Do you

Refrain from smoking/vaping?

Limit your alcohol consumption?

Stay away from drugs that can become addictive or cause other issues?

Exercise?

Know what your cholesterol and blood pressure are and blood sugar are?

Limit fatty foods?

Limit sugary food?

Drink 64 ounces of water a day?

Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day?

Walk 10,000 steps?

Get six to eight hours of sleep a day?

Brush and floss teeth regularly?

Wear sunscreen?

Stretch?

If you said NO to most of these questions, I will assume that you are under 23 and/or a college student.

If you’re over 23, I have one question to ask:

Why are you choosing not to take care of your health?

which then leads to the question:

Should we take more individual responsibility when it comes to checking our health?

Should we do the basic things that help keep our bodies in working order before things get out of hand?

Is the onus on US to take individual responsibility for how our bodies work?

Do we care enough about ourselves that we do what we can to keep things in working order?

Or do we just not care enough about ourselves to do whatever preventive measures we can?

Should people take basic responsibility for their health?

You can give your responses as multiple choice, short answer or essay. You will not be graded on grammar, and there are no consequences for only answering some of the questions.

You have unlimited time to write your answers:

You may begin:

102 thoughts on “Take Care of You”

  2. I lean to the side of personal responsibility in most situations, not just health. I also think that there’s truth to the concept that by being responsible in positive ways for yourself you are also, in the long run, being responsible for others. Individually managing oneself takes the burden of caring for you away from other people and from social systems. Do people care enough? Maybe…maybe not. That probably speaks to our own self concept, learned experience and environment, perhaps dare I say even some laziness/selfishness for some. Also, if you’re under 23 you will live forever right? For many, until the body begins to nag and fail in minor or major ways there just isn’t comprehension of the concept that prevention is needed.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Completely agree that we don’t care until things hurt. But shouldn’t we stop being lazy about our personal self care? Maybe it should be mandatory that phones give you tips through out the day…drink water….walk for ten minutes…I know that’s the ultimate big brother…but maybe we need it

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Do mandates work, even from your own phone? I’ll be really magnanimous and say 50% would buy in to the idea. That word strikes horror and rebellion in so many…

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Agreed. However, if we could get even 15% of people healthier, it’s a start. And trust me…I don’t Like mandates at all…I’m all for less government. However, as you said, the state of my health does impact others

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I got a big 64 ounce water bottle and my goal is to finish it every day. If I’m at a place I can’t carry it I switch some into a smaller bottle. My daughter got a 32ounce one that she refills halfway through the day

        Like

  6. I might have a few alcoholic drinks a year. I know so many people who have struggles with alcohol so that is a deterrent. Know one guy in my extended family who was newly diagnosed with liver failure–his chances aren’t good. There didn’t seem to be any warning signs that would have told him to quit earlier it seemed to happen quite rapidly.

    I haven’t always taken good care of my health, but since my husband passed away, it was a sort of a wake up call. I started working with a personal trainer and besides the workouts we talk about a lot of the things on your list. I need someone to hold my hand for a while. Also have a fitbit and use my fitnesspal to keep track of water, calories etc.

    Modern life leads to a lot of inactivity for sure. One has to be really be mindful of getting in their steps daily.

    Son is a college student. I’m sure he doesn’t eat enough veggies, but he has no choice but to do a lot of walking. He said this year since there are more in person classes, the walking is really tiring, lol—even though he lifts weights several times a week.

    I have struggled with depression most of my life–sometimes it has been a vicious circle–when I am depressed I am not as mindful of the things you write about. But then when I am not taking care of my physical self that makes my depression worse.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. You make a lot of good points to consider. Often, something happened that’s a wake up call to take care of ourselves better…and yes…if our mental health is suffering we tend to forget to take care of ourselves…and this does make us feel worse. We forget that this isn’t about being thin or attractive…it’s about being healthy and taking care of ourselves

      Like

      Reply

  7. A thoughtful observation, mid twenties is the right age to begin looking after our health, but it’s not the time to panic, an improved diet and more exersise should suffice. Looking after ourselves is essential when children come along or we have elderly parents who rely our care……having dependents means whether we like it or not we have a moral responsibility to be fit and healthy, I have a 77yeat old mother who may well rely on me for her care in the future…….oh and I forgot to mention the partners!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  8. We’re definitely responsible for taking care of ourselves. Personally, I find it more of a challenge to do when battling a bout of depression. It becomes a vicious cycle. Not taking care of yourself worsens the depression. But it can feel like sinking sand, clawing your way out. The effort is always worth it. I have to talk myself into doing healthier things at times. I always end up feeling better in the end.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  9. I think most people take their health for granted while they are young. Then in middle age they start to become health conscious. I guess the joke for me is that I’ve always been health conscious. As a child in the 1950’s I loved fruit and veggies and hated red meat. So I was a vegetarian. My pediatrician put me on iron pills because he assumed I’d have to be anemic since I refused to eat meat.

