I always assumed the above description applied only to certain concoctions being pedaled about as miracle potions until I had a rude awakening. Something that had been staring me in the face for years could do just that and this had scientific evidence to support it.
Name: Mr. X
Age: 58years
Date: Today
Rx
1. Exercise 30 minutes a day at least 5 days/week
2. Eat a healthy meal modified for condition
Signed: Dr K. Essel
There is no need to wait till we get one of the above prescriptions, lets jump start our health quest. It is not surprising that with the ever increasing sedentary life-style and unhealthy eating habits, we have had to coin a phrase for the group of diseases that we “buy” with our newly acquired habits – “life-style” diseases.
This group of diseases includes; Hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, high blood cholesterol, obesity, mild depression, back pain, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Do not be deceived, no matter the superiority of the medicine your physician may put you on you will NEVER optimize your management if you do not add exercising and eating the appropriate meals. There are instances when you may not even need medication to control some life-style diseases.
1. High Blood Pressure
• Can only be diagnosed by taking blood pressure readings. It may be causing a lot of harm but you may feel absolutely nothing that is why it’s called the “silent killer”. Do not wait for symptoms or complications – get your blood pressure checked TODAY
Management may include:
• Exercising
• DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet
• Medication
2. Diabetes
Sometimes described as “hunger in the midst of plenty”
• At least four (4) types have been described. We will concern ourselves with Type II diabetes. This runs in families and is also common in sedentary, obese and elderly people. It may present in many ways including fatigue and rapidly worsening eyesight. The familiar triad of drinking a lot of water, increasing appetite and increased urination may be present.
Management may include:
• Exercising
• Appropriate eating plan
• Medication
3. Osteoporosis
• Often referred to as “the silent thief”. It is a silent progressive disease that leads to a decrease in bone mass and consequently loss of structural strength. A fall could lead to an unexpected fracture and result in a total life-changing experience.
Management may include:
• Exercising
• Appropriate eating plan (this should be started several years before we attain the high-risk age )
• Medication
This disease is a classic example of “prevention is better than cure” Do not wait till it strikes.
The list of life-style diseases goes on and on and the management dear reader remains the same.
Exercising and eating appropriately are high PRIORITY activities. So “JUST DO IT” – A phrase borrowed from NIKE.
Email: kcessel@yahoo.com
Website: www.healthclubsgh.com