Health is Your True Wealth
By Joy Eliason Alden, CFT

What makes you feel wealthy? Is it money, possessions, love, good friends? How would you describe good fortune? Think about it. And now, what makes you feel healthy? Energy, strength, a good night’s sleep, or simply that you have no pain?

Well, take it from a breast cancer conqueror, there is an old saying and it speaks volumes: “…if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” Believe me, I know this; I have lived it, and I now treasure every moment of good health. (Incidentally, I believe it is more appropriate to “conquer” this ugly disease vs. just “surviving” it.)

So now, keeping these thoughts in mind – what makes you happy, truly happy? When do you feel your best, and why do you think that is? These are important thoughts to ponder so that you can take not only your life, but also your health, into your own hands. The equation really is right at your fingertips – you just need to factor in truth and accountable risks.

As we age, our bodies go through inevitable changes. First off, there is the natural aging process, which is degenerative – all of us experience some “wear and tear.” Then, sadly, there is illness (a state of poor health) and the dreaded word itself “disease” (which has a broader definition – still, a lot of times it can be or could have been prevented). Heredity and genes do have a part in this; still, there is no preset end result. We just need to know our risk factors and act accordingly.

In addition, the environment has now become an issue and is more and more threatening to our health. We need to wear combat gear, so to speak, which includes having the frame of mind to give our body what it needs. Free radicals are the enemy; processed foods are the enemy; and both are all around us. Disease attacks us at the cellular level, so we must fight back. Research has now concluded that a lot of disease starts with inflammation (one of the immune system’s first reactions to protect itself). However, inflammation can be treated through proper diet and nutrition if caught at the onset.

As a final point, due to the hustle bustle that society seems to demand of us, many find it too difficult to “make the time” to fuel the body properly and to give it what it needs – quality care - which combines good nutrition, exercise, sleep, and breathing time! I can’t say it enough, yet many don’t seem to take the responsible actions necessary for prevention and healing. And then they still wonder why they feel so frazzled, worn out, sick and tired… Think how much time and money we put into our cars…well, I know you are worth more than your car! What is even more baffling is the thought process that people use regarding the “time issue.” Do the math, weigh the time value – a bit of time daily vs. weeks, months, or even years of debilitating health. Go figure.

So, my friend, now that you are aware of this – what are you going to do about it? Knowledge is power; therefore, how you treat your body and mind can truly affect your well being. The foods we eat and our activity level all play a role in our health. You can make the difference. Diet, nutrition, and exercise really do work wonders. In fact, they are the only sound, proven methods leading to positive end results - the rest are myths.

You can take the time to eat properly, and you can exercise smart. So, knowing that you have that control and power, now is the time to incorporate the appropriate regimen. Empower yourselves. And in summary, I hope after some consideration, you will conclude that HEALTH IS YOUR TRUE WEALTH!

Joy Alden is a Los Angeles-based ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer. She can be reached at joyzeeeee@yahoo.com