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Often on my public diary – The Diary of Pholokgolo, I get messages from people who want to know how I keep healthy. Most of family and friends believe I am a very health conscious person. But really? I haven’t been exercising enough recently. I drink beer. Worst of all, I still think burgers are the greatest invention for people like me who are always on the road.
I have two goals this year. That is quitting alcohol and being religious about my wellness activities like exercising. Until recently, I had literally given up on my resolution to quit alcohol. That was until my son had a chat with me about my health and living with HIV. He told me he does not approve of my drinking alcohol. He threatened to get rid of my mini bar at home. ‘One day I will spill all this bottles while you are at work’ he told me with great concern. This concern has not got me to want to give ‘alcohol quitting’ another try. This time for real.
I am also going back to gym on a regular basis and will add more time to my exercising routine. I want to make sure that in six months my physical has changed. Maybe I will build a few muscles and a six back. Currently I weight 85 kilograms and my height is 1.78. According to Virgin Active, based on my height and weight, my body mass index (BMI) is too much. According to the machine they use to measure all this, the amount of fat in my body is “at acceptable range”. However I should aim to be at an excellent range. Hhmm, how encouraging….. This is a polite way to tell me that I am over weight. To make it worse, it says my blood pressure is normal by not at “an ideal level”. However my sugar level, cholesterol and glucose are normal.
Come to think of it, maybe this in-balance in my health caused by the amount of time I spend in the car or sitting on the couch during my spare time. There is no time to be active. This year my resolve to turn my thoughts and wishes into reality is going to happen. I am determined to stop drinking. My body could do with less or no alcohol in it. I should do this for my health’s sake if I cant do it for the fun of it.
There are many people who don’t know what their sugar level or blood pressure is. I have made a decision to be more health conscious. I am now challenging anyone to join me in this wellness challenge. Set yourself a goal to become healthier person. That being said, I also realise that many people might not know where to start with this. So, here are a few pointers on where to start:
- Go and do an HIV test – Know your status early so that you can make future decisions knowing where you stand with your health.
- If you know that you have HIV already, go and do your medical check-ups. If you need treatment like ARVs, start taking it.
- Join me and quit alcohol. Experience the no babalas feeling. See how much money you will save. And….I am told not drinking alcohol it is good for you liver and skin.
- Quit smoking – Did you know that Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals and 45 known cancer causing substances, including nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar.
- Eat healthy – Your body needs that nutrition in order to build its immune system. This will assist in protecting you from getting infections
- Join me and exercise. Build some muscle(s). Or just improve your fitness and improve your energy levels.
- Look after your mental health. Find ways to manage/avoid stress. Have fun with your life.
- Go and do your regular check ups i.e. check you glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar level, pap smear (if you are a woman) etc.
This surely sounds and feels like a mountain to climb. However, most of the check ups are done for free in clinics while exercising does not mean being in the gym. I have always believed that when you know where you stand with your health, it is easy to know what to do and what not to do. In the end it is for you to live a much healthier life. Join me in this challenge. Motivate others by sharing your resolutions, plans or health achievements with me.
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