If I had a dollar for every excuse I've heard to rationalize an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle, well, I'd have a lot of dollars.

It's no secret that we live in a world that is:

• "too busy" to exercise
• "too busy" to eat fresh, unprocessed foods
• "working too much" to get enough sleep
• too self absorbed to lose weight
• too sick to get healthy

The World Health Organization defines obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.

Obesity is a complex disease that has a gradual and cumulative effect, sometimes without symptoms.

In fact, over 2/3 of the United States is obese.

According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, in a meta-analysis study of 2.88 million individuals, obesity was associated with an increase in mortality rate.

It's an epidemic that kills people via associated diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. 

In other words, if you are obese you are more likely to die.

It's not much better in Australia and other countries where modern technology has pretty much engineered all physical activity out of our lives.

Think about it: Modern conveniences like cars and multi-purpose communication devices have made our lives very easy.

Nowadays there's very little physical effort involved in most things. It's surreal to think you can speak into your computer-wristwatch-thingie and have groceries delivered to your doorstep.

Life is so easy, in fact, that a majority of folks (2/3 of Americans) are getting dangerously soft.

Consider when the pandemic of bubonic "Black Death" plague hit Europe, around 1347, killing a third of the European population.

One out of every three Europeans died from that outbreak.

Obesity is a modern-day "Black Death" plague; however, obesity is more insidious in that death and disability occur over decades versus days.

Okay, okay I know what you're thinking.

"Coach Joe, you're such a Debbie Downer. I'm obese and I'm fine. I don't have any of the diseases you are talking about."

And to that I say, yes, you are correct.

Indeed, you may be symptom free for now, but are you truly living your life when you are tired all of the time, self-conscious about how you look, and generally unhappy?

How to Leave a Legacy

Today comes once in your life but tomorrow it's gone.

When it comes to your health, there is no one coming to rescue you.

You need to rescue yourself and I'm here to assist.

But if you want to help others and leave a legacy, focus on your health first.

Do the basics better than you did them last week.

Small improvements add up.

Here are five simple ways to make the world a better place.

1. Get grateful

Be thankful for the things that you may take for granted.

When you are feeling sorry for yourself, visit the burn unit at your local hospital.

Or a homeless shelter.

That will help you put things into perspective.

2. Real wealth is peak health

I have worked with some affluent folks over the years.

The kind of people who have millions in the bank, fancy cars, expensive watches, multiple vacation homes; but they are paupers without their health.

3. Don't be successful but alone

Ever notice how some of the "successful" people in your life have little time to do anything but work?

When they aren't working, all they want to do is "relax" in front of the TV.

They lose touch with their friends and family.

Life generally passes them by.

When they wake from their "busy coma" they realize all the simple things that they've missed out on...

• the smell of fresh-cut grass in the summertime
• the sound of birds chirping in the early morning
• the genuine smiles and laughter that comes from hanging out with old friends

Go ahead and take a minute to reconnect with your friends and family today.

4. Build a beautiful lifestyle with traditions

Invest time every day to do things that help you help others.

• Read a book
• Write your thoughts in a journal (yes, with a pen and paper)
• Plan a quarterly vacation to get away and recharge
• Eat at least one weekly meal together with family and/or friends
• Get up early and drink fresh water
• Exercise intensely a few times each week
• Spend at least 20 minutes in the sunshine daily

Remember, the most unselfish thing you can do is take care of yourself first.

Because how can you help others if you can't help yourself?

5. Life is short, be of use

You know, only two things really matter when you're on your deathbed...

Who did you become?

How many people did you help?

Don't waste another minute.

Stop making excuses.

Today is the day to celebrate your life.

Keep your body lean and strong so you can help others.

Keep your mind sharp.

If you are already helping others, think of what you can do to become healthier so you can help even more people.

Remember, you’re in control of your time and your health.

And all you have to do today is do one thing that will move you closer to your goals.

Then, do something tomorrow.

Repeat that long enough and you’ll not only be back on track, but you’ll be happy with the results.

Procrastinating and making excuses will only give you the opposite result.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best age-management program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.