As I have spent time over the past couple of years re-thinking my health habits, I have begun wondering - what would happen if we all started taking more responsibility for our own health?
How much illness would be reduced, or even eliminated, by simply taking action to maintain our own physical bodies and emotional well-being? Instead we eat our junk food, fill our lungs with nicotine, tan our hides, and then rush to the doctor for exams, tests, and prescription meds to make up for the fact that we have not made responsible choices. We have been satisfied with the medical community fixing what we have broken. And now many of us would be pleased for our government to rescue us from the messes we have brought upon ourselves.
But what can you do?
First - Change eating habits. Forget the 50 cent mac and cheese box (read the ingredient label!) and buy a couple of apples instead. Be aware of what you are putting into your bodies and reduce spending on illness-inducing junk foods. Educate yourselves on healthy fats and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Pass on by the fast food drive-thru. Re-train your taste buds. It may take a while, but it will eventually happen. Support local farmers and farmers markets. Be pro-active! Small changes in eating habits will leave funds in your pockets for healthier alternatives. And you will find yourselves feeling better and thinking clearer.
Also - Take a walk. Limit sun exposure to a healthy 15 minutes per day when possible. Read the labels on the lotions and creams you apply to your skin and do some research. Do whatever you can to quit smoking. Read a book. Learn a new skill.
I understand that all illnesses, birth defects, and accidents would not be eliminated by these measures, but many of them would. And for those who still suffer with health-related issues, how much more affordable would health costs and health insurance premiums be when a greater portion of the country is not having to visit a hospital or a doctor as often?
How about we understand that a cold is simply a virus that needs to run its course and does not normally require a visit to the doctor? How about we boost our immune systems so we don't get colds or flu as often? How about we educate ourselves rather than hoping that the government can save us from ourselves? How about we act responsibly?
My husband is self-employed, our funds are limited, and we are presently uninsured. We are doing what we can to keep our bodies healthy by researching and understanding how our choices affect our health and by trying to eat right. We enjoy the occasional junk food and need to exercise more, but the colds, headaches, stomach bugs, and other minor ailments do not visit our home like they used to before we started taking a more active role in our own healthcare.
My point is this: Until we are willing to make responsible choices and to teach our children to do the same, we will never see that there's got to be a better way to approach the present healthcare dilemma in our country. We can all make a pro-active effort to improve our own family's health.
