Like most people, I have parents and grandparents who have
problems with high blood pressure, have had strokes and diabetes. I am 29, and
will be 30 this year. I have helped my grandparents recover from strokes, and
other problems that they have had, and can see what a devastating thing a
stroke can be. So it makes me wonder, could they have done more and prevented
or greatly slowed these problems down? I do not know exactly how they have
lived their lives, but I have decided to do an experiment with my own life. I
am going to listen to all that the doctors say about taking care of myself, and
preventing those diseases from happening. This experiment will take my whole
life to see the results of, but seeing that I have a family history riddled
with these problems, I figure that it can only help.
So what exactly am I doing that is going to help prevent
these problems?
1.
I exercise 5-6 days a week, or as often as I
can.
2.
I cook healthy meals for my family with veggies,
fruit and whole grains.
3.
I limit the amount of salt I put on the foods,
and instead use herbs and other seasonings to help enhance the food taste.
4.
I take vitamins regularly.
5.
I drink mostly just water, and no alcohol,
coffee or pop.
6.
I do my best to limit my sugar intake, with an
occasional treat or desert.
7.
I try to stay active aside from my daily
exercise, by going hiking, walking, gardening and yard care, and cleaning my home
quickly so I raise my heart rate.
I live a regular life, and just do the best I can, but
always have in the back of my mind my goal of living a happy healthy life. Not
eating hamburger and fries every week or pizza and other greasy and salty
foods, is not making my quality of life go down, but I believe it is enhancing
my life. I am living in the moment and
for the future.
I will let you know how I am doing in 70 years when I turn
100. You better be around and be happy and healthy with me. Let’s make that
goal together. Here’s to a healthy life.
