By Leo Valiquette

One battle-ready sword with really, really blunt edges (hey, common sense still has to prevail): $120

One chain mail hauberk and coif (that’s a shirt and hood for the uninitiated): $300

One shield: $150

Getting some adrenaline-pumping exercise that reminds us of the time when a man’s sword had to be as sharp as his wit: Priceless

As a wordsmith by profession and preference, there is nonetheless only so much time I can spend in front of a computer weaving words into artful prose. I need to take a break and try my hand at something else for awhile, usually something that involves sweat and sore muscles. Everything in moderation, after all.

For the past several years, its been one home improvement project or another. This time around, I am finally pursuing a long-held intention to take a course with the disarming title of “Chivalrous Sword Handling,” which will inevitably lead to a greater investment in arms and armor for regular engagements sparring with actual steel weapons (With all practical considerations made for safety, of course).

Whatever your particular bent, there is no underestimating the value of regular physical activity to burn off stress and the calories accumulated from sitting at a desk all day. I’ve known more than one workaholic, with a tummy only Timmy’s could make, hit with a heart attack or similar lifestyle-related illness at far too young an age.

So a note of caution as we say goodbye to August and head into September and the flurry of work-related activity that usually goes with it. Don’t let long and busy days at the office lead you to flop for the evening at home. Even a 30-minute walk after supper can work wonders. Even better, add another 10 or 15 minutes over lunch to refocus the mind and shake out the lethargy of sitting at the desk.

It’s a cliche because its true: If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.

Technorati Tags: health, exercise, working,  sword handling