I read a recent article by Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) that discussed sick care versus genuine wellness. It was truly interesting as the article spoke about the current state of our health care system. Do you realize that the American health care system is the most costly system in the world? It is not surprising to me that as Americans we have the opportunity to spend more than any other country on healthcare. The thing that bothers me as a clinician in this system is where our health is rated. When I think about health and costs I relate the two, right? If I spend more than anyone else I know I should be healthier, right? Wrong. In fact not even close. We are ranked 37^th in the world when it comes to health. Can you believe that? We outspend our European counterparts two to one, but we are two times more likely to have chronic disease. This is terrible if you ask me.

What can we do about it? That’s a great question and one I frequently get asked. We have to change our mind set. We have to quit thinking that the government or insurance company is going to take care of us. We are responsible for our own health and it is time that we stand up and do it. We must start taking accountability for our actions. You have heard the old saying that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. The same is true when it comes to our health. We destroy our health by ignoring signs and then complain when we don’t feel as we should.

According to the article written by Senator Harkin 75% of the healthcare costs today are related to heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, breast cancer and obesity. That means that 75% of the cost we are spending on healthcare is for conditions that can be prevented in most cases by changes in our lifestyle. The way we eat, exercise and our lifestyle choices greatly affect our health. The government is trying to come up with a system that “fixes the problem” and the reality is that you and I are responsible for our own health. We must embrace preventative care and avoid chronic type illnesses that come from apathy and lack of interest in our health.

Now is the time to make a difference. Find a good book on eating right, start an exercise program and get rid of silly aches and pains that you shouldn’t have to begin with. I recommend that all my patient’s be on some form nutritional balance in their life as well as stretching and some physical activity. Walking with your spouse can be a great way to start and great for your relationship as well. So start choosing health and saying no to our old sick ways.

I got to volunteer for the Couple Triathlon ( part of the Texas Tri Series www.texastriseries.com ) and had a good time. It was good for me to experience the race from a different perspective. I always race and don't get to pay attention to how everything goes down. This experience changed that. I got up early and went and helped out. I worked the transition area. I said " the mount line is around the corner, don't mount your bike till the mount line" about a thousand times. It was cool to see the different racers come out. I saw most of the crew from Emerge Multisport out there. I actually train with Emerge now.  I also saw several of the Trizones racers out there as well. I used to train with Trizones. I saw a lady on a full suspension mountain bike with aero bars. Just when you thought you have seen it all. For non-cyclist out there this would be the equivilant of putting a spoiler for high speed on a Jeep Wrangler. It didn't really make sense. Oh well, she looked like she was having fun. You go girl. 

I also became a sponsor for Team KLBJ and their ride for the LiveStrong foundation. I was a part of the team last year. I rode 90 miles down one of Lance Armstrong's favorite riding spots. Not very smart for me, but it was for charity and cancer research. This year I have a schedule conflict and will be unable to attend the LiveStrong event, but will have a team of massage therapist on hand for the people to check out. You can donate or sign up to ride with them here.

 I am super excited to join there team in supporting cancer research and more that the LiveStrong foundation does. Gary Osborn does a great job putting that together.

The rest of the weekend was uneventful, except I did rest yesterday and watched Braveheart with my son who thought it was a great flic.

Today is a great day. My family just celebrated the 4th. It is a great time to reflect on what we have. I think so many times I get caught up on what I think I need/want and forget about what I really have. So I am listing some of the blessings I/You have:

1. Health - I have great health.
   
2. Family - Mine is great
3. Friends - I have to many ( kidding )
   
4. Freedom - I take this for granted almost everyday. We have soldiers fighting for our freedom as I write.
   
5. Ability to worship - No matter what your religion is, you get to do as you wish.
   
6. Opportunity - We have the opportunity to do great things in our lives. We get to choose. 
7. Stuff- I have too much I think, but am thankful.
   
8. Ability to make a change - We all have it, but have to work at it.
   
9. There are so many more. I am so happy to have all this and so much more.