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Andile Tshuma on Health
WHEN was the last time you gave your health culture a check up? Well, I did one myself recently after over a year of just going with the flow.

Sometime last week, as I was just going through my closet trying to do a mini spring cleaning , if ever there’s such, I came across this old gem of a summer dress and I made up my mind that I was wearing it that very Sunday.

So, I laid it on my bed, picked a pair of sandals to match the floral beauty I hadn’t worn for a year. Boy, did I not get a rude awakening when I put on the dress and the buttons and button holes were 5cm apart! The shocker seemed more of a joke at first but alas, reality sunk in, the dress couldn’t fit. I have outgrown it. Fact is I have gained weight. How, I have no idea. So the many mean comments from people about my weight weren’t sarcastic and evil after all.
While there is nothing wrong with putting on some weight, its part of growing up after all, it’s not always healthy.

I can’t even account for this weight gain which has happened over just a couple of months.

No baby, no special medications, no special diet or weight gain supplement. I honestly don’t remember the last time I went out jogging. I haven’t played with my jump rope in a while either. And those aerobics videos, spare a thought. My gym membership card is gathering dust somewhere.

After all this introspection, I just wonder if I can afford this kind of lifestyle. Can I afford the kind of junk food I eat, and spending the day confined to my desk and chair, glued to the computer screen, then head home to watch tele-novelas and soap operas a couple of hours before I retire to bed, obviously not before a snack or two. My body can’t afford it. I need a lifestyle audit and complete overhaul.

I’m taking stock of my daily activities. My typical day begins with a bath, no breakfast, then work where I’ll have a burger or egg roll for breakfast. Lunch is bought from a food court and is often in the form of chips and fried chicken, or a meal from our cafeteria on more disciplined days. Financially, I can afford it, they are the cheapest deals one can find — that’s the nice thing about fast food; it’s cheap. But health wise, its way beyond my league. I can’t be eating like this every day.

So, I’ve made a decision to account for the things I eat because I have one body. I need to give it some tender love and care so it can love me back. I have slow metabolism so the struggle is real. While it may never be about physical appearance, can the state of your health afford your lifestyle? Enjoy the rest of your week and be frank with yourself about the state of your health. Remember, your health is your greatest wealth!

Next week, we’ll continue with lifestyle audits, your workplace wellness culture and if your workplace provides a supportive environment for your health and wellbeing.

 For feedback, views and comments to make your Saturday health read better, send a message to 0778502449 or email [email protected] or catch up with me on Twitter handle @andile_tshuma.