The Hard Truth: Taking Responsibility for Your Health

I wonder if many people understand what is happening and what it means to each and every one of us. While everyone likes to see the insurance companies as big, bad corporations disinterested in the well being of the average Joe, the average Joe has taken advantage of insurance companies to the point that the premium pool is dangerously close to being insufficient in handling the claims the companies are forced to pay. Frankly put, the American public has an expectation of being cared for that far exceeds the available resources. 

How sad is it that research money is having to be used to try and find better treatments for heart disease when it's the single most preventable chronic disease? And, even when faced with irrefutable evidence that lifestyle changes need to be made immediately to protect themselves from impending serious health issues, most people find excuses instead. Nobody has a problem chasing the dollar but, for some reason, sees a problem with incorporating 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in the daily schedule. Parents would die for their children, but won't cook for them.

We are actually flirting with the possibility that we could have a decimation of human population equal to the Black Plaque within the next 100 years, simply because our bodies are too weak to withstand a serious pandemic. Let that fact sink in. Now, maybe you're one of those people who thinks, "So what? I'll be long gone by then." And, if that's your true feelings on the existence of your progeny, stop reading now and enjoy your double fudge ice cream with whipped cream. Namaste. 

However, if you've ever watched a person struggle through the recovery of a stroke or deal with the consequences of having a foot amputated because of diabetes, I invite you to read on, think and, ultimately, act.

I watched both my parents die suffering, because they were selfish and lazy. Diagnosed with serious health issues, they chose to treat symptoms with prescription medication, rather than address causes by making lifestyle changes. I'm not saying their demise would have been any easier had they chosen to make an effort. But, I do know retiring to a bed to wait for death is not an option I would choose. But, the American public is about to get a rude awakening by being faced with exactly that same decision...continue life as usual or make an effort to help themselves.

It's time the American public starts accepting the realization they are at risk for a health disaster. And, frankly, there's no one to point the finger at but the person in the mirror. But, the good news is, the problem is correctable. It means not eating to the point of discomfort, denying ourselves unrestricted indulgence in foods we know are unhealthy, being willing to sweat through some physical activity on a regular basis and no longer pretending that healthy cooking is an unnecessary chore.

And, there's the rub, isn't it? Whether it's comfortable to admit it or not, the majority of Americans have become indolent, self-indulgent and indifferent to consequences. We know medical science is going to provide a panacea that helps us mask the discomfort and ignore the issues. As long as there is a pill to make us feel better, everything is fine, right? Guess what, that pill costs money.

So, reality check. Do you eat healthy or are you in line at the fast food drive-thru more often than in the kitchen? Is most of your food in the freezer in handy-dandy disposable plastic trays with a expiration date of some time next year? Do you devote some time each day to actual physical activity that requires movement of your body faster than window shopping and makes your heart beat faster?

We've allowed our priorities to become dangerously skewed. It's time to throw out the excuse of busyness, and start taking care of business. It's not rocket science. It's more important than that. For the sake of our economy and future generations, it's time to get strong and healthy. 

Resolutions Revisited

Here we are, at the end of January. How’s everyone doing on your New Year’s resolutions?

Some of mine are future goals, requiring months of planning. (See “Shifting Gears” post below.) I have managed to sustain my commitment to lower my stress level by escaping into some leisure reading — two books this month, Endurance (Shackleton gave new meaning to the term “having a bad day”) and Reign of Madness (about Juana of Castille… classic example of the Women's Movement being long overdue). I participated in a hard hat tour of the Kansas City Museum being established in Corinthian Hall and was so impressed, I became a donating member. (I highly recommend this tour if you live locally. It’s only $5 and the curator is an entertaining guide.) I’m still trying to work out some volunteer time with the Kansas City Historic Foundation.  And, I’ve managed to sock a little money into my savings (needless to say, no link provided here). Surprisingly, my fail has been in trying a new restaurant this month. What can I say? It's hard enough to stay within my daily limit of 1,200 calories without using up half of them in one meal dining out.  And, I haven’t found a restaurant with a low calorie menu that makes my taste buds tingle in anticipation, especially when I can prepare an outrageously delicious low calorie dish at home (this recipe is incredibly healthy, easy and tasty, even as leftovers). I may have to change this resolution to be one of just finding restaurants with healthy, low-cal menus besides the prerequisite grilled salmon with steamed vegetables. Got any recommendations?

My No. 1 resolution was to work out at least five hours a week. I’ve had to make a slight adjustment to that goal. It became clear to me that I was trying to work a fantasy body with a reality regimen. I think the proper term would be “ego check.”  At any rate, I’ve only been able to manage a maximum of four hours a week. It has meant some changes in lifestyle that I never would have thought I would be able to tolerate — for instance, getting up at 5:30 a.m. in order to go to the Y and still have time to shower and get ready for work.  Working out at night didn’t seem like a good idea to me… trying to wind down for bedtime with all those hormones, like endorphins, thyroxine and epinephrine, running amok in a body that is already confused by the switch between estrogen and testosterone levels. Stop the madness! Besides, at 6 p.m., my body switches over to zombie mode. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to stereotype zombies or imply they aren’t physically fit; however, I’ve never seen one on a treadmill, in movies or real life. Just sayin’. I used to think that the only people who get up before dawn every morning are the ones whose job is to have an up-close-and-personal relationship with protein in its natural state — warm and breathing. I have a little experience with farm life. It’s why I work in an office. So far, though, the early morning roust is working surprisingly well.

