𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬💦💦𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 (Part 2-Days 11 through 20)

 And What Is Blue Mind?

More Memories of Happy Times with Jon

Day 11 of Blue: Getting Ready to Snorkel in the Caribbean Sea

From Our First Visit to Isla Mujeres (Island ofWomen), Quintana Roo

Blue Mind is the mildly meditative state people fall into when they are near, in, under, or on water. It is peace. It is the feeling of calmness and relaxation that comes from being in or near the water, and it has a positive impact on our mental health. Dr. Wallace J Nichols, a marine biologist, popularized the phrase with his book Blue Mind.

There are so many variations of blue. The blue-green of the Caribbean Sea is quite different from the blue of the Pacific Ocean, yet both are calming.

“Red Mind is a term coined by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, and it refers to the state of anxiety, over-stimulation, and over-connectivity that is often associated with modern life. It's the opposite of Blue Mind, which is the state of mild meditation and tranquility that is induced by being in or near water.”

Day 12 of Blue: A Blue-Gray June Day at Daiquiri Dick's

In Old Town Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Even on a Blue-Gray Day, the Pacific Ocean’s

Motion and Sound are Soothing (Video Above)

Day 13 of Blue: A Calming Breakfast View from

The Wake Restaurant on the Stern of a Virgin Cruise Ship

Day 14 of Blue: A Restful Seating Area Near 

La Palapa Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta

Day 15 of 100 Blue Photos: Terry Paddleboarding

That's me paddleboarding on my knees in 2019 during a Marietas Island cruise. I might have had a margarita and couldn't stand up at that moment.😅But I was still getting a dose of Blue Mind. See more of our Marietas Island cruise photos HERE.

Day 16 of 100 Blue Photos: Waiting to Board the Super-Panga

To go Snorkeling from Isla Mujeres in the Caribbean Sea

Day 17 of 100 Blue Photos: Santa Maria del Oro Lake

The Blue Mind experience was especially pleasant while we kayaked with Bella, our dachshund, in 2017. I'm enjoying reminiscing about my old blog posts, which feature places I've been with Jon.

Day 18 of 100 Blue Water Photos:

Our View From La Ramada Restaurant

On Stone Island, Mazatlan in April 2024. We were having lunch

With friends, Ernie and Alexis. A wonderful memory.

Day 19 of Blue Water Photos: March 6, 2018

Sayulita Ocean View from a Friend’s Home

Day 20 of 100 Blue Water Photos

Parasail on Los Muertos Beach, January 31, 2025

Have you gazed at the gorgeous blue ocean from up high while parasailing? It is surreal. And peaceful. I've done it once in Cabo San Lucas and another time in Mazatlan. One of these blue-sky days, I'll do it in Puerto Vallarta.💦

Check back every few days to see more calming Blue photos. Blue Mind is a state of positive mental health. I look for opportunities every day. 

Please see Part 1, Days 1 through 10 of Blue at 100 Days of Blue Begins: Where I Find My Blue Mind.

Terry L Turrell, Author

See My Books on My Amazon Author Page

Life in Mexico: Never a Dull Moment

Healthy Living in Mexico #4

Cover Photo by Terry L Turrell

𝟮 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗪𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘅𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝟲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀

Jon Loves His Samsung Galaxy Watch6❢

Jon's Favorite Watch Face is Displayed, But It's Changeable

We’ve used (and loved) Fitbit Exercise Trackers, beginning when our daughter, Michelle, gave me my first Fitbit Tracker over ten years ago.

My First Fitbit Tracker Clipped on my Pants Waistband

Since then, Jon and I have regularly upgraded to the Fitbit Smartwatches, from Charge 2 to Charge 4. The features, including Fitness Monitoring, Sleep Monitoring, and Stress Management, are excellent for keeping us on track for healthy living. 

My First Fitbit Charge 2 was Great!

Recently, I realized that Fitbits lack two features that have become critical in our lives. I had to find a replacement health tracker when Jon’s Parkinson’s disease and our lifestyle called for two crucial health monitors.

1. Fall Detection Alerts:

It started when Jon insisted on repairing our motorhome skylight and roof. His balance is poor due to Parkinson's disease, so falls are more likely. Climbing ladders is just asking for trouble. 

Jon Devised a Harness and Rope Safety Mechanism

Jon uses a harness and rope safety mechanism when he climbs ladders. But I was still nervous about falls. (Read 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀! 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱-𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲)

I decided Jon needed a wearable device to send me an emergency fall detection alert if he fell. After researching options, I found no Fitbit model with a Fall Alert function, so I decided on the Samsung Galaxy Watch6. 

