Well, my wife told me last week she was enjoying my articles a lot more lately because I have not been as preachy. Sorry honey, it’s what I do!

This week, a client and I discussed how lots of really smart people make really bad decisions when it comes to their health. I wish I had an explanation for you but all I have are lots of excuses.

A few years ago, a study compared smoking to physical activity. It concluded that not exercising was the equivalent to smoking a daily pack of cigarettes.

Did you hear that? No one argues that smoking is horrible for your health and that of others. Not exercising is the same as smoking. It’s an unreal comparison, yet somehow we are still losing the battle against obesity.

I’m a firm believer that exercise plays a huge role in this battle. While it’s not the only part of the solution, there really is no arguing it’s an important one.

Maybe we should make people who don’t exercise eat outside on cold winter days. How about putting up signs that say “Non-exercisers are not welcome”?

Do you think this would get people moving?

Actually, I would prefer to charge non-exercisers more for their health care and insurance, since those of us that are making our health a priority are paying for the majority of the population that is not.

This is one of the many reasons I will never get into politics. I couldn’t handle having to give middle of the road answers and suggest things that will appease some groups. We need to take drastic and unprecedented steps to address the health of our society.

I don’t care where you are, what stage of life you’re at, what health conditions you have or how busy you are. You need to take action today and get started on an exercise program. Stop waiting for the perfect time or until your doctor says you need to lose some weight.

If you’re in the 50 per cent of the adults on blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes or obesity related medication, you need to exercise. It’s truly the best medicine on the planet.

If you’re not considered overweight and not on any of the above medications, don’t fool yourself. You still need to exercise, so get off your butt and get started.

Making this move will be one of the best decisions you have made in a long time. It is a decision that will help everyone around you.

Ah. That felt good, real good. It’s been awhile since I went on a good rant and this one was needed.