If you're like me, you might be starting your day with a cup of coffee reading an article centered on our ongoing health care crisis. Most likely, the story is asking the often-voiced question; "Who's to blame?" Fingers have been pointing in all directions spreading blame to all who touch the health care system, when the problem might be staring at us in the mirror. It's time we stop blaming others and start focusing on taking care of ourselves. Recently, I realized how positive that focus can be.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Ford Ironman competition in Madison, Wis. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the race, the Ironman competition is a grueling challenge that has an individual first swimming 2.4 miles, hopping on a bike for 112 miles and then finishing with a relentless 26.2-mile run all in one day. Some of us get tired just driving the 140.6 miles these individuals cover over the course of a day. An athlete has to be in peak shape to complete such a task, often making important lifestyle changes along the way. That day, the race was full of people who decided to make those changes. Let me tell you about a few.
Mike M. is 60 years old and is a veteran of eight Ironman races. For most of his life Mike was an avid smoker, often smoking two packs a day. Then in 2002, he decided to kick the habit. From there, Mike began running. He began with one mile at a time, and soon found himself competing in local races later that same year. He has been hooked ever since.
Mike K., a 43-year-old veteran of two Ironman races, took a good look at himself six years ago. He was 217 pounds, out of shape and a Type 1 diabetic. He knew he had to do something before it was too late. Shortly thereafter, Mike began to work out while creating a new outlook on life. Little by little, his fitness improved and six years later, he found himself 40 pounds lighter. It is that same drive and determination that led Mike to push his way to the finish line at Ironman Wisconsin.
Dan E. has never let adversity get in his way. In fact, the 48-year-old attempted to complete the Ironman course in 2008 while battling multiple sclerosis and a torn rotator cuff. While many who suffer from a chronic illness often find it easy to feel sorry for themselves, Dan believes that "he has multiple sclerosis" and it "does not have him." Though his 2008 attempt was unsuccessful, he will be back out there again in 2010 gutting out the 140.6 miles. These men are truly inspirational.
As I watched these inspiring athletes throughout the day, I realized that the future of our health care system will not change with the passing of a government bill. Change needs to come from within. Now most of us will not be able to complete the challenge that an Ironman competition presents, but we can make the right choices when it comes to our health and well-being. Before you voice your next opinion about the health care crisis, remember to take a good look in the mirror, because the needed change might be staring right back at you.
Read other articles in this month's disease management special section:
- The power of connectivity
- 2010 disease management source list
