National Health Care

You Matter - Take Care of Yourself

Sixty percent of Americans today are overweight and out of shape. I can relate to how busy, stressed out and pressured people are, and I don't have kids. Money spent due to obesity related diseases in the USA today is $183,060,245 US$ and counting. This insightful information is provided by Worldometers: world statistics updated in real time.

The problematic challenge for national health care in the United States, is that we need to do a better job taking care of ourselves, added to the fact, that over 45 million individuals do not have health insurance. We can continue to abandon our personal accountability when it comes to taking control of our health. However, the issue is not going to go away, no matter the outcome of a national healthcare plan. Our personal health and how we take care of ourselves, begins and ends with us. Beginning at our toes and completing at the top of our heads, hair included.

It's time to have a hard, open and honest discussion about health in the public arena, from both our elected officials and the media. Make transparent the real issues of health care, by extricating what is hidden beneath the appearance of a paralyzed surface. For now, we are only dealing with one side of the square of health care. For now, take charge and put your health into action.

My question to all of us is, where did we get this notion to treat our bodies and ourselves as if we don't care? I want you to care. YOU matter! Your health is everything you have. It is in every choice you make and through every action you take.

Your health and what you mobilize on a mental, physical, spiritual and social level will normally manifest the benefits of wellness and prevention. Before, you even need to get to the doctor, nurse, chiropractor, alternative practitioner or other healing modality that you seek out.

Begin now with a renewed sense of taking ownership for your health. Start somewhere, quit blaming yourself and stop thinking about all the things you think you should have done. Don't blame your health on your parents, that past life stuff or your fast food restaurant.

Did you know McDonald's has five ways for you to see the nutritional content for their food? Have you asked to look at it? Fast food chains aren't making you sign a contract to eat there. The accountability lies with you, when you eat anywhere, and what you choose to eat is up to you.

Your health begins with your mouth and your mind. What you put into both of them has the power to determine the outcome of how you live, feel and thrive. We see people everyday that are challenged with mental disabilities, blindness and missing limbs. People in wheelchairs, people going to work with a chronic condition, or terminal disease, living their lives and making a difference in the world by showing up.

A few weeks ago I was at the Los Angeles Airport to pick someone up from an overseas flight. As I was waiting, another group of passengers arrived. I turned and noticed a young man coming up the ramp, somewhere in his 20's, in a powered wheelchair.

He had a magnificent smile on his face and he was greeted by family and friends. He had no arms, legs, or thighs. He had a torso and a head. He was one happiest people I have seen in a long time. Tears welled up in my eyes as my life was put in quick perspective.

Go to the mirror, look in and tell yourself that your are going to do something today for you. You have inner strength that you never knew existed. Use it to make this a great life where you are at right now. Don't wait, things will never be exactly the way you want them.

It's about starting simple things. You don't have to metamorph into a power ranger or action hero. Think of basic tips such as drinking water, eat an apple everyday, eat the burger...say no to the fries, eat a healthy breakfast, send someone an encouraging email first thing in the morning, take the stairs, tell people you love them.

I saw a sign on a church marquis a few years ago while driving by, and it has stuck with me ever since: "Quit telling God how big your problem is and start telling your problem how big your God is!" You're worth it. I know your worth it. Your life's greatest gift!