Health and Fitness
6th September 2004
In the Western world today our health and fitness is at risk. We are in
the midst of an Obesity epidemic.
There is simply no escaping the facts. Obesity is rapidly overtaking nicotine
as our Number One Preventable Killer. This subject is so important that
Governments in countries such as Australia, Canada, the U.S. and England
are launching programs to combat this insidious “disease”.
The importance of fighting obesity cannot be overstated.
Over the next 20 years, weight related illnesses are likely to kill more
people than smoking has in the past 40 years. And, obesity is not selective.
It will kill teenagers in London, grandparents in Sydney, 20 year old
males in New York and 40 year old females in Munich. Many of us will not
see it creeping up. Don’t be fooled. Our lifestyles and our eating
habits are putting our lives in danger. We MUST do something about it
now. Here is the shocking truth……………….
Recent medical research tells us that children born after the Year 2000
have a 1 in 3 risk of developing diabetes in their lifetime. Health authorities
in Australia have predicted that over 50% of school children will be overweight
or obese by 2020. In Arkansas USA, a recent obesity summit showed that
40% of all public school children in that US state are already classified
officially as being overweight. Further studies conducted in Canada suggest
that 33% of schoolchildren in the Toronto area are either overweight or
obese. Scary stuff, isn’t it? Especially if you have kids.
By any stretch of the imagination, obesity has reached epidemic proportions.
Children younger than 10 years old are now showing the first signs of
heart disease. Never before in recorded history have we seen this in children
so young. In the USA, over the period 1999-2000, a National Health and
Nutrition Survey showed that the number of children now considered to
be overweight had almost tripled since 1971-1972. Why is this happening?
Well, the reasons are obvious. Fast foods, overeating the wrong foods,
watching too much TV, video and computer games have a lot to do with this
horrific trend.
But, that’s the younger generation. What about the adults? Why are
we becoming more and more overweight? Why are diabetes, cancer, stroke
and heart disease such a threat to our health? The same reasons!
We have become lazy. We choose to watch sport on TV rather than participate.
We become engrossed in “reality” shows, we waste hours each
week playing computer games, we smoke cigarettes and we drink too much
coffee. We spend too much time at Macca’s and KFC, become stressed
due to the “pace of modern life” and drink too much alcohol.
We work too hard and too long. We fail to take “time out”,
read good books and talk at length with our families. The problem is that
we have too much to occupy our time these days. By the time we stop to
assess the damage, it’s often too late.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I lost my spleen in a football accident
at the age of 16. The extra burden on my kidneys was a blessing in disguise.
Whenever I overeat or drink too much, I get pains and cramping. I have
to stop and slow down. I have no choice. At the age of 30 I was diagnosed
with testicular cancer. After an operation and chemotherapy I learned
to be careful. Exercise and weight control have played a large part in
my life simply because I was lucky enough to lose a spleen and develop
cancer at a relatively young age.
I have also lived with high cholesterol levels for the past 14 years and
I smoked for “far too long” before quitting in 2001. I guess
you could say that I’m a strong candidate for any one of the “Big
Four” sometime into the future, now that I’m into my 50’s.
However, the fact remains that all of this can be reversed or, at least,
delayed by regular exercise, eating good food and the use of nutritional
supplements. A positive change in lifestyle is just a day away. Health
issues can become a thing of the past with a regular walking or running
program, a better diet (including reducing alcohol intake and quitting
smoking) and a new attitude.
You can turn your life around in 60 days. I did. I walk fast, run slowly,
drink bio-magnetized water, generally eat well, take vitamin supplements,
participate in fun runs and get involved in the lives of my 4 children
and 2 grandsons. I also swim in summer and read extensively. On top of
this I operate a website, work fulltime and have a wife to answer to ………………..
so, don’t tell me that you don’t have time to exercise, rest
and eat right. We all have time to look after ourselves.
For your own sake, be constantly aware of the dangers of obesity. Keep
your weight under control. Walk, run, eat well, take vitamin supplements,
drink bio magnetic water, get involved, stay active. Teach your children
to follow your example.
So, where do we start? How do we start?
· Firstly, sign up for Doctor Ray Strand’s free “Healthy
for Life” Newsletter below. I highly recommend it. Dr Strand is
at the cutting edge of health and nutrition issues. He is renowned for
exploding the myths surrounding fad diets and is critical of the over
reliance that some doctors place on prescription drugs.
.
· Secondly, visit Monarch Health Science Website and get involved
with their fantastic Forever Fit Program. I have never seen a more comprehensive
and sensible Health and Fitness Plan. Designed by Doctors, Nutritionists,
former Olympians and Sports Psychologists, this program is both extensive
and flexible. Regardless of your age, current level of fitness and medical
history, you can benefit from Monarch’s expertise. I am so impressed
by this company and it’s philosophy that I have partnered with them
and would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding
their approach to Health, Fitness and Exercise.
For more information on this Topic visit Monarch Health Services here.
· Thirdly, start walking or running regularly. If you are new
to this type of exercise, see how I did it by going to the pages entitled
“Walking Motivation” and “Walking Tips”. In 2001,
I had trouble walking 500 metres uphill without suffering from breathlessness.
I now regularly walk/run 20 – 40 Kilometres (about 12-25 miles)
per week. I’ve completed 12 fun runs and a Marathon. Within a few
days, I will add the Sydney Half Marathon to the list.You, of course,
do not have to take things this seriously. I do it because I really enjoy
it. You may just wish to get some exercise. Whatever your Inspiration
……….. Just Do It. You will feel healthier, fitter and
happier. I guarantee it.
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Here is some important new information I have recently discovered. Recent
research highlights the vital importance played by certain undenatured
whey proteins to your health and fitness. Information Here.
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