by Dr. Gregory M. Fryer, M.D., www.medicaldirectcare.com
Many people take their car for regular checkups, ensure the oil is properly changed and give the car the best gas, but yet, they never take themselves to the doctor for a regular checkup, eat much junk food and never think about what they can do to stay healthy. Why is it that most men do not take care of themselves concerning their health? Or wait until there is a crisis before they make any significant change with their health? But most of the time that change is short-lived and they go back to their disease-promoting habits after the crisis is over. Overwhelming stress, whether it is chemical, physical, or emotional, is the cause of 90-95% of all chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. However, you can avoid many of these medical problems.
In this article, I want to encourage and empower you to take control of your health so that you can live a healthy life and avoid many of these chronic diseases which are cutting lives short.
Great news! You are (or should be) your best health advocate and you are responsible for your health status. If the previous statement is not good news to you, then you may want to look within yourself and determine “why not?” When someone takes ownership and responsibility of one’s own health, he/she is freed to take great strides in obtaining and/or maintaining optimal health.
Initial Step
Get moving and be active. One of the best ways you can take responsibility for your health and become healthier is to start exercising regularly. And if you have not developed the habit of regular exercising yet one way you can start is by walking or doing another low-impact aerobic activity for 30 minutes three times a week. The goal is to work your way up to 45 minutes 5 times a week. You will realize that regular aerobic exercise will make you feel better because it releases your body’s endorphins and helps relieve stress.
Next Step
Start eating more fruits and vegetables and drink good water. Fresh is better. Fresh flash frozen is next best. And finally canned is better than none at all. Raw or lightly steamed is best, but if cooked then the fruit or vegetable should not be mushy or loose its vibrant color. Fruits and vegetables can help your digestive system, increase your antioxidants, and boost your immune system. And people who eat many vegetables and fruit have fewer cases of cancer than those who do not.
Finally partner with your physician
A good physician partners with the patient in order to help the patient understand what disease process may or may not be occurring and shares information and treatment options with the patient so that the patient may make informed decisions to improve or maintain his/her health. Take the first step and start or continue on the road to better health today.
If you don’t have your health, what do you have?