Components to Good Health

THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPONENTS THAT ARE CONDUCIVE TO HEALTH: Physical, spiritual, emotional, social, occupational, and environmental dimensions are interrelated. One frequently affects the others. A positive attitude helps. Tune out negative thoughts and think of your lifestyle in the old cliche, "All work and no play make for a very dull day." Negative thoughts take you backward and positive thoughts take you forward to a better quality of life in your advanced age.

Kenny Rogers once said, "There are three ingredients to a good life: Someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to." An activity that has you looking forward to tomorrow is a big plus in getting through the problems of the day. I have seen the results of people, well into their late 80s, playing tennis, and indoor badminton. They are upbeat, possess inquiring minds and are active in political and religious discussion as well as sports, outdoor activities, gardening, art and music. They move around the court like 25-year-olds. They are lean and they smile a lot. They seem to love people, and are usually the ones who will visit a friend in the hospital, send a card or make that special call to lighten someone else’s burden. They love their grandchildren and show interest by attending the special events in their lives. They express, proudly, their happiness with their accomplishments.

HUNT THE PRODUCE SECTION FIRST AND CHOOSE HIGH QUALITY: Remember whatever is scanned at the supermarket will more likely than not, end up in your stomach. Green beans, which are full bodied and solid green in color, can be washed, snapping the ends off and steamed for about 10 minutes. A dash of salt and a spray of a nonfat, non-cholesterol margarine will keep them green and sweet tasting until you place them on the table. Broccoli florets are excellent-steamed or stir fried with pea pods, carrots, green, red and/or yellow peppers. A little left over chicken breast or beef sliced thinly and hammered in a plastic bag gives them the appearance of being more than they are. Some soy or stir fry mixture, a couple of tablespoons of olive or safflower oil (vitamin E) heated to a sizzle and you feel like a gourmet chef. Onions, carrots, celery, peppers, pea pods, cauliflower stir fry mixtures make it a variety of healthy flavors. Left over vegetables can be used in beef or chicken vegetable soups made at home.
WORK WITH YOUR DOCTOR: Check your progress and make adjustments with your doctor’s advice. Plan a blood test one week in advance of your doctor’s appointment. The results will be current and will confirm the results of life style changes in eating. Maybe more omega three or Fish Oil would help raise your HDL and maybe portion control would help maintain the weight loss or even bring it down a few more pounds. Set your goals, be realistic, and consult with your doctor. With your lipid profile in front of him, be prepared to ask him what the normal ranges are, and what kind of an eating plan you should pursue to improve the results. Any changes in sleep, regularity, or energy needs should be part of your team approach to better health.
All © Rights reserved Stan Kent 2004