IF NOT US, THEN WHO?  MISSION AURORA

A shocking article (although not so shocking to some) was published in The American Journal of Medicine last month.  It was a massive, well documented study that will continue annually, to determine the on-going deterioration of the mental and physical health of our American public.

It will shock those that believe that we have a reasonable grasp on health in the US, that we have a decent health care system, and that we are getting more health conscious.  For those of us in Maximized Living, who have been researching and tracking the numbers, not so shocking.

The failure of American adults and children to care for their bodies is an urgent, deadly problem.  Conservatively, 75% of all conditions and diseases are found to be self-induced.  Some studies show as high as 98%.  So, you cannot blame bad genetics anymore - suffering and early deaths are due to bad decisions and ignoring your nutrition, nervous system, activity levels, etc. - not your parents (although as parent, you are the role model for good or bad behavior).

The study was done by a team of medical doctors and PhDs and covered, "Adherence to Healthy Lifestyle" in US Adults, 1988-2006.  Lifestyle habits between 1988 and 1994 were compared with habits from 2001 to 2006 among adults aged 40-74 years.

Lifestyle choices are associated with cancer, diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, and quicker mortality. The purpose of this study was to compare adherence to healthy lifestyle habits in adults between 1988 and 2006.  Like Maximized Living, they looked at 5 key areas of lifestyle. These are not nearly as cutting edge as the 5 Maximized Living Essentials, but the point is clear. Follow these 5 or the facts show you will suffer a very, very serious consequence.

THE 5 LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS STUDIED:

Eat 5 fruits and vegetables per day

Exercise regularly (more than 12 times per month)

Maintain healthy weight (body mass index 18.5-29.9 kg/m2)

Moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 drink/day for women, 2/day for men)

Not smoking

Adherence to the 5 lifestyle behaviors in 1988-1994 were compared with results from 2001-2006 among adults aged 40-74 years.  THE STUDY SHOWED:

1. Eating 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day decreased from 42% to 26%

2. Physical activity 12 times per month or more decreased from 53% to 43%

3. Over the last 18 years, the percent of adults aged 40-74 years with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 has increased from 28% to 36% 

4. Moderate alcohol use has increased from 40% to 51% (More than 2 drinks per day men!)

5. Smoking rates have not changed (26.9% to 26.1%)

TOTAL: Adherence to all 5 health habits has gone from 15% to 8% - From bad to horrific.

92% of Americans are quite literally killing themselves.  These are your friends, family and the people at your church.  They are drowning and they need your help.  Are you going to stand there and watch them drown or are you going to throw them a life jacket?  I am.  Please help me by setting up a Mini Maximized Living Makeover at your work, church or anywhere else you can.  If not us, then who?  Please see Amanda for your Mission Aurora Sheet and let’s get to them.