As we talk and plan for improvements in virtually anything, it’s important that we examine what our role in that process is and should be. A quick example: it’s easier for someone to help us stand up if we do as much as we can ourselves to get up. We lighten their load as it were.

I’m almost 80 years old and I’m committed to doing as much as possible to live long and healthy. This includes physical fitness and mental acuity. Of course, I continue to drive race cars and need to stay physically fit for that purpose. However, I am committed to maintaining my fitness even in the absence of racing. Why? Because I feel better, am more energetic and am able to truly live my life. Doing such will help us all.

It’s not what or how much you can do that’s important. The important thing is that you do something. Doing nothing is not an option. If one is active, they can maintain weight more easily and have better health outcomes. Being overweight can be a drag on your entire body: your heart, lungs, circulatory system, waste system, literally everything. To live longer and better, we all need to be an active participant in our health and being active is key to that.

These same concepts and reasoning apply to addressing the social determinants of health and health equity. Even if you have preexisting health conditions, you’ll still be in a better position if you are active.

In 2021, I got COVID. Because I was in reasonably good physical shape, I was able to withstand the virus and recover. I am not overweight. I run. I don’t smoke. These facts mean that my lung capacity is better than normal. Since COVID afflicts the respiratory system, I was able to withstand the virus and recover more quickly. Others with COVID who were overweight or obese were the ones who generally ended up in the Intensive Care Unit and many unfortunately passed.

So, back to the beginning. My point is: you don’t need to be in the best physical shape possible, you simply need to be in better shape than you currently are. We each can – and should – contribute to our own health and wellness. If you do, you will lighten the lift of those that are trying to help you.