Do You Want to Change Groups?
Some of you know that my passion is to help you to achieve optimum health. One of the advantages of having a learning disability is that we are forced to learn to simplify things. You know sort of an A,B,C or 1,2,3 sort of thing. I keep saying over and over again and again that being or becoming healthy is usually quite simple....but not easy. So why is it not easy to be healthy or even to:
Achieve Optimum Health?
Or, for that matter, even just good health? My opinion is this. We have never been taught
- about the bare essentials of what our body must have from us to be healthy
- the differences in how different foods can and cannot be utilized
- the difference in foods that have a lot of calories and little or no nourishment and those that have few calories and a lot of nourishment
- how the preparation of those foods affects their value to the body and our health
- the importance of having or not having reasonable physical activity(call it exercise if your lifestyle is sedentary)
- the necessity of not living a life of stress and turmoil or confusion
- the importance of being at peace with your self and the world
- the absolute necessity of educating our self regarding health and how to have it and/or how to destroy it
- that WE are responsible for our health, not our ancestors or our Doctors or state or federal laws or court rulings
- And now some newer but things of critical importance like phytochemicals,nutraceuticals, ORAC value, ORP(oxidation reduction potential), ionization of water to produce a negative ORP to combat free radicals. Don't let this last point shake you up. Just a little time and effort and they will become clear and meaningful.
When I was growing up there were only a few food groups simply divided into:
- foods that we could afford as much of as we wanted
- foods that we could afford some of but in very limited amounts
- foods that we could only look at pictures of or think about
Later with more knowledge they became divided into fats, proteins and carbohydrates and some of the differences became known. Then, with time, we had good fats and bad fats and good carbs and bad carbs and then raw or steamed or lightly cooked foods so as not to destroy the enzymes which are killed with temp above 165 degrees. We learned that some foods, when digested, leave an acid residue and some an alkaline residue and many people think that cancer thrives in an acid environment. We learned that some things cause the production of "free radicals" which have devastating effects on our health but can be neutralized to a huge degree with alkalinized and ionized water.
So, if we want to achieve optimum health, how do we simplify and make sense of all this.? Well I am glad you asked.
I see us in one group or another regarding our health.
- terrible health with not feeling well, lack of energy, succumb to whatever bug is making the rounds, vulnerable to cancer, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and on and on
- reasonable health where with enough coffee in the morning and a shower we can crank our self up and make another day. Don't miss much work but no extra energy for fun things....just make another day and look forward to Friday and rest all week end.
- Pretty good health with plenty of energy for work and play and some zest for life. Seldom sick and bounce back quickly when a bug hits you hard. Look forward to work and things other than work and making interesting plans for the future. Fun to be around and basically a positive, can do attitude towards life.
- Able to achieve optimum health which adds our ability to nearly always resist infections, recover quickly from injuries, enough energy to look forward to work and be excited about things other than work. The body has the ability to wipe out and destroy cancer cells as they try to get a foot hold, to avoid type 2 diabetes even when genetically pre-disposed, the inevitable aging process is slowed and the quality of life is much greater.
The good new is this. We all have the ability to have some choices about which group we choose. The bad news is that the price is different! But, isn't that always the case? The greater the reward the greater the effort required to have it or the price we pay is higher.
For any one who wishes and feels it is time to make a change:
I will have another post within the next week outlining some of the differences in how to attain the different levels with some simple guidelines. It is very important that you realize that every day you do not make a decision to have better health you are making a decision to have poorer health.
Best wishes to all and your ability to achieve optimum health.
Harold
Recent Comments
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This is good information. Making the choice to be in good health is a daily choice backed up by the actions we take through eating, exercise,and generally how we treat our body. It is much more difficult to get healthy than it is to stay healthy. I look forward to your upcoming posts.
I understand what you are saying about the harder part being the "getting healthy". Reminds me of the old saying "When you find yourself in a hole quite digging". Initially we are trying to break up old habits and patterns as well as trying to help our body repair the damages already done. As they repairs are done then more of that benefit can be felt as increased energy and resistance to disease.. Hope that makes some sense?
