Reports are flooding the airwaves about the growing obesity problem in the US. Apparently a new report shows that 28 US States show increases in obesity rates in adults.  With that are growing rates of diseases brought on by lack of healthy living.

I doubt if anyone is not affected by this issue in some way. If not personally, at least someone you know has a problem with obesity and related diseases. The difficult thing about obesity related diseases is that the cure requires a lifestyle change. Medical doctors are often at a loss on how to get patients to have the discipline to change what is habitual in their lives.  The other unfortunate thing is that the motivation to make the change often only comes when it is almost too late.

Here are 7 important truths to recognize about living a healthier lifestyle.   

1. Health Issues Strike Everyone

My father was a mortician and he used to say that, “Death is no respector of person.”  What that meant is that at some point, everyone would face death in some way.  It might sound morbid but when you think of it, it is just a part of life.  The thing is you don’t have to rush to get to what’s going to happen in its own time.  Not taking care of yourself is another way to experience how health issues have no respect for individuals. Problems brought on by wrong lifestyle choices don’t care about your income, skin color, position in life or any other factor.  If you abuse your health you will suffer the consequences the same as anyone else. Lifestyle choices related to health can be changed. It takes responsibility and discipline but it can be done.

2. You Control Your Body

Unless you are in dire circumstances, most responsible, independent adults are in a position to be in control of their body.  If you haven’t known about food choices or not had the ability to select what to put into your mouth, it’s time to start taking on that responsibility.  Learn what’s healthy and what’s not then decide to add what’s healthy to your diet. Start moving about and exercising, be positive and think about what you can contribute to the future of your world. You have control over you, so stop making excuses when you really don’t have any to make.

3. Put Yourself to Bed

Rest is a vital component to health. Many professionals brag about their ability to stay up for hours on end working on projects.  Sure there will be times when long hours are necessary. But making it a habit can lead to serious consequences. A lack of sleep means being less productive and less effective overall. It is better to give your brain rest instead of wearing it out early.  Sleep is a way to replenish the body and make it stronger. A lack of sleep can be a trigger for high blood pressure or even a heart attack. The body needs rest.  It might take some time to get back into a normal sleep pattern but this is imperative for better health.

4. Start Exercising

Do you wonder why every President tries to show that nation that they are exercising?  It’s no secret that being active keeps a person healthy.  Leaders don’t show off their exercise routine solely for a photo opportunity.  It’s to influence the citizens to do the same. If the busiest person in the nation can spend time exercising, what’s your excuse?  Twenty to 30 minutes a day in deliberate movement is not too much to ask.  Walk a longer distance, take the stairs, pump some iron, or go dancing.  Just get that heart pumping and muscles working to get your body in shape.

5. Drink More Water

The human body is comprised of over 80% water.  As soon as you feel thirsty, your body is starting to become dehydrated.  Drinking water is often a problem for people in the workplace who can’t always get up and go the public restroom; but this is an important part of staying healthy and productive. Drinking up to eight glasses of water a day is imperative for health. If you can, bring your own water pitcher with a filter to work.  Knowing how much water is in the picture is a great way to measure how much you drink at work and how much you drink during the rest of the day. Try this for a week and you’ll have noticeable differences in how you feel. 

6. Get a Check Up

In order to know your base-line health situation, get a full medical check-up. Then you’ll know where to start with a health and wellness program.  If you have been sitting around not exercising, don’t just jump up all at once and try to run a marathon.  Find out where you are medically so you start in a reasonable manner with a new health and wellness program.  Hopefully, you will get a good report but even if you are on the verge of having health issues, knowing the problem is the first step to changing things around.

7.  Get a Health and Wellness Coach

Health and wellness coaching is a growing profession that’s here to stay and. As people start to recognize the need to take responsibility for their own health, they are looking for the support to change bad habits and an unhealthy life style. Health and wellness coaches are experts at helping you with nutrition, eating habits, exercise, and weight control among other things.  Find a person that will work with your schedule, lifestyle and particular needs. 

These 7 steps are the beginning of taking care of your health.  You have the responsibility for your body and health.  It doesn’t matter how important your position, or how smart you are. If you don’t live healthy you won’t be able to share your gifts with the world.  It’s time to get off the treadmill of life and start living healthy.