Take Back Control of Your Health – Today

Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.  –William Faulkner  

I recently read an article that was not only an eye-opener, but it put the problem of the nation’s terrible eating habits in stark perspective.  24/7 Wall Street presented an article that broke down the 10 U.S. states with the worst eating habits.  The results show a trend of reckless eating habits that are creating an alarming rise in diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a number of other ailments which are now being related to poor diet such as dementia.  The state of Mississippi was number one on the list where according to the study the average person consumes 82 gallons of soft drinks and 113 pounds of sweet snacks per year.   

I am trying to get my mind around that staggering amount of junk food.  Imagine filling 82 gallon jugs with various soft drinks such as Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and so forth, and then consuming it all over a one-year period.  Add to that 113 pounds of Twinkies, candy bars, and other sweet snacks and you have a recipe for disaster.  Furthermore, combine this with smoking and a sedentary lifestyle and you see why our nation is in a health crisis. 

Today is the day and now is the time to take back control of your health.  Believe me when I say that with determination, commitment, and motivation, and God’s help, it can be accomplished.  If you look in the mirror and you don’t like what you see, then take charge and make changes.  You can lose weight, you can get into shape, and you can alter poor eating habits.   

-Begin immediately to make plans to regain control of your health. 

-If you need to lose weight or get more exercise then see your doctor and let him or her assist you in developing a plan. 

-Do not give up.  Keep moving forward toward better health. 

-Understand that change takes time; it is not too late to make positive changes. 

-Resolve to do whatever it takes to be a more upbeat, happy, healthy, and optimistic person.   

Keep exercising, stop smoking, begin to eat right, and get rid of your soft drinks and junk food.  Life can and will get better.  Take charge and make it happen.

It can be a great day –  today!   

Fit at 50

On your birthday: count your candles, count your years, count your blessings.  -Unknown 

In about five months I will reach the age of 50.  What a great age; it’s such a nice, round, number.  I recall when I was a teenager that being 50 was way beyond my comprehension.  That was my dad’s age!  And now here I am.  Am I fearful of this milestone birthday?  The answer is not at all.  I welcome it as an opportunity to reflect on where I am in my life and where I am going. 

This occasion of reaching the age of 50 has given me a serious goal, which is to be in the best physical condition of my entire life.  This is absolutely possible and after 16 months of daily exercise I am almost there.  If I can accomplish this, so can you.  No matter your age or the shape you’re in right now, you too can join me in taking back control of your health.  The result will be a happier, healthier, and brighter person with a more positive outlook on life. 

So, where are you right now in terms of your health, attitude, and perspective on life?  Are you where you want to be?  If not, then positive changes are within your grasp.  Negative attitudes, poor eating habits, and a bleak outlook on life can be changed.  As I have stated many times, it’s never too late to affect positive change.  Consider these strategies for making positive changes in your life: 

• Sit down and make a list of areas of your life that need changed. These could include losing weight, being more positive, having more energy, and accomplishing certain goals.  Now go back and order your list by priority.  Develop a strategy for affecting the desired change, and take them one at a time.  Having mapped out a plan, stick with it. 

• Resolve to be happy right now.  This seems simple enough, but if that’s the case, why are so many people miserable all of the time?  One reason is that we tend to base our happiness on our present life circumstances.  We will always have problems.  Life will never be perfect or trouble free.  Make a decision to enjoy any happiness that comes your way regardless of what is going on in your life. 

• Are you a generally lethargic person?  If so, get up and start moving.  Even taking a walk every day can elevate mood and provide increased energy.  Stop sitting around; rise up and start getting the exercise you need.  It doesn’t have to be complicated, but can be as simple as walking or riding a bike. 

• Make a conscious decision to make positive statements.  No one wants to be around someone that whines and complains all of the time.  Become a more positive and optimistic person.  It can be done. 

Life is waiting.  The time has come to stop surviving and start living.  Today is the day! 

Resolving to Have a Better Attitude

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.  -William James 

Everywhere I go I meet people who are discouraged, depressed, and letting their negative attitudes rule their lives.  Why is it that so many people these days are unhappy and stressed out?  Part of the reason is that today we live with more financial pressures than ever before.  Another factor is the fast paced, high pressure, and uncertain times in which we live.  All that stress can result in a lot of unhealthy emotions and eventually it comes out in negativity and cynicism.  If you are able to maintain a bright and happy outlook then consider yourself fortunate.  Countless people are just barely hanging on.   

