By Ester Marsh
For the Salisbury Post
Good health, everyone wants it, fortunately lots of people have it.
I know heredity has a huge part in this. If most of your family has high blood pressure, your chance of having high blood pressure is almost a guarantee, same for cholesterol and other family “ailments.” I do wish that I had the magic potion for good health, actually the quick way. I believe exercising and treating your body right is the magic potion to good health. Unfortunately it isn’t quick.
Here is where I see the problem: Many people want good health, but are not willing to do anything for it. “Isn’t there a quicker way?” or, “Can’t I take a pill to…?”
As I have told you before, it is hard work and it is not easy, but the results are amazing. It amazes me when I see people take excellent care of their cars but let their own body go to waste. What is wrong with that picture?
As your car, your body is not working properly when you do not take care of it.
Would you put oil in the gas tank? So why put all that grease in your body?
Does your car run when the gas tank is on empty? So how can you expect your body to function properly when you eat once a day?
Good health is hard work. It doesn’t come easy but with hard work the results are priceless. So, what are you going to do about it? Your doctor can tell you what to do, your family members, maybe even your pastor, but guess what? You are the one who has to take the initiative to get the ball rolling.
Attitude is the name of the game – my dad has issues with swelling in his left leg. He asked me what he could do about it. I asked him what kind of exercises he does. He said (proudly) I do 10 minutes of exercise every day of the week. I said great! (Actually telling a white lie because you and I both know that 10 minutes a day does not cut it) Dad, how about you doubling up your exercises each day, it gives you 20 minutes a day, 7 days a week and it might help (or better) your circulation problem. His response to my answer was “I don’t want to.” My response to his answer was, “Then I don’t want to hear about your swollen leg anymore”
What are you willing to do about it?
Good health is not just staying away from the doctor. It is independence, good health keeps your bones stronger, and muscles toned, stamina high and you have the flexibility to still tie your own shoes!
If you can’t read the words anymore you get glasses right? Your hearing goes bad you get a hearing aid? So, why don’t we strengthen our muscles, cardiovascular system, work on flexibility to keep good health? That’s right – it’s your choice. So what are you going to do about it? Let your body spiral down this slippery slide or face it, work hard and at least slow down the speed of the slide. You will be amazed how your body will thank you when you take care of it like you do your car.
Your body needs exercise, good nutrition and love.
It is not going to happen on its own – so what are you going to do about it?
Ester H Marsh, ACSM Cpt