You're the biggest threat to your health

As we grow older, many of us want the same thing: to stay healthy, strong and independent for as long as possible. But here is a surprising truth — one of the biggest threats to our health is not a disease, an injury or even aging itself. It is our own habits. Humans are wired to take the easy way out. We often choose what feels simple, quick and comfortable. This is called the "path of least resistance." While that may sound harmless, it can slowly lead us away from good health. Let's look at a few everyday examples. • The food we eat. It is very easy to take a pill to lower cholesterol. A doctor prescribes it, and you take it once a day. Done. But improving your diet — eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods — takes effort. It means planning meals and changing habits. Yet, a healthy diet does much more than lower cholesterol. It helps your whole body. • Inactivity. It is also easy to sit in a chair for long periods. Watching TV or reading can feel relaxing. But over time, too much sitting makes the body stiff and weak. Muscles shrink. Joints tighten. On the other hand, gentle exercise — like walking, stretching or light strength training — keeps your body flexible and strong. It helps you move better and reduces the risk of falls. • Feeling happy/content. When it comes to mental health, the easy choice can also hurt us. It is simple to stay home and watch the news for hours. But too much news can increase worry, stress and even sadness. Reaching out for help, like talking to a counselor, may feel harder at first. But it can help you stay mentally strong, calm and positive. • Social life is another area where easy choices can lead us in the wrong direction. Spending hours on social media is simple. You can scroll without leaving your chair. But this can leave you feeling lonely. Meeting people in person — at a class, a club or a community event — takes more effort. Yet, real connections bring joy, laughter and a sense of belonging. The truth is, the "easy" path is not always the best path — especially when it comes to aging well. For this reason, Serving Our Seniors is hosting a class at Bowling Green State University, Firelands College — ElderCollege. The class is called "The Greatest Threat to Your Health is YOU" and it will occur from 10 a.m. to noon on May 8 in the North Building, Room 163. Park in Lot C. The speakers are Dr. Erin Stevens, OSU Medical Center; Barb Biltz, exercise physiologist, Functional Fitness, LLC; and Stephanie Dasher, physical therapy assistant, Cleveland Clinic. Unconfirmed panelists are: Tina Sluga, health care advocate trainer, Serving Our Seniors and a professor of psychology, BGSU. There is a $12 registration fee payable to BGSU Elder College online at bgsu.edu/firelands/offices/elder-college.html. For help with registration, you can call BGSU at 419-372-0823. For Erie County residents, aged 60-plus, who find $12 to be a financial hardship, Serving Our Seniors is offering up to 30 scholarships. Submit your request by calling 419-624-1856 or emailing mail@servingourseniors.org.