Avoiding Hospital Visits

Hospital visits are rarely fun. They often happen because we are not listening to our body. It will tell us long before it gets that point that something is wrong. In our society of cars, houses, machines for every task -- we begin to zone out the weather. The outside environment only touches us as it gets nasty. That is the way our health hits us. After a few nasty bouts of fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, pain, limited range of motion -- the signs and symptoms are usually there and identifying what we are ignoring.

Proactive health starts with listening. Look at the physical layer. Eat something, listen to our body's reaction. How does it react long term to our choices? Finish an activity, listen to our body's reaction. Does it recover gracefully or complain for three days? Drink something, listen to our reaction. Is there a shocking feeling with cold? or hot? or spicy? or does it feel great afterward? Are you keeping the body hydrated? It is the most common cause of making the problems go over the edge -- what edge? It is the edge where the body throws a fit and breaks down normal functioning.

Proactive health continues with choices at a mental, social, emotional, and even spiritual level. A state of well-being is a great choice of words. Positive thoughts release endorphins which more the body into a state of relaxation -- lessening the harsh effect of our physical world. Try achieving a sense of the runners high in any workout. Its effect lasts all day. Be curious and observant -- the simple act of discovery in art, drama, or music captures not only the imagination but releases healthy endorphins. A moving moment moves us within -- much like simple kindnesses move our fellow travelers in this world -- share the movement and it releases great endorphins for all who are involved and sometimes to those who are watching.

A bit of sun -- yes, it releases endorphins. A bite of chocolate (dark chocolate) -- yeah, it releases endorphins. Chili peppers -- wow, there it goes again. A good thing can be over done -- too much exercise, chocolate, hot peppers, sun will erode it initial positive benefits. Strive for that balance and maybe it will avoid a hospital visit.