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Chapter II

“Identify your health personality”

One of my Health Segments that aired on Fox 5 News Atlanta, spoke about the three health personalities that make up our society. The Health “Concerned”, The Health “Conscious”, and The Health “Careless”. The next step in our healthy lifestyle change, is to identify your own health personality. I will explain in detail, the definition of all three. After reading all the descriptions, choose the one that best describes you. Be honest with yourself. No one is going to judge you. It is very important to understand your own personality. The only way that we can achieve lasting change, is to take a hard look at ourselves in the mirror. Trust me, I have been all three personalities. Let’s start with The Health “Concerned”.

THE HEALTH CONCERNED

Sarah is a married mother of two children. She and her family have lived in Stone Mountain Georgia, for 25 years. Sarah is a receptionist for a midsized company near her home. She loves her job, because of the hours and convenience. The people are friendly too. She has been with the company for over 15 years. On her lunch break, she loves to grab a soda, hot dog, and fried onion rings from the nearby fast food restaurant. She has been to the restaurant so much that they know her by name, and they usually have her order prepared, before she gets there. Lately, Sarah has been having painful headaches. Her energy has been low as well. She would grab a pain reliever, and buy an energy drink from the store. This still didn’t help. As the days passed, the pain and fatigue got worse. She finally went to see her physician, to get checked out. Her doctor performed a health screening. As he spoke to her about her results, he shook his head in disbelief. He said, “Sarah, it’s a miracle that you didn’t have a heart attack.” He informed her that her blood pressure was extremely high, and that he would have to prescribe medication to lower her blood pressure. He also informed her that if she didn’t change her health habits, she would have to take the prescribed medication for the rest of her life. Sarah was devastated, but thankful that she didn’t experience a heart attack. She has a great family, a great job, and a great life. Sarah is not interested in giving all of that up, due to poor health. It is a need for her to make a healthy lifestyle change. But where does she start? The need for guidance is paramount at this point. She is labeled The Health “Concerned”. Second, is The Health “Conscious”.

THE HEALTH CONSCIOUS

Meet David Appletree. It’s about 5 am, and David in finishing up his daily jog around the neighborhood. He usually completes 3 miles on average. But today, he was even more energized, so he decided to run an extra mile. It’s about 6 am now. David is back home, making a homemade green smoothie for breakfast. After his smoothie, he goes to the bathroom to shave, shower, and prepare for work. It’s now 7:30 am, and David is driving to work, listening to a motivational audiobook. He lives a short distance away from his job, but he likes to arrive early, to get a good head start on his responsibilities. The time is 9 am. David is at his desk, greeting his coworker as they walk in with an energetic, “Good Morning!” The time is 10 am and David is snacking on some fresh fruit that he prepared at home. He was having such a productive morning, that he didn’t realize that now it was 12 noon. Lunchtime! Since he prepared a chicken salad from home, David proceeded to the breakroom. As he consumed his salad, he took out his cell phone, to show his coworker Amy, pictures from last weekend’s 5k race. David came in 3^rd place! As you can see, David is definitely conscious about his health. He’s not perfect. He would love to put on more muscle mass, and get stronger. So, lately he has been researching exercises, and proper foods to consume, to reach his goals. This person is an example of The Health “Conscious”. Make no mistake about it, there is no such thing as being perfect, in your health journey. You will always desire more. That’s not a bad thing. It actually keeps us progressing, and progression plays a vital role in our happiness.

Our final personality is The Health “Careless”.

THE HEALTH CARELESS

“Yes, can I get a number 2 with extra cheese, and supersize the fries please?” “When I get depressed, I have to eat cake. It makes me feel better.” “I always eat chocolate, when it’s that time of the month.” “I’m glad the doctor prescribed the diabetes medication. Now, when I eat my favorite sweets, I can just take a pill!” “I’m not fat! I’m just big boned!”

Honestly, I’ve never seen a fat skeleton! I’m sure that you have heard these quotes from people before. Maybe you have said them yourself. Welcome to the Health “Careless” personality. This person has no interest in exercising or eating right. The greasier the food, the better. The sweeter the cake, the better. Oh and by the way, exercise? Forget about it!!(In my Tony Soprano voice) Health is not on the priority list. But, finding the cheapest combo meal, at the local fast food restaurant is paramount. Health screenings? Not interested. Your clothes are getting too small. I’ll buy bigger clothes. Your knees are in pain when you walk. I’ll get a walker, to assist me. This person frowns upon others that eat healthy and exercise. They will make negative comments like, “why are you eating rabbit food?” Or, “you are losing too much weight. You look sick.” Subconsciously, this person is against good health. Studies have shown that people with this mindset, tend to have low self-esteem, and a shorter life span than others. So basically, having this mindset increases your chance of being depressed, and dying sooner. This doesn’t sound too good, does it? I mean, how can you not care about your health?

Now, here’s the good news. You do not fit in this category! By simply reading this book, you have a desire to improve your health. Great job, on your behalf. Remember this: WINNERS MAKE A HABIT OF DOING THINGS LOSERS DON’T WANT TO DO…

Now that you know the Health Personalities, pick yours and let’s move to the next step!