There are three fundamental principles to living well. The first is eating healthily. This is not as simple as it seems anymore because we are assailed by so many choices in our culture, and also because it seems that every
There are three fundamental principles to living well. The first is eating healthily. This is not as simple as it seems anymore because we are assailed by so many choices in our culture, and also because it seems that every time we turn around new research has determined that something is either good for you or it is not.
The second fundamental principle is moving around, getting exercise and being active. Little children know this instinctively. They move around all the time because it is natural and healthy to do so. After sitting at a desk for years in school and then getting a job where most likely you are sitting at a desk, we tend to forget this basic principle of living well. Exercise and activity is also an area where there is all kinds of choices and information and misinformation
The third aspect of living a successful healthy life is to have a strong social network of like minded people who you can trust, relate to and who support you. This is something that is important not only to lend joy to your life, but also years to your life just as eating well and strategic exercising promise to do.
This past week, there were two health fairs in the Lihu‘e area. One was last Saturday and the other this past Tuesday. The Tuesday one focused on senior wellness and the Saturday one was for anyone interested in looking at options and becoming more educated on various aspects of health.
At both health fairs, there was an atmosphere of Aloha. Service providers and care providers were all in attendance to help and serve the attendees. It is within this circle that I find my support system and the community of like minded people.
The wonderful thing about attending such get-togethers is that it gives you an opportunity to sample services, get to know the people who specialize in various modalities, make comparisons and to learn if something feels right for you. It also is generally fun and entertaining.
Although achieving health is really not much more complex than eating healthily, exercising strategically and associating with support positive people, unraveling the truth from the fiction can be a little more difficult. The food selections and the exercise choices that you make must fit into your lifestyle, as well as take into consideration any health challenges that you have. Not all choices will be right for you, and working with a professional who takes the time to really get to know you, your preferences, your health background, your family’s health background and other lifestyle considerations pays off towards getting you started down the right path. This is true in both reforming your nutritional needs as well as your physical fitness requirements.
As for forming solid friendships and relationships, the best way is to think about the things that are most important to you in life, and then join a club or an association with those factors in mind. Go to events that interest you and see who else is there. Sometimes wonderful friendships start in just such simple ways. Family can be a great source of support, but not always. Friends are those you chose to be in your life and can be the very best support and provider of fun. You can always find new friends if the old ones do not support and care for you, or if it is a one sided relationship. Sometimes you must make these tough decisions to keep your own mental and social health strong.
Our health depends on mental and social health as well as physical health. It is important to get out and meet people, form associations, and have fun. The old saying is that; “it is simple but not always easy.”
For those who cannot get out, there are volunteer organizations that will come in and provide companionship. There are also other organizations that will provide services and companionship for a fee.
The health fairs of this past week were fine examples of the community coming together to provide information, services, fun and an opportunity to socialize. If you missed them, be sure to catch the next ones and see who you can meet to help you become the best you can be.
Please send me any questions that you might have about exercises, nutrition or wellness.
• Jane Riley, B.A., C.P.T., C.N.A., can be reached at 808-212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
