I would not choose any other profession in the world.  This is my passion!  I love helping people reach their goals and attain the body they've always dreamed of.  I know, firsthand, that living in a beautiful body is one of the most empowering things in the world.  Everything is better and life is fuller.  I train a lot of athletes and those who want to look like figure models, bodybuilders and swimsuit magazine cover boys/girls.  I also train a lot of personal trainers. 

But make no mistake about it, this is much more than vanity.  This is MUCH MORE than just having a body that turns heads.  This is about your health and the quality of your life.  In this country, it's becoming a life or death situation.  I'm not trying to be overly dramatic here.  We have become the fattest country on the planet and now one of the unhealthiest.

The American Diabetes Association reports in one of the most recent studies that about 20 percent of Americans have prediabetes and are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.  Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage or nerve damage that can lead to amputations. 

Statistics show that if we continue at the current rate, about one in three American children born today will develop diabetes. Get this: Of the approximately 24 million Americans with diabetes, nearly 6 million have type 2 diabetes and don't know it.  Wow, what a legacy to leave behind for our kids :(

Here's the good news.  Christine T. Tobin, president of health care and education at the American Diabetes Association, said the following recently in a news release, "Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just 5 to 7 percent of body weight through 30 minutes of regular physical activity, five days a week and healthy eating," Tobin said. "We encourage everyone to gather their friends, family, loved ones and co-workers, and find ways to live healthier lifestyles today."

According to the ADA, one of the first steps is to find out if you or a loved one is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes by taking the Diabetes Risk Test. The test (available at stopdiabetes.com or 1-800-DIABETES) asks participants questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Based on their answers, participants are told whether they're at low, moderate or high risk for diabetes. Those at high risk are encouraged to talk with their doctor.

Hey, I love the Cheesecake Factory as much as the next guy or girl, but it's time to get serious and stop putting off what we know we need to do for ourselves and our loved ones. 

Someone very close to me once said, "Leave me alone. I'll stop smoking when I'm dead."

He was right.   He finally stopped smoking.  He's dead.  He died of cancer.

Your health and future is in your hands.  Love your body. Love your Life!

You only have one!