Letter from the Editor
“When you have your health, you have everything. When you do not have your health, nothing else matters at all.” — Augusten Burroughs (Dry)
Dear Readers,
When I was researching quotes for this month’s letter, it seemed that many people–from a blogger’s grandmother to my father to a character in the movie The Princess Bride—had their own versions of this quote. And it speaks the truth. How many times have we had to stop what we are doing to nurse a torn rotator cuff (don’t ask!), a bad back or even a case of the flu?
As we move into the fall season, we may become less active. That doesn’t mean, however, that our healthcare needs should take a back seat to keeping up with work commitments and after-school schedules or that we should be less concerned about how we look and feel simply because we’re not outside as much. In fact, as the weather turns cooler, this is a perfect time to look inward and see what changes we can make to improve our health. In this month’s Health and Wellness-themed issue, we plan to help you do just that.
Last year, I mentioned that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and urged female readers to take a woman they love to get a mammogram. This year, I hope you’ll do the same as well as take the time to read “7 Minutes Could Save Your Life” by Jennifer LoConte. This comprehensive breast health guide is a must-read for women concerned about keeping themselves healthy, even if they have no known risk factors or a family history of breast cancer.
Fall is a great time to take a walk. There’s beautiful foliage in the Valley to admire and a nice breeze blowing before the air takes on its annual winter chill. For those new to walking for fitness, check out Andy Cook’s “Walk Your Way to Wellness” for some great tips to get moving.
We hear so much about healthy eating habits, and it seems as if some of those diets out there don’t want us to enjoy ourselves when dining out. I was determined to get to the bottom of this so I entrusted food and lifestyle writer Mary Beth Schwartz with this month’s “Healthy Ways to Dine Out.” This informative article proves you can enjoy your favorite foods in restaurants while watching your weight at the same time. Check it out!
Those caring for aging parents know all too well the challenges that accompany this delicate situation. Writer Nancy Moffett shares her personal experience as well as information from local experts in “Options for Aging Parents.” If you’re struggling with this issue, I urge you to read this article and share it with family members.
What are you planning to do for your health this fall? E-mail me and let me know, or check out our survey at lehighvalleymarketplace.com. I want to know—because you live here!
Christine A. Krahling – Editor
P.S. Diehard fans of The Princess Bride will know that it was Count Rugen who said (to Prince Humperdinck): “Get some rest. If you haven’t got your health, then you haven’t got anything.”
