Are You Managing Your Health?

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who complains about the doctors orders?

"My doctor told me I have to avoid eating dairy and sweets, he must be out of his mind. There's no way I'm giving up chocolate."

"I have to stop drinking? Maybe, I will just have an occasional drink here and there."

"Well, I am going to die of something. I wont stop smoking now. My grandfather has been smoking since he was 13 years old, he's in his 70's and he is still smoking to this day."

I have heard it all and then some. Unfortunately, these are the patients who may continue to suffer from further health complications which could have been avoided or improved their health. Loss of eyesight/limbs, dialysis, lung cancer, etc. happens without respect to your family health history, especially if you insist on ignoring the health advice/suggestions given by your health care practitioner.

In many instances, diabetes can be managed/reversed. Following the instructions given to you by your doctor can really make a difference.

Walk This Way........

The New Year is well on it's way and we are all working on improving our health and wellness. The gyms are filled with new committed members as well as the regular recommitted members who return for the first few weeks or months of the year. The goals are set and the expectations are high. However, the reality is that the membership will dwindle as the weeks go by.

It is important to understand your ability to follow through with your goals. If you really want to make a difference when you set goals,you must be patient and consistent.

Have you considered walking? I know, you want to get in and get it done at the gym. Hit the weights, the machines and just get it done. Walking sounds so simple and almost like the lazy way out. However, there are great benefits of walking:

**Lowers your blood pressure
**Helps you to manage and maintain a healthy weight
**Improves your cognitive functions
**Lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol)
**Raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)
**Improves your mood (especially when you notice the weight loss)
**Strengthens your heart
**Walking up to 150 minutes a week can reduce your risks of having type 2 diabetes by almost 60 percent
**Walking improves physical function

Take each step one at a time. You're not going for a stroll, you are walking at a brisk pace with your arms moving. Walk as if you are on your way to claim your jackpot prize.