Taking charge of our own health care reform

By Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education

We hear so much about health care reform in the media. Are we really taking charge of reforming our own health care, taking charge of our own health? Is your BMI (Body Mass Index) within the healthy range. Click hereto calculate your own BMI on the National Institutes of Health's website.

BMI Categories:

Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

There are four vital areas to concentrate on to help prevent or postpone chronic illnesses.

1. Eat a good healthy nutritious diet
2. Maintain a healthy weight
3. Get adequate activity
4. Don't smoke

When we experience chronic stress, it can affect all four of these areas. Some of us overeat under stress and gain too much weight, and others of us under eat and become too thin. Whether you tend to overeat or undereat while under stress, make sure the foods you eat are eating are high in nutrients and low in fat and sugars. As for activity, even a 20 minute walk is better than nothing. Just remember whatever you do to or with your body will affect it in the moment as well as the long term.

This doesn't mean it is worth it, but it is necessary in maintaining health and being in charge of our own health care reform.

Karen Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com
www.GrandparentingBlog.com
www.SeniorPro.com

Comments

[Susan Adcox]

The BMI calculator can provide a real wake-up call.

[Natural alternative]

This tips r very natural n easy to do ....