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By Linda Goldfarb
Certified Physical Fitness Specialist

When you hear the term genealogy tree, what visual comes to mind? For most people it's usually the skeleton of a tree - the trunk and branches. Names are placed on one side for the paternal parent and on the other for the maternal parent. we usually don't see a lot of depth in our trees, just the bare facts of who came from who. I believe what we do, our contribution in life, becomes the leaves that flesh out the tree... what we are remembered for becomes our legacy.

Over the course of four weeks I will be discussing four areas we all can leaf (sorry, I had to) a legacy of love in for generations to come. I will begin today in the area of health.

One of my favorite phrases, "Genetics is a tendency... not a destiny!" is a powerful reminder that no matter whose below us on our tree, we always have the choice to learn from them and change. That said, what are you embracing as truth concerning health from your forefathers? No matter what it is, today, you can claim a healthier lifestyle, make some changes and influence generations to come.

What does a healthy-lifestyle look like to you? Is it:

• Traveling without restrictions.
• Playing on the floor with your children/grandchildren and getting back up.
• Desiring intimacy with your spouse and being able to act on it.

This lifestyle is possible when we put actions to our desires... here are a few suggestions you could incorporate today: (Be sure to check with your physician before changing your dietary or physical regimen)

• Include 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week - move it or lose it - make this fun!
• Drink 1/2 your body weight in fluid ounces of water daily - create a "My Jug/Pitcher" and keep it handy!
• Discover your Zone of Required Sleep and get it nightly - (set your bedroom up for successful sleep visit LivePowerfullyNow.org for articles on sleep.)
• Live within your limitations - physical/medical - don't shut down because of them, adapt.

Practice these habits until you can teach them... we are raising a new generation of show me don't tell me young people... it's up to each of us to show up and walk the walk knowing it's the little things we do that make the biggest impression... so what are you doing or will you do to sprout some leaves on your genealogy tree concerning good health?

 

NOTE: Before beginning any new fitness program that requires a change in diet or exercise, it is recommended that you consult your physician for input. This informational series is not intended for medical or nutritional claims dependent on substantial clinical studies and FDA approval, and should not be construed as a claim for cure, treatment, or prevention of any disease. It is intended solely for information and educational purposes. The Author is not a physician or expert in the medical field. She has been involved in the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer and fitness instructor for numerous years. The information given in these sessions have been derived from books and materials brought together over the years from many sources, including their personal life experiences.