The Current Healthcare Crisis
There is a solution to our current healthcare crisis and it has nothing to
do with senators, congressmen or healthcare bills. You can be a direct
part of the solution especially if you choose to live a healthy lifestyle.
On the surface the increase in heart disease, obesity, cancer, high blood
pressure and high cholesterol would make it appear that good health
is an aberration rather than the natural order of things. Analyze the
situation more closely and you'll find that healthy days far outnumber
sick ones. Your body wants to be healthyif you don't interfere by
subjecting it to unhealthy habits. But how do you really achieve good
physical and mental health that goes well beyond just the absence of being
sick?
Beyond Just Crisis Management
It is unwise to address your health only during a crisis. This is
commonly called the "band-aid" approach to feeling good. Sickness is the
final stage of many missed opportunities to take care of yourself. Lack of
quality sleep, no regular exercise program, poor food choices and a high stress lifestyle can all deplete your reserves and open you up to illness. Sickness is the body's only way of telling you that something is very wrong. In some situations, it may be your body's way of forcing you to rest. Your body can only take so much stress and strain and then something has to give.
Taking Responsibility for Yourself
Personally, I would rather choose my rest periods somewhere on a warm and sunny beach than sitting in doctor's office or hospital. What about you?
The best way to take back responsibility for your health is to throw away
the "band-aid" approach and practice prevention. By not relying upon short
term fixes for long-term problems, you feel better and are able to enjoy
life more. It's your body, it's your health, demand the very best for yourself.
For 2011, choose better lifestyle habits that keep chronic illness at bay
while allowing you to feel and look your best.
Yes, You Choose Your Lifestyle
It was once a popular belief that we had little control over our health.
However, research continues to confirm that your health and well being is
about 75% nurture (your lifestyle) and about 25% nature (your genes). That
means that you have the power to live a long and healthy life based on the lifestyle decisions you make today. Here are four important lifestyle
choices you can make every day. They will help you take more responsibility for your health while you feel and look your best.
Step 1 Stay Active
Participating in fun physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce
stress and fill your body and mind with vitality. Having fun with your
physical activity is more important than the type of exercise you try.
You'll increase the chance of participating for a long time if you make
your physical activity more social. Invite your family or friends along to the
health club, park, for a nice walk or other activity adventure.
Step 2 Get a Good Night's Sleep
Sleep has always been and will always be important to your good health.
Although experts agree you need sleep, most disagree on how much. They have determined that the quality of your sleep is just as important as the
quantity. To improve your sleep quality, take the necessary time at night
to relax before bedtime. No watching television right before bed. Taking a
nap is another good way to increase rest time.
Step 3 Make Time for Yourself
You'll want to make time for your various healing activities. If your
first reaction is to say "I don't have enough time to take care of myself"
then you have a huge challenge to overcome. It is hard to be a good parent,
run a business or be a productive employee without internal and external
strength. Time for yourself, doing the things you love, rejuvenates your
soul. You're going to need support so call on your spouse, friends and
family to give you the time you need.
Step 4 Choose Healthier Foods
The old saying is "garbage in garbage out." Clearly this applies to food.
There are no truly really bad foods but lots of poor food choices. You can
still eat all the foods you love or even crave if you balance them with
fruit, vegetables and a good balanced protein source. It really is that
simple. The more balanced your eating approach the less chance of food
cravings and vitamin deficiencies.
Try these healthy lifestyle changes for 30 days. Feel what it is like to be a
part of the healthcare solution rather than a health burden. If you
need additional suggestions and advice on living a healthier lifestyle,
call me for a no cost consultation at 703-628-2880 or email
woody@sequoiahealth.com.
