Culpeper Star Exponent
Business Monday
Jim Charapich
December 30, 2013
With the healthcare
issue bouncing a midst the partisan divide, the bottom line appears to be that
it is no longer practical to be passive about your health. It is up to us to be
on guard for commercial messages related to food, health, and life choices.
They can be overwhelming and vary from extremes of inviting indulgence to
fantasy weight loss theories.
I sense that the
healthcare industry is moving towards rewarding us for healthy choices while
holding individuals responsible for poor decisions. The transition in the
healthcare industry seems confusing and yet there are a few interesting
thoughts to consider.
First, our choices
often determine outcomes. Proverbially, if we do the same thing and expect
different results, our expectations will likely be disappointing. This year,
make a decision to find solutions to the fitness challenges that you face and
gather the proper research from professionals, Doctors, Health Professionals,
Fitness Trainers, and others related to your health goals. We live in the
greatest time in history to research solutions for our fitness goals.
Second, with your
research in hand, set goals. Goal acronyms can help, such as S.M.A.R.T. -
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Framed. It is important
to do your research and use the research to set SMART goals. Goals are more
about the journey than the end result. Having the goal in sight is important
and exciting to achieve. However, the day-to-day small victories are
especially motivating in advancing your efforts.
There are many options
for basic fitness measurements such as calorie counting apps. Some of these
apps also allow for calorie burn inputs for exercise. Also, consider the latest
tracking wristbands w/ apps to keep you on track. Fitbit, Up, and Fuelband are
three of many emerging products commercially available. Exercise can be more
fun when you know that you are getting extra credit for calories by easily
tracking your exercise.
Finally, if your
research allows, consider adding an element of competition to the fitness fun.
There are many options here. One of the best local opportunities to compete
with “yourself” is the Drop It program offered by the Culpeper Regional Health
System. The program will kick off in January and offers an abundance of
guidance in helping choose healthy lifestyles. Also, consider signing up for a
fitness class to join others in fitness fun and accountability.
If
competition is motivating for you, then think about signing up for a race. With
your research in mind, choose a race like a 5 K to begin with or something else
that is consistent with your researched goals. Careful here, signing up for a 5
K can be a gateway, once achieved, it can lead you to ask the question - what
next…. possibly a 10 K, a Triathlon, a Cycling Century, a Marathon, or an
Ironman… Today is a great day to sign up for the best race deals since many race
prices go up after January 1st. Check out options at www.Active.com, www.setupevents.com, or drop by the Bike Stop in
downtown Culpeper to find out about the local trails and outdoor cycling
events. Make 2014 your healthiest year yet. Carpe Diem.