Every Little Bit Counts

When I was younger, I had a habit of setting grandiose goals for myself.  The trouble with all or nothing goal setting is there’s no room for celebration if you accomplish anything less than what you set out to.  I suspect most of us have long ago let loose of the strangle hold of perfection – or at least understand that seeking perfection gets us into trouble. 

But, if for some reason, you’re still adhering to the perfection principle you may be interested to learn when it comes to improving your health, every little bit counts. The truth is, where weight loss, fitness and healthy living are concerned, there’s increasing evidence that even the smallest changes made for the better can bring positive and meaningful results.

A recent example comes to us through a new study conducted at Wake Forest University, on 142 adults with arthritis in their knees.  What the researchers discovered, was that for every pound lost, there was a four pound reduction in the force striking their knees. When you think about it, that’s considerable relief.   

In reference to diabetes, Dr. Judith Fradkin, head of diabetes and endocrinology at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says, “The goal should be to become healthy, not become a fashion model.  If you move in the right direction even a little bit, that can make a big difference in health. That is one of the most important public health messages to get out to people.”

So, whether you’ve set out to lose a considerable amount of weight (diabetes and weight loss), or kick your fitness program up a few notches, remember that as you move along the road to reaching your goals, that positive changes are taking place one step at a time. 

Link to the July 2005 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatisim, for more information on the Wake Forest study.

Tags: diabetes , fitness , arthritis .