An Ounce of Prevention

This spring I had some respiratory issues that hung on for more than six weeks, and they dramatically impacted how I felt throughout the day—especially my energy level. As I spent evening after evening lazing on the couch with zero motivation, I began wondering how my personal choices and attitude impact my wellness. I’m not wondering if it’s all in my head. Instead I’m wondering how much of my wellness is within my control and how much isn’t.

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report posted on the American Holistic Health Association’s website identifies that the key factors influencing one’s health have not changed significantly during the past 20 years.

• Everyday lifestyle choices account for 53%
• Environment is 19%
• Heredity is 18%
• Quality of medical care is 10%

The decisions I make about my lifestyle and habits are by far the largest factor in determining my state of wellness. (To read the complete article visit http://ahha.org/rosen.htm.) And when the Cleveland Clinic is the first institution mentioned in the Time Magazine (June 22, 2009) cover story on prevention, I’m hopeful that prevention is going to become a normal part of our health care planning in the future.

Rather than wait for the health-care industry to catch up, I’m making some commitments to myself. I am going to take more responsibility for myself by living healthier in order to promote personal wellness. I will get my annual physical and mammogram. I will be more active, pay attention to what I put in my body, and focus on living with a positive attitude. I will partner with my doctors and we will focus on prevention. We will not treat illness with pharmaceuticals until we’ve tried lifestyle changes.

One thing I know about myself is that I can get obsessive when it comes to major commitments like the ones outlined above. My final commitment to myself is to be gentle and forgiving when I slip “off the wagon” and eat Doritos or choose an evening on the couch instead of on my bike. What healthy commitments would you like to make? Share your thoughts by clicking on “Comments” below.