Talk about health

You've probably heard that someone becomes ill through a combination of factors - genes, environment, lifestyle, for instance. Science and medicine hasn't yet reached the stage of being able to alter your genes for you. Although who knows how long that particular nighmare scenario might take to happen.

And changing your environment, while it's possible, isn't always practical. You could change your job, but that's easier said than done. You might move to a different neighbourhood or even a different country, but that takes money and willpower. Leaving your accustomed surroundings, your friends and neighbours, your parents and family ... it's very difficult and heartwrenching. It can be done if you want to and have the means.

Lifestyle, however, can be changed relatively easily. A lot of todays illnesses and diseases seem to have evolved from poor dietary choices and lack of exercise. Type-2 diabetes, ADHD, cholesterol, Alzheimer's and so on have become much more prevalent over the past thirty years. Delve into the research on these and other diseases and a pattern emerges.

As I've already said, there may be a genetic link, but added to that is usually dietary or lifestyle factors. When added together, the genes and lifestyle, the result is more people suffering the consequences in poor health and constant drug taking.

What to do?

Keep a diary.

I don't mean the "Got up, got dressed", type of diary. No. Get yourself a notebook or pad of paper, put today's date at the top and write down what you eat, when and how much. Then add your exercise for the day - how long and what type.

If you can keep this up for four weeks, what you'll have is a useful record of your current lifestyle that you can use to plan changes for the better.

For instance, eating a Mars Bar every lunchtime should let you see that maybe, you are indulging you sweet tooth a little to frequently. Or having breakfast at 11.30 in the morning and dinner at 10.30 in the evening might give a clue as to why you can't lose weight. No entries for exercise actually done won't help insomnia. Breakfasting on the previous evening's left-over Chinese meal may be economic sense but that's all.

The "diary" is all it takes to highlight inconsisitencies in your diet and exercise regime. And, it's a great starting point for getting your lifestyle changed to a healthier version.

You don't need to make sweeping changes all at once. Take small steps regularly and you'll get there. And as you go along, your health will surely improve. You will feel better and happier.

For more health publications - special reports, booklets and a FREE newsletter, take a look at www.healthexplored.co.uk

Wishing you the best of health,

James.