How to Be Healthy and Fit

Who wants to be healthy and physically fit? Everyone does, or at least that is what everyone says. The truth is that most people fail to take personal responsibility for the state of their health. Being healthy is more than just being free from illness. Health is both physical and spiritual. The body and the mind are connected. Health is holistic. Of course, the body should perform properly, but so should the mind. Most of us are not truly healthy. In fact, we are much sicker that we believe.

Maintaining good health should be a priority. The benefits of being healthy are endless. Health should never be taken for granted. Our quality of life depends on the quality of our health. People who suffer from diseases are unable to completely enjoy their lives. Working, taking vacations, and functioning in daily life is stressful, overwhelming, and often impossible in the face of illness. "I was so bored not being able to work and my dialysis treatments were so difficult," stated Craig Black who is currently recuperating from a kidney transplant. "My life is getting better. Eventually things will be back to normal."

Deep down we all know what steps to take to move us closer to good health. Paying attention to our diet is essential. We have to make wise food choices, and most of us are aware that organic and natural foods are better for our health. Chemicals, pesticides, and growth hormones wreak all kinds of havoc in our bodies and throw our systems off balance. They may cause minor problems such as upset stomachs and headaches, or serious illnesses such as cancer or Parkinson's disease. The negative effects of poor food choices are even greater among children. The number of children suffering from attention deficit disorder and autism continues to rise. Even cancer among small children seems to be at an all time high. Common sense tells us there is something seriously wrong with the standard American diet. Healthy foods are a requirement for healthy bodies. Organic vegetables and fruits are more nutritious than their conventional counterparts. It is simply best to avoid chemical laden foods whenever possible.

Likewise, we must make better choices in terms of the beverages we consume. Pure water is the healthiest choice. Drinking enough water daily is essential. Water cleanses the body and helps our internal systems perform properly. The health benefits of drinking water also include the prevention of constipation, heartburn, backaches and even cardiovascular problems. Cola and coffee are not replacements for water. Neither is fruit juice even though it contains vitamins. Drink at least eight glasses of pure water each day.

Getting a sufficient amount of physical exercise is equally important. Why is it so difficult for us to exercise? Is it because we do not have enough time in our busy lives? Perhaps we lack energy, motivation or self-discipline. It should be easy to include exercise in our daily routines. There are many easy ways to do so. For instance, we could take a daily 10-minute walk during our lunch break, and park our cars a distance away from our destination. We could also give our legs a great workout by using stairs instead of elevators. How about finding a way to enjoy household chores and using this as a means to keep our bodies physically active? Put on some music and dance while mopping the floor. Make exercise fun, useful and practical.

The health benefits of getting enough rest cannot be emphasized enough. Failing to rest our bodies properly will result in a weakened immune system, which makes us more likely to become ill. Always take time to rest, even if this means taking a day or two off from work. It is much easier to maintain our health than it is to repair an unhealthy and diseased body. Do not take good health for granted. Value and protect your health.

Starting right now, make health the number one priority in your life. It is impossible to effectively care for others if you fail to take care of yourself. Do not look for the easy way out. Eat well, exercise, rest and minimize stress. According to Dr. Junghoon Lim, Diplomat of Oriental Medicine and Florida Licensed Acupuncture Physician, most people do not hold themselves accountable for their health. They do not pay attention to what they put in their bodies. When health problems occur, they look for a quick fix. "Drugs and surgery are not cures for an unhealthy lifestyle," said Dr. Lim. We all have the power to change our lives. Are you choosing the road to wellness?