I came across the above meme the other day. I had seen it before, but this time I read the comments. I was surprised by the number of people who took offense to the cartoon. It seemed to be a majority. I understand the perspective of these people and empathize with their circumstances, but I think they are seriously missing the point. Many expressed that “lifestyle change” would do little for their pain, their cancer, their genetic condition, etc. They are correct. Many accused the meme of “fat shaming.” (I don’t see that, but I understand how some people hear this with “lifestyle change.”) People were quite defensive. The point of the meme (as I read it) is not to shame people in their particular situation. Rather it is to point out society’s general proclivity toward quick-fixes and short-cuts. We look for “hacks” and pills to “success.” We are less willing to change that which we can change to better our circumstances.
We cannot be blamed for our circumstances. We must, however, take responsibility in our circumstance. We can change what we are able to change. Lifestyle change is taking responsibility.
Health, in general, is a lifestyle. Of course, there are health conditions that are beyond our control and which require surgery and/or pill to treat. Nevertheless, our lifestyle can often contribute to the prognosis of said condition. Diet, exercise, and weight management are changeable factors of “lifestyle.” I would contend that the most important things that we can do for our health is to: 1) not smoke, 2) eat a healthy diet, and 3) exercise regularly. (The contention of at least one commenter on the meme that “healthy food” is expensive is simply wrong. There are plenty of affordable foods that are quite inexpensive. Unfortunately, it is the access sometimes to these foods which is the greatest challenge—and the responsibility of politicians and community leaders. Sometimes, however, eating healthy takes some effort and planning.)
There is not a circumstance in which one cannot change some aspect of one’s lifestyle to be healthier. Frankly, the defensiveness of the commenters underscores the point of the cartoon. We are willing to line up for the quick-fixes rather than pursue the opportunity to change.
I believe there is a difference in attitude among those who speak of health care and those who speak of health. There is no fault in either, but there is a difference in whom one depends. It is an external locus of control versus an internal locus of control. It is dependence versus independence. It is reactive versus proactive. Of course, we need health care (“Pills and Surgery”) but health care in the absence of “Lifestyle Change” is ineffective.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!