Destination Wellness

Staying healthy and independent is a lifelong job. And with more of us living longer, life itself has definitely become a marathon. Yet few Americans of any age get enough exercise. We eat too much and too many high-fat, highly processed foods and drinks. And obesity is becoming a major killer. When we look at the numbers, it's clear that our bad habits are making us sick and are tiring medical resources:

• More than half of all people 50+ have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or some other chronic condition.
• 65 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. Obesity is associated with significantly increased risk of adult-onset diabetes, hypertension, certain forms of cancer and osteoarthritis.
• Diabetes is on the rise, with an estimated 14.6 million Americans already diagnosed and another 6.2 million unaware they have the disease. The American Diabetes Association puts the financial toll of diabetes at $132 billion annually.

While not a lot can be done about the health effects of things like genetics and accidents, we can affect the majority of health outcomes by taking responsibility for our own health. Nancy E.'s journey toward wellness started on a cruise, where she said "bon voyage" to years of overeating and too little exercise. The Lambertville, NJ native was overwhelmed by the volume and variety of food. But rather than picking up a fork and making food the focal point of her trip, Nancy realized that food would always be there, but the ocean view would not. The first day of the cruise Nancy chose an "eat to live" philosophy over "live to eat." Eight years have gone by and Nancy has shed pounds and many sizes of clothing. In return, she's gained life experiences like taking yoga and ballroom dancing with her husband. Highlighting some of her experiences, Nancy wrote to us:

I used to work at a plus-size clothing store. The owner often kept a supply of cream puffs and pastries on hand for the shoppers, saying 'they didn't become my customers by breathing air.' We'd all laugh while eating éclairs. What I didn't realize was that the éclairs, the donuts, and the cookies, were really stealing the fun from life. I can't tell you how much more I enjoy, and feel better for, a brisk walk or bike ride along the river - or even making a healthy dinner for my family to enjoy. Simple pleasures, not the sugar-laden, are where I've found the most joy.

As dangerous as obesity is to our health, there is an even greater threat. The most accurate predictor of premature death - more than a history of smoking, a high cholesterol level, or obesity - is poor physical fitness. We recently received this motivational story from someone who'd finally reached her tipping point:

I haven't made exercise a priority since high school. I had a million excuses: student, career, mom, etc. I realized this summer that if I didn't build exercise into my day, it just wouldn't happen. I started riding my bike to the subway, when traffic delays made commuting frustrating. I ride three or so times a week. Just 15 hilly minutes to and from, and I've lost 15 pounds without modifying my eating habits. More important, I have a built-in release at the start and end of my day. I've always heard about how addictive working out, running or cycling can be. Now I believe it.

While diet and exercise clearly play a role in staying healthy, wellness can mean much more. Things like improving your balance with simple at-home routines can help prevent falls and injury. Likewise, a yearly flu shot goes a long way in preventing the flu. Even bringing along a brown bag of every medication and supplement you take to your next doctor's appointment can eliminate the potential of adverse reactions.

Besides our individual responsibility to staying health, employers and the government can and must also contribute to improved wellness. To reach the goal of a healthier America, communities need to be safe and conducive to exercise, with sidewalks and well-lit streets. Every neighborhood should have easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables. And workplaces need to make sure employees are taking some time to take care of themselves, for their own sake and the sake of the company. A recent study by the Business Roundtable found that many employers today understand that helping their employees become better health care consumers means giving them the tools to stay well, not just helping them heal from sickness or injury. And it's not just individuals who are benefiting from the programs. A study sponsored by Standard Life Healthcare showed that wellness programs actually reduce health-care costs. In fact, Phillips Unilever showed a 26.1% savings in health care costs, thanks to its wellness program.

Nearly all of us have a little room for improvement in our lives. Whether it's making healthier snack choices, taking a daily walk, working on our posture or flexibility, removing trip hazards from our home, or calling an old friend to laugh and relax more, there are many paths toward wellness, we just need to take them.

Share Your Thoughts

We'd like to hear from you. Tell us how you’re improving your life through wellness. Do you exercise regularly or eat healthy meals? Share your story and inspire others.