“A healthy body is a guest-chamber for the soul; a sick body is a prison.”
–Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626) – an English philosopher, statesman, scientist, lawyer, jurist, and author.
While sitting at a local Starbucks preparing to write this blog, I was on a completely different topic when a local woman that I’m acquainted with, who I will call Ms. C., came over to say hello to me. Our conversation caused me to completely change my focus for this blog.
Ms. C is in her early 70’s, and she takes care of her longtime friend, Mr. B who is around 80 years old. He is in the last part of his life, not only because of his age but because he has incurable cancer. Ms. C is always cheerful. She openly acknowledges that her friend is dying and she does her best to make every day as pain-free and pleasant for him as possible. They had just finished lunch at a local restaurant, and she came into Starbucks to buy him a sugar-free drink. “He’s still hanging in there,” she said, “ he just takes Tylenol for the pain and keeps going; he walks the dog every day.”
I actually had run into Mr. B myself the other day; and he was doing exactly that, walking the dog. He no longer sees very well, and I had to remind him who I was. We exchanged a few pleasantries, and he went on his way. I sat there, quietly, wondering what it must be like knowing you are living on the edge of your life and that there is not anything to be done about it.
I don’t write this because I am sad or because I want to make you sad. I write this to remind us all that our time on this earth is limited, and that those of us who are still in possession of our faculties and of our bodies are very, very fortunate. I also know that some of you in this community have been through your own health crisis and know, better than I, how precious good health is.
Improving or maintaining our health is to some degree within our control. If you are able to attend a workout, take a walk, and have a say over what you eat and drink, then you have a lot more control than you may realize or want to acknowledge. The simple formula for good health for MOST people is to get off the sofa or out of the office chair and move and to eat foods that nourish their bodies. YOU have the privilege of CHOICE.. YOU can make a decision that impacts your health for either ill or good. I say MOST people because there are those born with medical conditions or those who suffer from psychological eating disorders for whom things are not so simple. Those folks have the tough road, but there is help for them, and they too have a choice; they can choose to get help, or they can retreat into their illness.
While there are no guarantees that exercise and nutrition will bring you a long and pain-free life; it sure is a better bet than inactivity and overeating. And here’s another thought to consider: what if you do contract a major illness or injury? The likelihood of recovery goes way up if you’ve already been maintaining good health.
So the next time you’re feeling a little lazy and not sure you want to workout, or you don’t want to put a single thought into the food you eat, consider what A. J. Jacobs Says:
“The key to making healthy decisions is to respect your future self. Honor him or her. Treat him or her like you would treat a friend or a loved one.”
― A.J. Jacobs, Drop Dead Healthy: One Man’s Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection
Take care of your future self by asking this question: What can I do right now to take care of “Him” or “Her”? Then just go ahead and do it!
Written by Hope Langevin – Certified Personal Trainer – Move Your Mountain Fitness
Stephanie and Hope are personal trainers alongside a team of trainers and can be reached for a complimentary consultation at http://www.moveyourmountain.com OR use the contact form below!
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Stephanie Aikin – Certified Personal Trainer
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Arcadia, CA 91006
Studio 626-447-1049
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