Being a healthy, strong role model can benefit younger generation…and ourselves

Regular exercise, including some weight training, is one way to make sure you are healthy.

By MICK and KAYLA
The Trucker News Services

4/25/2008

Undoubtedly if you are over weight, have diabetes or another health problem you probably have tried a number of diets and work hard to stay on top of your insulin control and other health issues.

Now add family problems, long days on the road, high fuel prices and other work-related issues and the “roller-coaster” ride of living the trucker lifestyle can be both challenging and depressing.

When we look at our lives, particularly our health, we can have many perspectives. They include a narrow “woe is me” perspective that gives us the excuse that everything and everyone is against us; the “there ain’t nothin’ I can do about it” perspective; the “let’s us bury our heads in the sand” viewpoint and, last but not least, “I’m going to make a change … next Monday.”

The reasons to try your best to be strong and healthy are endless but finding that one reason or perspective that instigates change can be a daunting task just by itself. Most of us who fail in our quest to be healthy usually set ourselves up to fail by setting unrealistic goals and regimens. Being healthy is a commitment to a balanced lifestyle.

Some interesting studies and stories have come out this past month that may shed a little light on a new reason or perspective you may consider if you are thinking about a health change.

The incidence of obesity in children is well over the 30 percent mark and the incidence of Type II diabetes and pre-diabetes is a common occurrence among our overweight kids. Whatever happened to the time when grandma was the only one who had “sugar”?

Another sad eye-opening study that was just brought to light is the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases among girls between the ages of 14 to 19. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) one in four of the sexually active young girls within these age ranges have a sexually transmitted disease.

You’re probably wondering why I would put these two seemingly different health issues in the same conversation. Different issues, same children — our children.

At this point and time of instant information on any subject at any age and anywhere you better believe that you, as an adult and more intensely as a parent, are held up as examples of success or failure than we ever thought possible in our day. More importantly our children are exposed to more pressures and stresses than we ever imagined.

Sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, instant gratification and unbelievable peer pressure come at our children from every possible direction and the only anchors are steadfast, strong, God fearing and example setting, common-sense adults.

You, as an adult, are the torch-bearer. You and I set the tone and the example for the next generation. Sometimes I feel I have let the flame go out on the torch and I have no idea how I can comfort and guide these kids through such trying times but then I realize I have no choice.

It is up to you and me to be greater than the pressure and evil these children face in these trying times.

So, if you have been looking for that reason to get stronger and healthier, just take a look around you and become aware of the negative forces that are keeping us, the adults, from being the love, power and strength our kids need.

We have a CD titled “Every Child Needs a Loving Heart” that was written a few years back for a children’s charity we are involved in. It is a powerful, emotional message for all adults to become involved in the lives of every child.

For information on the CD or any health issues please call us at (888) FIT-ROAD or get on the Web site, www.fitnessroad.com.

God Bless you and yours, Mick.