Take Ownership of Your Health
Some folks give almost all their attention to their business pursuits. Some people spend lots of time looking after their cars. They want to make sure their vehicles are running in tiptop condition. Other folks spend a lot of time looking after their homes. They want to make sure that where they live is comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing. I wonder, however, how many of us truly look after our health.
I think it is great that people take care of things they own, like homes, cars and other material possessions. It takes a lot of work to acquire those things. I can understand why people want to take care of them and conserve them. At the same time, I believe it makes sense to have the same pride of ownership attitude when it comes to the health of our body, mind and spirit.
When it comes to taking care of ourselves and our health, we are in both wonderful and challenging times. Improvements in the medical field, as well as improved methods of communicating owing to the Internet and things like mobile devices, means we can be more informed about what is good and bad for our health. However, we are also living faster paced yet more sedentary lives. Frequently, good, basic, whole foods have given way to devitalized, sugar, fat and salt laden processed foods. Movement has given way to sitting in front of screens.
The role of family has lamentably diminished compared to times gone by. A culture of families sitting together around the dinner table, talking and eating home cooked, whole foods has given way to people eating processed foods, while watching television and looking at their smart phones.
Health statistics show that many countries in the Western World are in declining health. Just look at the number of people who are overweight and obese. For example, I just watched a documentary about obesity in children. One assertion was that in the United States, there were no documented cases of type 2 diabetes in children, in 1980. Today, it was stated that there are over 50,000 children who have type 2 diabetes.
The number of people with type 2 diabetes is rising. This is a challenge, throughout the North American continent. Being overweight in middle age has now become something of the norm. And we are paying the price for it, both individually and as a society. Something has to change.
What can we do? Well, the first and most logical thing to do is to take ownership of our own health. It is up to us to make better nutritional choices and eat more good quality, whole foods. It is up to us to drink more water and to walk more. It is up to us to exercise more. It is up to us to go to the doctor when we should and to get approval from our medical professionals for a sound diet and exercise program. When it comes to our health, as with most things we want to achieve, we must remember the saying, “If it is to be it is up to me.” We can take charge of our health and be happier and healthier because of it. The time is now.
*Before beginning a diet and exercise program consult your physician.
Image courtesy of [graur razvan ionut] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
*Authors note: You might see this column pop up online in a newspaper, under the name Both Sides. I am publishing this column here first at CYInterview.com. For a bunch of years, I have been writing newspaper columns. Since my columns have received a good response on CYInterview, I thought I would share it with you. Hope you enjoy.
You can reach me with your questions and comments at Jay@CYinterview.com Like today’s column? Check back frequently.