Well Being: Post #4

Physical Wellbeing: My mother used to say, “If you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything.” Turns out Margaret Gladis was right. Let’s face it, we’re a nation of tubbies. We’re fatter and getting even fatter. That’s causing all manner of problems in both personal and public health. A nation of overweight people is literally a nation at risk by silent enemies—diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems—all of which threaten to break the bank. Over 62% of personal bankruptcies were caused by medical costs in 2007 according to a Harvard study. Some other facts: 20 minutes a day of exercise works well on your body and boosts your mood; people on healthier diets will reduce the medicine they take by 43%; food also changes your mood. For example, a diet that is high in carbs and sugar can cause asthma, diabetes, and arthritis. The authors offer several good ideas for boosting Physical Wellbeing. Here’s one: Sleep enough to feel well rested (generally 7-8 hours) but not too long (more than 9 hours).