Finally, you can begin a new healthy lifestyle...

This is actually a PLEA to think about your health before it's too late.

My 60-year-old brother-in-law went out to eat breakfast on a Saturday morning in September, while his wife was out of town.  He came home, put on a pot of coffee and settled down on the sofa in front of the television to wait for it to brew.  He died a few minutes later... with the remote in his hand.  He was overweight, but not excessively so.  He was a physician and worked very hard, but had no obvious signs of health problems.  His family is DEVASTATED.  How could this "just happen?"

We all think we are immune.  "It won't happen to us," we say.  Look at the baker in the local restaurant who weighs 300 pounds and he's still alive.  Look at the neighbor down the street who smokes like a chimney and he's still alive.  You can find plenty of people who are in much worse shape than you are by just going to Walmart.

But, let's wake up!  In our heads we know what we should do to be healthy.  We should exercise.  We should be thin.  We should relax and enjoy what we do.  We shouldn't smoke.  We shouldn't drink too much alcohol.  We shouldn't be drinking sodas - diet or not.

In our hearts, we think we will live forever or we think we have time... next year we will get on the "straight and narrow."  Remember all of the New Year's Resolutions you have made and broken over the years? 

Are you overweight?

Do you know your BMI?  If your Body Mass Index is 25 or above, you are considered overweight.  Obesity is preventable and weight can definitely be lowered.  Elevated blood pressure and sleep apnea are both byproducts of obesity.

Do you have type II diabetes?

Diabetes often accompanies obesity.  Complications of diabetes include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, increased frequency and severity of gum disease, amputations and even death.

Do you have heart problems?

One American dies from a coronary event every minute!  There is a risk assessment available on the American Heart Association's web site.  To take the assessment you will need to know your total cholesterol plus your LDL and HDL, your blood pressure, and your triglyceride level as you fill out the form.

Studies have shown that the more animal protein you eat, the more heart disease you have.  Animal protein has been shown to dramatically raise cholesterol levels, whereas plant protein dramatically lowers cholesterol levels.

Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. has gotten the most spectacular results ever recorded in the treatment of heart disease by putting his sick patients on a very low fat, whole foods, plant-based diet.  His primary goal was to reduce his patients' blood cholesterol to below 150 mg/dL.  At the start of his study, the patients' average cholesterol level was 246 mg/dL.  During the course of the study, the average cholesterol was down to 132 mg/dL.  To find out your cholesterol level for free, you can give blood at your local blood bank.

Do you have breast, prostate, or large bowel cancer?

There is overwhelming evidence that estrogen levels participate directly in the cancer process.  A diet high in fat and animal protein and low in fiber results in increased levels of estrogen.

Countries where more meat, more animal protein, more sugar and less fiber are consumed have higher rates of colon cancer.  If Americans would eat an additional thirteen grams of fiber a day (found in a cup of beans) from food sources, colorectal cancer rates would fall dramatically.

Higher risks of prostate cancer have been frequently associated with diets high in animal protein, including meats, dairy products and eggs.

What Can You Do?

You can go on a low fat, plant-based, high fiber diet.  You can exercise.  AND, you will be much healthier and you will actually FEEL better!

"BUT, I've tried that and can't do it!"

It is hard to totally change your lifestyle.  I know. I've done it.  You've got to stop hoping that soon there will be a magic pill*.  It's not coming.  Don't cause a catastrophe to your family by just dying.  CHANGE!  Do something positive for yourself and for those who love you and count on you.

I'm Offering Some Programs if You Need Some Help

Too many people tell me they've tried to change, but it's too hard.  So I've tried to think of some ways to help.  I've written a book called Diet and Cancer: Is There a Connection?  This book will explain why diet is a VERY important component of your health.  So whether you have cancer, heart disease, diabetes or you are just overweight and ready to get healthy this book will help you.  It explains WHY a healthy, low-fat, plant-based diet is important and even gives you a 10-day 'getting started' program so you can learn HOW to do it.  Click on the link in the right column to get it shipped to you from Amazon.

For even more practical help, order a copy of Coco's Healthy Cooking and try out the delicious recipes. You can click on the link in the right column to order this book from Amazon. 

There are some coaching programs available at Melinda Coker Coaching

 Whatever it takes, just grab your health before it's too late!!! 

*If it was easy everyone would be doing it! 

Copyright © 2015, Melinda Coker and with Splash!, LLC.  All Rights Reserved.
The "Sassy, Slim and Healthy"™ Weekends, Memberships and Spa Weeks are a trademark of Melinda Coker & with Splash, LLC.
  
 

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