As I was designing the pages of our Health and Fitness special section, it occurred to me that I am not quite healthy, nor am I very fit.Sure, I don’t live on trans fats, and I eat a couple of vegetables a day. Last week I slipped, though, and lived on a steady ration of Diet Mountain Dew and Little Debbie Snacks. I probably drink too much Miller Lite, too, and I can’t remember the last time I walked more than a few blocks in one stretch.I had to make three doctor visits and fill two prescriptions last month — again, not a sign of optimum health. But being negative isn’t healthy either, so I should give myself credit for some of the positive things I manage to do for my health.For one thing, I floss (almost daily). According to Dr. Michael Roizen, author of the book "Real Age," people who floss extend their life by 6.4 years because oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, and the "plaque" blocks blood vessels, causing heart disease.I also try to eat breakfast more than I used to. Breakfast eaters take in more vitamins and minerals and have less chance of overeating throughout the day. The International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition reported that people who eat breakfast feel both physically and mentally better throughout the day.Things I don’t do are almost as important as what I do for my health: I don’t smoke or regularly crave fries, for example.I’m not a competitive athlete, so I am at low risk for fractures, broken bones or muscle tears.Moderate drinking (one a day for women) is actually good for me. It raises good cholesterol, reduces pre-cancerous growths in the colon and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.Drinking can change from healthy to harmful pretty fast, though. Drinking over the "moderate" amount increases risk for accidents, liver and heart disease and many types of cancer.The point in staying on top of all these issues is that health is easy to take for granted until we don’t have it. It’s important to remember that a healthy life includes much more than a healthy physique. Too often, we think of health as a weight issue, but wellness is achieved through much more than an ideal number on the scale. Healthy people enjoy laughing and have friends and fulfilling jobs. They get seven to 10 hours of sleep a night and wear sunscreen.Don’t follow my lead if you want to be the healthiest person you can be, though. Read Karen Radisiwitz’s article in our special edition this week and live a balanced life that includes overall wellness in addition to physical health.
