Step Away 5K: What Does Healthy Mean?

Today there was a group of us talking about my blog and the question came up: “What does healthy mean?”  A good question and it sparked a great debate.

My Healthy Resources
Before I go on let me state again for the record I am not a physician.  Nor do I have any medical training.   What I do have is years of paying attention to medical guidelines, the knowledge garnered from working with healthcare professionals for many years, and knowing that being healthy is not a one stop shopping mart.

What Works
If you’ve been reading this blog, you know I’ve been guiding my sister through her weight loss and healthy lifestyle challenge. The goal to lose weight was a need expressed by both she and her doctors. Together we developed a plan to accomplish her goals, constantly revising as we learned what works and doesn’t work for her.

Don’t Believe the Hype
We’ve all heard or felt the messaging that to be beautiful or healthy, we must be slim.  That’s so bogus.  The questions we should be asking ourselves are:

• Do we eat right?
• Do we get enough exercise?
• Are we taking care of ourselves both mentally and physically?

Period.

The Greatest Gift
One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is to own our health.  Before embarking on some great diet and exercise plan go to your healthcare provider for a physical examination.  Listen to closely to what he or she is saying.  Ask questions and together set reasonable goals.

Learn what “healthy” is for you.

Helpful Links
Prevent Cancer Foundation Eat Healthfully page
Healthfinder.gov Quick Guide to Healthy Living
Dr. Ann’s Very Best General Nutrition Tips
American Dietetic Association Eat Right Nutrition Tips