Return on Life: Let's not lose ground!

I read a scary report today, originally published in the Washington Post. For the first time in a long time, we are beginning to see a shortening of life expectancy. Right now it's being seen more in rural and low income areas, but don't think it can't spread.

According to the report, the "trend appears to be driven by increases in death from diabetes, lung cancer, emphysema and kidney failure. You may know this already, but the drastic rise in diabetes is in large part due to obesity, inactivity and stress. Lung cancer is tied to smoking. And recent research shows that emphysema may be at least partially an autoimmune disease triggered by stress. All of these are under our control.

I find it difficult to believe that, living in a country where we have such freedom in what we do, so many of us choose to be SO self-indulgent, that we're actually killing ourselves earlier than 20 years ago! Believe me, it's not about never eating another donut or running marathons. It IS about making some basic changes that will not make you miserable but WILL make your life more enjoyable and longer.

If you are conscious of eating in a healthy manner and you are active most days of the week, congratulations! Perhaps you can help motivate your family, friends, and co-workers to do the same. If you are NOT eating well and are sedentary, get up right now and go for a 10 minute walk! Then do it again tomorrow. Even small steps help make a difference over time.

We really are at a turning point--as demonstrated by the fact that despite medical advances and access to healthful food and myriad opportunities to stay active, we have begun to succeed in counteracting all of this. Don't become part of the "I'm going to live a shorter life" statistics. Do what you can to be healthy as long as you're here, and you'll help reverse this disturbing trend!