Jon Setting Up His New Watch6 Country

As Guatemala Because Mexico is Not an Option

Jon specified the Emergency Call function to dial my cell phone rather than an ambulance. The watch automatically calls me if he falls. He can also send me an SOS call by pushing the Home button five times. The SOS function causes the watch to emit an emergency alarm so bystanders can hear it, dial my cell phone, and text me.

Jon's Watch6 Calling Me

While It Emits a Siren for 10 Seconds

The Fall Alert relieves much of my worry. I learned one lesson recently when Jon had a hard fall—hard enough that it cracked the Premium Tempered Glass screen protector on his Watch6. I was with him and saw that he went down hard, but I did not receive an Emergency Alert call.

We realized later that we were in the wilderness, without cell service, so the Watch6 could not call. The two guides with us had walkie-talkies in case of emergency, and fortunately, Jon was not hurt enough for them to call for help.

2. Irregular Heart Rhythm Monitoring

Galaxy Watch6 ECG App (In the Background)

Performs Analyses of Heartbeats

Jon was recently diagnosed with first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. AV block causes irregular heartbeats and is not uncommon in Parkinson’s disease. First-degree AV block is rarely symptomatic but can progress to the degree where a pacemaker is needed.

I like that the Galaxy Watch6 will automatically detect Jon’s irregular heart rhythms and notify him before it becomes an issue. It then alerts him to perform the ECG function using the Watch6. With that information, he’ll be able to notify his doctor if needed and get proper tests done to detect any issues worth questioning.

However, according to Samsung, this new ECG feature requires a Samsung Galaxy device. The phone also needs Android OS 9.0 Pie or higher to run the Samsung Health Monitor App ECG. My Samsung phone, which is only a year and a half old, has a lower operating system, and Jon’s phone is even older than that. 

Costco Mexico Has a Limited Time Online

Offer On Samsung Galaxy Phones!

Jon, always an excellent online shopper, found that Costco Mexico has a fantastic online special deal on the Galaxy A34 (for a limited time). He ordered it immediately!

The next day, my Fitbit strap broke off and was not repairable. I use it in my pocket, which still measures my steps, but that’s not good enough! So, Jon ordered a Watch6 and a Galaxy A34 phone for me, too. I can’t wait for mine to arrive!

My Fitbit Band Broke Off--That's All That's Left!

Soon, I'll Have a Samsung Watch6 Smartwatch

Like Jon's But in Platinum with a Blue Band!

The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 has all of the health monitoring features that Fitbits have and much more. After Jon has used his Watch6 for three months, I can recommend it. I'm interested to see what new features the Watch7 will have, but I didn't want to spend the extra money on it now. Samsung keeps the Watch6 updated very well!

Thank you for reading my blog article. If you have any comments, you can leave them below, and I will reply. 

Please see my Healthy Living in Mexico 5-ebook series (available in all Amazon markets) to learn more about our experiences as travelers and residents in this country. My contemporary fiction novels, In Sickness and In Health 3-book series, give an insight into living in Mexico with Parkinson's disease and other medical conditions. Thank you for reading my books! Please leave reviews or ratings on Amazon so others can find them.

Terry L Turrell, Author

Amazon Author Page

Why We'll Now Have Our Air Conditioner Serviced Every 6 Months!

 This Crew Did an Amazing Job!

Cleaning the Bedroom Indoor Mini Split AC Unit

Our indoor air quality was becoming unhealthy due to our air conditioners. I suspected this because two things were happening.

First of all, Jon’s asthma was getting worse. He now has to use two inhalers twice daily to improve his breathing. His slight cough worsened in the evening when we closed all of the windows and turned the bedroom air conditioner on. That was the first clue that it was time to have our three AC units serviced. (Jon needs to keep the bedroom cool to prevent Parkinson's night sweats.)

Jon's Inhalers to Prevent Asthma Attacks

Secondly, I smelled a mild moldy odor when we turned on the bedroom air conditioner. For the past few months, I have asked Jon several times to schedule a cleaning service for them. He couldn't smell the mold—he can’t smell much of anything because of Parkinson's disease, so it slipped his mind.

Finally, I insisted Jon call for service before most people took time off for Semana Santa. He called Gree Air Conditioning Service and they came that week. A few months ago, Jon watched their guys clean another unit in our condominium and was impressed with their work. I'm glad he asked for their business card!