But, the resolutions are just mileposts in a journey, right? It’s all about setting up a lifestyle that will provide a fulfilling life after retirement and beyond, physically, mentally and emotionally. Baby boomers have the proud legacy of setting the standard for social awareness. We’ve never been satisfied with a status quo.  I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition and being a part of the “social revolution” that forever changes the attitudes on aging, even within our own age group. Why, we’re just getting our second wind! There’s still so much to do!!  

The Joy of Cooking is Not Just a Book

When I take one of my home-cooked dishes to work to share with my colleagues, I almost always hear someone say, “I wish I had time to cook.” That remark always takes me by surprise. My first flash-thought is, “Umm, what do you eat?” And, then it hits me. Have you ever noticed how many restaurants there are nowadays? In a three-mile radius of my home, I can name 25 without even giving it much thought. TWENTY-FIVE! And, the sad new is, three-quarters of them are fast food, such as McDonald’s, KFC, Little Caesar’s. My next thought is always, why would a person not make time to lovingly prepare a beautiful and healthy meal, enjoying the aromas of cooking and the peace of home; but, choose instead a meal prepared by a total stranger with unknown ingredients, to eat in a noisy restaurant with the prerequisite unhappy child crying somewhere? I totally get that working folks have to deal with a stricter schedule, but do the math. Are those few minutes you save by using the drive-through at KFC worth the risk of losing out on long-term quality, independent life in your later years?

It’s an obvious fact. Everywhere we look there are signs that we Americans are killing ourselves, not to mention guaranteeing obesity and shorter life spans for our children, with our fast-food, damn the calories, full fat ahead eating preferences. Don’t get me wrong… I enjoy eating out. Trying new restaurants is one of my favorite pastimes. And, I love a really good hamburger, but what I make at home makes a Big Mac look like road kill. Plus, I get to choose the soundtrack. 

Maybe it’s just me, but in the time it takes to decide where to eat, drive to the restaurant, wait for seating, peruse the menu, wait for the waiter to fulfill the order, eat, pay the check and drive home, I can cook the food I want to eat, in my jammies, and I don’t even have to comb my hair. I think if everyone were to be brutally honest, it really comes down to the planning and the — dum, dum, DUMMMMM — clean-up. Puh-leeze! Can you say dishwasher? Garbage disposal? C’mon, you know who you are.

So, let’s break it down. Here are some cold hard facts about health issues for older folks:

·     Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. The average age for heart attack in men is 66; in women, 70.

·     Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., and the American Cancer Society says poor diet is accountable for 35 percent of the cases.

·     Almost 27 percent of people over the age of 65 in the U.S. have diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney disease. The risk of death doubles for people with diabetes compared to the same age group without diabetes and was the underlying cause listed on 15 percent of death certificates issued in 2010.

·    The Alzheimer’s Association reports that, of Americans aged 65 and older, one in eight has Alzheimer’s, which is the 5^th leading cause of death for that age group.

The Centers for Disease Control has reported that almost all heart disease and adult-onset diabetes is preventable. And, while Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented, its onset can be delayed. And, guess what, folks… a healthy diet is listed as either the number one or number two most effective prevention in each of these late-life diseases. For seniors, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times and better management of chronic health problems. As we age, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. I think we can all agree, there’s not much point in living longer if the quality of life is impaired by a serious disease state. But, for the generation who swore to never get old, it appears to be a no-brainer. You are what you eat. Fill your body with junk, and that's exactly what it becomes... a piece of junk.

Of course, I love to cook and realize this is all a matter of perspective. So, for those of you who have seen too many episodes of Hell's Kitchen, let me see if I can help banish your fears. Here are a few of my Culinary 101 hints:

·    Research on the Internet. Google low calorie recipes. You will be blown away by how many there are in cyberspace.

·   Start with casseroles. They’re easy, practically fool-proof and don’t require a lot of clean-up.

·   Invest in a crock pot. You can cook almost anything in it, even chocolate cake, and it's really hard to burn or overcook.

·    Buy a steamer. It’s a two-fer… a great sauce pot for cooking soups or pasta; add the insert and steam any fresh veggies you want in about 10 minutes. Talk about fast food! It provides healthy cooking with easy clean-up.

·    Measuring cups and spoons are necessary, but don’t go all OCD on getting the measurements exactly right. It’s not brain surgery.

·    A couple of good sharp knives are a must. Starting out, I recommend a chef’s knife and a paring knife.

·    Improvisation is the basis of culinary genius, so experiment!!

·    Relax, pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy getting to know your inner child… Julia Child, that is!

Now, “Get out in that kitchen and rattle those pots and pans."