Did you know that lifestyle factors are one of the major contributors to chronic disease?

Did you know that you can change those lifestyle factors to decrease your risk of chronic disease?

The four factors that impact chronic disease the most include physical activity, nutrition, tobacco use, and alcohol use. These are all within our control.

One barrier to leading a healthy lifestyle can be the cost. Some claim that healthier foods and gym memberships are too expensive. Other excuses include a lack of time, unsure of what to do, and lack of resources.

We need to drop the excuses. As harsh as it may sound to some, that’s what they are, excuses.

Here’s the reality:

Chronic conditions account for 70% of deaths among Americans.

45% of Americans are living with at least one chronic disease.

Average health care costs with a chronic condition are $6,032/year.

Those costs are 4x higher than those without a chronic condition.

Healthy foods don’t have to be expensive. I’ve demonstrated time and time again how fresh produce, lean meats, and other whole foods can be purchased within a budget and I’m more than happy to help clients with this.

Memberships to some gyms can be expensive depending on the type of training you want to do, I won’t deny that. However, you don’t need a gym membership to get moving. Just taking short breaks in your day to stand, go for a walk, or do a few squats can make a significant difference in the amount of calories you burn in a day and your health.

You don’t have time? Check your screen time on your smart phone. How many hours are you spending scrolling through social media? How many hours a week are you choosing to sit and watch Netflix? As I mentioned before, simply work in additional movement into your current routine.

Unsure of what to do or lack of resources? There’s a plethora of information out there! (Some better than others.) If you’re really interested in finding a quick workout or learning about a healthy diet, it’s out there. There are professionals out there (LIKE ME) that are sharing quality health and fitness information through their social media accounts for FREE!

Now really stop and think…

Are the costs associated with chronic disease really worth saving a few dollars or not making your health a priority right now?

I’m not about to give a budget lecture, but we really need to prioritize the things in our lives and our lifestyles to figure out how to be smart about how we spend our time and money.

You are in control of your health far more than you realize. Be honest with yourself, what’s holding you back from leading a healthy lifestyle?