In order to once again become a strong nation, we must be a smart one...it starts with YOU!

Health Literacy

October is designated as Health Literacy month. For the last 13 years, the message worldwide has been stressing the importance of understandable health information.

Health Literacy is a person's ability to process and understand basic health information in order to determine how to self-manage certain conditions, grasp general illness prevention, and make educated decisions about health and well being.

People that have difficulty understanding health information that's commonly available have a hard time managing chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, and tend to visit the emergency room more frequently. To turn this around, the hope is to provide everyone with accurate health information, delivering health information and services personally, and supporting learning and skills for a lifetime of good health.

Educating yourself and your loved ones about common illnesses and lifestyle related diseases is important! Taking responsibility for the Nation's health care crisis starts at home!

Here are some helpful tips to help you get started:

1. Know your data! When the nurse or PA checks your blood pressure, ask what it is. Remember that number and be sure to mention it to the doctor. Ditto with blood lab results. Ask for a copy and do some homework to find out what those numbers mean.

2. Ask questions! If you aren't sure about something, get clarification. Be proactive about looking up health care info. It is important to double check facts and make sure your information is coming from reliable sources.

3. Know your family history. There is a genetic link to most lifestyle related diseases. This information shouldn't be an excuse, but a call to action. If high cholesterol runs in your family, it is YOUR responsibility to take action.

4. Discuss alternatives. Doctors are trained to treat disease with medicine, not prevent it in the first place. If your doctor prescribes something, ask about all side effects and whether there are healthier ways to combat the issue. Don't be afraid to get several opinions.

5. Pass it on. Information is only useful when you share it and only valuable when you use it. Discuss your health with people you trust and share what you know with them! This is especially important with your children.

The United States is sick, poor, and uneducated. Sad, but true. In order to once again become a strong nation, we must be a smart one...it starts with YOU!

You get what you pay for...

and you also reap what you sow!

Enlisting in the help of a fitness pro can set you up for success...or failure! Price is only one factor in selecting a trainer. As a general rule, you get out of the experience what you put into it. Do your homework. Sometimes a higher priced trainer can save you down time due to injury and get you the results you are looking for more quickly. Take some time to make a healthy decision!

So you have decided it is time to get healthy. One of the most important decisions you can make in your life. Enlisting in help is a great first step. Just as you wouldn't trust your home repairs to just anyone, or take them on yourself, a professional with experience and education can help you navigate your quest for better health.

There are many great options for guidance and support. The personal training industry has come a long way in the past decade. There are plenty of great trainers, but there are some basics you should know before signing on the dotted line.

The first decision you need to make is what type of environment you are most comfortable in. Do you enjoy the energy of a health club? Do you prefer a smaller, more intimate environment? Do you prefer the comfort and convenience of your own home?

There are three main ways that trainers work:

1. On contract or as an employee for a local health club. As a general rule, you get what you pay for. The less you pay in dues, the lower the quality of the trainers that work there.
2. In a private personal training studio where they pay rent or a percentage. These are usually your more experienced trainers with a loyal following and many success stories to their credit. They get pricey, but usually worth the money you invest.
3. In your home. These trainers run the gamut and need to be examined closely based on the guidelines listed below.
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Once you have decided where you want to exercise, now you can start to narrow down the field of trainers.

You should interview a trainer, just as you would with any employee! Be prepared with a list of questions, no matter how silly you think they may be. Any trainer should be happy to offer a free consultation where your needs are assessed, and his/her/your philosophies are addressed. They should be willing to spend time with you and you should leave the meeting with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

What to look for:

• Are they well groomed, on time, and professional?
• Are they warm and inviting with an obvious passion for their job?
• Are their hours flexible enough to fit yours?
• Does their philosophy match up with what you feel is right for you? (Trust your instincts here.)
• Are they willing to work with your budget and time constraints?
• Do they ask for a medical history and take initial baseline fitness assessments before prescribing a program?
• Do they have a degree? Which certifications do they hold and are they current? Don't be afraid to do your homework and ask for proof.
• Does it seem like they genuinely care about your health and concerns?
• Do they have testimonials of previous success with other clients? (It is okay to ask for references.)

What to watch out for:

• A cocky or controlling attitude and body language.
• Unfit, unkept looking appearance.
• A vague disinterest, lack of eye contact.
• An inflexibility with availability or financial dealings.
• A binder with pictures of themselves as proof that they are a great trainer. Particularly if these pictures are over two years old.
• They talk instead of listen.
• They want a financial commitment that exceeds three months.
• You feel pressured to whip out the credit card.

Finding the right trainer is like finding the right hairdresser. It may take a little digging and a little trial and error, but if you follow these guidelines, you can narrow your search and spend your energy on what is really important, getting healthy.