Health is not just a personal decision; it's a moral responsibility. By choosing to be healthy, you enhance your own life and positively impact those around you—your family, friends, and community. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted the importance of moral decisions in everyday actions: "I started breaking my day down into about 40 different decisions. And each one has a moral implication." This included simple things like making his bed every day (even in a hotel), refilling the ice cube tray when he used the ice, and even picking up a gum wrapper when it bounced out of the trash, and he was in a desperate hurry. This principle applies to health as well. Each choice we make about our health has a broader impact. It builds personal virtue and impacts your quality of life and that of your community.(Jocko Podcast Clips)
The Moral Imperative of Health
Choosing to be healthy is an obligation. Understanding that being unhealthy doesn't just affect you; it burdens your family, friends, and society is essential. Poor health can lead to decreased quality of life, increased healthcare costs, and reduced productivity. A study published in Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders found that only 12% of Americans are metabolically healthy, emphasizing the widespread nature of this issue. (Healthline)
Aspects of Health
Physical Health: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and preventive care.
Mental Health: Stress management, mindfulness, therapy, and emotional well-being.
Social Health: Positive relationships, community involvement, and social support.
Spiritual Health: Purpose, values, and connection to something greater than oneself.
The Cost of Unhealthiness
Neglecting health has far-reaching consequences. It strains personal finances, reduces productivity, causes pain, reduces longevity, and diminishes the quality of life. It affects families, leading to emotional and financial burdens. Communities bear the cost through increased healthcare expenses and reduced societal contributions. In fact, the cost of just the top four chronic health issues related to preventable healthy choices is over $16 TRILLION over nine years - 9% of GDP/year! (Hayes)
A Hopeful Perspective
It's important not to be discouraged if you're not currently in optimal health. The key is to start making healthier choices now. Every small step counts. As Kennedy Jr. noted, "Do the right thing even when somebody’s not looking at you." This principle applies to health as well. Each healthy choice, no matter how small, is a step towards better health and a better life.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of choosing health extends beyond the individual. Parents, for example, set a powerful example for their children. Healthy habits parents adopt are often mirrored by their children, leading to healthier future generations. Spouses who support each other in health goals create a nurturing and encouraging environment. The positive changes you make in your life can inspire and uplift those around you, creating a ripple effect of health and well-being in your family, your friends, and the community.
Picture of a healthy person (typically)
Waist circumference. BELOW 40 inches for men / 35 inches for women
Fasting blood triglycerides. BELOW 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood
Cholesterol levels. high levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low low density lipoprotein (LDL) in your blood. HDL ABOVE 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women is best.
Blood pressure. BELOW 130/85 mmHg
Fasting glucose level. BELOW l00 mg/dL or more
Conclusion
Choosing to be healthy is a moral choice with profound implications. It requires discipline, responsibility, and a commitment to making small, consistent decisions that benefit you and those around you. As we embrace this perspective, we improve our lives and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant community and happier and more robust families. Remember, every step towards health is a step towards a better you and a better world.
By adopting the mindset that health is a moral responsibility, we can transform our lives and the lives of those we love. Let’s make the choice to be healthy today for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Move and Drink More!
Works Cited
Hayes, Tara O’Neill, and Rakeb Asres. “The Economic Costs of Poor Nutrition.” AAF, 9 Mar. 2022, www.americanactionforum.org/research/the-economic-costs-of-poor-nutrition/.
Jocko Podcast Clips. “How God Changed Robert F Kennedy Jr. Forever.” YouTube, 10 June 2024, youtu.be/PS-cZSO5GOU?si=Nv1uwy7UZMpIUAxG.
“Metabolic Syndrome: Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and More.” Healthline, 15 Aug. 2012, www.healthline.com/health/metabolic-syndrome#3.
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