Medical Health Articles

Do diet and lifestyle choices really make a difference in how long you will live? Newsflash! Did you know half us will die of cardiovascular disease? What a way to go. My own father has had several heart surgeries, struggles daily with Type II diabetes and recently had a stent put in his leg to save his foot. My younger brother has had two heart surgeries…oh, did I tell you both almost died of heart attacks around the age of forty? Needless to say I am quite passionate about preventing heart disease. I have seen what poor lifestyle choices and bad genetics can do to two people in my life who used to be so vibrant and now they live with the debilitating effects of CV (cardiovascular) disease. And it makes me sad too. I do all that I can to step around my genetic “potholes” in my road of life. I watch what I eat, take supplements, monitor my stress level and workout regularly. And I laugh a lot too.

When I speak to groups or coach individuals on living an optimal life, I am known to ask how they want to die. In a hospital wasting away? Or perhaps surviving a stroke where quality of life is dramatically decreased. Or would they rather die playing tennis, hiking on trails or even having sex? Or doing something else they enjoy like laughing, watching birds, traveling, or even dozing on a hammock under their favorite shade tree? Do you think about that? I firmly believe, as research indicates, a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can drastically impact how long you live and the quality of your life.

I recently found this excerpt from Cardiovascular Therapy entitled Nutrition 101: Physicians can no longer ignore the healing power of diet and nutritional supplements. The bottom line? Eat like your roving ancestors did… as foragers! Get out in nature, breath fresh air, expose yourself to sunshine and choose foods that are naturally high in nutrients. Eat lean protein at all three meals, have one handful of nuts daily and eat them with berries, veggies, fruits and grains. Have a drink before or during your evening meal (unless you have an addiction problem), avoid processed foods and be physically active for 30 minutes each day. Oh, and to be better safe than sorry, take 1000 IUs of vitamin D and 500 to 1,000mgs of fish oil each day.

This week I encourage you to make a commitment to yourself: To eat more healthfully, avoid eating processed foods, consume more “real” foods and stay active. And “Turn On” your health! “Turn On” your life! Do it now before its too late!