Long Life is a blessing. Even more so when you enjoy good health. The United States spends about 16% of its Gross National Product on Health Care, the second highest in the world.
"Current estimates put U.S. health care spending at approximately 16% of GDP, second highest to East Timor (Timor-Leste) among all United Nations member nations. The Health and Human Services Department expects that the health share of GDP will continue its historical upward trend, reaching 19.5 percent of GDP by 2017. Of each dollar spent on health care in the United States 31% goes to hospital care, 21% goes to physician services, 10% to pharmaceuticals, 8% to nursing homes, 7% to administrative costs, and 23% to all other categories (diagnostic laboratory services, pharmacies, medical device manufacturers, etc." (source)
Note that very little is spent on "prevention". Imagine the following: You buy a new car. You open the glove compartment and there is no manual. You don't learn about rotating your tires, changing your oil or flushing your engine. When you do learn of these things, you find that no-one offers these services in your area. Instead, you find a that your region is overpopulated with "car mechanics" that only know how to fix your car when it breaks down.
Welcome to the United States Health Care system.
Our schools teach kids how to use a condom, various birth control methods and physical anatomy, but they spend almost zero time teaching our kids proper nutrition, hygene, or prevention. The car mechanics have taken over the system.
You can blame part of it on the pharmaceutical industry, which makes billions by convincing you that you are sick and need their new "designer drugs" to feel better. Months later, you will the learn that the side-effects were more severe than what was earlier reported and instead of drug commercials, you will start seeing attorney commercials.
Such is the state of healthcare in America.
So, back to prevention.
Your body needs certain things in order to function properly:
1. Good Nutrition:
I learned a simple trick from the diabetic diet. Take your plate. Cover one half in leafy vegetables, carrots, celery, etc. Cover 1/4 in protein (meat, soy, whatever) and take the remaining 1/4 and cover it in carbohydrates (bread, pasta, fruit etc.). That, my friends, is a balanced diet.
a. Eat six meals per day instead of just 3. Actually, its 3 meals and three snacks. I recommend protein bars or fiber bars, or rotate between the two.
b. Stop eating two hours before you go to bed. Your stomach will be empty. You will lose weight and you will have enjoy a deeper sleep. All, very healthy.
c. Eat fruit instead of sugar. Apples are great.
d. Find a supplement program that works. I have tried many, and my favorite is by far "shen nutrition". You can see their ad at the top of this site.
2. Exercise:
I have a dog and he likes to go on walks. Dogs are a great way to get your exercise. Walk after dinner, or in the morning. Start off with 20 minutes and build to thirty minutes per day.
a. Join a gym and get a personal trainer. My son is my personal trainer and he keeps me motivated. All my kids are built like Sherman tanks because I took them to the gym when they turned 12 and kept them at it. Now, they return the favor.
b. Take protein supplements if you lift weights. I also drink Creatine before my workout.
3. Hygene: washing your hands after you have contact with others, or the things of others, will do more than anything else to stop you from catching their illnesses. Get anti-bacterial soap or those hand washers with alcohol. Shower daily, brush your teeth and floss. Don't share glasses or bottles with others. Keep your surroundings clean. Vacuum your mattress, it gets rid of dust-mites.
4. Dump Bad Habits: If it will kill you, or impair your health, you are much better off without it.
5. Avoid Stupid Risks: Drive responsibly, follow the rules of the road. Avoid activities that will probably leave you maimed or in a wheel chair. Yeah, you get a rush, but the next one could be a "rush" to the hospital. If you put yourself, or others in danger, don't do it.
Teach your kids these things because the system sure won't. I don't know about you, but I am all for putting a few car mechanics out of work. (Listen to Paul Live Tonight! : 4 PM Pacific-7 Eastern: Click Here)
