Health quotes encourage us to be our best—to take care of ourselves and not take our health for granted. Quotes about health can also help you stay inspired and motivated to do the right, but some are more spot-on than others. Here are some of the best health quotes and why they’re right on target.
We do not stop exercising because we grow old. We grow old because we stop exercising. ~Dr. Kenneth Cooper
This quote is a reminder that being physically fit keeps us healthy and functional. Too many people over the age of 50 say they’re too old to work out. If that’s the case, they got there because they didn’t move their body. Exercise is the closest thing there is to a fountain of youth, and age isn’t an excuse not to do it. Studies show you can get stronger, fitter, and more functional at any age. You can even start during late middle-age and get the benefits that exercise offers. You don’t need less exercise as you age, you need more and it’s the key to maintaining youth and vitality.
A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools. ~Spanish proverb
Too often, people think they don’t have the time or the money to invest in eating better or moving their bodies more but think of health as an investment in your future. Do you want to have the stamina and strength to do the things you enjoy as you grow older? If so, keeping your body in top shape should be a priority. Otherwise, muscle loss and loss of strength will limit you as you age and you’ll be more susceptible to health problems too.
The solution? Pay a little more for healthy food and a good pair of exercise shoes now, so you’ll need fewer medications and medical care later. That’s a good trade-off, right? If that doesn’t motivate you, keep this in mind. The average American spends $1,400 yearly on medications. It’s easier to spend a little more now and avoid a medicine cabinet full of prescriptions later.
“Every human being is the author of his or her own health or disease.’” ~The Buddha
This quote is about taking responsibility for the trajectory your health takes. The field of epigenetics tells us that genetics isn’t the full story for determining how healthy we are. Even if you have genes that predispose you to a health problem like cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes can mitigate that risk. Research shows lifestyle factors like physical activity, diet, environmental exposures, sleep, and stress impact gene expression. So, it’s possible that those less than desirable genes won’t be expressed if you lead a healthy lifestyle. It’s empowering when you realize you are, indeed, an author of your own health.
“Health is a state of complete mental, social, and physical well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” ~World Health Organization, 1948
Health is more than a state of physical health and well-being, there’s a social, mental, and even a spiritual component to health and vitality. If you address only the physical aspects of health, you still may not feel or function your best. That’s why it’s important to balance strenuous physical exercise with exercise that helps the body relax and recover. Western medicine places too much emphasis on the outward manifestations of illness rather than the “big picture.” So, take it upon yourself to stay connected to others and have ways to manage stress.
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~Jim Rohn
This quote is a reminder that you can’t move out of your body and move into a new one. Make caring for the one you have a priority. It’s easy to take the path of least effort and eat take-out because you don’t have time to cook and park in front of the television at night because you’re tired. Doing these things may feel better short term, but you’re stuck with the body you have as long as you’re on this earth. Don’t take the easy way out when it comes to your health. The long-term consequences are too important!
“Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.” ~Josh Billings
Taking care of your health is the best investment there is. With the cost of healthcare, a serious illness can deplete your bank account and place a burden on those around you. Yet, we often take health for granted and prioritize other things that bring short-term gratification. When you wake up in the morning, express gratitude for the health you have, and commit to preserving it through healthy lifestyle habits. Don’t wait until you lose it to value it!
“He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.” ~Chinese Proverb
Medications relieve symptoms and they help manage some chronic health problems, but they’re rarely a cure. Even if you take medications for a health issue, diet and physical activity are still important. Even some health care professionals now acknowledge food is a critical element in healing and has some of the same properties as medications.
Diet won’t always take the place of prescription medication, but it can play a strong supporting role in healing some health conditions. Some health conditions, like prediabetes, can even be reversed by eating smarter, exercising more, and losing weight. With almost every medical condition, there are lifestyle changes that can help. Don’t ignore these because you take a prescription. Determine what lifestyle changes you need to help you heal too.
The Bottom Line
Health is too important not to celebrate! Keep these quotes in mind when managing your own health and well-being. You have more control over your body than you think, so exercise smart, eat better, sleep more, and manage stress – and make it a priority.
References:
- com. “How lifestyle affects our genes”
- 2011 Jun; 3(3): 267–277.doi: 10.2217/epi.11.22.
- com. “330 Quotes for a Better Mind, Body, and Life”
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