Adult Wellness

The Time for change is - NOW !

Over the years, I’ve always been intrigued by the fact that, while most of us know that we have to eat right and exercise in order to stay healthy, so many of us end up in poor shape as we get older. Perhaps the reason for this has something to do with the concept of responsibility.

 

You know, responsibility for:

 

 

Developing a career

Managing a household

Raising children

Paying bills

Providing food and shelter for our family

Dealing with aged parents

 

 

As we get older, get married, have children and take on more responsibilities in our lives, we make sacrifices. While these sacrifices may be helpful for our families, they may not always be good for our health. Most of us would agree that it’s not uncommon for parents to overwork or deny themselves - for the sake of their children. However, parents must understand that parenting is a lifelong responsibility. By denying themselves the BASICS for maintaining good health, they may ultimately shorten their lives.

It’s interesting to note that many of you have spent your entire adult life in the pursuit of money, so that you will be able to provide for your family and enjoy your retirement years. Unfortunately, many successful people don’t live long enough to retire. They worked hard to …

 

Build Wealth - Not Health.

I have nothing against success. I admire people who have ‘made it.’ However, in your pursuit of wealth, you must remember that the number one priority in life must be - GOOD HEALTH.

Consider this interesting Paradox

 

We strive for wealth,

at the expense of our HEALTH.

Then, use our wealth,

attempting to regain our HEALTH.

 

 

If you think of life in these terms, it’s almost like a dog chasing its own tail. We all have choices in life, decisions to make, which will affect the outcome of how we feel and possibly how long we live. The road you are about to begin will not always be easy to navigate. There will be many external social pressures and ‘Naysayers’ along the way who, for whatever reason, may not want you to achieve your goal. Just remember, in spite of the social pressures - you can succeed !

You’ve reached a crucial stage in life. Right now you’re sitting on a fence. Fall forward to the future and you become healthier. Fall backwards to the past and your unhealthy habits may soon catch up with you and bite you on your behind.


The time has come to make the decision to live Healthier, Happier and probably Longer.

 The Time for change is - NOW !
Barry M. Stein, D.P.E.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Department of Medicine

Center For Weight Management

North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System