Health reform begins with you

By Dr. Mark J. Tyler

In the continuing national debate on the reforms for our health care and its delivery, I believe one important component has not been addressed or truly appreciated. That is you.

You and you alone have the greatest impact on your health and the collective health of this nation.

Our existence on this earth is finite. What we do with our health as we mature greatly determines not only the quantity of our existence, but the quality of it also. Recognizing that disease states and conditions beyond our control do impact our health is a given. A good share of our population however, have habits that are detrimental and will negatively impact their longevity as they mature.

Each of us was designed to carry an ideal weight for a reason. Our body functions best within a given weight range as we age, both physically and mentally.

Obesity adds tremendous risk factors that adversely affect our health. This list would include diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol and lipids) much less the risks for a heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and respiratory problems as well as degenerative arthritis.

You can also dedicate yourself to minimizing alcohol and cigarettes, if not stopping completely. The medications for smoke cessation are about equal to the cost of a pack of cigarettes per day or less.

We need to take charge of our own health and ensure that we do everything possible to live a healthy lifestyle.

We can eat better by making a choice for nutritious meals versus calorie-laden snack food.

We need to exercise regularly in the form that gives our body and mind a good and sustainable cardiovascular workout.

Many pursuits are there for your choosing. Just commit yourself to the task of maintaining your regimen year around. You will feel better, you will sleep better and you will handle stress more effectively and your self image will be given a major boost. You are doing something for yourself that will add years of enjoyment to your life and minimize the health problems that could adversely affect you as you mature.

So let the reform begin with you. Take charge of the choices that will benefit you in so many ways as your years advance. It may be one of the hardest decisions you make to start and to continue down this path, but you will feel better and you will minimize ill health and illnesses.

What better reward could you ask for?

Dr. Mark J. Tyler is a physician from Cedar Rapids.