09/26/2025
I read a statement the other day that hasn't left my mind yet...
"60-70% of Americans have a chronic disease"
Now, I didn't fact check, mostly because I believe this to be true based on the population around me. I realize it states 'Americans' and we are not in the US, but I would bet the Canadian stat is pretty close.
Either way - this worries me a lot. Our healthcare systems in Canada are already stressed for a variety of reasons that I can't solve. I would bet a large part of that 60-70% of people are aged 40+ which just so happens to be the bracket I'm now in. If I'm correct, and if our healthcare system doesn't improve and this stat doesn't improve in the very near future, my access to healthcare is going to be even more strained when I'm 70+ and potentially need access. Sure, maybe a selfish thought, but then that gets me thinking 'how can I help these people who are already needing/using the healthcare system regularly', and also 'how can I help those who are already generally healthy to stay that way'?
This is the major reason that I try my best to promote exercise, and more specifically high intensity exercise. There are numerous studies that show small bouts of high intensity exercise make greater overall systemic changes to the body than longer sessions of just cardio or weights.
It doesn't take much at the beginning either. Let's say you walk a few times per week, or you're willing to commit to that. During that walk, throw a few higher paced segments into it - I like to use power poles for measurements. From pole A to pole B you'll walk as fast as you can, and then for the next 2 poles go back to your regular pace, then do the speed walk/rest segment again, 2-3 times. It gets your heartrate up a bit, makes your muscles work harder, but then gives you a chance to recover before you do it again. Over time (and not as much time as you think!) you're going to notice that those speed segments aren't as hard as they once were, and you're likely going to want and miss that challenge, so you'll have to make it harder somehow.
Anyway, I don't know how to neatly close this train of thought other than to say I want to help people get healthy and stay healthy - for their future self as well as for my future self.
So, if you've stuck with me to now and you're someone who needs some help, please PLEASE please send me a message. I can come for a walk with you :D
Or if you're another healthcare provider who wants to collaborate on a way to get our community moving more, I 100% want to hear from you.
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