Written by: Becky Klahre, C.N.C., Certified Clinical Nutrition & Holistic Health Counselor

Q. Have you kept up with health care reform??

No, neither have I.

Like you, I have been busy. Busy working, running a business, running a home, staying on top of bills and taxes and working out; all the while trying to spend as much time with family and friends as possible…doesn’t leave much time for in-depth reading that begins to drone on and sound like Ben Stein in my head.

We sometimes get so caught up in our day to day “to do” lists that we rely on the collective “they” group to take care of the rest. You know them. They are the ones you hear about every day on the news…“they say to exercise at least 30 minutes per day…they say to eat 5-7 servings of fruits and veggies per day…they say we’ll all have health insurance and everything will be great for all”. In one week’s time women were told they didn’t need to start getting mammograms till they were 50 and that PAP tests aren’t necessary till a woman is in her 20’s. The “theys” are making us crazy!

It’s time to become your own advocate! I’m not saying to quit listening to the “theys”. What I am saying is that you need to take control of your own health. You need to know your body, know your history, and ask questions. We all make sure our cars are tuned and detailed; the oil changed, the tires rotated. We do this because we know if our cars fail, we can’t get to work or take the kids to school, etc. Life would virtually come to a halt. So why do we disrespect our bodies and take them for granted, assuming that they will just keep going without the proper fuel, the proper movement, the needed rest, play, and detailing? We overindulge in processed foods, sugar and alcohol, then pop pills hoping to reverse the effects of that lifestyle; all the while ignoring the side effects of the pills we are popping! It’s no wonder that diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol are all on the rise. One third of children born today will develop Type II diabetes.

Let’s stop putting duct tape on our health in hopes it will keep things together. Let’s start questioning the “theys”. How will this pill affect me? What happens to my body if I don’t exercise or get enough sleep? Our bodies are unique to us and have certain needs and requirements that may preclude us from being clumped into the collective “we”. There is no magic pill or fairy dust that will make it happen. Only you can make it happen… with the help of Healthy U.!

The New Year is a perfect time to start fresh with a new tact. Give your body a proper tune up. Let me help you detail your body from top to bottom, and from inside out. My three-month tune-up program will teach you about healthy, realistic nutrition as well as lifestyle changes that you and your family can make that will impact the rest of your life. Your tune up will be customized to fit your life, and its unique requirements. Are you on the road all day and find it’s hard to eat healthy? Do you travel a lot and can’t work out? These are some of the issues I deal with in establishing a realistic game plan. It’s not about deprivation and what you can’t have or do. It’s about enjoying fresh, healthy food and a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. It’s about recognizing that it’s your choice to live the vibrant life you deserve. Why not live it with gusto!