What is it that Americans Fear the Most? 

Antoaneta Sawyer, PhD

Being ill of a chronic degenerative disease while compared to other hurdles as getting a divorce or losing a job is considered the top fear of the nowadays Americans. Actually chronic illness is taking its toll by impacting the lives of millions of Americans. According to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, chronic illness afflicts 100 million Americans, causes seven out of 10 deaths and consumes $2 out of every $3 spent on health care. His advice is people to be oriented to prevention by following a simple lifestyle and engaging in active physical activity. A recent study commissioned by the American Diabetes Association in the period February 26 -- March 2, 2009 among 2,516 U.S. residents aged 18 or older and conducted by Harris Interactive (2009), was surveyed in order to predict their attitudes and actions concerning risky behaviors. According to this study, diabetes afflicts one out of every four Americans and most of those with it don’t even realize they have it. Additionally, there are 57 million Americans with pre-diabetes.

The synonym name of pre-diabetes is metabolic syndrome. It happens when glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to the point where it could be officially diagnosed as diabetes. The sad part is that despite the survey results, a very small number of people have made any changes to their diet or lifestyle to reduce their risk of diabetes and other chronic illnesses -- even though most of the people know lifestyle to be the cause of many illnesses.

Here are the results of the survey conducted by the ADA:

·         52 percent identified developing a chronic illness the worst possible thing that could happen to them

·         19 percent -- getting bankruptcy or being buried under heavy financial debt

·         13 percent -- getting a divorce or living alone

·         11 percent -- losing a job

Life style changes and behavioral modification techniques opinions:

·         67 percent admitted following a poor diet

·         62 percent still maintained unhealthy weight

·         83 percent recognized being overweight or obese as a contributing factor to chronic diseases as diabetes, cancer etc.

Few Holistic Ideas to Consider are:

1)     Avoid processed and sugary foods and buy whole foods fresh or frozen whenever possible.

2)     Eliminate drinks and foods made with high fructose corn syrup and keep only healthy drinks in your house. You must know and remember that corn syrup is calorie-dense but empty nutritionally.

3)     Use locally grown, seasonal and organic produce. As you switch over to more seasonal and fresh foods, we highly recommend you take advantage of the healthy and absolutely delicious recipes shown on our web site: http://www.naturalhealth-wellness.com.

4)     Assure a good night sleep.

5)     Find time for a good relaxation and meditation. Enhancing Mind/Body/Spirit Connection- with relaxation techniques, biofeedback, meditation, Tai Chi, Tai Bo, Hatta Yoga, is an absolute must. 

6)  There are plenty of adaptogenic herbs like: Ginseng, Ashwagandha( Ayurvedic herb), Cordyceps (Chinese medical mushroom), Rodiola Rosea, Guarana, Royal jelly, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax Ginseng, Green tea, and dietary formulas as: Coenzyme Q10, D-ribose, vitamin C, vit D3, Calcium/ Magnesium in 2:1 ratio, and vitamin B complex can help allot. 

8)      Listen beautiful music and laugh