I know I am lucky but as someone working in healthcare I am fed up with the fads and quick fixes that are constantly paraded to consumers.
Anything worth while takes time (a big shout out to Seth Godin for this constant reminder). Great health doesn’t happen over night. A monthly detox, a crazy workout, or a once a month manipulation is not going to fix anything.
That said – neither does it have to be a gruel.
It’s nothing new, and I know I have fallen for it, but the allure of posting our crazy workout, our crazy sweat or our trendy treatment is sometimes too tantalizing.
The story of getting a good sleep, walking places instead of driving, and making a simple lunch doesn’t sound that sexy. But doing it consistently, month after month is what creates a foundation of solid health. It is these lifestyle choices that I believe should be at the forefront of medical conversations in 2017.
If you want to have a family – and you want to give your kids the love they deserve – time consuming and fashionable detoxes will have to go. I definitely struggle to give Danny what he deserves, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if I added more complexity to our lives.
A foundation built on tricks and pseudoscience will look pretty shaky as a family grows.
For those who will always have the time, perhaps they could trade their self indulgent health obsessions with a dose of community action.
Don’t get me wrong I love a good workout and a cool new recipe but none of it is magic. There is no silver bullet for good health just consistent attention and smart lifestyle choices.
I realize my tone is a tad negative but if we are to deal with ballooning healthcare costs we have to challenge the current system and start to simplify at an individual level. Our obsessions have ripple effects that will cost us dearly as we age and as we role model to our kids.
I will continue to workout, cook healthy meals and play games because I enjoy it. My goal is to stay healthy by keeping things simple, eating healthy affordable food, biking to work, and role modelling good health behaviours. I want to be a part of the movement that says “simplicity can work” and a solution that will save us healthcare dollars. I want the money to be there for those who truly need it – sick children, lower socioeconomic classes and those who don’t have support networks.

Simplicity tenets to live by:

Exercise a little and learn about it. It is simpler than many healthcare professionals make it out to be.

Eat fruits and veg and have fun with food.

Drink water when thirsty and don’t drink too much alcohol.

Sleep well.

Daily mindfulness can help.

Think of others before yourself.

My hope is to role model good behaviour and help people make informed lifestyle choices.
Keep it simple.

Dave