For Better Health

Number 9 in my top ten countdown to inauguration day of reasons to change is for my health. While this one is probably obvious to most people, I have to admit I rarely have spent much time worrying about my health, because I have been fairly lucky and not had any chronic problems. When I do have a health issue, I of course suddenly vow to do better, but then it passes and I forget. Not good. I am getting to an age where I know better, and it's time to be proactive so that I don't have crummy '50's and '60's and beyond, riddled with health concerns. I want to avoid diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, etc., and that means I have to actively start paying attention and taking steps to accomplish that. I want to remain active and travel and live life to its fullest well into my old age so I need to plan for that. That means lifestyle changes, not just preventative vaccines, etc. I know losing weight and getting fit is the number one best thing I can do for myself in terms of improving and protecting my health.

I'm committed to taking a daily multi-vitamin, at a minimum, and if I can remember I will take other supplements as well. I've already made the switch to whole grains, which was difficult at first, but already done. I'm focusing on more fruits and vegetables, and on a meat and dairy free diet as much as possible. In addition to the health benefits this offers from low cholesterol and high fiber, I'm morally opposed to killing animals for consumption and that's a philosophy that I don't always put into action as well as I would like. Going vegetarian at a minimum and vegan as a goal will help me think about each meal I prepare and that should help with both weight loss and healthy eating choices.

I will be watching a few specific health components over the next year to see how they change with better focus on diet and exercise. I have some typical issues for people my age (38): joint pain now and then, some back problems now and then, some inflammation (bursitis) in my hips that can be very stiff and painful when I get up from a resting position, and the occasional sleeping problems or digestive issues. In addition, I have a join I dislocate often, and I need to do some specific exercises to make that as strong as I can. I also don't drink enough water, and I am going to start focusing on that and try to drink as much as possible, even though I don't like to do so.

Today's "small habit change" is that I am going to remember to use the fluoride my dentist wants me to use at least once a day. There's a surprising connection between good dental hygiene and other health issues, and I can't financially afford cavities these days. I have weak tooth enamel and i need to reinforce it, but to use the fluoride after brushing is an extra step I never seem to get around to. It's simple laziness that I have to stop. I should do it 2x a day, but I'm going to set the standard as once a day and put it on my daily to do list until that becomes a habit.