Back in January, when we make New Year’s resolutions to clean up our act, I read this article in the Washington Post by Anita Huslin about understanding some of our bad habits. And then I filed it with the rest of my clutter, something I’ve been trying to get a handle on since, oh, grade-school.
It’s time to read the article again. Here are some excerpts. For the entire piece, "Are You Really Ready To Clean Up Your Act?" click here.
We're fat. We smoke. Drink too much. Don't exercise enough. And our stress levels are off the charts.We're killing ourselves, and we know it. And yet we carry on -- overeating, lighting up, slumping in front of the television and throwing back another beer -- inspiring some of the greatest thinkers in the worlds of genomics, neuroscience, biochemistry and evolutionary psychology to ponder the Big Mac of medical questions:
Why is it so hard for people to change?
Is it possible that we're missing a self-discipline gene? Unlikely, though recent research synthesized by the National Academy of Sciences suggests there may be combinations of genes and environmental factors that make it hard for some people to maintain control over their habits.
And every year, as if we had learned nothing from our past, we renew our vows to change. Then we crack open our wallets. In recent years: $63 billion on low-carb, low-fat, low-sugar, low-calorie foods; more than $1 billion on smoking cessation products and programs; $46 billion on diet and fitness programs, drugs and surgeries. At the same time, the nation's health-care industry spends hundreds of billions to treat preventable illnesses in a process that H.L. Mencken recognized decades ago: "The true aim of medicine," he said, "is not to make men virtuous; it is to safeguard and rescue them from the consequences of their vices."
In the end, what doctors and studies and experts have pointed out is that the thing that really helps to change behavior is something hard to measure but ultimately powerful.
Change comes from the heart, not the head.
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The first time I got drunk I was 5 years old I have drank off and on all my life.Which now Iam a senior I meet a very nice lady which is in the nursing service.She recommended that I go to the V.A.hospital and check in with Health care people I was admitted to the treatment center
for a week at my release they recommended that I attend AA meetings which I do My lady friend has been a big help to me.I had been a widower till she came along.She checks on me every day in person or by phone.
The New Year will be alot better.
Have a nice New Year
"The true aim of medicine," he said, "is not to make men virtuous; it is to safeguard and rescue them from the consequences of their vices."
Yow!
Change comes from the heart, not the head. The truth!
Ah, Rick M. How I would love to give you a hug! My heart is overjoyed with happiness for your decision. Somebody cared and was willing to show that. You were loveable and just didn't know that; somebody came up along side of you and let you know, you believed them, and now you are loving yourself back to health. What a wonderful beginning to a wonderful year for you. My prayers will be with you. Know that you are loved...
For years I have struggled with my weight. My hardest point has been the last 10 years. I was married and the relationship was very abusive, somehow the Lord allowed me to get away. Even though it has been 10 years since that time I am still carrying the extra weight. I cannot seem to get past it. I have returned to college and am turning my life around. I have lost 10 pounds in the last 2 months. I really feel like I am starting to believe in myself again. Looking from inside and having faith that things are going to get better, they really are getting better! It is a new year and I finally have a new outlook. I think this is going to be the best year in a long time!
(Positiveness always does the trick!)
I have certainly been in need of "rescuing from the consequences of my vices." which have leed to kidney failure, asthma, and a number of other ailmentsTHe real comfort in this is that since I am the aauther of my own troubles mI can also become the author of my own redemtion with God's help. Ehanks for the thought.
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