 Each month I try to address something I think you will find informative, interesting, and useful. How do I choose just one topic out of the hundreds that come to mind? Osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s --- the possibilities are truly endless.
What can you do to avoid these and other illnesses? Researchers believe that as many as 75% of all diseases, including those mentioned above, are preventable through good nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits. This is not something to take lightly. Poor health prevents you from living life to the fullest and on your own terms. When I tell people how old my grandmother was when she passed away (105), their first reaction is usually “wow!”, followed by, “well, I wouldn’t want to live that long, I have enough problems as it is now.”
None of us wants to live to 100, if we see decades of pain, illness and disease ahead. But there are millions of people all over the world, living well into their 80’s, 90’s, and beyond, enjoying those years because they have the precious gift of health.
When we moved back to Kingsport from overseas, my then 15 year old daughter volunteered at a local assisted living facility. Having been around dozens of healthy, active 80, 90, and 100 year olds back home did not prepare her for the frailty and ill health that she saw here. She was stunned to see so many 60 and 70 year olds unable to fully care for themselves. She couldn’t get over how “old” these young seniors were. It was a kind of culture shock.
So, what is the secret to healthy longevity? As you may guess, it is a combination of factors. I sum them up as seven basic elements of health:
1. Quality food. Eating real, unprocessed whole food provides your body with essential nutrients for growth, maintenance, and repair. Eating junk food and fake food will eventually lead to junky health, and often sooner than you might think. It may cost more to eat right, but consider my “Pay Now or Pay Later” philosophy—pay more now for quality food, or pay more in medical bills later. It’s your choice. By the way, I believe foods like meat, eggs, and butter can be part of a healthy diet, and tofu is not a staple at my house!
2. Pure water. Make it your primary beverage most of the time. Real fruit juices, milk, teas, and even coffee are all ok in moderation, but every part of your body needs water for optimal performance.
3. Adequate sleep, rest, and relaxation. We are the most sleep deprived nation in the world, yet most of our body’s growth and repair takes place at night when we sleep, and immune system function and mental clarity are drastically reduced without enough sleep. 24/7 living may equal earlier death.
4. Exercise and movement. Regular walking, weight bearing, and moving are necessary for everything: energy, bone density, regularity, disease prevention, and more. Move less, live less.
5. Sunshine and fresh air. They are vital to our bodies, and impact many functions including hormone production, immunity, energy, and mood. We were not designed to live our lives indoors.
6. Healthy physical environment. The EPA estimates that toxins at home and work cause more sickness and disease than any other single agent. Going green really can save your life.
7. Emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Friendships, social activities, religion, and satisfaction with yourself and your life are crucial to your well being. Having a good support network means you are less likely to die prematurely from any reason, regardless of any health issues you may have.
Good genes help, but individuals with genetic disease tendencies can decrease their chances of illness. One common saying in my circle is that genes load the gun, but environment (nutrition & lifestyle) pulls the trigger. Many of us treat our bodies terribly, then act surprised when they turn on us or fail.
In today’s world, you do have to make a conscious effort to choose wellness. I invite you to visit my website to learn more. Better health now and later is within your reach, and it is never too early or too late to take control of your health and safeguard your future independence
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