Knowledge is power. Wow, what a loaded phrase! I remember in my youth, telling my Mom I wanted to work in “Preventative Medicine” when I grow up. Her reply, “I don’t think there is such a thing.” Her response did not quell my inquisitive nature to find the answers.
Back then, we really didn’t know the causes of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and the variety of maladies that affected our civilized humanity. But as we learned more, we acquired the power. Now, we just need to apply the power.
My Father played an important roll in this picture too. With a teaching degree in Physical Education and a love for sports and fitness, he instilled the premise in me that “a fit and healthy lifestyle” was the way to go. The environment of living with him and my mother, who smoked, struggled with obesity, high blood pressure and an impending warning from her doctor that she was on the diabetes road, spurred me on, establishing my passion and desire for more knowledge in this area. I needed to ensure that I had control over my life and body, to avoid the pain of disease. Ok, I admit that I didn’t want to become obese. I always felt like if I didn’t pay attention to what I ate and did, I would follow in my Mom’s footsteps. We were similar in body frame.
So, here we are. If knowledge is power, we/you need to get the knowledge! I encourage everybody to read, study and apply. If you don’t know, you can learn. I am so grateful that today, we are hearing on the news and television programming the information we need to improve our health. Our government and society are taking steps to apply this knowledge in recommendations and laws. There is hope.
