A New Administration, A New Journey: Taking Charge of Health and America’s Future

As we navigate the dawn of a new presidential administration, conversations around health and disease prevention have taken center stage. Regardless of how you voted or where your political beliefs lie, one undeniable truth unites us: America, despite being one of the wealthiest nations, is grappling with significant health challenges. From systemic issues in our FDA, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical industries to the way medical schools and hospitals prioritize profit over wellness, the problems are vast and complex. Yet, amid all these factors, there is one critical element we can control—ourselves. It is up to us to take charge of our health and America’s Future.

Start with the Basics: Nutrition

We can begin taking charge of our health with what we put into our bodies. While countless diets promise quick fixes, the key to lasting wellness lies in finding a sustainable approach tailored to you. Here’s how to simplify the process and focus on the essentials:

1. Track Your Food – Knowledge is power. Monitoring what you eat helps you understand your habits and make informed choices. Tracking doesn’t have to be forever—just long enough to determine what works for your goals.
2. Prioritize Protein – Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders. It’s essential for maintaining muscle mass, (which is even more important as we age) regulating metabolism, and reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Aim for a daily intake of protein in grams that matches your body weight (e.g., 150g if you weigh 150 lbs).
3. Balance Carbs and Fats – Carbohydrates fuel your energy, and healthy fats support hormone regulation, skin health, and hair growth. Find a balance that fits your caloric needs and supports your lifestyle. (These are very important for menopausal women!)
4. Choose Real Foods – Focus on whole, minimally processed foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Skip the ingredient lists and go straight to nature’s bounty.
5. Allow for Flexibility – Life is meant to be enjoyed. Have a slice of cake on your birthday or an ice cream cone with your kids. The goal is balance, not perfection.

Strength in Motion: Exercise

The next step to taking charge of our health is exercise. Movement is life, and regular exercise is the cornerstone of a healthy, fulfilling existence.

1. Lift Heavy – Building muscle isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about independence. Muscle holds our bodies up, makes us capable of doing the things we love to do and helps regulate our metabolism. It also makes us look amazing! Strength training also improves improves bone density, which is a major issue for women over age 50. According to Dr. Peter Attia, “If we were to stack up the hazard ratio for all-cause mortality, being weak, relative to being strong is about a 250% increase in death (compared to hypertension at 20%, Type 2 Diabetes at 30% and smoking at 50%).”
2. Strengthen Your Heart and Lungs – Cardio exercise enhances your VO₂ max—the measure of how efficiently your body uses oxygen. Increasing this capacity reduces mortality risk by up to 400%. Walk, run, swim, bike—just move!

Don’t Miss the Forest for the Trees

Recently, debates in the Senate over red dyes and food chemicals have taken the spotlight. While these discussions are valid, they distract from the bigger issue: America’s addiction to highly processed junk food. The problem isn’t the occasional treat; it’s the consistent reliance on empty calories.

Similarly, debates over whether to prioritize cardio or strength training miss the point: you need both. There’s no excuse not to move your body. If you’re short on time, wake up earlier. If you lack resources, explore free online workouts or go for a walk. The beauty of living in America is that we GET to exercise freely because it’s our right and privilege.

Your Role in America’s Health Odyssey

America’s strength lies in its people. Just as Odysseus relied on his cunning and resilience to overcome trials, so must we embrace our power to shape our own lives, and thereby our country.

Reforming the healthcare system, FDA, and insurance companies is critical, but real change begins with us. Every time you make a healthy choice—what you eat, how you move—you’re contributing to a healthier nation.

Our government is of the people, by the people, and for the people. That means YOU are the foundation of this democracy. You are in charge of your body, your decisions, and your impact. Start with yourself, and together, we can build a healthier, stronger America.

The Takeaway

As a new administration takes the helm, let’s seize this moment to refocus—not just on systemic reforms, but on personal accountability. Like Odysseus, we are on a journey filled with trials and triumphs. Each step we take toward better health strengthens not only our own lives but also the fabric of our nation.

So ask yourself: What will your legacy be? Will you take the helm of your personal health and steer our nation toward a brighter future? The choice is yours. Your journey starts now.

If you would like some help with your Journey, please contact us here at CrossFit Odyssey.