    As a teen I wasn’t into drinking booze, always had my checkups growing up, and did everything right. Yet, ironically I’m the one in 4 women who got cancer. Go figure. I’m convinced good health is simply our genetic makeup.
    And so is that what keeps us healthy? I’m allergic to a million things from food to dust. So what? But is having the BRCA gene in my blood what gave me ovarian cancer? Does anything other than our compilation of genes determine our health? Hmmm? I think our health is probably 90 %. genetics and the other ten percent is using common sense in caring for ourselves.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

      1. Yeah, it’s a combo for sure. I guess what makes me think genetics is paramount is because I was healthy all through my 60’s then bam! So I assume it was all predetermined in my genes.. I certainly couldn’t predict a predisposition to BRCA or cancer. DNA and science hadn’t advanced enough to let me know a head of time. The good news is now doctors can do testing for medical predispositions. I would have done that in a NY minute. Now my children know because I was tested in surgery. It does show up that My offspring has a predisposition for various types of cancers. I suggest all families get bloodwork in that area.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Well siblings will have the same genetic make up but might have more or less of certain strands. One of my sons was blonde with curls like the Russian, polish side of my mother’s family. My other son is dark haired like the French, Romanian side. Both children have half my DNA. But there will be other variables. Both carry my genes and come up as prone to colon cancer. But NOT as carriers of BRCA. That did not get passed on in their blood.
        On ancestry my first cousin and her two daughters all did their dna. Obviously, the three matched my dna on my fathers side. But my cousin’s two daughters I would have thought would show up as 2nd cousins. One showed up as a second cousin, the other showed up as a 3rd cousin. She had slightly less dna strand matches. Both My dna match but the older daughter was a closer match. My sons shows up as my biological children. It’s fascinating.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. The whole dna study is fascinating. I know siblings where there one got breast cancer and the other didn’t…no genetic component in either…lots to think aboit

        Liked by 1 person

  11. As far as teeth go—my parents seemed to have horrible teeth—were always going to dentist, periodontist(gum dentist)–in an effort to keep their teeth. My advice–never skip a dental appointment—I know from experience. Some people seem to have better luck with their teeth than others–not in my family.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Kate I agree with your advice not to skip dental appointments. I’m only 25 and I have receding gums. ☹️ I hate going to the dentist but its extra important for me to go!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. I’m more on the side of personal responsibility for health. For eating, that’s easier when we have quality information — such as the nutritional info on the containers of food. I don’t know when that info started being placed on food. But before then, consumers were in the dark about how much fat, sugar, etc. was in grocery store items. We’re still in the dark when it comes to ordering food at restaurants, since I don’t see that info on menus. Also, there’s the issue of taxing what’s considered unhealthy. I’m in favor of cigarettes having high taxes, but I was against New York’s tax on very large soft drink containers. Maybe that’s hypocritical thinking. I wouldn’t want higher taxes placed on everything in the cookie aisle. Those little guys tempt me, and sometimes I collapse to that temptation.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Honestly, the nutritional labels are a bit of a catch-22 in my humble opinion. If you eat a whole food diet at home 80% of the time the meals outside the home will probably not do too much damage even if you know they won’t be the most nutritious… Agreed that labels would assist, and are necessary for people with allergies, but in general I think the focus on labels takes away the focus on picking a whole food over a packaged one.

      My niece has severe allergies, my mom a few sensitivities, labels in today’s society play a part. They pick mostly whole foods for that reason but are limited when eating out.

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply

      1. I understand your reasoning and that makes a lot of sense for people with allergies. However, I don’t eat a mostly whole foods diet. I eat processed foods, so the nutrition labels help when I compare different foods.

