What’s It Mean?

Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine and Greek philosopher, some 2,400 years ago said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” See, even the ancients understood the absolute need for a healthy lifestyle.

And so can you.

In essence, healthy living means taking responsibility for what goes in your body, from food and drink to the air you breathe. It means stepping up and choosing for yourself the places you live and visit. It means realizing the world doesn’t care what you consume or what you breathe, and it’s your responsibility alone to make the proper choices.

But, as is probably obvious to everyone reading this, these first steps toward a healthier you are the most daunting.

What’s In It For Me?

This might be the dumbest question people ask when faced with a decision between poor health and great health. But for those who need some answers, here they are:

• increased levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol
• lower blood pressure
• less fat
• stable blood sugar levels
• proper bone density
• a strong immune system
• improved mood and reduced stress

What? These benefits aren’t enough for some people? As if their health wasn’t measured in years spent with their families and friends but in dollar signs, some still ask what’s in it for them. There are numerous economic benefits to a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few:

• The first and most obvious is avoiding a gaping hole in your budget after paying doctor and hospital bills.
• Fewer missed days of work and greater productivity possibly earning you a sweet bonus.
• Companies, like Principal Financial Group, are implementing and promoting employee wellness programs which directly affect how much you pay monthly for health insurance.

Other Benefits?

Oh yes, there are more. You are not alone in your struggle toward a healthier lifestyle. In fact, in most cases today, odds are you have an entire state behind you. Here are some state programs set up to promote healthier living. Maybe you should find out if your state has an established health program, and if it doesn’t…that’s right, force it to make one.

• The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness (Florida)
• The Michigan Surgeon General’s Prescription for a Healthier Michigan
• IN Shape Indiana
• Get Healthy California!

So, you’re reading this an “environmental” website, right? What in the world does wellness have to do with the environment? Let’s just take cycling so you get the idea:

Per year, an average vehicle in the U.S. burns 650 gallons of gas, which is about 6 tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Most automobile travel takes place within ten miles of home, so instead of using a car for some of these errands – like going to the grocery store, mall, gym, friends and family members’ homes, school – why not ride a bicycle or a low-emission vehicle? You would effectively be eliminating close over half of your personal carbon dioxide tonnage per year (taking into account travel outside ten miles like vacations or work). Not to mention getting those killer abs and that awesome tan.

Further, wellness throughout a society has proven to be a boost to economies, both national and global. Studies have shown that proper pre-natal and post-natal care not only decrease mortality rates but also enhance children’s intellectual development as shown by higher test scores. Continuing care throughout life results in a healthier population. Society benefits when fewer wages are lot due to sickness and health care costs are lower.

These examples clearly show why people should seek healthier lifestyles. Watch your food and drink intake – everything in moderation. Exercise daily, and if your city does not provide enough parks or trails then bring it up in the next city hall meeting – they’re public for a reason. Stop the smoking, plain and simple. And if your area is heavily polluted then join (or create) an action group and seek better laws to protect your lungs.