The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Keep illness out, treat your body like a temple
By Sherry Arnett, Guest Writer
PUBLISHED: March 20, 2008
After being a Physical Therapist Assistant for close to 20 years, I have watched the human body respond to and revolt against medical and pharmaceutical interventions given to aid in healing and rehabilitate people from various ailments.
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As I neared the end of my career in the medical field I realized my greatest discovery was how incredibly important stewardship of our own bodies impacts our lives.
This even applies to people who have had strokes, accidents or genetic illnesses.
When people have a history of taking care of their bodies by eating well, getting good rest and participating in life through exercise or sporting pursuits, they ultimately become the best person they have the power to be physically and mentally, regardless of circumstances.
I also realized this is a "Catch-22" situation. We tell ourselves we will exercise when we feel better, yet we may only feel better after we begin to exercise.
A person with Type II diabetes, family history of heart disease, cancer recovery or even clinical depression may feel exercise or eating better is not going to help them feel better.
Why do we hesitate to turn to diet and exercise to help improve our well-being?
The answer is complicated; we become overwhelmed if we have a lot of weight to lose, or a new medical diagnosis to manage, or an accident to recover from.
We also can become anxious, irritable, angry and filled with self-doubt or hopelessness.
Sometimes we allow these feelings to prevent us from going to the gym or simply going outside for a walk.
Stewardship or caring for our bodies can start by taking a 10-minute walk at lunch, then after a week or two add 10 minutes after dinner and build from there.
It is a medical fact that a goal of 30 minutes of exercise five days a week significantly changes mental and physical well-being.
This small amount of exercise has been shown to lower risk of heart attack, stroke, depression and even cancer.
People would be surprised to discover how vibrant and fun your life can be with small changes in fitness levels.
One should focus exercises on activities of daily living - in other words, focus on making your bodies stronger so you may live better every day.
Exercise and move your way into better medical and mental health. Think of your time as an investment into your retirement fund.
I know from experience that good health and ability to move without pain is priceless, and all the 401(k)s in the world won't do us any good if we can't get off the sofa to walk out our front door.
Start exercise in small increments, and work out with a friend. They can keep you strong in your exercise resolve - and if you want, my husband (and co-manager) can even give you a phone call and pester you to get you motivated on your lazy days.
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