I choose to live by choices and not chance, to make changes not excuses, to be motivated not manipulated, to be useful not used, to excel not compete. I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinions of others.”

Is it not time for us to begin to focus on what is contributing to our escalated lifestyle-related diseases and the pain and sorrow they bring with them? These diseases are robbers of quality of life! Lifestyle-related diseases include obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and leaky gut just to name a few. Modifiable lifestyle diseases are mostly caused by lifestyle, notably refined foods, lack of movement and elevated cortisol, a stress hormone.

The typical treatment approach of “a pill for every ill” in managing diseases with drugs that have long-lasting side effects is not the only approach, is not always necessary and can even be dangerous in many cases. However, if this is the only way some people can or will address the problem of disease, then it is better than nothing. But within each of us is the power to be informed and make choices to promote greater wellness and live with a higher quality of life and well-being.

Promoting and protecting your wellness is one the most important things you can do.

There are key indicators from a clinical view that indicate your present and future state of health. Here are key numbers to know and manage, especially if you are 50 years of age or older.

1. Check your blood pressure and pulse. Untreated chronic high blood pressure is an equal opportunity killer! It can kill your heart, brain, eyes, kidneys and other organs. There was a close friend of mine that would not deal with his blood pressure and died at 62 years of age. Robbed of quality of life!
2. It is crucial for your health to know your blood sugar. Untreated, it leads to diabetes (elevated blood sugar) which will long-term rob you of your health and wellness. I know medicine promotes managing it, but if pre-diabetic or type 2; you can reverse it with lifestyle choices and chase the thief out of your life! Why is this important, because diabetes leads to other issues like heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, amputations, dementia and Alzheimer’s. All robbers of quality of life!
3. Your BMI or body mass index is also a good indicator of your present and future health. As we age, our metabolism changes, and it is easy to begin to lose muscle, and it may be replaced with fat. The most serious fat gain that may not be noticed until way advanced is visceral fat in the stomach and around the organs. Elevated fat levels should be identified as a thief of your future quality of life! I am not promoting a diet here, but lifestyle choices of clean, whole foods and avoiding as much processed food as possible.
4. Women, balance your hormones levels. As a woman over 50, you have experienced many hormonal changes. Three critical hormonal areas to focus now on your life including your sex hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone, your cortisol stress hormone levels and the third is your thyroid which is your master gland of metabolism. Add to this routine breast exams and mammograms. Early detection is protecting, and it can save your life! Find an excellent integrative physician and embrace balance and energy in your life. 
5. Men, prostate health, can be protected and enhanced. If there is a thief in a man’s quality of life, it is poor prostate health. Early detection and protection are most desired, but also know that inflammation can lead to high PSA! Eat a low inflammatory diet with support from targeted nutrition with TriVita Prostate Formula along with Omega3 Prime to help support a healthy prostate! For sure, this is a lurking thief that men should identify and seek ways to promote a healthy prostate. Your annual physical is added protection against this thief.

Wellness is a beautiful thing. Out of wellness comes our vitality in supporting our life’s meaning, purpose and fulfillment. You have the power of choice. You have the power of healing within. You can experience, physical, emotional and spiritual wellness!