SO WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY HEALTH?
Some will say the doctor. Some say the healthcare system (whatever that is). There are people who say the government should be responsible. Some say that the environment is responsible for ruining their health. Their job – long hours, bosses and customers who are demanding and creating stress, work that keeps them sitting at a desk all day. The fast food industry. Today’s entertainment – television, computer games. An interesting list of responses – or excuses.
OH COME ON, ACT LIKE AN ADULT AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR HEATLH
These responses miss the point. Who is responsible for your health? Honestly, the answer is ridiculously simple. I am responsible for my health; you are responsible for your health. We need act like adults – and actually pay attention to what we eat, get some base level of exercise, stop doing stupid things (no smoking, use my seatbelt, use sunscreen, go to the doctor for regular screenings/check ups). It’s not rocket science.
Let's face it: the vast majority of chronic diseases are caused by choices people make - in food and in avoidance of physical exercise. About two-thirds of the American population routinely avoids physical exercise. The research for over twenty years has proven that these choices are creating sick people. And then those people say, “Doctor, please cure me, or give me something that will solve my problem." What goes unsaid is the rest of that thought, which is "...and I have this problem because I haven't been taking care of myself." That response is costing us a lot of money. Healthcare costs are high, healthcare insurance is unbelievably expensive.
People say they want to get healthier. That they are trying to eat healthier. And that they would exercise if they knew how or had the time. People are kind of stuck in their bad behaviors.
WHAT IS THE CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY?
The corporation provides healthcare insurance benefits. It is a costly benefit. Corporations can help control and manage this cost by helping people figure out how to live/be healthier. There are some interesting ways to do this. Go to Proactive Partners site to hear about very cost effective ways to help employees – visit www.beproactive.com. Or go to www.take5moment.com. Good ideas there as well.
Some other sites that might be worth your time to learn more:
www.about-personal-growth.com/health.html
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyliving/
"For most of us, health will depend not on who we are, but on how we live. The body you have at 40, 60 or 80 is the body you deserve, the body that reflects your behavior." Dr Harvey Simon
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