War-Game Your Health; A Lifestyle Assessment

War-Game Your Healthquick and simple test, which is focused on just a few
War-gaming is a technique used to visualize theof the many benchmarks of a healthy lifestyle.
battlefield before going to battle. Several courses ofAnswer the questions with yes or no. Your mission is
action are then developed and played through to theto gradually but steadily move in the direction of the
end to assess what the probable outcome would be.maximum score. Some of these points relate to our
This allows the commander and his staff to furthersociety and prevalence of inactivity, junk food and
refine a course or courses of action which are alloversized portions and overabundance of processed
focused on accomplishing the mission. Not a shot hasfoods.
been fired, and there is no risk, since this is really aColonel Bob's Health/Lifestyle Test
mental exercise designed to maximize success and1. Do you exercise at least five hours per
minimize loss of life and casualties. This war-gaming Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  1=yes   0=no
technique can be applied to all life decisions and that2. Do you eat a balanced diet predominantly made up
is why you will apply it here.of plant-based foods that are unprocessed or
Now, I want you to war-game your health. Put onminimally processed (fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
your commander's hat and take charge. You will nownuts, beans)? 1=yes 0=no
develop courses of action. Excuses have no place in3. Do you eat fried foods?  0=yes      1=no
the analysis of a battle, whether it's a battle for4. Do you eat meat or other animal products more
better health or on the battlefield where the dangerthan once a day?  0=yes 1=no
of dying or becoming a casualty is very high. Treat5. Do you regularly eat dairy products (milk, cheese,
this analysis of your health the same way.yogurt)?  0=yes 1=no
Remember, I don't associate health with "health"6. Do you drink water as your beverage of choice? 
insurance or visiting the doctor. I associate good1=yes 0=no
health with a healthy lifestyle. As you are reading this,7. Do you smoke? 0=yes 1=no
it may very well be happening that those snipers in8. Do you drink alcohol regularly? 0=yes 1=no
the form of excuses, justifications, or even fear of9. Do you regularly spend at least 10 to 15 minutes a
some sort of change begin to surround you and takeday of quiet time?  1=yes 0=no
aim on your resolve. Cease fire! Fight them back!10. Do you take medication, prescription or
They are the enemy. They are not your friend.non-prescription, on a regular basis?  0=yes 1=no
The 12 Warning Signs Of Health11. Do you take drugs? 0=yes            1=no
Before we get down and dirty with the war-gaming12. Do you get at least six to eight hours of sleep a
briefing and assessment, I'd like to share with younight? 1=yes 0=no
something very inspiring that has been passed around13. Do you spend the day thinking mostly positive
in cyberspace. The author is unknown. The messagethoughts? 1=yes 0=no
is priceless.14. Do you work on improving your character
They are called the twelve warning signs of health:regularly? 1=yes 0=no
1. Persistent presence of support network.15. Do you, as a rule, complain about something on a
2. Chronic positive expectations; tendency to framedaily basis? 0=yes 1=no
events in a constructive light.16. Do you regularly worry about something? 0=yes
3. Episodic peak experience.1=no
4. Sense of spiritual involvement.17. Do you take a multi-vitamin supplement? 1=yes
5. Increased sensitivity.0=no
6. Tendency to adapt to changing conditions.18. Do you take in more food and beverage than
7. Rapid response and recovery of adrenaline systemyou need on a regular basis? 0=yes 1=no
due to repeated challenges.19. Do you use any of these words frequently, on a
8. Increased appetite for physical activity.daily basis? Angry, frustrated, stressed, bothers me,
9. Tendency to identify and communicate feelings.but, can't, don't have the time. 0=yes 1=no
10. Repeated episodes of gratitude, generosity or20. Do you hold a grudge against anyone (family
related emotions.member, business associate, friend, boss, enemy,
11. Compulsion to contribute to society.acquaintance)?            0=yes 1=no
12. Persistent sense of humor.21. Do you volunteer to help those who are less
Source: unknownfortunate than you? 1=yes 0=no
Embrace and experience these warning signs ofAdd up your lifestyle score. If you scored 21 points,
health and amazing things will happen to you.you maxed the test and lead a very healthy lifestyle.
"Always behave like a duck - keep calm and unruffledReward yourself with twenty push-ups! If, on the
on the surface, but paddle like the devil underneath."other had, you score less than 21 points, that is a
Lord Barbizonno-go, and you need to work on maxing the test. Be
Take The Health/Lifestyle Assessment Testvery aware of self-deception. The greatest lie we tell
Now it's time to do some health war-gaming. Here's ais the one we tell ourselves.