My Fitness Coach Blog

You may have recently heard this news about a study published in the Public Library of Science. The analysis was conducted by researchers at Harvard University, the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Washington. The research showed that the 1.3 year decrease (between 1983 and 1999) was primarily in southern and Appalachian areas due to an increased rate in obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and smoking.

You might think this news is not as significant since it was found primarily in poor, rural areas and the number of years is not extraordinarily high. Unfortunately, this localized problem may be a harbinger of a future and bigger threat to women’s health, especially since it stems primarily from the lifestyle choices we all make (many of which are admittedly poor).

Stress levels are at an all-time high, and we manage our stress by smoking, drinking alcohol and eating poorly. Sure, we might exercise and eat vegetables, but how much do we sabotage those valiant efforts by making rash, poor choices? How many times have you eaten fattening, sugary and salty food in response to your emotions? How many times have you put off exercise, claiming to feel too tired, busy or stressed? How many times have you acted out toward a loved one because you could not handle your overwhelming life?

I have done these things, too. But I’ve also learned in the process. I’ve determined that my health and wellness are more important than a job, than social activities and house work. I learned how to read my emotions and how to listen to my body. I’m not perfect, but I have taken many steps toward my vision of ideal wellness. It is a lifelong journey, but we do get better at it if we work at it!

I hope that you treat yourself well today, and that you listen just a little more closely to what you need, not simply what you want. Perhaps together, we can help turn this study around next time!