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The Current “Lifestyle Crisis”

Deb Brown, NSCA-cpt, cwc, cns

istock_000005831265mediumI had my annual check up with my primary care doc today and we fell to discussing how hard it is to get folks to change their habits so that they can become healthier. He commented that it’s not so much that we have a health care crises in this country, but a ‘lifestyle crises’. That term immediately hit me as correct! Many people have chronic health issues that they simply take meds for. Imagine what could be possible if folks worked on changing their lifestyle to positively affect their health? Below are some ideas on how you can do just that! Please note that if you have a chronic health condition, you should get your doctor’s approval on any and all lifestyle changes.

  1. First, do some soul searching. Take some time to think about the current state of your body. How did you arrive at this place? What in your life is contributing to the health problem? If you continue on the same path, what are the ramifications? What will be your motivation to change and change for good?
  2. Move more! Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or extra weight to lose? You absolutely need to get moving – TODAY! Make exercise a daily part of your life. Start slow. Even 5-10 minutes of walking at first will benefit your body. Work up to longer sessions. Sweat is your friend! Get involved in local classes, work with a personal trainer, grab a friend for a few hikes. Don’t even think about using the fact that the weather is getting colder as an excuse that you cannot get outside. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Buy microspikes. There are tons of research studies out there about the positive effect that exercise has on the above issues. Don’t let “busyness” get in the way of your health. It should be your top priority.
  3. Get serious about the quality and quantity of your food intake. Stop eating processed, prepared, junky foods. Focus on increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Yes, eating real food often does require some planning, prep and cooking. Making time for it is making your health a priority.
  4. Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake. Not only will you shed pounds if you curtail your drinking, but you will have more energy and several of your internal organs will thank you.
  5. Lastly, start NOW. Don’t wait until New Year’s to start investing in your health. The only thing that will be different between now and then is the date on the calendar. You aren’t going to get magically motivated in January, at least not the lasting, real, deep kind of motivation.  Get motivated NOW to make lasting change!!

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