Live Well with Phil Rainier: Lucky

On our walk tonight through the neighborhood, my wife reminded me St. Patrick’s day is once again upon us.  When I think of St. Patrick’s day I’m reminded of the days when I was small and my grandmother would send me out in the yard looking for four leaf clovers.    “Find one”, she said, “and it will bring you good luck!”   

At the age of 5 or 6, that was all I needed to hear.  I would spend what seemed like hours combing every blade of grass looking for that elusive four-leaf clover.   You know what?  I never did find one.  Having said that, I feel like I’ve been very lucky!  I have good health, a great family and after a 30 year career of doing something I loved, I’ve been given a chance to try something new.

That leads me to the point of this week’s column.   You’ve heard it said, “Happiness is a choice.”  When it comes to our health, I believe luck works much the same way.   In most cases, it’s the result of decisions we make.   For instance, by now we all know choosing to smoke increases the risk of lung cancer.  Eating foods that are high in fat boost the odds of heart disease, while obesity is linked to diabetes.   Each of these conditions is considered preventable.   In other words, it doesn’t matter how lucky I am.  When I choose certain behaviors the odds of me reaping an unhealthy result are going to rise.

This week I turn 54.  If I’ve learned nothing else in that time, it’s that living well is an intentional act.  Whether it’s a decision to go for a brisk walk with my wife after work or to not pig out on the chocolate chip cookies she baked the night before, it’s on me to choose.    I’m inspired every morning when I walk into the gym at Central Physical Therapy and see people who don’t have to be there walking on the treadmill or doing strengthening exercises.   They’re not there for physical therapy.  They’ve opted for a wellness membership.   Many are seniors who’ve decided to make their own luck by doing things they know will lower their risk of potentially life-altering falls and anyone of a host of other maladies associated with a lack of physical activity.

So, it’s true.  I may have never found a four leaf clover, but I’ve been lucky because I’ve discovered something that can be equally elusive.   Like happiness, when it comes to things that keep us well in mind, body and spirit, being lucky is often a choice.   I may not always get it right, but as with anyone who chooses to live well, both science and lady luck agree—the odds are in my favor.

I’ll leave you with this Irish toast — For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way–
Good health, good luck, and happiness, for today and every day.