Don't Put Off Your Health
I just spent a week in Arizona for some much needed R & R. While I was there I hiked a couple of canyons and the high rim country north of Payson. I realized that it is a blessing to be nearing 50 and still have the physical energy and capacity to go out and explore nature.
I thought about the majority of people my age who are incapable of even modest physical exertion. So their trips to places like AZ are usually limited to pool-sides and shopping centers. Although there is nothing wrong with a day by the pool with your favorite fruity drink. But there is a magnificent world out there and you have to get out of your car to really discover it. The pink jeep tours in Sedona do not count.
Now I realize that no one makes a concerted effort to get out of shape and become overweight. Things happen like families, jobs, and numerous other responsibilities. And in the process we put off what is potentially our most valuable asset, our health. Let me repeat that statement, "our most valuable asset, our health."
Several years ago I got together with an old college friend for some hiking in AZ. I hadn't seen him in a couple of years and when we met at the airport I was shock to see that he had become rather portly.
We hiked one of the ancillary canyons that connect to the Grand Canyon. In one day we needed to cover 16 miles in some rather hot weather. And in the middle of the hike he was on the verge of suffering from heat stroke. I was getting very concerned. He shouldn't have gone on this trip, or he should have conditioned himself prior to leaving.
After we got back to the campsite he thanked me for watching over him. As a friend, I told him the best way he could show his appreciation is to lose some weight and get back into shape. His response was, "I have too many family responsibilities and don't have the time to exercise." I retorted that you have a responsibility to your family to live a long and healthy life. That got a reaction from him, and the last I talked he is working out several times a week.
I find it ironic that as our society continues to become more abundant our health is becoming secondary. We quite often hear the term "Quality of Life." But that tends to be defined by how many things we own.
For most of us it isn't a question that we want to be healthy and fit, it just doesn't seem to rank as our top priority. We plan to get around to our health, but not right now. We'll there is no better time then right now because tomorrow may be too late. And the longer you put it off the more difficult it will be to make up for the years of neglect.
By the way, if you are ever in Sedona you must check out the west fork of Oak Creek Canyon. Not a particularly strenuous hike, but a breathtaking view. Unfortunately they don't allow pink jeeps in the canyon, you have to walk.
Have a healthy and
prosperous life.
Fred Waters