Harold
Thank you for this great reminder, Harold. As you say, everything has a 'price' and every action has a consequence, even if it isn't immediately obvious.
I look forward to your next post.
I am looking forward to your next Blog regarding the differences in how to attain the different levels with some simple guidelines. I need structure! I know...I have a poor diet! My poor excuse is time and time...oh and time! It is more convenient to either go without eating or snack on candy or cookies...both are my favorites! Oh and I drink a whole 12 pot of coffee before work (no food) as well as as five cups throughout the night...I KNOW! I am not overweight but I wonder what will happen to me later in life...scared to find out! I know you are selling a juicer so if it is easy and quick to prepare the drink I am supposed to be putting in my body, I will consider starting the journey...talk soon and great writing, Harold! Thank you for sharing! It's like we have a personal physician in our community...LOL!
Deidre, I didn't know you would talk with people before midnight! LOL I remember you patiently walking me through frustrating situations either 2 or 3 different nights from about midnight to around 1:30 or 2:00 a.m. Without that there would have been no blog so I owe you big time gal! I can give you medical opinions from now on and still owe you. I am going to write a series of things that, in my opinion, will help people be more likely to have optimum health. Like you mention, it is all a trade off and requires a decision as to whether it is worth it to us or not. I would truly be excited about being able to reciprocate with you if I can be helpful. Please keep in touch and let me know of any way I can help.
Harold
Funny thing, I took the night off so I stayed up late last night, well, early this morning, and I have been here most of the day! We will stay in touch...just don't forget me when you win the Lottery! LOL! Thanks, Harold!
Harold I am so glad you have no more issues with blogging because your blogs are always so wonderful. This is an absolutely awesome blog. Thank you! :) God's continued blessings, Christa :)
Harold, Funny you should write about this. I have lost a ton of weight and consequently have come off a ton of meds. Yeah! It took time and consistent effort. No, not so much effort as a decision to stick to the plan. The energy level and self-image (not to mention mirror image) is vastly improved. I am happy to be the woman walking next to my husband...as he is happy. Anyone can accomplish it too, if they just decide. My motivation? life
Thanks for a fantastic blog. I look forward to the next. Still have some more pounds to shed.
Gee, I think you nailed it when you said "not so much of an effort as a decision to stick to the plan". I hope you are as proud of your self as you deserve to be for that because most people never do that. I hope we eventually get smart enough or wise enough to understand better the multitude of reasons why. Thank you for your note.
Harold
You are quite welcome. Our comments hopefully add value to your blog, and help others in their journey. That's the ONLY reason I would expose such dreadful behavior changed so miraculously.
Great post Harold, When it comes to health issues I've been dealing with problems all of my short life. I have asthma which had me hospitalized 6 times, my lung collapsed twice.
I'm allergic to certain foods, and dogs which i hate cause i love dogs. We try to eat as healthy as possible but sometimes can't afford to. I just went for blood work 2 weeks ago and the results came back that i was iron and vitamin D deficient. so I'm taking those vitamins and minerals.
But now they say that my cholesterol is elevated, I'm 5 foot 4 and weigh 100 pounds. It just gets so frustrating when they find one thing after another. And I'm only 18.
But i really like when you say we are responsible for our health. I have to read all your blogs cause i really believe that we can change or prevent a lot of health issues we are facing today. Thanks again Harold and God Bless you:)
Jazmin keep following Harold and I promise you that you can remedy a lot of your challenges with diet. Most people are Vitamin D deficient and they are now attributing a lot of challenges to Vitamin D deficiency. Every cell of the body uses Vitamin D. Eat as many whole and raw vegetables and fruits, more vegetables preferably and that will give you a great start! Christa :)
Aaaw, thank you Christa, I really appreciate that, and will take your advice. Thanks again and have a wonderful weekend:)
Jasmin, be aware that your body does a great job of making Vit D if you can expose as much skin as possible to the sun for 15 min per day. Then supplement to what ever degree you need to in addition. The body though, is more effective at getting Vit D from foods that from synthetic supplements. What I am trying to say is to use the supplement as only that and not meant to replace more natural means.
Best wishes to you.
