Cure Magazine, www.curetoday.com, asked a question in a reader poll.
That question was: “Did you improve your lifestyle after you or a loved one’s diagnosis with cancer?”
Of the 315 people who responded, 82% said ‘Yes’ and 18% said ‘No’.
Resolutions at this time of the year are often made to be proactive. The best intentions are to start the New Year with a better diet, a better exercise program, a better time management regime, a better life.
From the Cure poll it appears that 259 people used their cancer experience to propel themselves, their loved one or family into an improved lifestyle. The remaining 56 people in the study who answered the poll with a ‘No’, I wonder what was their reasoning? Some I have to assume were terminal and chose to stay on their own course. Human nature is optimistic. We all think we will be the one in a thousand to beat the odds, to win. To hedge our bets, just in case we aren’t so lucky, many of us set resolutions to improve our lifestyle.
Nobody needs a cancer diagnosis to improve their lifestyle, or to make resolutions for the better. The New Year is a time to start fresh. Everyone knows we should eat and drink in moderation, and exercise daily. I suggest a few other resolutions to the list. We all should get physical check-ups and dental check-ups. If you don’t have insurance, or have a high deductable, I suggest you pay for it out of your own pocket.
What can you cut from your expenses so you can pay to have a thorough check-up with blood work and a dental exam with x-rays? What would it mean to your resolutions if you start with a clean bill of health? What would it mean to your resolutions if you knew specifics, like your cholesterol level, glucose, or blood pressure? Are you feeling lucky or do you know you are?