By Stephen Pont, MD, MPH.
The year 2013 is almost here and that will make us all a year older. For me that means turning 40 and definitely a check-up with my doctor.
Like many American adults, and especially men, I’ve not seen a doctor for quite a while. Nothing is falling apart too badly yet, but I am a bit slower and a bit heavier. So in addition to thinking about my patients’ health, I’m now thinking more about my own.
Through working with some community groups over the last few months, I’ve become more conscious of my own health choices. Austin’s Dove Springs and Eastside communities have been challenging themselves with a growing number of health goals. They asked me to issue their challenges and, through doing so, I’ve also challenged myself with some new goals and healthy changes.
Previously, I went through many days where all I would drink was coffee and diet cola, but since taking the “no soda during the school week” challenge I rarely have any soda, and now I drink much more water and unsweetened iced tea and green tea. Occasionally I’ll add a splash of 100 percent fruit juice to a large glass of water if I’m craving a bit of flavor.
Since taking the physical activity challenge, I’ve been much more faithful to getting at least two and a half hours of exercise each week, and am feeling much better for it. And I’m not stopping there; I’d really like to get in an hour a day of good physical activity. For me to be active, it depends on the day; sometimes I take my dogs for a jog, make it to a martial arts class with my sons, or stop by the YMCA on the way home for a quick workout. Just find out what works for you, based on your interest, your time and your availability.
So where do you stand? Are you ready to make a healthy change for the New Year, too? Start with something small, but do start. Start for yourself or, if not for yourself, then start for your family or friends. If your mom, dad, grandma, uncle or best friend starts to do something, then it means that it is important, and everyone else will be much more likely to follow.
Why not ask a friend or family member to make a change with you? Having a health partner will make it easier for you both to reach your goals through supporting each other and holding each other accountable.
Kids love to be active, too, so why not enjoy spending some active time with them? And they’ll certainly enjoy helping to remind you to be active!
I’ll definitely have a check-up when I turn 40, and I want to be as healthy as possible when that visit comes. If I need medicine, then I’ll take it – but how much better would it be if I could avoid it? Why not make exercise my medicine?
Since making these changes, I have more energy and feel less stressed. Exercise is my medicine. Can it be yours? Check out these websites if you’d like to learn more about others in Austin and across the United States who are challenging themselves to be healthier and who are feeling better, too! And even better, why not post your stories of success there for others to see?
dovespringshealthnet.blogspot.com
atxeastsidehealthnet.blogspot.com
www.bewellbook.org
Stephen Pont is the medical director at Dell Children’s Texas Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Obesity