Gree Air Condition Service Puerto Vallarta

They use an impressive technique for cleaning the interior AC units. The technician sprays clean, soapy water from one bucket into the interior AC components, catches the dirty water in a funnel, and drains it into another bucket.

They wrap a blue specially designed bag around the indoor AC unit to contain and capture the cleaning water. The clear plastic drain shows how dirty the water is at first. The technician cleaned until the draining water ran clear. Watch the video below to see this in action.

Spraying Sopy Water In, Draining Dirty Water Out

Watch This Video to See the AC Cleaning Process

When I saw the dirty, draining water, I knew cleaning the air conditioners once a year was not often enough. We'll start scheduling this crew every six months. The next service will be around September before the high season starts and the air conditioner service companies get too busy.

Not only will our indoor air quality be better, but I suspect the units will function more efficiently, which may also lower our electricity costs. See other tips at 10 Ways We Reduce Our Electricity Usage and Save Money in Retirement.

I appreciate all the Amazon reviews and ratings on my books. Thank you for this 5-Star review on Retirement Before the Age of 59: Healthy Living in Mexico #2, Miriam!

Inspirational and Informative!

I loved reading all of the details about what inspired Terry and John to retire early in Mexico, and how they did it! Terry brings you along with her on a heartfelt journey, detailing her career as a pharmacist, and how she started so enthusiastic and energized to help people, which over the years turned to dread as the industry and people themselves changed. It was wonderful reading about the many places they visited, and the adventures and activities they experienced over their many years of traveling in Mexico. I especially loved learning more about Mexican culture, and how it differs (in many good ways!) from American culture. I also enjoyed reading about the process they employed to decide where to eventually retire in Mexico. If you're thinking about moving from another country to live or retire in Mexico, this book is a must-read!

Retirement Before the Age of 59

Healthy Living in Mexico #2

FREE with KindleUnlimited!

Terry L Turrell, Author

Please follow me on my Amazon Author Page for book updates.

Amazon.com Author Page

Canada

Mexico

The United Kingdom

Winter Colors of Mexico--Living Outdoors (Part 2)

 It's March 6, Winter, Sunny and Warm!

Puerto Vallarta Bay from Old Town

We love to walk around Old Town in Puerto Vallarta, still discovering new places and views.

El Granero Brew Pub

Vallarta Arte Museo--A Long Walk But Worth It!

Casita y Garden Restaurant/Bar Next to Bonito Kitchen

Dining on the Street at Jorge's Hideaway Shrimp Shack

Viewing the Mural Across the Lane

Butterfly Garden Art

I had the Highest Bid in the Silent Auction for This

At the El Rio BBQ Riverfest 2023 Fundraiser--Love it❣

The Weather is Wonderful!

But Sophie is Cold in the Mornings

A Lizard Suns Himself on Our Balcony Garden Pot

Colorful Musicians at an Outdoor Venue, El Rio BBQ

Dancer at the Pasito de Luz Fundraiser

Life is Good for Us in Puerto Vallarta

Buena Vita--Good Life

I invite you to SIGN UP for my "Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Newsletter", published monthly with stories about our latest adventures, my recent blog articles, and news about my books. 

Have you read one of my most popular books, Retirement Before the Age of 59 (Healthy Living in Mexico #2)? Take a look at it on Amazon.

Retirement Before the Age of 59 eBook

Thank you for reading my blog, books, and newsletters. 

Happy travels!

Terry

Terry L Turrell, Author

Winter Colors of Mexico, From Views to Food (Part 1)

The Weather is Warm Enough to Walk, Boat, and Bus 

To Explore the Beauty of this Wonderful Country in January

Dining in Outdoor Restaurants

Gardening on Our Balcony

Christmas Trees Viewed from Near and Far

Views at Vallarta Botanical Garden

Views from a Sunset Cruise to Playa Las Caletas

Colorful, Delicious Food and Drinks

Food is what most often draws us out for walks and tours, as you can see. But the views and colors are what keep us going back. We're so grateful that we moved here, a place where we can walk, bus, or boat to so many wonderful, outdoor places. And we can enjoy them even in the winter. But especially that we walk so much here, taking in the views year around. That's healthy living!

I hope you'll read more about Healthy Living in Mexico in my books. I also invite you to follow me on my Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Facebook page.

Thank you for reading my blog and books. If you enjoy my books, please leave a brief review on Amazon so others will find them, also.

     Cheers,

     Terry

Terry L Turrell, Author with Jonathan, her Husband