It is difficult to work with someone who refuses to exercise, to stretch, or to take care of their bodies. Those that refuse are the clients with health, joint, and pain problems because:
- They carry excess pounds that stresses joints and organs of the body.
- They have back and knee problems that limit daily living and interrupt sound sleep.
- They often make the mistake of self-medicating with alcohol and prescription drugs such as narcotics; both are addictive and create additional problems.
Where to Start
It is imperative to know where you are and where you need to be with weight, body mass (BMI), waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugars, and thyroid. If your numbers are in the danger zone, learn what is considered to be healthy numbers so you have a target.
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2 DAILY TIPS to begin a healthier life:
- Drink half your weight in water. If you weigh 180 pounds you require 90 oz. of water.
- Walk for a minimum of 30 minutes, either outside or on a treadmill.
- Find five simple stretches you are willing to do.
- Eat three helpings of fresh fruit.
- Eat five cups of vegetables.
- Try substituting legumes, nuts, beans, tofu, and fish instead of red meats and poultry.
- Never eat fried foods.
- Keep a log of your progress and share it with your counselor.
- Find three ways to eliminate stress in your life, including blaring radios and TV’s.
- Eliminate salt, sugar and flour from your dietcompletely. See how many days a week you can do this.
Consciously think about what you are eating and the amount of daily exercise.- If you smoke, find out how much lung capacity you have lost, get a lung x-ray to assess the damage, and quit smoking (this includes not being around second-hand smoke… ever… avoid it at all costs).
Benefits
If you will put these twelve steps in place, I guarantee that within six weeks you will begin feeling better and within six months you will have created a great lifestyle change. Then find ways to continue this healthier lifestyle and add ten things you are willing to do to become even healthier.
These changes will:
- increase your mental well-being.
- eliminate stress to your body.
- improve your relationships.
- make living a whole lot better.
- put a smile on your face.
… all of which will add to your hope of experiencing a second chance with our short stay in this life.
Paul tells us to glorify God in our bodies and our spirits as we are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). As a testimony to your growing Christianity, be a good steward of your body!
God’s blessings and good health to you!
– Dr. Sherry Baker, LPC