Dr. Hanna and I continue our discussion on making healthy choices for immediate and long term benefits on our health and well-being. The amount of sleep you get per night could affect your body weight, immunity to fight off colds, our moods and our driving. According to the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II Reference Group Executive Summary reported that inadequate sleep is one of the most commonly reported impediments to academic status. Smoking could cause immediate health effects which could include: Fatigue, throat irritation, erectile dysfunction in young males, breathing problems, increase in vulnerability to colds and other infections. Drinking alcohol could cause immediate health effects which could include: Reducing immediate health, reducing academic performance, increase risk of unintentional injuries (leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 44). When you and I are well nourished, fit, rested, free from the influence of nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs we are more likely to avoid illness, succeed in school, maintain supportive relationships, participate in meaningful work and community activities and enjoy our leisure time.
Rebecca Donatelle describes the choices you and I make on a daily basis are like seeds: Planting good seeds (behaviors) and nurturing them along the way (healthful choices) means you are more likely to enjoy the fruits of good health, including not only a longer life, but a higher quality of life. On the other hand, poor choices increase the likelihood of a shorter life, persistent illness, addiction, and other limitations on quality of life. In other words, "Successful aging begins now and takes a lifetime of positive choices."
Dr. Hanna and I discuss Dr. Scott Morris' book, "Health Care You Can Live With" focusing on the chapter titled "You Decide Your Own Health Care." Dr. Scott Morris notes far too many people expect something that is unlike to happen simply by random chance. More often we think, we can make choices that bring the "wow" factor to our lives in a more realistic way. Part of being healthy and living a whole life in spirit, mind and body is avoiding those moments when we feel like we are cramming for a final exam and everything depends on the out come of this one test. Always doing the minimum to catch up to where you should have been last week is no way to live. It's not healthy. It doesn't make you well explains Dr. Morris. Dr. Hanna and I close with some action steps that you and I can take to move us forward to living life with optimal health.