Before and after pics are all over social media- and they draw us in, don’t they? Dramatic weight loss, reduction of wrinkles and saggy skin, and a new 6 pack of abs are so attractive and so “sexy”, right?
I won’t comment on photoshop and filters, because let’s face it, some of these things may actually be real…I have no way of knowing.
But here is what I do know…
Prevention is “sexy” too!
It may not seem attractive or exciting to the average person to try to fix something before it’s broken, or avoid an illness or diagnosis we never know if we will get or not, and frankly, there are no before and after pics!
We can’t tell the future, but we do know statistically, that if we do nothing and live eating the standard American diet, and follow the standard American lifestyle, we will be at risk.
Half of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a heart attack, with 50% of those resulting in death.
Every 3 1/2 minutes, someone will die of a stroke in the US.
1.4 million new cases of type 2 diabetes are diagnosed every year.
Autoimmune diseases, mental health disorders and obesity are on the rise too.
Prevention is the best way to know you are healthy. And by prevention, I am not talking about secondary “prevention” measures to make sure you don’t have a second heart attack. I am talking about primary prevention. The measures taken to greatly reduce risk and do everything humanly possible to avoid an illness, diagnosis or traumatic health event. Habits to ensure you are truly healthy.
Remember, the absence of a diagnosis is not health.
And what is showing up on the outside, is not always a reflection of health status. There are plenty of thin people out there who are struggling with inflammation, mental health issues and digestive disorders like Crohns and IBS. Don’t judge a book by the cover….we can all “get sexy” and practice sustainable and enjoyable habits that will help us reduce the liklihood that we will join the statistics above.
Does this sound like something you want, but don’t know where to start?
Consider joining us in on of my subscription-based health communities. Check out the link here.
And if you just want to consult with me to see where I can help, please reach out here by replying to this email, and let’s plan a 20 minute consult to see if I’m a good fit for you. No pressure, and no worries if not. I'd love to get caught up with you and know what is happening in your life!
And remember, YOU are Amazing!
~Michelle