As humans, we all share attributes that make us the same: two eyes, two arms, two legs, ten fingers, ten toes, internal organ structure, etc.
However, where there are numerous similarities, just as many things set us apart.
For instance, some choose to become high-performance athletes, whereas others gravitate toward a lifestyle of limited movement and avoiding competition.
Though most individual choices have a modest impact on overall health and longevity, some produce more dire long-term consequences.
Much like an “if-then” statement within a computer program, when a person is provided with an option to try something new, participate in an activity, or make a change, there is always that “what if?” moment.
This article explores a few of the “what if?” moments you will likely encounter that can significantly impact overall good health and wellness, while providing sound/evidence-based information to make the best decision for your situation and lifestyle.
What if?
I’m not too fond of fruits & vegetables and just eat meat, bread, and pasta. Can I stay healthy?
Numerous studies have found that a diet deficient in fruits & vegetables is more prone to chronic digestive issues due to a lack of fiber, higher levels of immune-suppressing inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and a higher susceptibility to developing cancer.
Though technically not considered “essential for life,” fruits and vegetables are essential dietary elements for facilitating good health!
A simple solution is to “hide” vegetables within dishes you enjoy. For example, adding minced mixed vegetables to meatloaf, meatballs, marinara sauce, sautee diced vegetables into omelets, etc.
I would rather do my quilting and sewing than exercise. I’ve worked hard and retired; it’s time to make life a little easier.
This is an understandable thought process that, unfortunately, comes with dire consequences. The human body must be exercised to maintain proper functional strength and movement resources as it ages.
Well-designed exercise programs also correct issues with movement that can develop over time.
Keep in mind that you are not training to become an athlete or body builder, purposefully designed programs will train you accordingly. In just 30-minutes a day, well-focused exercise can produce life-changing results!
Be a good steward of your time, effort, energy, and resources by going with a pro! Professionally designed programs will help you to learn how’s and why’s while keeping you safe and progressive.
I don’t care much about my body weight; I’m just fine with my appearance!
Though body weight alone is not an accurate indicator of good overall health, it does play an essential factor in the sustainability of good health.
For overweight people, risk factors can include hypertension, diabetes, increased stroke and heart attack risk, joint wear issues, and mobility challenges later in life.
In contrast, for those who are gravely underweight, this is often an indicator of malnutrition or malabsorption and can lead to organ damage, osteoporosis, weakness/frailty, and significant energy deficits.
Talking to your doctor about your ideal body weight is the best approach for ensuring you are within a sustainably healthy range.
I’ve been a two-pack-a-day smoker for the last fifty years; it’s too late to quit now – the damage is already done.
Because your body is in a constant state of “self-repair”, within minutes of your last cigarette (vape or joint) your body begins the restorative process.
– Thirty minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to normalize.
– Twenty-four hours after your last cigarette, your heart-attack risk begins to drop.
– Within a week of your last cigarette, your energy levels come up, you cough less, and have much fewer cravings.
– Within a month of your last cigarette – your lungs begin the tissue repair/regeneration process, and true healing is underway!
So you are never too far gone to kick this nasty habit and begin to start improving your health instantly!
Final thought, we all know that nobody is going to live forever and we are all going to die someday. However, we are the only animals on planet earth that die of preventable disease. This means that it is our choices that have the greatest impact on overall health and longevity, not necessarily disease.
My encouragement is, the next time you are posed with a “what if” scenario, choose the path that cares for your body and quality of life the best!
Joe Carson B.S. NASM-CPT/FAS/CN
Master Trainer/Functional Aging Specialist/Certified Nutritionist