Personal health is disregarded by millions of Americans and others worldwide. In today’s society, people eat foods with high percentages of fat and sodium and don’t exercise daily. People understand the risk of eating these alarming foods, but do they really know how they’re affecting their body in the long run?

As a young teen, I did not understand the concept of balance when it came to taking care of my body. I would run twice a week and eat all the junk food I wanted to. Although I was exercising, I remember feeling sluggish and tired all the time. I would blame this tiredness on school work and getting up early instead of inspecting the true culprit. What I didn’t know was how my meals were from only one selected food group. Most foods I ate on a daily basis consisted of salt and sugar, but when an individual consumes a large amount of salt and sugar daily, her body will not be able to perform in 20 years the way it used to. The high amounts of sodium will lead to higher blood pressure, heart disease and heart attacks. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “75 million Americans have high blood pressure, which is 1 in every 3 adults” (https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_bloodpressure.htm). I researched my family’s health history and found that heart-related problems are in my genetic makeup. From heart attacks, strokes, heart palpitations and high blood pressure, my family has seen it all. But what could I do to prevent this genetic curse?

I went to the gym to sweat out harmful toxins that polluted my body and mind. When grocery shopping, I tried to stay on the outer isles of the store where there is an abundance of fresh super foods such as meats, vegetables, fruits, eggs and fish. I brought a large water bottle to school and continually drank water throughout the day. I drank vitamin C and washed my hands frequently so I wouldn’t catch a cold. I make time in my schedule for yoga sessions. I finally took vitamins and probiotics, so that when I slept, my systems could reset during the night. These little changes to my lifestyle promoted a stress-free mind and a healthy body. I learned to take care of myself, and my body will thank me in the long run!