A healthy weight level is essential if we want to prevent major health problems.

Weight problems are the major cause and indication of such illnesses as heart disease, cholesterol, type II diabetes. It’s in everyone’s best interest to reduce weight if your over-weight and to maintain a sensible weight at all times.

Personally, I don’t have a problem with over-weight; my problem is more maintaining a good weight level. My weight is my main indicator for any health problems. Ten years ago, my immediate loss of weight signaled that I had a health problem. If I had not taken any notice of this signal it would have been too late to do anything about my kidney cancer. After my operation, when I was on the mend I continued (and still do) to monitor my weight for any more warning signs -  and believe me I take notice immediately!

Maintaining natural health is a personal thing. Only I can prevent health problems. I can listen, I can read, I can nod my head and agree with all kinds of advice but in the final analysis only I can do what is necessary to stay healthy. Common sense is all part of our make up and its there to use – and its free!

The main objective is to make sure that we are maintaining a sensible nutritious diet that contains all the necessary food groups in order to stay healthy. Monitoring your weight is something only you can do and it should be done at least once a week. Any changes see your doctor. If you do have to lose weight check out the Mediterranean Diet link shown in Helpful Information.

Nowadays, besides selling their products the major food companies are providing ways to stay healthy. For instance, a really interesting booklet arrived the other day in one of the magazines entitled Managing Cholesterol from Quaker which included articles on cholesterol and weight control. It also included a neat Quaker Cholesterol Challenge. For more information go to www.quakerchallenge.ca

Some say there is really no reason why anyone these days should be over-weight. There are books, clubs, piles of advice and diets readily available. The internet is also a fantastic source of information on everything including it’s all there waiting to be found. Take notes, start clubs – bottom line – be healthy!