By now, everyone has heard of the plan by the American Academy of Pediatrics for more aggressive control of cholesterol levels in children. Unfortunately, this is the way we are headed in all diseases. While some blame the pharmaceutical companies, others blame the doctors, and still others blame the government. What’s missing is the blame off parents and grandparents. We are responsible for our children’s health. If children are our future, what type of investment in that future are we making? It’s easy to blame others but now is the time to step up to the plate and make changes in your own life. Just last week, I wrote about the laziness we teach by relying so much on medication to cure health problems. This way of thinking has even invaded our kids games (WebKinz, July 2, 2008). Sure, it is easier to take a pill and let it do the work but look where that has gotten us. As a nation, we continue to grow fatter, develop more diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. From there, we will continue to expand the complications associated with those health problems…kidney disease, amputations, etc. There are numerous reasons why we have become so complacent in our approach to improving health. For the majority of these problems, changing a lifestyle habit could make a significant difference in health outcomes. Why must we rely on medications as a first line of therapy? Sure, doctors recommend the need to change your diet, exercise more and quit smoking but do they offer the services of the professionals that can assist in helping you make those changes? Unfortunately, those referrals are not made often enough.
I don’t blame the fast food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the “medical establishment”, or the government. Each & every one of us has the ability to choose a better lifestyle. Many times I have been told by clients that they know what they should eat or that they should exercise more. Knowing & doing are two different things. What is the motivation to make those changes? If you disagree with the recommendations of the AAP, then use that as motivation to make changes. Your goal this week is to get up and get moving:
*Add 30 extra minutes of activity to your daily routine.
*Eat out 1 less time this week.
*Eat 1 extra piece of fruit this week.
Small steps can lead to big results. Take control of your health and set a healthy example for your children. Don’t let excuses creep into your thinking that’s an easy escape. Find reasons to change your habits instead of reasons why you can’t. I paraphrase from Yoda, the Jedi Knight…..Do or Do Not. There is no try.
It’s Your Health. It’s Your Life. Make that Change!
~John
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