Nutritional Balancing

Health care reform- A loaded term these days. Underneath this political tug of war,  lies an opportunity that will perhaps change the way we view health. I know this might sound cliche, but underneath each crisis, lies a new choice, a new beginning. Most would agree that it is time for a new paradigm; one that encompasses prevention, nutrition, balance and self-care. A society wide effort needs to be made that would educate all about what health really means. Somewhere in the future, perhaps there will be a new conceptual model in place that will emphasize  a more balanced approach to keeping ourselves well.

The United States spends 18 percent of its GNP on health care- more than any other industrialized nation. Ninety five percent of health care funds go toward treating illness and five percent go towards prevention. Moreover, each year we spend billions of dollars on drugs and medical procedures, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer are among the highest in the world, and 34 percent of American adults are obese. The real way to save money is to keep people healthy and well. And this extends right to the foods we raise and consume. It is time for a shift in the the traditional medical paradigm as it  is not making us healthier as a society. As a culture, we need to learn that being healthy is not the absence of illness; but rather a state of vitality and balanced energy that is self created.

So how do we make this shift. One way is to take back control from the insurance companies, from the medical professionals and the political leaders. It is time to take personal responsibility. I believe that the most important paradigm shift of all begins with each and every person becoming accountable for what is within their own power, control or management. A simple switch- practicing healthier eating habits, getting consistent exercise, meditation to help reduce stress, not smoking or drinking excessively all are components that will reduce the risk of disease. These simple habits, which could reduce the dollar amounts spent on health care, and easily help more people become empowered over their health, do not come easily to most.  According to a recent national survey, over the last 20 years, Americans’ fruit and vegetable intake and exercise habits have declined significantly while our alcohol intake has risen; smoking rates have dropped but only slightly.”

A critical step in changing our health is to shift our attitude about who is responsible for our well -being.When we assume that someone other than ourselves are responsible for fixing us, we become passive receivers of health care. What is most important is to take back control of our health and realize that each of us are responsible for our own wellness.

So, for the New Year, let’s make a resolution that we can effect change– not only for ourselves, but perhaps we can even go a step further and influence our culture. Transformation is possible. Let go of old ways, break old habits, live consciously, have hope that you can change and even possibly believe that you can effect changes in the world around you.

I wish all of you a Very Happy and Healthy New Year