Your Mother was RIGHT

 

Mother's Day is May 14, 2017

I think my mother was about 80 years old, before I gave her any credit for her simple advice.  Even then, it was a backhanded compliment -- I told her, "I hate how you are right all the time."  She just smiled.

Seriously, our mothers impart so much wisdom, but after awhile,  it all tends to sound like so many Old Wives Tales.

I have been noticing more and more since my mother passed on, though, that Mom's advice is being proved scientifically. I cannot fathom how many millions of dollars have been spent to prove that Mom is right, but here is a compilation how very RIGHT that mom is:

1) "Save your money" -- Haven't we all seen that ubiquitous TV commercial about how, if we save even small amounts of money over most of our working life, we will retire with a real nest egg?

2) "Get your education" -- Studies show that college graduates can earn 84% more than high school graduates.

3)  "Be nice" -- A new study shows that Nice Guys do finish first. They get better job assignments, are perceived as leaders, get better raises and get promoted more.

4) "Eat your vegetables" -- Studies show that the one food attributable to successful aging is dark leafy greens.

5) "Get enough sleep" -- Lack of sufficient sleep can lead to heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. To say nothing of the accidents that occur amongst the seriously sleep-deprived.

6) "All you need is one friend" -- In a scientific study, researchers placed one fish alone in an aquarium. The fish began to act lethargic, ate poorly ad generally failed to thrive. When researchers placed one additional fish in the tank, the first fish became more active, ate better, and began to thrive. Isolation leads to depression, anxiety and can even cause serious physical health issues.

7) "Stay out of debt" -- Compounding of interest upon interest on credit card debt can cripple your credit rating and your future. Before you spend, know where the money is coming from.

8) "Turn that music down" -- A recent study showed that only one incidence of ringing in the ears after a loud concert can cause lifelong hearing problems.

9) "Drink water" -- Studies show that just 2-3 sweetened drinks per day can vastly increase your likelihood of diabetes or heart disease.

10) "Go outside" -- Many adult Americans have serious Vitamin D deficiencies. Getting outside during the summer months can give you all the Vitamin D you need for a year.

11) "A pet is a member of the family" -- Family pets can lower anxiety and prevent depression.

12) "Why do you think they call it DOPE?" -- My grandmother used to say that to my sibling and me ALL the time. A recent study shows that the use of marijuana does kill brain cells, making you at risk of dementia as you age.

13) "Have a good cry" -- There are actually chemicals embedded in our tears that are natural pain relievers!

14) "Bundle up in cold weather, or you will catch cold" -- Going outside without hat, coat, or scarf on a frigid day does not MAKE you sick, but it stresses your system enough to make you more susceptible to viruses.

15) "Eat breakfast" -- Eggs are NOT bad for you! And eating breakfast revs up your metabolism so that you burn calories more efficiently the rest of the day.

16) "Don't sit so close to the screen, you will ruin your eyes" -- Kids need about 45 minutes per day utilizing their long distance vision, generally outside gazing at the horizon, for vision to develop properly. Otherwise, you risk severe near-sightedness.

17) "Go to church" -- Studies show that if you attend a place of worship in community and you have a sense of awe about something larger than yourself, you will be healthier, happier, less depressed.

18) "If you stay mad, you will give yourself a heart attack" -- Studies show that people who live with an angry attitude have a much higher risk of heart disease, and even sudden cardiac arrest.

19) "Wash your hands" -- The single best way for you to avoid getting sick is not organic food, vitamins or exercise regimens-- it is to simply wash your hands with soap and water.

20) " Don't eat all the cookies" -- We have long been taught that dietary fats cause heart disease, but actually, the number one culprit of heart disease IS sugar.

21) "Sit up straight" -- A new study shows that slouching puts pressure on your spine, and also squashes your internal organs.

21) "Brush your teeth" -- Studies show that gum disease can contribute to heart disease.

22) "Don't drive distracted" -- Texting while driving makes a crash 23% more likely.

23) "Accentuate the positive" -- Studies show that it takes five positive affirmations to neutralize just one negative comment.

24) "Don't head the ball in soccer, it will scramble your brain" -- New studies show that heading the ball can lead to concussion.

25) "Speak the Truth" -- Above all, tell the Truth. I think everyone can agree that today, we are drowning in Spin and Alternative Facts. We could ALL use some more of the Truth!!

ON Mother's Day, call your mom, visit your mom, hug your mom, thank her for all that she has done for you in your life.

BUT above all, tell her for once, that she is RIGHT!!