Over the years I have tried to develop strategies for positively coping with the stress that exists in my life.  But this is an ongoing practice that must be continually evaluated and perfected. We have to want to make changes for the better before we will ever move in that direction.  Is your attitude not where you want it to be?  If so then consider these strategies for being a more positive and optimistic person: 

• Get rid of sarcasm.  I don’t know how I became such a sarcastic person, but it happened.  A number of years ago I realized that I was letting my frustrations come out in sarcastic remarks.  I truly dislike myself the most when I am complaining or being openly and bitterly sarcastic.  Resolve to stop this behavior.  When you feel the words about to fall out stop; you will immediately see the difference in your outlook.
  

• Develop the habit of putting others’ needs first.  When we begin to think about the needs of other people we stop putting so much emphasis on ourselves.  We are released from the pressure of always looking out for #1 as the world teaches and we instead begin to be concerned with others.  With this comes the wonderfully gratifying reward of knowing that we are serving our fellow man rather than only ourselves.  This carries emotional rewards that lift our spirits and improve attitude.
  

• Smile, make positive comments, and compliment people whether you feel like it or not.  This is where the old “fake it until you feel it” rule may have to be applied.  The more positive and affirming statements we make the better we feel.  We will also be rewarded by the positive responses we get from those around us. 

• Stop complaining.  Does this need further explanation?  I didn’t think so.   

Take a stand and make a decision to be a brighter and more optimistic person.  We can’t do this on our own, but with God’s help it can be done.

Have a great day!

Stay Focused During Winter

O, wind,
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?  -Percy Bysshe Shelley 

I have to ask, how are you doing during these dark and cold days of winter?  Is your mood holding up and is your attitude positive?  Hopefully, you are holding forth with a good attitude during these dreary and bitterly cold days which we are going through right now.  This past Monday was partly sunny and even though it was cold the sunshine was wonderful.  Be sure to get out in the sun for a while even on cold days as this has a powerful effect on mood and outlook. 

I am glad to report that I have not wavered in my commitment to exercise outside all winter long.  As I have stated before, this isn’t for everyone, but it works for me.  Each morning I have been continuing my 20-30 minutes of calisthenics outside regardless of the weather.  After about 100 or so jumping jacks and 50 push-ups my heart rate is up, my mood is beginning to soar, and I get into a rhythm that drives me through the entire workout.  Whatever form of exercise you are doing be sure to keep it up all winter long as the health benefits are too powerful to deny. 

As we go through the months of winter, consider these continued strategies for managing and controlling the winter blues: 

• Stay committed to your exercise routine.  If you aren’t exercising regularly then now is the time to begin.  You will not regret it and you will be astounded by the results. 

• Continue to maintain a healthy diet plan.  Keep avoiding junk food, fast food, and soft drinks.  Try cutting back on soft drinks to the point that you can count on one hand how many you are drinking in a month.  Once you reach that point you will know that you are getting control of your eating habits.
  

• Stop procrastinating about what you have wanted to try.  Consider what you have wanted to try and go for it.  The possibilities might include painting, drawing, pottery, woodworking, or writing.  Any of these will provide you with a wonderful sense of accomplishment and well being.
  

• Start a journal or diary.  Writing down our thoughts is a great way to come to terms with what we are facing and how we are coping.  Go back later and re-read your entries and you will be amazed at how you’ve grown.  A word of caution, however; bear in mind that whatever you write down will most likely be read by someone else at some point.  So, be honest, but also be sensible. 

• Volunteer your time at a local charity.  Nothing beats the blues like helping others. 

Spring seems like a long way off, but let’s make the most of life while we’re waiting for it. 

Have a great day!

The Value of Human Connections

I value the friend who finds time for me on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar.  –Robert Brault 

I would like for you to again consider the power and importance of human connections.  If you find that you are a person easily given to depression, sadness, or the blues, one of the worst approaches you can take to your problem is to cut yourself off from other people.  Isolation is a recipe for continued sorrow and heartache.  All of us have times when we need to be alone.  This is what I call having “down time” or what has been referred to as “me time.”  There is nothing wrong with that if done at appropriate times and with the right perspective.  However, a lifestyle of isolation from other people can have detrimental effects on our overall outlook on life. 

We were made to associate with others.  Connecting with other people is part of the way we are all hardwired.  Remove that from our lives and we end up lonely, sorrowful, and bitter.  The problem is that when we feel lousy we do not want to be around other people.  Being alone may be easier, but it’s definitely not beneficial.  If you have found yourself purposely withdrawing from others let me challenge you rise up and get back in touch.  Now is the time to end any self-imposed exile.  Begin right away to re-connect with others.   

Connection with others provides us with a support system in times of trouble, encouragement in periods of sorrow, and a renewed sense of our own worth.  I have heard it said that the best way to make friends is to be a friend.  As others provide support and encouragement, be willing to provide that for others.   

