I never knew that there was a month that was designated Health Awareness Month, but a co-worker (thanks PW) mentioned it to me and it gave me reason to pause. Am I healthy? I feel okay. I have a pretty good support system: a scale that weighs me every day and colleagues (AB) who will point out without me asking if I have put on a few pounds. The problem is, weight doesn’t always determine if you are healthy. (I have started to realize this later in life, but the real question is, “WHAT DO I DO THAT HELPS ME STAY HEALTHY”)
Let me start by saying this is a scary post for me to write because I am putting the question out there, and I’m not sure how long a list of items I will have. Here goes:
- I work out five times a week
- I eat oatmeal five days a week (actually try NOT to skip breakfast)
- I take Lipitor to lower my cholesterol–ok that’s cheating…let’s get that off the list
- A few times a week I will eat a handful of unsalted almonds
- Manage my caffeine–only one soda a day and I’m not a coffee drinker
- Get an annual physical (very important)
- See number one
- See number two
It would be great to say I drink lots of milk, or eat lots of fruits and vegetables, but since I don’t, I can’t say that. When I look at this list it’s pretty sad. I’m getting older and older every day and can’t even get ten things that I do to stay healthy!
Sounds like I need to change a few things.
What about you?
Ed Sugar says:
I am working on reducing my blood sugar. To do this, I have been limiting my intake of sweets, alcohol and simple carbs (especially bread, in fact I have switched my In’N’ Out orders to “protein style”).
Merrill, when someone travels as much as you do, it is extremely hard to eat well. I have had my fair share of early morning waits at airports where I have been presented the challenge of trying to balance my hunger with whatever healthy options might exist.
Here’s my list of things I do to try to stay healthy
1. Exercise regularly – 5 to 6 days for me
2. Take supplements – those of you who have not seen me in action, I take a boat load at both breakfast and dinner. Most folks should at least take a potent multi-vitamin each AM with breakfast. Merrill you may want to look into Policosanol and fish oil to help with your cholesterol.
3. Eat breakfast everyday – like Merrill, this usually is a bowl of oat meal, but I also have a serving of protein as well. It is the most important meal of the day.
4. Drink a lot of H2O – the best thing you can put into your body
5. Try to get a good night’s sleep – To paraphase Stephanie Miller, if you go to bed at an “insane” hour, avoid having to get up at a “stupid” hour (or vice versa).
6. Find a few minutes each day for reflection – interpret this however you wish, but it is important for me each day to find the time to clear my head, relax, recharge, recalibrate and then get back to whatever I am doing.
7. To quote the wise philosopher Percy Dovetonsils (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Dovetonsils) “Modicum, modicum”
Michael Horvath says:
Merrill and Ed’s points are spot on! But the one thing that will ensure good health is being consistent. When someone I know gets motivated to live a healthy life style, they usually have the “GUNG HO” attitude. However, give it a couple days, then bad food starts coming back in to the diet, trips to the gym are missed and the old “30 minute” jog, turns into a 10 minute walk.
Start your new life style with baby steps. Don’t start running when you have not ran in years. Walking will help your cardio system get used to the idea that their are other places to walk to, then just to the coffee machine. When it comes to working out, start off slow. Living in pain will discourage any body from continuing the activity. With eating, remember to keep a low sugar intake. Your body will burn off the sugars before it will burn off the fat.
All in all, great things are worth fighting for, and good health is one of them. Remember, “Rome was not built in a day,” and neither is perfect health.
Kelly Heatly says:
I believe there is no best “stay healthy” plan for everyone, since our bodies/genetics are so different. But I do think in this busy, hectic world, doing these basics will help:
1. Drink water
2. Remember to breathe
3. Keep your body moving (don’t be sedentary)
4. Get the sleep you need or at least catch up frequently
4. Try for 2/3 whole foods on your plate
5. Try replacing a vice with exercise/sport — a much better addiction and a great anti-depressant!
An excellent book to help you stay healthy through diet: Eat Right 4 Your Type by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, a recommended diet based on your blood type.
Thanks, Merrill. Great topic and very inspirational.