How many of you have gone to the doctor and received bad news regarding your health?
How many of you have had a loved one suddenly become ill?
How many people do you know on multiple prescription medications?
How many people in your social circle are overweight?
How many of you have sat at the hospital bedside of the ones you love and received the news that there is nothing else that can be done?
How many of you have had to say goodbye to a parent that was taken much too soon?
How many of you have held the hand of the one you loved as they take their last breath?
How many of you know, deep in your soul, that you need to get healthier?
I know every single one of us can say “me” to at least one of those questions. If you’ve answered “me” to any of those questions, my question to you is, why aren’t you doing anything about it? If you know you need to become healthier, why aren’t you? If you or someone you love is on multiple prescription medications, what are you doing to get off of them? If you’ve received bad news from your doctor, what steps are you taking to get better news at your next visit?
I realized, when I was a nursing student, that I would not make a great adult nurse. Too many times, in the hospital, we would see the same patients admitted for the same reasons; preventable reasons.
Don’t get me wrong, I know there’s an element of disparities and gaps in education when it comes to health and wellness. I know there is a vast amount of information out in the world, much of it inaccurate information. But, I also know that as a society, we aren’t taking the necessary steps to become healthier and PREVENT chronic illnesses.
Here’s the thing: we all want instant gratification. Sometimes, the things that are most worthwhile are the things that we have to work the hardest for and take longer to achieve. As humans, we want comfort, we want to feel the reward centers of our brain light up. Being disciplined, doesn’t do that. Being disciplined can feel uncomfortable. Being disciplined, can be lonely.
When I look at my future as an ageing adult, my goal is to be functional and independent for as long as I am on this earth. I do not want to be taking multiple medications, I do not want to be unable to go for walks or hikes, I do not want to be confined to my house, and I do not want to lose the ability to take care of my daily needs.
I have been at the bedside holding the hand of my loved one as they take their last breath. I have been involved in the brutal conversations in the hospital where they declare there’s nothing else to be done. I have been there counting the breaths every minute and facing the gut wrenching reality when you only counted 4.
If you think that you aren’t willful enough to make lifestyle changes, you are wrong. I know you can do it. I’ve been doing it. It’s not always easy. People and society do not make healthy lifestyle changes easy. You will be judged, sometimes quite harshly. The only way to change society is to actually make changes. The more people start saying no to ultra-processed foods and sugar the more companies will realize, we want change. We have the power to make change. But, more people have to get on board and actually make the changes.
I believe, with my whole heart and soul, that prevention is the key to the majority of these chronic diseases we see in our nation. We have to start taking what we put into our bodies more seriously. We have to start caring now. What we do now, influences our health 10, 15, 20 years down the road. It’s important to act now. We can’t wait. We all have excuses, most of them are bullshit.
Below are a few first steps you can take towards change:
- Stop eating sugar
- Stop eating ultra-processed foods (foods made in factories and are packaged)
- Eat whole foods (foods that have one word: avocado, eggs, fish, etc.)
- Walk after every meal (even just for five minutes)
Choose one actionable item and practice it until you feel like you can do it without thinking, then add another item. Change doesn’t have to be done all at once. Do one step at a time.
If you want other resources for educational purposes click here.
I hope you know, you are strong enough to change. You are WORTH the change. Your future self will be so grateful that you made changes. If you know you need to become healthier, NOW is the time. You can’t wait.
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