Harold
Great post Harold,
Update on my heart surgery, it is scheduled for Jan. 27th. Replace Mitral and Aortic Valves with mechanical valves.
Had a heart catheter done recently, the doctor said my blood vessels looked like those of a 20 year old (currently 48). I do eat as healthy as I can.
Problem is the Rheumatic Fever when I was younger causing the valve disease. Bummer in a way, try to take care of yourself and out of now where a disease pops up that has nothing to do with diet and lifestyle.
Oh well, not too worry I am in good hands with a wonderful heart surgeon.
Thank you again for the wonderful information.
Kim :))
Kim, I am sorry and just completely stunned that you are needing new aortic and mitral valves. So often people needing that done are so chronically fatigued and exhausted that it is hard for them to even function And here you are like the energizer bunny and the poster lady for a driving human dynamo with what you accomplish in such a short time. Your 20 yr. old vessels are a more true reflection of you and your self care. In your pic you look absolutely vigorous and healthy.
It is just such a shame that a person can be in perfect health one day, get a strep throat and wind up with permanent damage to their heart valves that is permanent. Fortunately the valve replacements are tremendously effective and work like magic. It is so good that you have good feelings about your heart surgeon and the care you will get.
It won't hurt anything that you will have many prayers from your WA family who have all come to care for you and to admire you. I hope you will have a family member shoot us a note or two while you don't feel up to it to keep us posted on how you are doing.
Best wishes to you Kim. Your good self care will always continue to be an important part of your life. Please let me know of any way I can be helpful.
Harold
Thank you so much Harold for a wonderful and kind reply. I remember our very first conversation here when I joined in fact. I was very impressed with your knowledge and compassion.
I will be sure to have someone touch base with my wonderful WA family while I am away. I will post a blog and let everyone know and probably introduce my sister that will handle this for me.
Take care and know the heart is not just a muscle, but filled with love and strength! Well the brain may generate the positive force to motivate the heart strength. That is my positive message from me to you.
Kim!))
Tanks Kim, we are on identical wave lengths. When you are #14 with 2 valves that need to be replaced you are going to be dangerous when fully energized. I really do hope we can be kept abreast of your progress during your recovery. What part of the country do you live in and where will you be having your surgery?
Harold
I live in Michigan and will be having surgery at St. Joseph Mercy in Ann Arbor. Maybe the new valves will give me super powers! Too funny, I love to be amusing, but in all honesty the only thing I am not looking forward to with the surgery is the down time. They are not able to do the less invasive surgery, and will have to split the breast plate.
All will be fine, I am not worried.
Take care Harold,
Kim
This is an awesome article thank you for sharing.
Question >> well more of a statement really.
I am not sure people intentionally go out to be unhealthy, and as you say in a lot of cases we have not been taught.
However, the unfortunate thing is... it seems most people need to get to a "wall" or experience a "close call" in life to understand WHY they need to change mentally to achieve optimum health.
It sounds simple to just wake up in the morning and make the decision to change your lifestyle especially when in reality it is actually simple... because it is just a decision.
BUT
...the "fears" associated with the mental side of this challenge is sometimes the underlying factor, and not just a good understanding as to what the benefits of making the change for the better actually are.
Personally I live in the "pretty good health group" above and slip 'n slide into the "reasonable health group" on occasion.
I am trying to get my S**T together and push myself to the next level BUT
...I lack the strategies to do so "consistently" (or is it motivation lol).
Again thanks for the read
My Best >> Chris
Chris, I love your response and thoughts. I have spent many hours trying to figure out answers to some of the questions you raise. I am not sure but I think it has a lot to do with the discomfort of leaving not necessarily what is comfortable but more with leaving what is familiar...even if we don't cherish it? Wish I knew for sure. I think that is maybe the reason we often can make these major changes with baby steps, like sticking a toe into cold water, getting used to it and then a little more. If you get it all figured out please share with me!! Thanks for your note. Isn't it amazing how all alike we are and how different?
Harold
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Harold, this was a GREAT post!!!!! ~Debbi
Thanks Debbie. I'm glad it resonated with you and hope your trip to N.C. was great. Have a great cruise.
Harold