As we have all read in the newspaper and heard from the media we have a health crisis in our country. The population is bigger than it ever has been, weight that is.

Some individuals struggle with their weight on a daily, weekly or monthly basis feel self defeating and choose the "excuse syndrome" to rationalize their weight. Believe me as an occupational health nurse I have heard just about any excuse possible. However, the bottom line is that your inner health is the most important. Once you have achieved inner health your physical appearance (hair, nails,skin and body) will improve too.

We have to educate others on the vital importance of maintaining a healthy height/weight ratio. Height/weight ratio,also refered to as BMI (BODY MASS INDEX). There are several charts available on the internet for to plot your BMI. A BMI of 29 or less is what your target should be.

Being overweight(BMI 30-33)or obese (BMI 34+) can cause dangerous health problems that can and will impede your quality of life and life span. Ask yourself some simple questions:

Do you want a life free from the financial worries of increasing healthcare cost? Do you want to live longer and without the worries of dependent care? Do you want to eventually retire and have a hassle free retirement and enjoy the things you always dreamed of?

There are many preventable illnesses that plague a large population of people that a healthy height/weight ratio could prevent? Yes, some illnesses are acquired through a poor gene pool called genetics but we have so many more resources than our parents did and available research that has proven these statements to be true. Heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, arthritis,high blood pressure to name a few can be prevented and at the very least manged more cost effectively. I love the quote Dr. Vicor at the CDC said, "genetics loads the cannon, but human behavior pulls the trigger. Another words, you have the power to help yourself. Get help from a support group such as friends, family, coworkers and/or licensed professional.

Negative emotions have been a conmmon denominator that I have seen throughout my professional career that lends itself to self defeat. Reflect on your inner layers such as self-esteem or lack of it and the pessimist. Are you unhappy, sad, angry, jealous or worried about finances? These seem to be some of the negative emotions most people will verbalize. Be honest with yourself. Do you think you are worthy of good health? Do you wnt to be more financially secure? Do you want to have quality of life and not be dependent on anyone for self care.

Research has shown that people are living longer, but with more serious preventable illnesses. Do you want to be one of these statistics?

There are strategies that are easy to implement once you deceide mind,soul and body to achieve optimal height/weight ratio, proper nutrition from the 5 food groups,10,000 steps a day and last but not least time for You. You need to take care of You before you can take care of anyone else. You can do anything you put your mind to. Take charge of you health today!