Obesity is a health hazard. It is a result of poor nutrition and lack of exercise and compromises our immune systems leading to a host of illnesses that would otherwise be thwarted.

Poor nutrition negatively affects people emotionally, mentally, socially, and physiologically. Without optimum amounts of essential nutrients, we become apathetic, moody, and lose enthusiasm.

Our bodies are genetically wired for movement. Exercise is the most powerful medicine known. Our muscles, bones, blood, nerves, and brains all function better if we exercise. If we don't develop our capacity for movement by exercising, we lose that capacity. Just like the people who have never driven a truck before are not very good at it, the ones who have driven much are better at it.

Exercise and proper diet require discipline, though, and is reflective of our life goals and values. We need to know our goals and align our principles to a higher standard to develop the incentive to realize our fullest potential. And then ask ourselves, "What are the benefits?" "How bad do we want it?" "What are we willing to do for it?" Then break down the goals into steps that we can accomplish one at a time.

I lost 175 pounds and got into good shape, at the same time learned just what I am capable of doing. By exercising and eating the right things at the right time, my mental state turned from negative influence to positive influence, thus positive results.

I am more aware of the people with whom I surround myself. I like to associate with winners...people who have a "can do" attitude because that attitude rubs off onto me. Likewise, I try to be a positive influence on others, by being a high energy personality, paying it forward. It comes back to me in positive ways.

Still, I take time to relax, have pizza once in a while. I even ate nachos while watching the Super Bowl. The thing to remember is to know when to stop. Denying yourself from everything fun will rob you of all the joy of life. Doing nothing at all will also rob you of all the joy of life, so we come back to that theme of balance again.

In my book "Nineteen Wheels", I illustrate an exercise and nutrition program that I designed just for truck drivers. You can view details on my website at www.safetythruwellness.com or order by phone at (406) 855-3582.

Jack Kelsh