If Your Health Were a Business

The world has watched as the BP oil spill has reeked havoc on the ecosystems of the creatures living in the waters off the Gulf. We've seen thousands of men and women lose their livelihoods as a result. Tourism in the affected areas has dwindled to a slow trickle. Many of the businesses that rely on summer tourism to maintain their bottom line have gone under as a result. Perhaps some of this turmoil could have been avoided if the oil industry had been proactive, anticipated possible scenarios and developed a plan of action for each. The same line of reasoning could be applied to the way we approach our health. If your health were a business, would you be in the Fortune 500 or filing bankruptcy?

Too often we take our health for granted. We may not be in tip top condition, but we are surviving. But much the way a business will fail if those in charge don't anticipate problems, our bodies will fail us if we don't take precautionary measures to avoid health problems. Let's say for example that you owned a sporting goods store, would you wait until June 1st to consider placing an order for golf supplies, swimsuits or fishing gear? Of course not. You would certainly have made arrangements to have those items in your inventory prior to the arrival of the season when there would be a high demand for those items. Sadly, many individuals don't apply the same logic to their health. Often, action isn't taken until a crisis occurs.

Take a moment and answer these questions:

Do you make cardiovascular fitness a priority?

Have you had your cholesterol levels checked recently? How about your blood pressure?


When was the last time you did any type of strength training?


How many fruits and vegetables did you eat yesterday?


Is your pantry filled with empty calories like cookies, chips and candy or is it full of brown rice, beans and tomato based products?


How do you manage your stress?

Do you discuss your problems with others or ponder solutions during a long walk?


When emotions get the best of you, do you drown your sorrows with alcohol or food?

Have you vowed to start taking better care of your health, but never got around to following through?

The answers to these questions play a large role in determining the success or failure of your health. Are you proactive or just keeping your head above water? Your health is your business and you are the CEO.