The Intelligent Choice

Optimum health is much more than absence of disease. By definition it must include presence of function and implies a high natural resistance against infection, disease and degeneration. True health denotes a persona of energy and enthusiasm.

It allows us to adapt to change and stress without significant damage and can be measured by our ability to perform well in all areas of life, including business, family, school, sport and fitness.

Optimum health provides us with the insight necessary to define our goals and the motivation required to achieve them. It also means we are unimpeded by limitations created by self-imposed negative thinking or poor lifestyle choices. The scientific evidence gathered over the last century is irrefutable. A sedentary lifestyle coupled with stress and refined food threatens our quality of life by accelerating aging and decay. This approach not only makes it difficult to manage our body weight and stay slim, it also increases our risk of heart disease, stroke, many forms of cancer and adult-onset type II diabetes.

The vast majority of North Americans want to feel and look good. But the virtue of wellness comes with a price, especially as we reach our fourth or fifth decade of life. Everyone knows that exercise and physical activity is good for you. As educated citizens, we learned these lessons in primary school. But knowing is not enough. We have to apply what we know and live the life. We have to take action…NOW!

To get motivated, we need incentive, and to stay motivated, we need energy, education and moral support. Incentive comes by focusing on the science, the rewards and long-term benefits. Baby boomers and seniors who exercise and eat well live longer and feel better. They are leaner, use less medication and also look younger.

Strength training tones and gives shape & strength to weak and tired muscles. Aerobic activity improves energy metabolism and increases our ability to breath and utilize oxygen. Stretching preserves our joints and improves the flexibility of our spine. But controlled exercise is not enough.

As we improve our fitness and become more active, we must also concentrate on improving our diet. Physical activity, organic whole food and dietary supplements work in unison. Collectively they provide our bodies with the raw materials and energy needed to fuel our workouts, offset the effects of stress and aging, and keep us on track. It’s what I call "The Intelligent Choice".

Photo by Sarah Pflug from Burst

As always, stay well and live free!

Dr.C