Day 17

It takes an entire community to create a healthy body.

The original African proverb, "It takes an entire village to raise a child," can be reinterpreted in light of our need for support as we pursue a healthy, fit body. Our health care must treat the whole person, not an arm here or a kneecap there. We must communicate our need for support to families and friends. Fast-food joints selling grease and sugar that proliferate in our neighborhoods should be phased out. Grocery stores must be forced to sell us only quality produce. We must fight against the overabundance of cigarette and alcohol billboards in our neighborhoods. Is it any wonder that we lead the nation in most ailments? One of the reasons why losing weight or sticking to an exercise regimen is so difficult for many of us is because we exist in unhealthy community climates. If we are serious about becoming healthy, we must become activists. We must continue to struggle against the current, while we eliminate those unhealthy influences that abound in our communities.

I will do what I can to create a healthy climate in my own neighborhood.