Do you recall ever hearing someone say, “If I had know I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself”? Most of us have. It is a funny little saying but there is some truth to be found in the comment. When Uncle Bud starts a discussion off with a question you can be sure he has answers and that he plans on sharing them with us. So the members of our coffee club give him the floor.
He begins by reminding us that we know exercise, eating the right foods, etc., is “healthy for us”. Then he admits that sometimes when he has to wake up an hour early to exercise or shuns the donuts at a breakfast meeting that it would be easy to lose sight of why he is doing so. That is why he decided we need to discuss a few of reasons for wanting to stay healthy.
Most of us have agreed that we would like to live to a ripe old age. But is it really going to matter if we live to 101 if we are bedridden and not able to enjoy even the simplest things. We agree and Paul speaks up and tells us he wants to stay healthy so he can blow out the 102 candles and then head to dance floor. That brings a smile to the group and we begin to come up with other things to think about.
Enjoy Life Don’t Just Live It
It is easy for us to understand the need to contribute to a retirement fund but it seems harder to realize we need to invest in our health as well. It has been proven over and over that healthy living (eating well, exercising, health screenings, etc.) can keep us healthy and living longer. Think about this, don’t you want to be around and feel good so you can enjoy the retirement fund you are building? As a point of interest Uncle Bud shares a fact from the Public Library of Science Medicine: In an evaluation of 20,000 people it was found that people who exercise regularly, drink alcohol only in moderation, consume a nutritious diet and avoid smoking can add an additional 14 years on to their life expectancy. We agreed that is worth working toward.
More Energy
This may be hard to wrap your mind around but when you are feeling fatigued, you should go exercise. This is so true even if it is just a walk around the block. Before anyone could ask why, Uncle Bud is telling us that exercise stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins that make you feel better and ups your energy levels. So choose one – work out, yoga class, hike, etc.
Help Avoid Illness
Eating healthy and regular exercise can help reduce free radicals as well as promote the release of toxins associated with some diseases and infections. A healthy lifestyle may help stave off hypertension, promote healthy cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of diabetes, and keep your heart in better shape.
We notice the time and agree to continue this discussion next week. Ruth says she is looking forward to hearing more and hopes to see us all next week.
Weigh to Wellness can help you achieve your goals. Give them a call or visit them on the web.