to the school to read with the kids and they were reading a book about Hedge Hogs.  My sister did some research on the little creatures and thought it would be great to include one into the family. 

My nephew was in love with the book they were reading and he is a real animal lover.  My sister had found a "hog breeder" and there was a litter of little hedgy's ready but it was a week before Christmas and she didn't want the surprise ruined so she asked me if I would keep the baby hedge hog for the next week. 

Honestly I was wondering how a hedge hog would be as a pet, I was wondering how "loveable" it would be.  We all seem to be animal lovers and when she brought me my charge, I thought she was the cutest little hedge hog I had ever seen (the ONLY one I had ever seen) and she was so charming, we had a really fun week with her.

 Then Christmas day came and my newly adopted friend was given to my nephew.  I was sad to see her leave, but the look on his face was priceless when his Mom gave him Hedgy.  He looked up in his glee and asked if he could keep her, when he found out she was his, he was so excited.  I realized that the priceless look on his face when he saw her was the joy of seeing a hedge hog, he had no idea that she belonged to him, now that priceless look turned in to one of awe.

There were quite a few other kids that received hedge hogs that Christmas, the hogs were soon forgotten and within a year Hedgy was the only one that had survived.  They are easy creatures to care for but they need love and attention and Hedgy got plenty of that.

Her cage was the Taj Mahal, with everything a hedge hog would want.  We fashioned a "sleeping bag" for her out of fleece.  She was quite the celebrity at the school and would go to visit the kids that were reading about hedge hogs, everyone who knew Hedgy adored her.  She had a winning personality and she actually recognized people that she liked.

My sister left for a short trip last month and when she came back she noticed that Hedgy wasn't feeling very well and one eye was buldging.  She made a doctors appointment for little Hedgy.  The vet to all of our surprise was farmilliar with Hedge Hogs, checked her out and said she had an absess, gave her recommendations and some medicine.

We thought she was on the mend, but last night she went to sleep and she didn't wake up this morning.  She will be missed, she was the smallest member of our family and she got inside all of our hearts, where she will stay.

Ode to Hedgy:

All Hedge Hogs go to heaven,
who are good & sweet & kind,
All of us are so sad,
that you have left behind.

We knew that you had to go
and that you couldn't stay,
we also know you are happy now
being free to play.

Remembering your silly face
and your prickly hair, the way you
used your hands to eat and the
fact your ears were bare.

Sleep well my friend and always know
that you were truly loved,
and now we put you in the hands
of our father up above.

Our pets make life worth living.  They give us unconditional love, they don't talk back.  They make us happy and happy people are healthier people.  Things like this break our hearts, opening up to love something that we all know will not live as long as we do. Pets sometimes teach us how to love and they make our hearts bigger, that makes room for more love.  We would have been lesser people if we would not have let this little Hedge Hog "Hedgy" come into our hearts, now we have to let her go.

Goodbye for now Hedgy.
RIP 2/22/2010

Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Pilates Method for an Awesome, Sexy Body

Would you believe me if I told you there was a work out that can give you leaner legs with a longer look and a But as round and firm as your heart desired and that you could get all of this without visiting a gym one time or lifting one weight?

What if I were to say that this work out would give you a flatter firmer sexier mid section and it could help your back pain to disappear, improve your posture, make you taller and make you feel overall energized and working hard? Oh, and by the way you can do it anywhere and you will look forward to it.


Pronounced “puh-LAH-teez’ it is the vision behind Joseph Pilates work outs. Pilates is a total body-conditioning workout that leaves you feeling refreshed and alert. This confidence building exercise engages both men and women.


Pilates is an intense, challenging blend of Eastern and Western philosophies on conditioning both physically and mentally.

The Pilates method gives you the benefits of Yoga class with it’s stretching along with great muscle tone. Your body will have a long lean toned appearance because Pilates focuses on muscular balance and well being. It is a different idea on how to get your body moving.

Pilates will change how you feel about your body. You will feel years younger and your vitality will increase. Your posture will be improved and your muscles will be toned. Back pain that has nagged your lower back can be eliminated depending on it’s source and because you will feel better about yourself. Your sex life may improve, Pilates will help you to tone and strengthen those vital areas necessary to see that happen

Click Here to view Health Pulse Magazine about Pilates, it's a FREE online publication

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Tai Chi, Why Give it a Try?


Why give tai chi a try?

Like other complementary and alternative practices that bring mind and body together, Tai Chi can help reduce stress. 

During Tai Chi, you focus on movement and breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Stress, anxiety and tension should melt away as you focus on the present, and the effects may last well after you stop your tai chi session. 

Tai Chi also might help your overall health, although it's not a substitute for traditional medical care.

Despite its long history, Tai Chi has been studied scientifically only in recent years. 

Although more research is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that Tai Chi may offer numerous benefits beyond stress reduction, including:

·        Reducing anxiety and depression
·        Improving balance, flexibility and muscle strength
·        Reducing falls in older adults
·        Improving sleep quality
·        Lowering blood pressure
·        Improving cardiovascular fitness in older adult
·        Relieving chronic pain
·        Increasing energy, endurance and agility
·        Improving overall feelings of well-being