        Liked by 2 people

  14. This year I quit smoking/vaping nicotine and weed, started wearing sunscreen daily, and started flossing every day. I can happily say YES to everything else on your list. Except, I’m not sure exactly how many steps I walk per day, and I don’t know my cholesterol/blood sugar level!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  15. A big question – why do people choose not to take care of themselves ?
    Technology can intimidate older folks like me, but since I got my Apple watch and learned to use it, it’s a huge blessing.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  16. White cheddar cheetos are my downfall. I’m always trying to do better. I’m noticing things are hurting more and more. Arthritis in my foot and hands, the tinnitus and vertigo. I wake up wondering what’s going to go wrong next. But I am seeing doctors for treatment. I am a believer in personal responsibility.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  18. I smoked herbal cigarettes for a weekend in the 90’s, Gave up drinking, never did illegal substances, try to exercise up to 3-5 days a week
    Don’t know my blood pressure or cholesterol but I am not taking meds to control either. Try to eat as healthy as possible, drink more than 64 Oz of water a day. 3-4 for fruits and vegetables, 10000 steps probably not but I don’t have a pedometer to know, enough sleep. Definitely floss. Wear sunscreen but not daily, rarely stretch.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  19. I was a smoker but quit when I had jaw surgery in my early 30’s. I had to have my mouth wired shut and was afraid I’d get a coughing attack and choke myself to death. Hate exercise and have always been overweight but once I got up to 238 pounds with diabetes and a broken knee, I knew I had to do something. Enter keto. I definitely think we need to take care of our own health and start when we are young but obviously I didn’t.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  20. Yes, each person has a responsibility to care for their health, but there are outliers healthy living cannot always over come such as genetics, wrong place at the wrong time, poor choices by others that impact innocents and bad luck of the draw.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. True. But many things can be prevented by a healthier lifestyle. I could get hit by a car when I leave my building, but I try to be careful, look both ways, cross at the corner. Doesn’t mean I won’t get hit, but I reduce my risk

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  23. We all have a body that was given to us by God. Your body a temple!! Please realize you have one body to go through life with. The only way to live a valuable take care of you body. It don’t matter how old you are.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  24. Ah, well I like taking care of myself now. When you’re young, you can bounce back from a lot of things without abstaining from unhealthy choices. I feel like it’s our individual responsibility take care of ourselves, particularly for our loved ones who want us around as long as possible. Sadly, that doesn’t always matter, AT ALL, due to accidents and bad luck with diseases. That can make a person jaded and lead to fatalistic thinking. Great topic. Personally, I think drinking lots of water is the answer to everything!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  26. I try to limit fatty and sugary foods but it doesnt always work and I don’t stretch. Not bad. I have begun to take better care of myself. I started going to the gym. 3 miles on the bike and 1 on the treadmill. I feel great! I lost 9 pounds as of this morning. As we get younger we need take better care of ourselves.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  30. “Or do we just not care enough about ourselves to do whatever preventive measures we can?”

    I think you nailed it right there! Having my own host of medical issues I try to look after myself and get that creeping guilt if I can’t do at least some of the basics in a day. Working in IT taught me the value of time outdoors, so whenever I’m able, to the woods I go for a walk and go off-grid for a bit.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  31. Ok I am back! I do not smoke oe vape and my alcohol consumption is VERY limited. Like a few times a year. I am doing better with water but not at 64 oz yet. I could get more exercise and I should eat healthier but I do keep track of my chol and sugar, etc and all is Good!
    Part of my problem with eating and its a lame excuse but…. I have celiac so I have had to give up so many foods I loved! Don’t take my sugar or red meat from me too! I do eat more chicken and fish then red meat.
    I will say that the thing that makes me focus on my health the most is my kids! I want to be here for them as long as I can. My husband too of course, but there is something about your kids. 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I get it about the kids….you want to see them take off on their amazing lives, and be there if the lives veer off the amazing path

      Like

      Reply

      1. Exactly! 🙂 and when your son talks to you about wanting to see you eat better because he wants you around it does really hit you!! My family has a bad history of heart problems so that is what he is concerned about.
        He is a vegetarian but I just can’t do that and he knows it. We reached a compromise I will.est more veggies because I know I do lack that and I will try to exercise more.

        Like

  36. Ok wow, your blog is simple and effective and it got lots of views and like. I am really amazed with this. I’m a fellow blogger and have started blogging recently, can you lend me some advice on what approach are you taking?

    Like

    Reply

  37. As usual, I can tie some of your posts together in my thoughts and comment. Thanks for making it so convenient.
    Unfortunately, many of my sacred spaces, times and joys include indulging in things that would not usually be considered healthy.
    This leads to my thoughts re some comments on one of your other posts this week. How much of our health and happiness is under our control and what factors re that may or should receive some assistance from elsewhere eg government, family, etc.?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s