Many people take their car for regular checkups, ensure the oil is properly changed and give the car the best gas, but yet they never take themselves to the doctor for a regular checkup, eat too much junk food and never think about what they can do to stay healthy.

Why is it that most people, especially men, do not take care of themselves concerning their health? Or wait until there is a crisis before they make any significant change with their health? But most of the time that change is short-lived and they go back to their disease-promoting habits after the crisis is over.

Overwhelming stress, whether it is chemical, physical or emotional, may be the cause of 90% to 95% of all chronic diseases like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

However, you can learn to avoid and reverse many of these medical problems.

I am encouraging and empowering you to take control of your health so that you can live a healthy life and avoid many of these chronic diseases that are cutting lives short.

Great news! You are, or should be, your best health advocate, and you are responsible for your health status. If the previous statement is not good news to you, then you may want to look within yourself and determine “why not?” When someone takes ownership and responsibility of one’s own health, he or she is freed to take great strides in obtaining and/or maintaining optimal health.

If you don’t have your health, what do you have?

Initial step

Get moving and be active. One of the best ways you can take responsibility for your health and become healthier is to start exercising regularly. And if you have not developed the habit of regular exercising, one way you can start is by walking or doing another low-impact aerobic activity for just 10 minutes five to seven times a week. The goal is to work your way up to 45 minutes five times a week. You will realize that regular aerobic exercise will make you feel better because it releases your body’s endorphins and helps relieve stress.

Next step

Start eating more fruits and vegetables and drink good water. Fresh is better. Fresh flash-frozen is next best. And finally canned is better than none at all. Raw or lightly steamed is best, but if cooked then the fruit or vegetable should not be mushy or lose its vibrant color. Fruits and vegetables can help your digestive system, increase your antioxidants, and boost your immune system. And people who eat a lot of vegetables and fruit have fewer cases of cancer than those who do not.

Finally, partner with your physician

A good physician partners with you in order to help you understand what disease process may or may not be occurring and shares information and treatment options with you so that you can make informed decisions to improve or maintain better health.

You only get one body, and replacing car parts is much easier than replacing body parts.

“Before I started the wellness program, my body was sluggish. I was tired all the time. I carried excess weight I couldn’t get rid of. I just felt not energetic. I just didn’t have any energy to do anything. After I started the wellness program, I was kind of skeptical, but as I progressed in the program … and I lost weight, I started to eat better and started feeling better. More energetic. Overall I lost over 30 pounds. My energy level is better. I sleep well at night, … On a scale of 1 to 100, I am like 95% more improved physically, mentally and my overall health.” – Mark L. of Clarksville

Take the first step and start or continue on the road to better health today! Join me, Dr. Fryer, for a free wellness presentation and dinner at Logan’s Roadhouse, located at 3072 Wilma Rudolph Blvd., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 6:15 p.m. Call now to reserve you seat, 931-221-0902. Seating is limited.

Dr. Gregory Fryer, M.D.