Active Living and Health Interests

Sense of Active Living

I grew up hating sports.  My parents’ focus was on academic curriculum only, and sports were non-existent in our home.  I developed my passion for running only about 8 years ago.  I joined a Learn-to-Run clinic, and realized that I enjoyed the solitude and peacefulness that running provided.  From there, I completed the 5K clinic, 10K clinic, half-marathon clinic, and the full marathon clinic.  I have completed 5 half-marathons, and 2 marathons.  The best feeling in the world is crossing the finish line of a marathon, and appreciating the challenges your body overcomes when challenged to run 26.1 miles (42.2 km). 

We are an active family.  Both my boys play soccer 3-4 times per week, and then we also work on their fitness as well.  My husband has been following the Body for Life regime, and exercises 5-6 times per week.  In the summer, we tried to do as many family activities that our schedules allowed…biking, hiking, swimming, and roller-blading, to name a few.

One of my challenges and biggest struggles is related to balancing my work and personal life, and being able to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.  I am also aware that exercising/physical activity has so many benefits – providing energy and strength, increasing endurance, increasing metabolism, and as an active person, being less likely to develop illnesses.  I am always striving to set a good example of healthy living to my boys, and at the same time, we look forward to the time spent together.

Health Interests, Concerns and Questions

I have battled weight my whole life, and have successfully kept off 90 pounds for the past 6 years.  I have lived the life of an overweight person, and understand the health concerns and risks faced by others in the same situation.  I was motivated enough to change my life.  I woke up one morning, about 7 years ago, and realized that I want to be an active part of my children’s life, and started my journey to lose weight. 

Being a nurse, I constantly see the many health challenges related to leading an unhealthy lifestyle.  As a society, why are we not being more proactive, and providing support to promotion and prevention of disease?  Our health care system is already so overburdened and unsustainable, and as health care providers, we still have to provide care for individuals that have made poor and unhealthy lifestyle choices. 

There are so many factors that influence those struggling with a health challenge, such as socio-economic, cultural, and educational factors.  As a health care provider, am I doing enough to address these concerns?  Are we empowering the individual to change, or are we just applying a “band-aid” solution, and hoping they can manage on their own? 

I have many concerns about our health care system, but realize we need to all support each other in this industry to make it sustainable.