To be healthy in this increasingly complicated society demands a sound body, mind, and spirit. "Health" is more than the absence of disease. An intricate relationship links the brain, the hormone system, and the immune system. This linkage makes feeling good a physical, mental, and emotional experience.
In a Gallop survey, 75% of respondents rated an optimistic attitude, clean environment, stress control, good relationships, and satisfying work as very important to health. People who enjoy what they do and feel a sense of control over their lives tend to be healthier.
Taking charge means acting positively -- eating right and exercising regularly. Exercising and eating well can do more than add a year or two to your life span-they can improve the quality of life, especially in the later years. And we are living longer than ever before. By this year, the average life expectancy will be up to 84, 11 more years than life expectancy of yesteryear.
Poor nutrition and lack of exercise contribute to the development and severity of many diseases. Eating well and staying fit can reduce health risks. We've learned that biological aging is not the same a psychological aging. Most say they feel an average of 13 years younger than they actually are.
Eating is a very personal experience. It supports psychological as well as biological health. Food fulfills emotional needs, perpetuates our cultural heritage, signals status, bonds us to friends and family-and it just plain tastes good.
Traditionally, the family meal has been a place for family and friends to share, to celebrate or just to 'touch base' with each other. Family members, teach social skills, and share attitudes about food with children.
But these days, many of us are not sure where our next meal will be, or with whom. Single-person households and increasing numbers of working women have accelerated the availability of prepared foods and fueled the growth of microwave technology, often at the expense of family dining.
It's time to examine our frenetic lifestyles. It's time to take a close look at how we seek health and well being. Perhaps we should take a new look at the tradition of the family meal.
The definition of 'family' is likely to change in years to come, but the value of communal meals remains. It it's difficult to share the evening meal in your household, consider having breakfast together. Many popular breakfast foods are quick and easy to prepare. In addition, eating breakfast improves both mental and physical performance and sets the stage for a day of positive eating.
Positive eating can give you a sense of self-empowerment to sustain your physical needs and cope with the stresses of everyday life. Best of all, it makes your feel good about yourself! Feeling good in the years to come is something we all want.
via The Beacon
