Warning: Being out of shape is hazardous to your health

Though modern medicine has triumphed over many of the infectious diseases and traumas that killed our ancestors, new health problems have taken their place. Often, the so-called degenerative diseases-the diseases of "old age" in our culture - can be relieved, delayed or even prevented by changes in the way we live our daily lives.

What is poor fitness?

Poor fitness could be defined as not being up to the demands of daily living. The unfit person may suffer from: a lack of energy and vitality; addictions to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes or food; excess body weight which puts additional stress on many body systems; a lack of physical strength; vulnerability to physical illness; vulnerability to mental or emotional illness; structural problems, including inflexibility, stiffness, or joint pain; an inability to relax and enjoy life.

When a few or even all of these factors are combined, people who are unfit seem less resilient, less able to deal with the daily stresses and challenges of life. They are also more likely to become sick or to become incapacitated by their illnesses. They can be crippled by such conditions as diabetes, arthritis or heart disease and often die at an early age. Even such seemingly unrelated factors as income level and family harmony may be adversely affected by a low level of fitness.

Putting the brakes on bad habits

The first step in reversing the downward spiral of poor fitness is to identify health habits that need changing, such as poor diet, smoking, drinking alcohol to excess or not exercising. A health care professional can be good source of information and can help you set your own priorities for change. Finally, begin replacing the bad habits - one by one - with good ones.

For more information, email Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.