LITTLE ROCK — Too often, Americans believe that our physical appearance is the best measure of health. We strive for the perfect body (primarily by dieting, diet pills, rapid weight loss programs or perhaps an exercise DVD that sits unused in the cabinet). We hope for youthful skin, masking age with expensive facial creams that promise the impossible, injections that paralyze muscles and even plastic surgery to tighten, lift and “rejuvenate.” Especially as the new year approaches, Americans will do anything to “get into shape” - but who’s shape should we get into?
When it comes to getting into shape, we need to change the slogan to “find your own healthy shape.” Your shape - the shape of your body, the shape of your health, and the shape of your life - is very personal and unique. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to health. It takes so much more than fitting into those skinny jeans to be healthy.
So when you consider your health plans for the new year, take some time to re-evaluate and expand your definition of “shape.” Do not just center your goals on losing those extra pounds. Finding your healthy shape requires a comprehensive approach that involves virtually every element of your life.
First, start with the basics. Instead of dieting, commit to learning more about food. Understand that the key to health is eating more of the right foods, not just less of the wrong. Eat the right fats (olive oil, canola oil and omega 3 fatty acids), the right protein (lean meats and fatty fish), more fruits and vegetables, and more whole-grain carbohydrates.
Don’t worry about how much you weigh - worry about how much you move. Living an active life is strongly linked to health, happiness and longevity. Get more exercise, but make sure you find an activity that fits into your lifestyle. We are not all meant to run marathons or be iron men! You do not even need to be “athletic.” Just find an exercise routine that fits your shape. It must be attainable, consistent and should always include a healthy mix of stretching, balance, weight training and aerobic activity.
Next, finding your healthy shape requires you to move beyond fitness and nutrition. Are you passionate about what you do? Do you love life and find joy in your friends, family and community? If not, make a change. Having passion and enthusiasm for life is a huge element of your health.
Along with passion comes love. Men and women who experience love live much longer than those who do not. Having a loving partner or friend to share your life absolutely promotes health. This particularly applies to men, who live 10 years longer if they are in long-standing, monogamous relationships. Loneliness must be avoided at all costs and love should be cultivated whenever possible.
Another crucial element of finding your shape is maintaining good self-esteem. Studies conducted by the Commonwealth Fund have shown that self-love, or high self-esteem, is among the most powerful predictors of longevity. You must feel goodabout yourself, your image and your body. If you do not love yourself, you will never be satisfied and your health will suffer.
Remember the shape of your spiritual health as well. Whether you are religious or not, we can all benefit from the core tenets of all spiritual teachings: to be a good person, treat others kindly, give of yourself and forgive those around you. Find more faith in yourself and in those around you; it will not only cultivate a sense of peace but also benefit your physical health.
Lastly, be more educated and more empowered about your health. Have regular medical checkups and require your primary-care physician to focus on early detection and prevention. If you develop an illness, learn as much as possible about the problem and become actively involved in treatment decisions.
In the end, finding your healthy shape is easy - it’s intuitive. Be a good person and make every effort possible to live a healthy life. Find more passion, be more faithful, get more active and be more loving. Remember, the pursuit of health happens every day, in every aspect of your life. So don’t wait!
Dr. David Lipschitz is the director of The Longevity Center at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center. More information is available at:
drdavidhealth.com
Northwest Profile, Pages 40 on 12/27/2009