Having spent my entire professional life immersed in conducting health-related research, writing hundreds of textbooks and articles about health and teaching thousands of students in graduate and undergraduate courses about the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, I might seem, from an outsider’s perspective, to be the picture of good health. Now, add the fact that I ran my first marathon in 1971 and, to this day, have continued to partake in endurance activities as a part of my everyday regimen. Sounds like I’m the poster boy for good health. Or am I?
I am holding a framed picture depicting most of my immediate family. My wife, two daughters and granddaughter compose what, I believe, is a picture of good health. They eat healthful foods, exercise regularly and have positive outlets to deal with everyday stressors. The one person missing from inside the family picture is me, and with good reason. Unlike my other family members, I sometimes engage in food-related patterns that cause them to cringe – think chocolate, potato chips, ice cream and pastries.
Perhaps I’m a bit difficult on myself, but I do partake in health-enhancing behaviors, thanks to my family. The role of my family in promoting my well-being cannot be underestimated. I am generally in good health because my family members encourage me to keep healthy and discourage me from engaging in actions that are deemed harmful.
Although Healthy New Albany is going to make a significant impact on the health of our community, it cannot substitute the influence on health that a family has on its members. As you read the articles in this issue of the magazine, you will be presented with practical strategies that promote family health. Perhaps I will use some of these to improve my health behaviors so that I, too, might have a place in my family picture of good health.
