John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

This morning I have been speaking with someone I have been helping for coming up 18 months. When he rang me mid 2010 he was suffering from a great deal of stiffness and low mobility caused by Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR).

He was receiving good care from his GP, but not really doing so well. His energy and mobility were very limited. I put him on a nutritional support programme suited to his age, weight and general health and also suggested he spoke to his GP about getting high dose vitamin D on prescription. There is a great deal of research linking autoimmune diseases with low levels of this critical vitamin.

He noticed the difference within a few months. From finding it difficult to get up out of a chair, he is now doing exercise classes for over an hour and is enjoying remarkably better health. He is now 18 months older, but in much better health and now has an obvious spring to his step. To me, his situation makes several really important points and I consider each of these instrumental in regaining your health.

The first and most important factor aspect of his improvements came from his decision to accept change. No one can expect to get benefits without preparing to do something different. Secondly, he was under good medical care, but was confident enough to make suggestions to his doctor. Thirdly, he was prepared to follow my recommendations of both diet and supplements. Such a commitment needs self discipline and also sacrifice to invest financially in your health.

Finally, he was not prepared to accept that in his 80s, life was basically over. He has proved what I have come to know that, even as we get older, our bodies are able to heal as long as we give it the opportunity to do so.

If you are having health challenges my message is very simple. Firstly decide that you need to take the responsibility for your health and be prepared to make changes. Secondly, if possible, get a firm diagnosis about your problem. This will normally mean from a GP or specialist, but may be from your osteopath, chiropractor or physiotherapist if the problem is musculoskeletal. Thirdly, get some good advice about the type of diet and appropriate supplements that could benefit you.

To contact John phone 0800 423559, 07 578 9051 or visit www.abundant.co.nz