It’s a big world out there with limitless possibilities.  Get up, get out, and be a part of it. 

It can and will be a great day!

Finding an Outlet for Stress

Don't you just hate it when life doesn't follow the manuals?  -Anonymous   

Yesterday I spent the day helping a friend of mine with a renovation job he is doing on a cabin he and his wife purchased.  When they are finished this is going to be a wonderful place to get away, relax, and take vacations.  As we were working he was telling me how that spending time in projects such as these is a tremendous stress reliever.  As I pondered this I had to consider all of the outlets I have built into my own life for coping with stress.  I have writing, music, exercise, and hiking.  All of these are great outlets for the stresses associated with being a pastor and with day-to-day problems.   

What about you?  What sort of outlets do you have to release the stress you face?  There is no question that you have at least some stress in your life.  Looking for a lifestyle that is stress free is utterly impractical, for such a lifestyle is non-existent.  However, finding healthy outlets for stress is not only attainable, but absolutely reasonable.  I sometimes have conversations with people who tell me that they honestly have nothing they do as a strategy for getting rid of the stresses in their lives.  Instead, they simply try to cope with their problems and go on.  Let me challenge you today to consider some strategies for managing stress.  Here are some suggestions to think about:

• Exercise daily.  This has become for me one of the all time great stress relievers.  The health benefits are numerous as is the increase in confidence and improved outlook. 

• Find a hobby.  What do you have that is all yours?  Is there a pursuit that you can practice that is uniquely yours?  The possibilities are great and should be suitable to your individual gifts and talents.  Take up woodworking, sculpting, painting, or learn to play an instrument.  Set aside time to pursue whatever hobby you choose.  The rewards will be remarkable. 

• Stay connected.  Don’t make the mistake of shutting yourself off from other people.  Stay in touch with friends, re-connect with family, or volunteer with a charitable organization, or attend church regularly.  You have much to offer.  Share those talents with others.
  

• Stop being so hard on yourself.  You are only one person, and in God’s eyes you are unique, special, and wonderful.  Don’t forget that you are loved and cared for.  While you are at it, learn not to let criticism get you down.  

Stress will always be in or lives.  Develop a plan for facing it and stick with that plan. 

It’s going to be a great day!

Strategies for a Healthier Heart

Embracing a healthier life is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves and those we love.   –The American Heart Association  

As I stated in a recent blog entry, February is “Heart Month” for the American Heart Association (AHA).  Think about how many of us have been touched by the problems associated with heart disease.  Perhaps at some point you have suffered a heart attack.  If not you, then no doubt a friend or loved one has had heart trouble.  This blog is dedicated to encouraging people to build strategies into their lives that facilitate happiness, health, and a brighter outlook.  All of the strategies I have discussed in previous blogs, especially those dedicated to diet and exercise, go hand in hand with the philosophies of the AHA.   

Let me share with you some strategies from the AHA for lowering the risk of heart disease: (1)

• Get active.  As I have said many times, regular exercise is crucial to maintaining good health and brighter outlook.  The AHA also states that exercise increases HDL “good” cholesterol in the blood.   You don’t have to spend a fortune to get in shape, for there are all sorts of free and fun ways to exercise such as walking, bike riding, jogging, and calisthenics. 
  

• Control cholesterol.  Be sure to have routine screenings and avoid foods rich in saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol.   

• Eat better.  Get rid of junk food, fast food, and sweets.  Try eating more green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains.
  

• Manage blood pressure.  According to the AHA, there is no cure for high blood pressure, but it can be managed through lifestyle changes involving eating a heart-healthy diet, which may include reducing salt; enjoying regular physical activity; maintaining a healthy weight; managing stress; limiting alcohol; avoiding tobacco smoke. 

• Lose weight.  If you are overweight and serious about shedding some pounds, talk with your doctor and work out a program for weight loss.  You will feel better emotionally and mentally, and the health benefits are nothing short of remarkable.   

• Reduce blood sugar.  According to the AHA, a check up with your doctor is crucial.  He or she can then make recommendations for lowering and managing blood sugar levels. 

• Stop smoking.  If I have said this once in this blog I have said it a dozen times.  If you are smoking you are slowly killing yourself.  The health risks associated with smoking are too great to be ignored.  Give up smoking and you will add years to your life as well as increase your overall quality of life as you age. 

The time to start making healthy life choices is right now.  You only have one heart.  Be sure to take good care of it. 

Have a great day! 

(1) http://mylifecheck.heart.org/Multitab.aspx?NavID=3&CultureCode=en-US