August 19, 2008
Empower your Health
By Lee Brower
I am blessed to have enjoyed excellent health throughout my life. Although I have regular check-ups at a local hospital and fitness institution, I’ve never had a personal physician. However, a couple of years ago I had sudden knee surgery. As part of the recovery process, and therefore a legitimate excuse, I was supposed to significantly decrease my exercise routine. Unfortunately, the lack of exercise took its toll.
I wanted a relationship with a medical practitioner who would be interested in my health. So, I made an appointment with a doctor who I thought would be a good fit as my personal medical provider. I arrived at the doctor’s office promptly at 7 a.m. for my appointment. I didn’t see anyone there, so I knocked at the receptionist window and a few minutes later someone showed up and handed me a clipboard with several sheets of paper that included questions and authorization forms. I filled them out, handed them to the receptionist and waited. (continues below)
Empower your Health
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Finally, I was ushered into a small room where pictures, representing many diseases, hung on the walls. I couldn’t help but think of the message those pictures were sending. Eventually a nurse came in to take my blood pressure and ask me some questions. I was then ushered into another room where I waited a while longer. Finally the doctor came in and asked me the same questions as the nurse. I explained what I was searching for—but he seemed rushed and continued his questioning. During this interrogation I mentioned that I sometimes get hiccups.
“Hmmm…” he said; “it must be acid reflux; would you like some medicine?” I am opposed to most medications and prefer to use natural methods to improve health. I explained this to him and he said that he felt the same way. We continued with the exam, which was not going where I had hoped. I needed motivation, guidance and follow- up, which this doctor didn’t offer.
Upon completion of the exam, he said, “I feel compelled to warn you that acid reflux can eat away the lining in your esophagus and you probably should start taking medication.” I couldn’t believe it. Earlier he agreed that I would probably be fine with exercise and good nutrition. I was bewildered and disappointed by the whole experience.
Luckily, a few weeks later a good friend and colleague, Rick Demitriou, told me about a book he read, Younger Next Year, by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. Shortly thereafter another friend called and said, “I read the perfect book for you. I think you will like it.” You guessed it … Younger Next Year. I got the message. I went to three bookstores at the Atlanta airport and finally found the one and only copy. By the time I had settled down in my seat on the plane, I had read enough to know this book was going to make a high impact. There is nothing unusual about the formula for good health and a high quality of life. The book focuses on the basics: daily exercise, emotional commitment, reasonable nutrition and a true engagement with living.
Crowley is a 70-something patient who looks like he is around 50 to 60 years old. He knows that medical science will allow him to live well into his 80’s or beyond. But, it isn’t how long he will live … it’s how he’ll live. Dr. Lodge is NOT a “transactional doctor.” He states “what I really like is the notion of long-term relationships with patients and keeping them in good health. Not just curing disease, but promoting health, which is a different thing. I would like to help them have a better life, not just cure them of this and that.”
This book is rather unique because Crowley, in a rather blunt “call it like it is” style, writes one chapter. Then Dr. Lodge gives all the medical back up for everything Crowley encourages in the following chapter.
What has the book done for me? First, I learned that I am in control and no longer a victim. I am responsible for my health and developing predictable and transferable systems of health that my family and friends can utilize and benefit from.
Second, I am motivated. I wake up each morning and the very first question I ask is: “Do I want to rot and decay today? Or do I want to grow?” When Crowley explains that if you don’t tell your mind to grow you are going to end up washed up on the rocks with the crabs and seagulls eating your fat gut—you get motivated! (You will have to read the book to understand.)
Third, I am grateful for friends who care enough to share. Just like anything else worthwhile it demands discipline, commitment and a positive vision of the future. Unfortunately, many of us want instant gratification. For every dollar spent in fitness centers, Americans spend 19 dollars on cocaine! Two seconds after you snort cocaine you feel like Superman. Two weeks of diet and exercise just make you hungry and sore.
A vision of the future is essential. That is why I ask myself that incredible question every day: “Am I going to rot and decay today?” Or, do I want to grow?” It gives me a moment to perfect my vision of the future. And that vision keeps getting better and better and sustains any present agonies.
So how is it going? Let me be candid. Originally I began the quest to remain constantly in shape by using the “old fashioned” system of traditional goal setting. It didn’t take long for me to realize this strategy wasn’t working. The book strongly encourages 45-60 minutes of strenuous exercise per day. That was my focus. Unfortunately that “goal” became easy to manipulate and when I missed a day I berated myself mercilessly and agreed to do more . . . tomorrow.
However, once I began to focus on my vision of a healthy maturing man and the notion of “what small step can I take today that will keep me progressing toward my vision,” then I began to succeed.
Each day I take about 60 seconds to clearly visualize myself healthy and strong. I see myself running, tossing grandkids in the air, golfing, happy and content. Then I take a small step, which sometimes starts out as 5 minutes and then turns into 20. Many times it stretches out into an hour or more.
That one step has now turned into a marathon and total weight loss of over 20 pounds—and no hiccups!
