You Have A Right To Remain… Healthy

The health care debate resumes today in Washington with President Obama convening a Summit with Congress leaders to hash out government health care policy details. In the meantime, though, thousands of Americans live in fear, dreading the effects of falling ill.

What will happen if I get sick?

How much will it cost?

How will I be able to afford it?

These are just some of the questions plaguing ordinary Americans as Congress plays electoral politics.

If you are one of those lucky enough not to have lost your life in this process, you’ve probably given up on the whole fallacy that is the political process.

Take action!

Have a multi-prong, multilayered approach to your personal health care:

Politically: 

·         Find out the names of your political representatives in Congress: a quick Internet search is a good starting point.

·         Voice your healthcare concerns: Mail your letters to your representatives in Congress on a weekly or monthly basis; use the day or date of your birth as a memory cue.

·         Be an educated voter: Find out their position on healthcare and other issues important to you.

·         Spread the word: Talk to your friends, co-workers, family and acquaintances and encourage them to reach out to their representatives in Congress.

Physically:

·         Break a sweat: get yourself on a reasonable exercise program. If you are not physically impaired or limited, make the time for working out on a regular basis.

·         Monitor your weight regularly.

·         Monitor your health: If you have one, have a conversation with your personal doctor, voice your concerns and work together on creating solutions.

Nutritionally:

·         Create nutritionally sound eating habits by incorporating healthy choices into your diet.

·         Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits and leafy greens.

·         Check the labels on your groceries: make sure you get products low in artificial sweeteners, sodium, calories, trans and saturated fats.

These steps will not prevent you from life threatening events outside of your control. The purpose is to pinpoint things you can do to regain some measure of control over your life and your health.

You are the only one benefited by your good health care practices, why then, should you expect others to be as committed as you are to your own health care? Think about it. Now, let’s talk about You!