Darren Hardy, Well-Being - Written by Darren Hardy on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 8:48 - 14 Comments
The No. 2 Instrument of Death
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What do you think causes more deaths in the United States each year?
- Car crashes
- Drug overdoses
- Alcoholism
- Firearm accidents
All of those combined don’t total a third of this insidious instrument of death: food.
We are literally eating our way into the grave.
Obesity (caused by bad diet and lack of exercise) kills some 400,000 people in this country every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Only smoking-related diseases account for more deaths, with a total of 435,000 annually, the CDC reports.
A staggering 129.6 million Americans are overweight or obese—that’s two out of every three people in this country. Think about it. While our ancestors battled disease, famine and other deprivations, we are killing ourselves—with excess.
On top of that, we no longer have to chase down and kill our own food. Instead, we chase the world while sitting in front of a computer screen all day, every day, often neglecting to schedule in some form of physical activity. A recent article in The New York Times cited several studies showing that sitting for extended periods—at a desk, in front of the TV, etc.—leads to weight gain and increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, a variety of cancers and early death.
Author Olivia Judson, an evolutionary biologist, detailed how the body shuts down following prolonged periods of sitting, causing a metabolic disaster of such proportions that even getting a full hour of exercise each day can’t offset the impact.
We DO have a healthcare problem, and most of it is SELF-inflicted. We aren’t taking proper care of our own health. We need a new healthcare policy, and I don’t mean one enacted by Washington—but one enacted by you. You are the only one responsible for what you put into your mouth and how often you move your body.
Our June issue of SUCCESS is focused around the theme of energy—what many call the essence of life.
Physicists say everything is made of energy. Energy is our life force and vitality. What you eat and drink either feeds, frees and bolsters your energy, or it dampens, hinders and stifl es that energy. Your lifestyle—how you move and rest—either circulates, awakens and replenishes that energy, or it burdens, depresses and quells it.
Our aim with this issue of SUCCESS is not only to provide you an immediate rush of energy to tackle this month with new zeal, but also to offer some important insights and lifestyle strategies that will provide you long-term vitality.
Be sure to listen to the CD inside. I interview one of my favorite authors Tony Schwartz, CEO of The Energy Project and author of The Power of Full Engagement and The Way We’re Working, Isn’t Working. I also interview Dr. Oz’s secret wellness weapon–his personal fitness trainer Joel Harper. Some GREAT tips on this CD, don’t miss it!
I wish you joie de vivre (the joy of living)!
What are your best tips for getting energized and staying energized throughout the day? Share them with us in comments below.
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14 Responses to “The No. 2 Instrument of Death”
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I purchase playing golf as a living. What more can you require – receiving payment for doing that which you love.
I don’t think meals have any business being deductible. I’m for separation of calories and corporations.
[Reply]
It’s interesting to know that while America is struggling with obesity and too much food, there are many countries in Asia and Africa who are struggling with hunger. In my visit to Southeast Asia, a nutritionist told me that there aren’t a lot of obese people in Asia because it’s simply to expensive to be obese.
[Reply]
Wow those are some staggering statistics! I would have never guessed food was to blame for so many of the country’s health problems! Thank you for the informative post!
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Wow! Those statistics just stop me cold in my tracks. Thanks so much for doing your part to sound the wake up call. I’d love to see more parents become active with their children. I’m especially worried for the health of future generations. When I was a kid, overweight children were very, very rare. These days, sadly, the same can’t be said.
Great magazine – issue to issue and article to article. Excellence!
[Reply]
Yes, we should encourage prevention because trying to cure disease and illness can be ineffective and hugely expensive. Soaring costs force Canada to reassess health model. http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/05/31/us-health-idUSTRE64U3XO20100531
The “medical model” is changing but too slowly…
[Reply]
Awareness is the first step! Knowledge is only POWER when we put it into ACTION!! Thank you for including this information in Success! Health includes all areas of life – physical health, emotional health, mental health, social health, spiritual health and financial health!
[Reply]
Thank you for this, Darren! I work with several wellness coaches, having dedicated a year of my life to that myself, to educate people on how their physical well-being affects their financial well-being and vice-versa. It is only through education that the message will filter out to the masses. Bravo to Michelle Obama for her childhood obesity program. Bravo to you for integrating awareness of the severity of this problem to your followers and reader.
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Darren, I can appreciate this article. As entrepreneurs, I believe that some times we are guilty of eating unhealthy and not exercising. Why? …because we’re so busy. Just as time is spent on taking care of and growing our businesses we must nurture our bodies in the same way. It is a great reminder that what we invest in will render positive results — even our bodies!
Thank You!
Alicia
[Reply]
[...] The June issue of SUCCESS is focused around the theme of… CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST [...]
Darren, so true. What I don’t understand is: don’t people know that “garbage in, garbage out”?? We must treat our body like the temple it is. If we see ourselves as number one, others will see us as confident and capable. Can’t wait to get my June Success magazine!
Suzanne
[Reply]
I’m not a morning person at all, but I find getting up and getting in at least a good 30-45 minute workout first thing and then eating smaller meals more regularly throughout the day, keeps my energy levels higher than the days when I decide to sleep in. Also, my energy lags big time when I don’t drink enough water.
Anne Dovel
[Reply]
smile smile smile,
exercise every day
be still every day
eat whole fresh ripe raw plant foods
be nice
give thanks for everything
[Reply]
this is crazy! We as a country should encourage health prevention. We should be proactive instead of being reactive. health care as we know it today is all about being reactive. Positive health is a choice.
[Reply]