Boomers: Wake-Up Call To Action

Yesterday's Washington Post published an article by Rob Stein that suggested today's baby boomers are less healthy than their parents.  In fact, we may be the first generation in history to get that booby prize. Yes, we want to be referred to as the generation of firsts, but not when it comes to neglecting our most precious commodity - our health.  Are we nuts?  Have we gone completely mad?  Come on guys, we have no choice but to get back on track. 

This Post article, and others like it, are a huge wake up call.  This is serious stuff.  We're talking about our lives here!  Now is the time to step up to the plate and starting taking care of our most precious commodity.  If not now, when???

Our generation is plagued by obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease  and cancer.  There is something each one of can do to turn this downward spiral in an upward direction.  Yes, it takes work.  It means developing better disciplines, taking responsibility, and respecting our bodies.  But, that's a walk in the park compared to the morbid alternatives. 

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight and too many are still smoking. You know what kind of wear and tear that puts on your body.  And, apparently Generation V, (boomers who really eat well and exercise) are in the minority.  The Post article says baby boomers tend to be less physically active than their parents and grandparents.  We know why don't we?  Jobs that keep us in front of computers all day and using our cars lots more than our feet.

I know we all live a crazy paced life.  Between working, taking care of a home, and now for lots of us, taking care of aging parents, there is little time for the gym and cooking healthy meals.  But, look at it this way. How are the people who depend on us going to manage if all of a sudden we get sick, or worse.  It's not selfish to take care of yourself first, it's really become a necessity.

I'm not going to preach on how to live a healthy lifestyle.  You already know that.  Looking at the big picture can be very intimidating, so start small. Choose one thing you are going to do today that will stop your downward spiral.  Cut one thing out of your diet that you know isn't good for you, and replace it with one thing that is.  Make time for a 15 minute walk.  Spend 5 minutes appreciating someone or something in your life that makes you smile. 

Whatever you decide to do, it will be the beginning of a whole new you.  Let's show the world that the baby boomers are going to make this time in our lives, the healthiest best time in our lives.