No More Excuses
The month of August usually means back to school for our children. This is the time for new beginnings, new opportunities, new friends, and new possibilities. Over the summer, children have usually mapped out a plan of attack for the next year. They have decided what they will wear on the first day, with whom they will hang out, and how they will make this year better. The month of August is to children as the month of January is to adults.
Back in June when I started writing for The St. Louis American, I promised that I would focus on how we could improve the health of African Americans and reduce disparities one community at a time. I challenged each of you to impact your families, churches, and neighborhoods. I challenged you to share those success stories with us so that we could inspire others. Where are those stories? I have not received any! Where are those individuals who actually were faithful to their New Year’s resolutions to stop smoking, lose weight, meditate and pray more, and cook more at home?
Well this is your wakeup call! I have heard many excuses over the years and I have mastered the art of rebuttal. I will share the most common reasons people give for not making lifestyle modifications and my most common alternative solutions.
- I just got my hair done.
This issue can easily be avoided by either wearing a scarf or simply consider wearing a natural hair style that will not be ruined by sweating. There are a host of natural products made by African Americans now that can treat any texture of hair. In addition, which is more important: to have the best looking hair in the morgue or to be the most physically fit grandmother on the block?
- I just don’t have time to exercise.
I love this one. Because when you truly break down your schedule, you will find that a lot of time is wasted on the couch watching brain numbing reality shows or ESPN highlights (even though you just saw the entire game) or talking on the phone about issues that are not edifying to you or the individual with whom you are speaking. In a 24 hour day, I am only asking that you initially carve out 30 minutes of activity.
- I cannot afford a gym membership.
No one is asking that you break your bank account to join the most elite gym in the city. Although, the gym to which I belong costs only $21 dollars per month and has 24 hour access. However, being a member of a gym is not necessary. Purchase a walking DVD. My favorite is “Walk Away the Pounds” by Leslie Sansone. This can easily be done in your home, costs only about $12-$15 dollars, and does not take a lot of space. No DVD player, then simply dance to your favorite tune!
- Healthy foods cost too much.
I am always amazed that people think to eat healthily requires you to purchase all of your foods from some specialized health food store or that the foods have to all be organic. There are a lot of great things to be said about organic foods but please crawl before you walk. Try simply purchasing your fruits and vegetables at the market. St. Louis has one of the most underutilized treasures: Soulard Market. This market is open Wednesday through Saturday and offers locally grown food at a fraction of the cost of chain grocery stores. I can purchase a week’s worth of fruits and veggies for my family of four that costs approximately $20- $25 dollars.
- I am too tired to work out.
You are probably tired because you are not exercising. Exercising releases endorphins in your brain. Think of endorphins as the body’s natural cocaine. These endorphins give you a natural high. Talk to anyone who has been working out for a while and they will tell you that you become addicted to the energy that you feel after your exercise routine.
I could continue with the multitude of excuses that I have encountered over the years, but I hope you have gotten my point. It is time out for foolishness! We have to make these changes today. Just make the first step. Make a commitment to take your lunch to work all week instead of making a Burger King run. Use part of your lunch time to walk around your building. Instead of joining your friends at the local buffet or pub, invite them to a Zumba class or challenge your buddies to a basketball game. Recommit to your New Year’s resolutions today!
Yours in Service,
Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D.
Assistant Professor
SLUCare Family Medicine
yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com
