Fitness Club

Reactive Health Care Costs Far More Than Proactive Lifestyle Changes
It truly is a shame that we continue to have a fight each and every year over health care costs without ever really getting to the root of the problem, our actual health! I don't believe any semi-sane person would argue that better overall health and wellness in society would not actually lead to lower health care costs, both short-term and long-term. Yet, like so many other things, we have become almost completely reactive in how we deal with these issues, both our health and our health care.

Now, don't worry, I have no intentions on talking politics here. I know for a fact I would have half of the two friends I have now if I told everyone what they needed to hear about our political system and the ideologies that are quickly ruining our ability to prevail as a country, so I intentionally shy away from that conversation. I will say this as it relates to both health and politics; extremes are NEVER the answer!

By now, we should all realize that we are going to pay for health one way or the other, today or tomorrow! How and when is completely up to us individually. Nothing is more frustrating for someone like myself than to hear the complaints or rising health care costs from the person who eats McDonald's six times a week or feeds their children Fruit Loops every morning for breakfast! These individuals simply haven't thought things through and unfortunately, find it easier to blame others or the "system" than to look in the mirror and make some changes in their and/or their families eating habits! The fact is it's far more expensive and uncomfortable to pay for health tomorrow, in a reactive state, then it is to be proactive with good, simple fitness and nutrition, for individuals and families alike.

Ever wonder why we now have nearly 30% of our children actually nearing obesity and dealing with diabetes? It's not government's fault and it certainly isn't the health care industries fault either! I know, for many, that is a tough look in the mirror, but, it is one that any caring parent should be willing to make if your child falls into that category!

Did you know that nearly 65% of all illness can be avoided with proper nutrition, including some forms of cancer? The number of children suffering from obesity due to underlying genetic issues is truly limited, so please, do not allow yourself to fall into that excuse trap either.

To be quite honest, I'm not that smart, but even I can figure this vicious cycle out! Consider this in it's simplicity...doctors make more money by prescribing medications in a reactive approach because insurance covers the cost of the extremely overpriced medications that make pharmaceutical companies billions of dollars every year. The ever-increasing prescription rate has a direct effect on society and the insurance premiums we pay on a whole, whether we are using prescription medications or not.

The reverse of this equation doesn't quite create the income potential for doctors. You see, good nutrition, with or without supplemental nutritional solutions, is not covered by insurance, therefore doctors income, should they recommend or even discuss sound nutrition with patients is substantially diminished. I'm a simple person, but this is the system we have created and it is quite easy to understand why it continues!

Now, couple this with the fact that good nutrition simply is not "sexy", and in most people's opinions, tedious to achieve, and you have an unfortunate cycle that creates a significantly more and more unhealthy society each and every year, while the pharmaceutical industry continues to add to their bottom line!

Almost every one of us can "afford" to fill in our nutritional gaps with just some small changes to our daily diet and lifestyle! It should never be an additional cost, money or time, but merely a reallocation of priority. One which anyone can make work with the plan and support!

Don't make excuses for yourself or your family! When all is said and done, bettering your health and wellness comes down to nothing more than a decision. The level of importance you place on your personal or families well-being now, will absolutely have a direct impact on the costs and discomfort you, or they, live with for years to come.

Lastly, let me clear about this as well! Please don't leave your health and wellness to chance by expecting or assuming your doctor is going to give you all the answers either....they DO NOT have them! They are NOT well versed in nutrition! As scary as that may be, it is the truth! Don't believe me, try and have a deep conversation about nutrition with your family physician! Guaranteed, you will be shocked with the limited input you receive!

As always, make a decision, set your priorities and DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Jason Horsley is the President, Elite Lifestyle Solutions and a fitness fanatic! With nearly 20 years in and around the industry, his combination of knowledge and passion are without equal. If you have any desire at all to better the way you look, feel or perform, take a moment to stop by http://www.theadvocarelifestyle.com/ to learn more about how they are Building Champions and Changing Lives Daily or the 24 Day Challenge itself! The wealth of information alone will make it well worth your while and if you have any questions at all, drop Jason an email while you are there. Each one is answered by him personally!

View the original article here

At 43 years old, I have had my share of health issues. I am very fortunate to have great health insurance and with that the ability to seek excellent medical care. However, I realized it isn't a health care system. We live in what I like to call "sick care".

Many of us run to the doctor for the quick fix. I want to empower others to take control of their health and wellness and get people on a path of being proactive instead of reactive.

For most of my life, I have suffered with stomach issues. They were more inconvenient than life threatening. However, after the birth of my second child they became more significant and more constant. It was about 1 month after my daughter was born that I was in terrible pain and it sent me straight to the doctor. He took a health assessment and listened as I told him my issues seemed to be triggered by certain foods. He ordered a lactose intolerance test as a starting point. It was negative and he sent me on my way.

My issues continued with periodic visits to different doctors and multiple invasive tests including a colonoscopy when I was 32. Still they had no answers. I was told I had irritable bowel and there wasn't much they could do for me short of putting me on some synthetic drug. Fortunately, I decided to stop reacting and get proactive on my own behalf. I decided, since it seemed food related, to visit with a nutritionist. This was the starting point of my journey of being proactive instead of reactive.

As a sat in his office, feeling a bit frustrated and vulnerable at the same time, I was immediately put at ease when he started asking me questions. I realized he was taking a whole body approach. He recognized some traits in my personality that were red flags to him, as well as, focused on certain foods that seemed to be an issue. He heard what I was saying and wasn't looking to band-aide my condition. He wanted to find the cause of my discomfort. He suggested an alternative test that would change my life. He said I was showing classic signs of delayed food sensitivities. He was working with a lab that did alternative tests in the mindset of being preventive in nature. I was finally at the right place and was about to get answers.

About 3 weeks later, after having a simple blood test, I was told I had delayed reactions to dairy, eggs, chocolate, soy, brewers yeast and casein (a protein in dairy). Breakfast was making me sick every day. Once these foods were eliminated, my stomach issues were a thing of the past. I was finally pain free.

The point is this doctor introduced me to a new way of thinking. Why don't we try to prevent getting sick in the first place. I started sharing the information with friends. When we find something that helps us we share by nature. One friend really listened and today she and I have partnered with a health and wellness company who will lead the healthcare revolution. Did I mention, my doctor is my full partner as well? It is amazing how something good came out of years of discomfort. I want to lead others to this life changing information. Our motto is "Don't guess Do the Test!"

Allow me to enlighten you and those you are in touch with. People helping other people. That has a beautiful ring to it.

Feel free to email me for more information at mram6718@aol.com

In good health,

Diane Ram

View the original article here