"Our Own Worst Enemy, an article in the September 14, 2011 Washington Express paper delivered a hard-hitting message - that the spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, new strains of the flu, and more are not our only health concerns but that poor lifestyle choices including too little exercise, overeating,and smoking are leading to a "public health emergency in slow motion." And, it's so sad because it's preventable!
I believe it's important that all Americans have access to healthcare insurance, particularly in case of catastrophic injuries from automobile or other accidents that may be beyond our control and that could wipe us out financially. I also feel, however, that much of what consitutes our health insurance should be self-care insurance. Many diseases and conditions are preventable and are reversable through careful attention to nutrtion, reducing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, and moving our "booties" daily by doing yoga and other forms of exercise.
Because I do slow motion, gentle yoga that stretches and strengthens my body but doesn't build aerobic capacity, I also jump daily on a mini-trampoline (aka "rebounder) with small weight to get my heart pumping and to burn calories. Is it easy to get up at 4 am on weekdays to do my exercise before I get son's breakfast and get him off to school - NO! But, I do it because I enjoy the results and rewards of feeling energetic, slim, supple, and serene, and because I realized long ago, ONLY I can take responsibility for my health.
So when you begin a daily home yoga practice (or if you participate in yoga classes all week long), you ARE taking a big step toward being accountable for your health and the quality of your life in a major way and for very little cost! Congratulate yourself!
Yours for taking responsibility for your health with yoga,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez
"Our Own Worst Enemy"
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