How Do You Rate Your Health?

If you had it to do over what would you change
about your health?

Health care is an issue that concerns us all and yet many of us pay scant attention to the issue until a crisis is on our doorstep. It’s then that we realize what it means to be at the mercy of insurance companies and how pharmaceutical companies rule our lives. There are many simple and low-tech ways to build better health and overcome health problems if we take the time to learn about them.

I have a friend who is now suffering from a severe form of arthritis. Bill used to be healthy, outdoor type: ate right, biked a lot and took pride in his small garden. He frequently called me to share health tips he had come across but recently every thing has changed for Bill. Almost over night this very painful condition left him unable to get out of bed or even care for himself.

This sudden change was brought on by depression over financial problems. He stopped doing all the things that he knew were good for him and his immune system just couldn‘t keep up.

But there is still hope; he is not content to just get by on meds and pain killers, he is determined to walk again. We’ve talked about this and Bill is certain that with help from wellness programs - he is a fan of Dr. Andrew Weil, he will get back on his feet - a testimony to determination, diet, fitness and the power of wellness.

It is unfortunate that Bill had to pay such a heavy price but fortunately there is growing information available for anyone who wants take the preventative approach to sickness and fortunate that there is growing evidence that diet can work to reverse illness. Many people take health for granted, at least as long as things are going along ok.

In reality health is a complex and dynamic system that is changing and adapting to age, stress, environment and other factors. The smart way to stay healthy is to plan ahead, think of it as a savings, like putting money in a savings account. A good place to start is with what you eat. Food is a complex fuel that does a lot more than just provide energy. And learning more about the food that goes into your body will make you a smarter consumer.

It doesn’t take much to be an informed consumer, just read the labels and learn as much as you can about the products you bring home from the store. By making gradual adjustments you can move over to a healthier diet and begin to build a strong resilience to disease.

For instance Dr. Weil, a highly respected lecturer on the importance of living well, in his book “8 Weeks to Optimum Health: A Proven Program for Taking Full Advantage of Your Body's Natural Healing Power,” recommends that you gradually wean yourself off of cooking oils and use only olive oil, take vitamin C and make time for a walk around the block every day.

Simple steps like these can make a big difference. He makes a strong case for how these simple changes can build a stronger immune system. It's also important to find out how supplements work and which ones would be useful to you.

Once you get into your healthier life style you will begin to notice changes: more bounce in your step, better alertness and all around feel good feeling. It’s a rewarding feeling; why not go for it?